In line with the celebration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF) at the Visayas Cluster, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) conducted an Information Education and Communication (IEC) at Mandaue City, Cebu last October 3, 2014. The event is part of PCIEERD’s initiative to strengthen Science and Technology (S&T) in the country through information dissemination of results from S&T based research projects involving technologies that have undergone Technology Assessment of the Council.
Entitled “Information Education and Communication Campaign on Food Industry Innovations”, the IEC showcased two PCIEERD monitored projects focused on food technology. It was attended by 50 participants from the private and government sectors including the Department of Health and private food manufacturing companies. Faculty and students from academic institutions also took part in the event.
Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr., Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations in DOST Region VII, stated the importance of the IEC during his opening remarks. He discussed how Cebu is known for their food products; hence, any development in this field is of utmost importance in their region. He added that such developments will help in the more efficient production of goods in their food industry sector and enable them to more effectively meet the demands of consumers for their quality food delicacies.
Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr. delivering the opening remarks for the IEC
The first project entitled “Proficiency Testing (PT) Service for Proximate Analysis of Processed Food” was delivered by Ms. Ma. Rachel V. Parcon, Science Research Specialist I, from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). It focused on how FNRI performs PT for clients and how they were able to acquire ISO 17043:2010 accreditation as PT provider. In a nutshell, this ISO certification states the competence of providers of proficiency testing schemes. The PT service for Proximate Analyses also establishes technical competence and traceability of measurements of testing and quality control laboratories.
In her presentation, Ms. Parcon illustrated the importance of the ISO 17043:2010 accreditation of FNRI Proficiency Testing Program. She stated that having the ISO accreditation is vital to ensure that the Philippines will remain competitive in delivering accurate results and measurements for its local and export products. Similarly, Ms. Parcon added that having locally accredited PT services provider is paramount since it will enable local laboratories to have a cheaper and easier access to participate in PT programs.
Ms. Ma. Rachel V. Parcon presenting the first project for the IEC
On the other hand, Ms. Maria Elsa M. Falco, Senior Science Research Specialist from the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI), presented the quality profile and functional properties of Makapuno in her discussion. Particularly, she presented the results of the project entitled “Evaluation of Quality Profile and Functional Properties of Makapuno: Embryo Culture Makapuno (ECM) and Kabuwig”, a project closely monitored by PCIEERD.
Ms. Elsa M. Falco delivering her discussion about ECM and Kabuwig
Ms. Falco presented how their group was able to generate the sensory profile and functional properties of ECM and Kabuwig. In their study, the flavor and aroma profile was generated from the GC-MS. Its results were correlated to the sensory profile established by the human panelists and electronic sensors. Results from the study illustrated that the two variants are very distinct when it comes to their taste and smell. She added that the results of their study about the baseline information on quality profile and functional properties of Makapuno are necessary for Makapuno processors and manufacturers. This will allow them to identify the best maturity suited for a specific product to be developed and come-up with products that conform to the standards, safety, quality and needs of consumers as well. (Edgilyn R. Alcasid)
