Bicol University (BU) celebrated a momentous occasion with the inauguration of its newly upgraded Postharvest Processing Facility and the establishment of the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM) office on April 19, 2024.
Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), this initiative is a significant stride towards bolstering research and development (R&D) activities within the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
A total of P9.9-million investment toward enhancing these facilities underscores DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment to advancing innovation and addressing the needs of BU and its community. The upgraded Postharvest Processing Facility is a development to boost the research endeavors, particularly through the Pili Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D projects.
This project aims to extend its implementation to ensure that the fruits of research benefit the wider community. Furthermore, the Bicol University College of Agriculture-Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BUCAF-DABE)'s proposal for Pili NICER 2 projects focused on developing additional pili processing machines, aligns with the university's dedication to innovation and practical application.
To underscore the collaborative effort between the two institutions to drive progress and development in the region, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by esteemed officials including DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for R&D Juanito T. Batalon, DOST-PCAARRD Institution Development Division (IDD)’s Supervising Science Research Specialist Ruel Carlo L. Tanqueco, BU President Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, and the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD’s) former Consortium Director Marissa Estrella.
The inauguration also marked the establishment of the IP-TBM office, which will play a pivotal role in safeguarding and commercializing the technologies generated by BU's faculty and students. This initiative reflects a progressive approach toward intellectual property management and technology transfer, ensuring innovations reach the market and benefit society.
Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III expressed gratitude for DOST-PCAARRD’s support and emphasized the university's commitment to harnessing these facilities for the greater good. "With the inauguration of these upgraded facilities and the establishment of the IP-TBM office, Bicol University reaffirms its dedication to research excellence and community empowerment. We are poised to make significant strides in advancing agricultural innovation and technology transfer, ultimately driving sustainable development in the region," remarked Dr. Nebres.