Technologies funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) were displayed during the 2024 Regional Science Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen).
Held at the Juanito Bruno Gymnasium of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City, the event ran from November 20 to 22, 2024 and was hosted by DOST Region IX and WMSU.
ZNC taxidermy display. (Image credit: Butch S. Pagcaliwagan, ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Among the technologies highlighted in the exhibit were the Zamboanga native chicken (ZNC), ZNC pyanggang, ItikPINAS, mechanical coconut dehusker, and HarvAT seaweed harvester. The exhibit was mounted by the WMSU-based Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), DOST-PCAARRD’s regional partner in ZamPen, for the event.
ZNC is a purified Joloano breed currently propagated by WMSU. Its name is derived from its geographical origin which is ZamPen.
Pyanggang, a Tausug dish, was developed also by WMSU using the ZNC. Thus the name, ZNC pyanggang. The ZNC was grilled and flavored with spices and coconut milk with toasted coconut meat.
ItikPINAS, the trade name for the Philippine layer duck breed, was developed through strategic breeding and selection. It boasts exceptional egg production, reaching up to 73% laying rate, or 266 eggs per duck per year. These high quality eggs consistently weigh at least 65 grams, making them ideal for balut and salted egg processing.
Developed by the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU)-Tampilisan Campus, the mechanical coconut dehusker is serviceable to all sizes of Philippine coconut varieties and has a faster dehusking process compared to the conventional method.
Also from JRMSU, the HarvAT Seaweed Harvester is a newly developed, highly efficient machine that significantly enhances seaweed harvesting performance. The technology is specifically designed for seaweeds planted using the monoline method.
Aside from the Council-funded technologies, WESMAARRDEC also featured technologies implemented and funded by the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology, namely, Squopia and the artificial reef structure.
Squopia is hopia with squash filling, while the artificial reef structure was designed to withstand the strong ocean currents, promote coral and marine growth, and offer shelter to marine life.
Themed, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the 2024 RSTW in ZamPen is the last of a series of RSTWs conducted all over the country by the different DOST regional offices.
The RSTW is the localized version of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) that serves as an avenue to highlight the critical importance of science, technology, and innovation through a series of activities intended for participants from various sectors.