Aimed at empowering farmers and addressing food security concerns, Tarlac State University has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Tarlac to establish the first on-site mobile food processing facility in Central Luzon to help reduce post-harvest losses.
The project, dubbed HI-SAGiP: Hybrid Innovation for Sustainable Agri-Goods Mobile Food Processing in Region III, will serve as an on-call “food ambulance” which will convert oversupplied crops specifically squash, tomato, okra, and mango into marketable goods.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of memorandum of agreement held today (August 19) at the TSU Main AVR.
Funded by DOST-Tarlac through its Regional Grants-in-Aid Program, the Php 3.3-million project will be developed by the College of Industrial Technology using a repurposed old TSU coaster.
CIT, led by dean and project proponent Engr. Larry A. Suboc, will handle the vehicle reconditioning, as well as the fabrication of trailer, roofing, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning).
Moreover, to further support its food processing requirements, the Center for Solar and Emerging Technologies will integrate an 8KW hybrid solar system with flexible solar panels.
This hybrid energy system will power the food ambulance’s essential food processing operations, built-in water system, and a stainless-steel mini kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Food Technology department under the College of Science will oversee the compliance with food safety standards and the development of market-ready products such as squash and mango jam, pickled mango, okra fritters, tomato sauce, and vegetable powders, among others.
When not in use for community deployment, the food ambulance will serve as an additional education resource for Food Technology students and can also assist local micro, small, and medium enterprises in processing their produce.
Upon the completion of the project, farmers can tap TSU, DOST, and their respective local government units for the HI-SAGiP assistance.
Present during the MOA signing are TSU president Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, and DOST Provincial Science and Technology Director Ms. Karen Danez.
Photo by: Eduardo F. Laxamana, Jr.
