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Agraryo Fair; showcases the NTCP
BAR participates in Agraryo Fair; showcases the NTCP
4 June 2008
Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez
Carrying this year's theme, Celebrating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' (ARBs) Growth and Success, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) showcased some of the regions' commercialized products funded under the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP) at the Agraryo Trade Fair held on 4 to 8 June 2008 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall.
Now on its 7th year, the trade fair has been an annual activity of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's (CARP) 20th Anniversary.
Welcoming the participants was DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman. In his speech he stressed that "Celebrating ARBs' Growth and Success are a fitting description of DAR's intent to drumbeat the victories and advances in terms of ARB product promotion in the mainstream market while taking on the challenge to meet food security goals."
Honorable Speaker of the House Prospero C. Nograles served as the guest speaker highlighting the importance of this year's theme. He said, "The theme amply describes the upliftment of the lives of the beneficiaries of CARP". He committed to do whatever he can to pass the extension of the CARP for the next five years before the Congress adjourns in 13 June.
The five-day trade fair showcased an array of products from fresh and processed products, processed poultry and meat products, food ingredients and additives, packaging materials, furniture and handicrafts, natural and organic products, and agrarian reform and rural development programs/projects.
To spice up the event, 10 selected lectures/seminars on product development, market trends, and product demonstrations were presented.
NTCP, serves as one of BAR's flagship programs under the leadership of Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar. The NTCP envisions to strategically place technologies where they are needed while transforming the agriculture and fisheries landscape-based sectors through a market-driven approach.
Seven products and technologies were showcased at the BAR's booth.
Special products lines from Oregano. The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit IV-A - Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center-Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station developed different product lines from the Philippine Oregano which include oregano wine, oregano juice for human, oregano juice for poultry, oregano tea and oregano vinegar.
Mango drying facilities. The cabinet drying facilities is now being utilized by the Pangasinan Tropical Fruits, Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PTFMPC) in Brgy. Matulong, Manaoag, Pangasinan. The facilities are developed for the improvement and enhancement of the country's fresh mango export to China and Europe.
Queen pineapple production. The Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LPMCP) is among the institutions in Labo, Camarines Norte that promotes livelihood projects on pineapple production and integrated leaves processing.
Salted duck eggs projects. The Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) program of BAR is in response to the twin goals of the Department that gives priority to the agribusiness development of communities. Brgy. Hibago, Ocampo, Camarines Sur established a micro-enterprise on duck egg production and salted egg processing.
Carabao's milk. The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) developed the National Impact Zone (NIZ) model for the improvement of the socio-economic situation of carabao farmers involved in dairy production from production, processing and marketing activities supported by technical and financial services. The Nueva Ecija Federation of Carabao Cooperative (NEFEDCCO) now produces milk, kesong puti, carabao mozzarella, pastillas de leche, among others.
Garlic technology commercialization. To sustain the role of Region I as the major supplier of garlic in the country, DA-Research Outreach Station II in Batac, Ilocos Norte developed the garlic technology commercialization in Region I. The project purposely conducted to increase production and post-production technologies and address efficient marketing to attain food security.
Indian and Piko mango products. DA-Regional Field Unit IV-Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station developed special product line from Indian mango, now being commercialized into mango-based tart. This will address the problems of over supply of these mango varieties during peak season and assess the potential of utilizing Indian and Piko varieties as an added ingredient for tart.
The trade fair is organized by DAR, Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD), and ARB Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development (AREDP), in partnership with the Philippine Fruits and Vegetable Industries, Inc. (PhilFruits).
Receiving the Gawad Agraryo for being this year's sponsors were BAR, DA, Department of Tourism (DoT), Land Bank of the Philippines (LDP), San Miguel Corporation (SMC), First Asia Realty Development Corporation, Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and the National Historical Institute (NHI).
In behalf of Dir. Eleazar, Assistant Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy received the plaque. Meanwhile, Information Systems Division Assistant Head Julia A. Lapitan and staff, Mr. Nicanor B. del Rosario III served as overall coordinator and facilitator for BAR. 
