Research and technologies on pili nuts production are being showcased in an event in Bicol dubbed 2023 Pili Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
The activity intends to touch base with farmers and the industry stakeholders in promoting pili, also known as canarium ovatum, as a major commodity through Science, Technology, and Innovations in Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) in the Bicol Region held December 18-19, 2023 at the Proxy Convention Center, Legazpi City, Albay,
Highlighted in the Pili FIESTA were the research and development outputs from Pili R&D Center.
The Pili R&D Center is a three-year project of the Bicol University in partnership with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture and Partido State University.
It was established through the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
Pili processing machines and various pili-based products were on display in the exhibits.
A media conference, technology pitching, and technology forum was also conducted on Monday to promote Pili technologies geared at commercialization of the product.
A proposed Pili logo for Bicol was also unveiled, designed by Architect Leo Del Rosario, Director of the Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture.
The Pili FIESTA team had been conducting the Pili Roadshow in Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Sur to promote and bring Pili technologies to farmers and other major stakeholders.
“We hope that the 2023 Pili FIESTA will inspire participation from with the goal of improving the Pili industry and achieving food security, which is also our goal in PCAARRD,” said Themed, “Celebrating Pili: People, Propagation, Processing, and Development” (BCAARRD) and funded by PCAARRD.
FIESTA is an IPO-registered technology promotion and commercialization platform initiated by DOST PCAARRD.