Ilocos Sur farmers get 50 PORTASOLS from DOST

Ilocos Sur farmers from the towns of Cabugao and San Juan are happy and thankful with the 50 units of Portable Solar Dryers (PORTASOL) distributed to them by the Department of Science and Technoology (DOST) Region 1 office, recently.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said they helped purchase the dryer units at the request of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson who, in partnership with their local government units (LGUs), identified the beneficiaries of the equipment units.

Portasol is a Filipino invention, developed by Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon, a noted Pinoy inventor, and currently the president of the Filipino Inventors Society.

Portasol is multi-purpose drying equipment. Its units include aluminum thermal trays that can either be laid out on a flat surface or set up in a rack format in backyards and therefore does not require much space. It is equipped with a net cover for use when installed in a rack format to preserve the heat and shield the crops being dried from pests, rodents, bacteria, fungi and other air-borne contaminants. This can also be used by fishermen in drying their fish catch.

The equipment is designed to provide and help farmers, rice and corn traders, and fishermen a more effective and efficient technology to dry their grains, other high-value farm crops, and fish even during rainy and sunless days. Solidum said Rep Singson and his partner LGUs ordered the equipment to help their farmers and fishermen to improve the quality of their products.

“With the help of this innovation, they may manufacture sterilized, hygienic dried goods with reduced drying losses, allowing for an increase in productivity and quicker drying time,” he added.