DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. witnessed it firsthand during his visit to Northern Mindanao, where he toured the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center (NMFIC) at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and the Salt Industry Project in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.
Since its inception in 2015, NMFIC has developed 10 food technologies that are already available in the market. DOST supports the center through collaborations, partnerships, and trainings. While in Alubijid, a salt producer received Salt Cook Technology through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. This allows the firm to produce salts all year round, even in the rainy season.
Accompanied by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Engr. Ruel Vincent Banal, the Secretary saw how these projects, supported by DOST interventions, are now thriving hubs of innovation.