Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. witnessed it first-hand 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 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 training. While in Alubijid, a salt producer received Salt Cook Technology through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. This enables the firm to produce salts throughout the year, including during the rainy season.
Accompanied by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Engineer Ruel Vincent Banal, the Secretary observed how these projects, supported by DOST interventions, have now become thriving hubs of innovation.
