DA-PHilMech Drives Agri Innovation, IP Awareness at SLSU-Hinunangan
The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) held a seminar on the "Technology Forum of PHilMech Generated Technologies and Foundation Course on Intellectual Property (IP)" at Southern Leyte State University – Hinunangan Campus on September 19, 2024. The event, which took place at the Campus Business Hub, brought together Municipal Agriculturist Officers from various Local Government Units (LGUs) in Southern Leyte, alongside selected Agriculture and Agricultural Technology students from SLSU-Hinunangan.
SLSU-Hinunangan Campus Director Mr. Wade C. Lim, along with Engr. Ana Mae Aquino (Campus Patent Drafter and Farm Machineries and Equipment Supervisor) also attended the seminar to emphasize the institution’s support for science-driven agricultural progress. Representatives from DAPHilMech led the discussions, focusing on technologies developed by the organization to improve postharvest efficiency and mechanization in agriculture. The forum also highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for these innovations, empowering participants with foundational knowledge on IP to safeguard local agricultural inventions and practices.
The seminar aimed to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and future agricultural professionals in utilizing advanced technologies to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability. The initiative aligns with SLSU-Hinunangan's mission of promoting science and technology, particularly in agriculture, and cultivating an environment that encourages innovation, research, and community-based resource management.
The key objective of the seminar was to equip participants with knowledge on postharvest technologies developed by PHilMech and to build awareness of the significance of intellectual property in the agriculture sector. This event serves as a platform for establishing collaboration between local government units, the university, and national agencies in advancing the agricultural sector of Southern Leyte through science-based solutions.
