SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. encouraged local partners in the MIMAROPA region to map areas with hydrothermal energy, such as hot springs.

Solidum, during the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) press conference at Occidental Mindoro State College on May 2, said that this natural resource can be harnessed as an energy source to preserve and process raw agricultural products through technology.

Called Hydrothermal Dehydrator, the technology was developed by Engineert Lauro Bautista, an innovator from Marinduque, in collaboration with the DOST Provincial Office.

“The technology uses hot water siphoned to the water tank and passes through copper tubes. A fan will spread the hot wind inside the dehydrator, which will dry the products,” said Joseph Manaog, Science Research Specialist of DOST Marinduque.

This technology won first place during the 2025 Regional Grassroots Innovation under the Circular Economy Category as part of the RSTW celebration.

Solidum said the quality of the final products, such as kopra, is much cleaner compared to traditional dehydrating methods, thus fetching a higher price.

Another area in the region is seen to have a hydrothermal energy potential to replicate Marinduque’s setup in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

“We will try to have another pilot setup in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, as the water temperature there is high. We will develop that to become a thermal drying facility,” Solidum said.

PIA PHOTO