The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of Antique (UA) have inaugurated the province’s first food research and development (R&D) laboratory, which is a big step in helping the province improve its farm and food products.
The food R&D laboratory, formally known as the UA Centralized Analytical Testing Laboratory (CATL), is located at the UA Main Campus in Sibalom town and is equipped with advanced tools and equipment for food testing needs.
The P28-million facility offers proximate nutrient analysis, microbiological analysis, shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation, and soil and water analyses, which are essential in the implementation of food safety, and quality policies and commercialization of food products.
Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, executive director of DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), said that the UA CATL brings closer to the people crucial services needed in the food industry, noting that previously, laboratories of this kind were only available outside the province.
"PCIEERD sees the establishment of CATL as a significant step that would reduce travel time, expedite result processing, and decrease the additional costs in their laboratory testing process," said Paringit.
Expected to usher engagement from community members and stakeholders in product and process standardization, Paringit stressed that the UA CATL is an important step toward the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring economic and environmental sustainability.
With its cutting-edge technologies, the CATL provides students and professionals, among others, a venue for research collaboration and experimentation, improving their technical skills and fostering deeper interest in science, technology, and innovation.
“It would strengthen our nation's scientific and technological capacities by encouraging creativity and cooperation among experts from all sectors and fields of study," Paringit stressed.
For her part, UA CATL Project Leader Jessebel V. Gadot expressed optimism in the technical knowledge and innovations that the laboratory will produce toward the development of "Karan-on Project" and "Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) Projects."
Alongside UA CATL, DOST and UA also inaugurated two more facilities within the University of Antique Main Campus – the new DOST-Antique Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) and the Antique STARTUP Innovation Hub (iHUB) dedicated to cultivating the startup growth in the province.
With the completion of these facilities and the outpour of support from DOST and other stakeholders, UA president Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr. expressed the entire “KasUbAy” community’s gratitude for helping them transform ideas into reality and become ushers of development in their community.
