The Covid-19 pandemic has brought additional burdens to many micro-to-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they have needed to adapt and change products and mode of business transactions to comply with health and travel restrictions.
Finding solutions to the problems of private companies and MSMEs through research and development (R&D) is the objective of the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (Cradle) Program of the Department of Science and Technology. Through the 1st Cradle Symposium held January 18, research collaborations and technologies related to food and nutrition innovations were showcased.
Titled “DOST-Cradle’s Science Kusina—Innovative breakthroughs in food technology, health and nutrition: Sarap at Sustansya, mula sa agham at teknolohiya ng DOST-Cradle”, the event presented breakthrough technologies such as deriving additional nutrients from pineapples and locally formulated vegan sausages.
“DOST-Cradle enables industry members to pandemic-proof their business by solving the problem through R&D,” says DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “Innovation is the key for our private companies to sustain their business performance, despite the challenges brought about by restrictions in health and travel.”
One breakthrough has been the partnership between the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Banawe Soybean Corp. In view of the company’s commitment for environmental protection and waste management, it used R&D to address food waste generated from soymilk and tofu processing called okara. This product contains high amounts of protein and fiber that can help prevent diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. It is also known to have high antioxidant content and prebiotic benefits. The study will develop gluten-free, vegan sausages from okara.
Del Monte Philippines and the University of San Agustin will also address agricultural waste from pineapples. Del Monte faces the problem of waste amounting to 1 million metric tons a year, from pineapple stems and core which are brimming with nutrients. These nutrients are in the form of pineapple metabolites that have bromelain-like properties which include hypocholesterolemic effects and lipase activities that can be extracted through metabolomics.
Extracted compounds from waste plant parts will be developed into high-value products such as functional food ingredients and dietary supplements in foods and beverages which produce desired health benefits.
Companies who intend to explore the benefits of the DOST-Cradle Program may get in touch with the DOST-Science for Change Project Management Office at 2/F Admatel Buiding, DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, at (02) 8837-2943/ 8837-2930, e-mail s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph. (DOST)