The Department of Science & Technology Regional Office 1 (DOST 1), through its Provincial Science & Technology Office (PSTO) – Pangasinan, awarded 15 units of Portasol, a Multi-Purpose Hybrid Solar Drying Tray, on August 6, 2024, to Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) program beneficiaries in San Jacinto, Pangasinan.
Portasol is an aluminum thermal tray system that can be stacked up to ten tiers high, accommodating 150 kilograms of crops per drying cycle. This technology is recognized for its ability to prevent pests and enhance storage ventilation, incorporating breathing spaces among the multi-tiered stored grains. This design mitigates the risk of fungal mold, rot, and mildew, ensuring the high quality and marketability of the harvested produce.
The awarding ceremony was spearheaded by Mr. Michael John C. Maquiling, Supervising Science Research Specialist of PSTO-Pangasinan, along with Ms. Geraldine Araos, Municipal Human Resource Management Officer, and Ms. Juliana Espinosa, Municipal Agriculturist of San Jacinto, Pangasinan.
The activity aimed to assist in drying post-harvest products effectively and enhancing agricultural productivity specifically on rice and monggo production. The beneficiaries of the Portasol units include the Hilltop Organic Farmers League of San Jacinto Inc., received four (4) units for their 75 members; the Away Labney Lobong Irrigators Association, received four (4) units for their 170 members; the Bolo Labney Lobong San Jose Irrigators Association, received four (4) units for their 120 members; and the Awai Upper Hills Farmers Association, received three (3) units for their 80 members.
Mr. Geamboy D. Morata, Project Technical Assistant I of DOST 1, oriented the beneficiaries on the use of Portasol technology and its benefits and provided an overview of the CEST Program.
Mr. Maquiling encouraged the beneficiaries to properly manage the awarded Portasol units and urged the farmers to continually enhance their agricultural practices through science-based solutions. He conveyed his gratitude to the farmers and expressed the hope that the Portasol units they had been given would have a beneficial effect and promote sustainable lives.
On behalf of the Local Government Unit of San Jacinto, headed by Mayor Leo F. De Vera, Ms. Araos expressed her gratitude to the DOST 1 – CEST Program.
The successful distribution of the Portasol units underscores the commitment of both DOST 1 and LGU San Jacinto to fostering agricultural innovation and supporting sustainable farming practices in the municipality.