Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — The DA-BAR M&E Team is currently in Marinduque State University for the On-site Project Monitoring and Evaluation of DA-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Projects from September 18-21, 2024 with projects located in MarSU Boac, Gasan and Torrijos campuses.
The M&E is expected to visit the five ACEF-assisted projects such as the “Scaling Up of Arrowroot Enterprise through Technology Transfer of Arrowroot Bagasse Products in Boac Campus” under the leadership of Dr. Michael V. Capina while Gasan Campus has the “Establishment of Marinduque State College Fishery Technology Business Incubation” and “Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Food Processing Center to Enhance the R&D Capability of MSC Gasan Campus” both under the supervision of Dr. Alexander M. Pascua, and “Upgrading of Freshwater Fish Hatchery and Facilities of MSC Gasan Branch” under the leadership of Dr. Paloma D. De Chavez. Additionally, Torrijos Campus has the “Upgrading of Crop Protection Laboratory at MSC Torrijos Campus” under the supervision of Mr. Adrian S. Mausig.
The M&E team is composed of DA-ACEF RCU MIMAROPA and DA-BAR personnel: Mr. Joko Dee Riano (Project Development Officer I), Ms. Irish Jean Omisol (Planning Officer I), Engr. Kristan Deo B. Rodriguez, Ms. Amavel Velasco (Senior Agriculturist), and Ms. Karlene Kay D. Revita (Project Evaluation Officer I).
The key officials and personnel who received the team include Dr. Verna Liza L. Capina (Study Leader & Dean, College of Business & Accountancy), Dr. Alexander M. Pascua (Project Leader), Ms. Lorraine Pascua, Mr. Carlo Magno M. Castro (Study Leader), Ms. Evangeleen Prado (Research Assistant), Mr. Julie P. Rodelas (Campus Director), Dr. Paloma D. De Chavez (Dean, College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences & Project Leader), and Ms. Ella Joy Marbello (SRS I).
They were welcomed with the traditional putong led by Ms. Ruby Ann T. Lantita, Director for Culture & Arts and Ms. Sharmaine Balut followed by the courtesy visit and presentation of accomplishments of Arrowroot Project at the OP Conference Room.
The University President, Prof. Diosdado P. Zulueta was represented by Asst. Prof. Raoul J. Magcamit (Vice President for Academic Affairs) who welcomed the team and expressed appreciation to DA-BAR as one of the valued partners of MarSU whose role greatly contributed to the linkages requirement for university conversion.
Present also during the activity were the members of Bahi Agricultural and Fisheries Association (BAFA) which is the main beneficiary of Arrowroot Project represented by Mr. Wilfredo Nazareno-Chairman and Ms. Karen Sace-General Manager.
The audio-visual presentation highlighted the processes of bagasse flour production, benchmarking, planning, MOA signing, BAFA conversion into cooperative, trainings and workshops attended, market research, capacity building trainings conducted. In addition, they also showcased the products such as buns, wine, sugar, pandesal, chewy cookies, and brownies. They also presented the equipment acquired, agricultural supplies and the storage facility for the project.
Aside from the accomplishments, they also stated the challenges of the project in terms of procurement and other resources. Dr. Capina also added that they recently presented a research paper in ENEDA conference.
The DA-BAR team reminded the MarSU counterparts on the timely liquidation of the funds and fast tracking of procurement process, and establish the ownership of the acquired equipment for the beneficiaries.
After the presentation and snack with the team, they are scheduled to visit the campuses and the beneficiaries of the project.
/MarSU Info Unit
/Photos by D. Sto. Domingo & E. Prado/Arrowroot Project
