Researchers from the University embarked on an industry immersion-training program to enhance their knowledge and skills in producing functional food and nutraceuticals. The training, hosted by Herbanext, a leading company in the field, offers a tailored program titled “Scaling Up the Production of Functional Food and Nutraceuticals: from Bench to Market” at The Quiet Place Farm Resort (TQP) in Bago City, Bacolod from March 10 to 17, 2024.
The program spanned nine days, incorporating travel to and from Bacolod and an optional one-day field trip. It commenced with a one-day pre-program training and orientation session. Throughout the duration of the intensive training, participants engaged in approximately 9 hours of lectures and 39 hours of laboratory work under the guidance of seven trainers from diverse disciplines.
TQP, conveniently located within a 10-minute drive from Herbanext’s Applied Research & Innovation Laboratory (ARIL), served as an ideal setting for both theoretical and practical components of the training. The resort also houses Herbanext’s Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, enriching the learning experience for participants.
This training is part of the CHED LAKAS approved project, Advancing Ilocos IFP Food Systems through Academia-Industry Collaborative Research and Innovations toward Healthy Food Security. DMMMSU participants were joined by representatives from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC).
DMMMSU delegates composed of Dr. Anabella G. Valdez, Project Staff, DMMMSU-CHED LAKAS Project, and Ms. Erlinda Q. Balancio, Science Research Specialist 1, DMMMSU-CHED LAKAS Project.
This CHED LAKAS consortium seeks to maximize the development of probiotics from indigenous food plants through academic-industry collaboration. Upon their return, the researchers are expected to integrate their acquired knowledge into their ongoing projects and contribute to the university’s efforts to ensure sustainable food production and address regional food security challenges.
This program underscores DMMMSU’s commitment to fostering collaboration with industry leaders and equipping its researchers with practical skills essential for innovation and market relevance in the field of functional food and nutraceutical production. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)
