DOST produces 62 tech transfer officers in 5-month mentorship series

A total of 62 graduates from 30 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Regions 1, 4, 5, 6 and 11 completed the five-month, five-module Technology Commercialization Mentorship Series.

The mentorship series was implemented by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Association of PAQE Professionals.

The graduates, who were recognized during a virtual graduation on May 28, 2021, were the third batch produced under this mentorship series.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña graced the virtual graduation ceremony. In his message, he reiterated the four important traits of an effective technology transfer officer: diligence, opportunity-finder, salesmanship, and tenacity, which creates the acronym DOST.

De la Peña said that diligence is when the trainees submit all the training outputs – technology assessment report, market study, business plan, technology valuation report, one-page technology poster and technology pitch deck. Meanwhile, technology transfer officers should also be an opportunity-finder or adept at recognizing commercialization opportunities with the greatest benefit to the agency. Salesmanship ability allows the officer to encourage investors and potential partners to invest on S&T creations. Lastly, de la Peña said that tenacity is important as this value helps them in not giving up through the challenges in bridging invention and innovation.

The panel of speakers included DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc. (APP) President Editha R. Hechanova, and Cavite State University President Hernando D. Robles.

The virtual graduation ceremony recognized the performance of the graduates through the following awards:

Best Technology Pitchers:

• 1st Prize – Mr. Christian Thom F. Tabisola of the Pangasinan State University (PSU) for the Bangus Binagoongan in Oil or “BB Oil” Technology;
• 2nd Prize – Mr. Artbellson B. Mamuri of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) for the GrowVig: A Biochar Medium for Growing Seedlings; and
• 3rd Prize – Mr. Jomar E. Tuazon of the Bicol University (BU) for the Multifiber Crop Stripping and Pressing Machine.

Top 3 Most Improved Technology Pitchers:

• Dominador A. Ayson, Jr. of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPC) for Carrot-Turmeric Tea;
• Julieta M. Casaul of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) for Pasteurized Fruit/Vegetable Blended Coconut Water; and
• Ian Carlo M. Lositaño, also from CBSUA for Choppie: Mechanical Chopper for Plant Foliage.

Best Technology Posters:

• 1st Prize – KD Foliar Fertilizer by Davao del Sur State College (DSSC)
• 2nd Prize – Green Mango Chips by Guimaras State College (GSC)
• 3rd Prize – Automated Smoking Machine (ASMA) of Cavite State University CvSU) and
• Processed Fish in Pili Pulp Oil of Catanduanes State University (CatSU)

The technology posters were evaluated by Dr. Edmund Centeno, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Educational Communication, College of Development Communication, UPLB; and                  Dr. Paul Jersey Leron, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Technology and Innovation and Promotion Section of the Council’s Applied Communication Division.

On the other hand, the panel of judges for the pitching competition include Atty. Bayani Loste, President-elect of the Licensing Executives Society Philippines and Treasurer of the Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc. (APP); Engr. George Co, consultant of various companies like Green Asia Agri Ventures, Quatrolubes Phils Inc., Green Care Solutions, and Simple Green Agri Solutions; the Mercato Centrale Group, headed by its co-founders Mr. RJ and Ms. Vanessa Ledesma; Mr. Kris Moreno, Vendor Recruitment Head; Mr. Daniel Aguilas, Business Development Head; Dr. Nerlita Manalili, Managing Director of Nexus Agribusiness Solutions; and Prof. Matthew George Escobido, Chair of the Sub-Committee for Technology Innovations of the Management Association of the Philippines and Professor of the Asian Institute of Management. (Cherry B. Bundalian, Abigail F. Gueco, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services).