The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 2015 DOST’s National Science and Technologie’ Week (NSTW) with the theme Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Pasay City bared its Agri exhibits.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) bearing the theme “Strategic Industry Program for Agricultural Growth (SIPAG) ni Juan, basically highlighted how science and technology (S&T) was infused in agri-aqua-natural resource commodities to improve productivity to product quality and profitability and thus raise the living standards of farmers fishermen and others.

The exhibit featured the following commodities: mud crab, abaca, goat and the plant growth promoter .

The culture of soft shell crab was presented. This is the production of molted crabs harvested immediately after melting and placed in fresh water to ensure the soft shell characteristic of the crabs, or else the shell hardens after some hours.

To address major setbacks faced by the Philippines abaca industry S&T was also tapped by UPLB PCAARD and its partners. According to Dr. Antonio Lalusin, project leader of UPLB-Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Cluster, this resulted to development. rehabilitation and promotion of improved abaca varieties to strengthen commercial production and help farmers.

Sultan Kudarat State University Professor Dr. Ruby Hechanova explained the Halal goat industry its relevance to the Muslims and how science was infused to Halal goat production to ensure authenticity of Halal products

According to DOST –Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa the plant growth promoter involves the use of radiation-modified oligo-kappa-carrageenan from algae/seaweed and oligo-chitosan, crab and shrimp shell for crop’s yield and nutrient intake, resistance to disease and bacteria and increase in production.

A video of Benham Rise, declared as part of the Philippine Extended Continental Shelf and now under the PCAARRD-funded program Exploration Mapping and Assessment of Deep Water Areas was presented. Backed by researchers, scientists and seasoned dive specialists from different universities, the program seeks further exploration of resources available in the territory.

The other panelists were UPLB- Institute of Plant Breeding researcher Dr. Lavernee Gueco, Southest Asian Fisheries Department scientist Dr. Fe Dolores Estepa and Dr. Cesar Villanoy of UP Diliman Marine Science Institute.(PScijourn MegaManila)