CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — A groundbreaking piece of green technology is making waves in the agricultural sector in the region— and it’s turning up the heat on how farmers process their crops.
Developed through a collaboration between a local innovator in the island province of Marinduque and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) MIMAROPA, the Multi-Commodity Hydrothermal Dehydrator is a new, environment-friendly machine designed to revolutionize the drying process for local harvests.
What sets this invention apart is its dual-source heating system — it harnesses geothermal energy from the natural Malbog hot spring and solar power to gently dry produce such as bananas, coconuts and moringa (malunggay) leaves. This not only cuts down on operational costs for farmers but also minimizes the risk of contamination that often comes with traditional open-air drying methods.
Earlier, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the collaboration between the government and the private sector in developing this technology.
He found it fascinating that due to ingenuity of Filipinos the water used before only for bathing is the same water used for dehydrating agricultural products.
“Sa Buenavista ay may hotspring na dating ginagamit paligo lamang, pero ngayon through the ingenuity of the idea… helped design and assemble a contraption like an oven, ‘yung tubig na gamit pampaligo na mababasa ka, ‘yun din ang tubig na ginagamit pang-dehydrate ng mga agricultural products. Tatanggalin ang moisture sa mga banana chips, sa mga dahon ng guyabano, pwede rin sa kopra” said Solidum.
He added that “This is about more than just innovation— it’s about sustainability, food safety and empowering local farmers with clean technology.”
Barangay Captain Restituto Pabalat of Malbog expressed his confidence that this initiative will create additional livelihood opportunities for farmers.
“Buong tiwala kami na magbubukas ang teknolohiyang ito ng panibagong kabuhayan para sa ating mga magsasaka,” he said.
The eco-dehydrator will be featured at the upcoming Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in MIMAROPA, taking place from May 28 to 30, 2025, at the Occidental Mindoro State College Gymnasium in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
The exhibit promises a showcase of forward-thinking solutions aimed at boosting rural development through science and technology. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro/Photos from DOST MIMAROPA)
