The Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC) is this year’s Achievement Awardee in Technology Development, a recognition given by the PhilFruits Association, Inc. during the 26th National Fruit Symposium held in Davao City last October 16-19. The team of PHTRC Director Elda B. Esguerra, Dr. Dormita R. del Carmen, and Engr. Ryan Anthony O. Lualhati was cited for developing the technology on vacuum packaging of organically grown ‘Bungulan’ bananas. This is a modification of the technique used by big companies and was adapted to the current production and postharvest handling system for ‘Bungulan’ naturally and organically grown by smallholder farmers for people-to-people trade. The innovation controls crown rot disease and premature ripening of fruits during sea shipment and has been adopted by the non-government organization cum exporter for `Bungulan’ shipped to the Korean market. This development is proof of PHTRC’s continuing efforts in responding to the needs of the local horticulture industry, especially in helping boost global competitiveness and farmers’ income through improved postharvest systems. (MV Maunahan)
