Science and Technology (S&T)- based products produced by member-agencies of the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Program (ViCARP) are now more prominently displayed at the TechnoMart and Pasalubong Counter (TMPC) at the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay, Leyte.
TMPC now serves the dual purpose of being a marketing center and Regional One-Stop-Information Shop (OSIS) after its formal launching on March 17, 2011 through the efforts of ViCARP and the Regional Research Development and Extension Network.
Rootcrops, jackfruits, abaca, and coconut, among other products, are displayed in the TMPC. Each of these products is provided with information education and communication materials.
The establishment of TMPC which inauguration on March 17 coincided with the birthday of PCARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon was dedicated to him for his commitment on the promotion and commercialization of S&T products through various programs. Most notable of these programs are the Techno Gabay Program and TechnoMart, according to ViCARP-Regional Research and Development Coordinating Committee Chair Jose I. Bacusmo.
Among those present during the occasion were Dr. Edwin C. Villar, director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD)-Livestock Research Division; Baybay Mayor Carmen L. Cari; and ViCARP and VSU staff members.
The TechnoMart Program realizes its advocacy on the marketing of S&T-based products through the investment portfolio from each of the participating member-agencies.
Bacusmo said that TMPC is the first of the three buildings envisioned for the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) project. He also announced that Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan (AGHAM) Rep. Angelo B. Palmones has already committed to donate the second building.
Mayor Cari and Senator Edgardo Angara are among the donors in the construction of the TMPC Building. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
