Mark Ezekiel E. Adona, scholar under RA 7687 of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), nabbed 1st place during the first ever Innovative Food Technology Contest with his Eggplant-Chayote Jam recipe – a unique vegetable-based blend of various natural ingredients with Eggplant and Chayote as the star components.
Adona’s “Eggplant-Chayote Jam” bested other food technology contenders, and won him a ten thousand (₱10,000.00) cash prize, along with a certificate of participation.
The contest is the first of its kind in the Region, with the objective of encouraging the pursuit of innovative business ideas into viable business ventures in Agriculture and Fisheries.
Conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) IX – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in partnership with the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium IX (WESMARRDEC), the event took place on October 28, 2020, at the DA office lobby at Gen. Vicente Alvarez Street, Zamboanga City.
2nd place went to “daBONGAnada” of the trios- Nur Alessandra Andung, Rhea Jane Espinosa and Isniya Pakiluddin, whose main ingredient is the bamboo shoots or “dabong” in local dialect; while the “Bitter Gourd with Sweet Potato Ice Cream” of Aileen Sobrado, placed 3rd. The “Ampalaya Patty” entry of Catherine Mae Morla, and the “Kalabasa Roll with Chocolate Toppings” entry of Cathelie Vanlyn Bonocan each won minor prizes. All contestants brought home varying cash prizes, and certificates of participation.
When asked about this experience, Adona said, “It was really fun, yet challenging. Food technology isn't my area of expertise, for the reason that I'm an Engineering student, and almost all of the other contestants are inclined with food preparation and food technology. Nonetheless, I was able to make it thru. I learned that we must not be afraid to venture into things out of our comfort zone. It may be challenging, but worth it at the same time.”
Adona was granted the DOST scholarship in 2018, and is now on his 3rd year in BS Electronics and Communication Engineering at the Western Mindanao State University.
Author: Gretchelle Araneta
Agency: Department of Science and Technology Region IX
Original article link:
Publishes on November 6, 2020 at https://region9.dost.gov.ph/news/893-dost-scholar-caps-food-innovation-contest-with-eggplant-chayote-jam?fbclid=IwAR3EBGWYULLr7iI4i3IZ8VED9KY6RC-sKJMAEuSFAFTLpLjWy-ohvYC7G2w
