The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture bagged the 3rd Place in Best Innovative Product for the non-food category during the celebration of the DA-BAR’s National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibit (NAFTE) held on June 4-6, 2024 at The Atrium, LimKetKai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.
The Stingless Bee Propolis (SBP) Throat Spray received the award because of its innovative features and uses for medicine, market potential, and the quality of the product and its packaging. It is a research product developed under the research study entitled “Physicochemical Property of Honey, Propolis, and Pollen” conducted by Prof. Lilia C. Pasiona, under the research project “Bioactivities and Properties of Stingless Bee, Honey, Pollen, and Propolis”. The SBP Throat Spray is a food-grade (ethanol) alcohol extract of stingless bee propolis, which can used to promote oral hygiene. It is particularly effective for throat infections, toothache, bad breath, mouth sores, and other mouth infections.
CBSUA also showcased innovative products and technologies developed by Research and Innovation Centers on Stingless Bees, Turmeric, Taro, Organic Agriculture, and products produced by the Complementary Food Processing Facility, Department of Food Science, and University Business Affairs Office.
NAFTE is an annual technology exhibit of DA-BAR that provided an avenue for participating government institutions, farmers’ organizations, and state universities and colleges to showcase the significant results of their research and promote their innovative products and goods. Forty-six (46) DA regional field offices, SUCs, farmers’ organizations, and non-government agencies across the country have participated and competed for the best innovative food and non-food products and the best booth. In 2023, CBSUA won the same award for best innovative products, featuring the stingless bee propolis soap in the 1st NAFTE held at La Union, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
CBSUA delegation who participated NAFTE is headed by the Unit Heads of the Technology Commercialization and Promotion Division–Mr. Francis Leo. M. Loberanes, Ms. Dindy Deanne Orit, and Mr. Nestor Gaurana, together with Pasacao TCPD Coordinator, Ms. Rosechel C. Labilles, RI Center Directors, Ms. Liza Lyn Villano (Turmeric Center), and Ms. Leizl Ayala (Taro Center). Also assisted the product exhibit is Mr. Alvir Bausa (Regional Apiculture Center), Ms. Zyla C. Avila (Plant Genetics Resources Research Laboratory), Mr. Joel S. Balindan, (Faculty of BSA Plant Science), Ms. Bernadeta Botabara (UBAO), Ms. Wenielyn G. Nilo (Research Services Division), Ms. Leah B. Sumalinog and Mr. Marvin R. Molin (Extension Services Division), Ms. Sherilyn Petil, Ms. Joanne B. Panti, and Mr. John August Felizmenio, (Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation).
