The Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLARRDEC) emerged as the first prize winner in the development category of the 2009 National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NSARRD) on November 9, 2009 at the PCARRD Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The study “Technology utilization and commercialization of PhilRice-Briggs & Stratton Combine Harvester” featured the improved combine harvester from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Briggs & Stratton (B&S). The design modified the original design from China that only has reaping, crop conveying, and threshing components. PhilRice and B&S improved the rice combine harvester efficiency by incorporating cleaning, bagging, and recycling components suited for the Philippine condition.
The research team is composed of Dr. Eulito U. Bautista, Engr. Arnold S. Juliano, Engr. Evangeline B. Sibayan, Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado, Mr. Leo B. Moliñawe, Engr. Rolando R. Nicolas, Mr., Rollie L. Carganilla, and Mr. Rodrigo A. Villota.
The winning paper presents invaluable information about how the combined harvester was tested, modified, and perfected; how the measures were implemented for intellectual property concerns; how technical support can be provided to manufacturers; and what are the limitations on local supply of materials. It also tackled the partnership among stakeholders.
The NSARRD, which highlights the anniversary celebration of PCARRD, recognizes the outstanding contributions of institutions and individuals in uplifting the status of agricultural research and development in the country.