APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY CENTER (APPROTECH)

The design and development of appropriate agricultural engineering technologies at the CPU College of Agriculture begun in 1987. Agricultural engineering technologies ranging from production to post production machinery were developed specifically to cater the need of farmers within the region as well as in other regions. Technologies such as the rotary flash dryer, windpump, rice husk stove, biocoal fuel, poultry incubators, and many others were recognized and were commercialized. Private sectors as well as government agencies have taken part, in one way or another, in the development process of the various technologies.

The increasing demand for technologies to serve the needs of various clients and the need to develop professional and entrepreneurial skills among future agricultural engineering students of CPU, has led the formal establishment of the Appropriate Technology Center under the umbrella of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Central Philippine University.

Goals and Objectives

1. To design and develop appropriate agricultural engineering technologies that will cater the needs of the agriculture sector;
2. To train and develop professional and entrepreneurial skills among agricultural engineering students; and
3. To provide technical services on agricultural engineering technologies to various clients in the region as well as in other regions.

Services Offered

1. Research and development
2. Consultancy and contract
3. Training and extension
4. Technology transfer
5. Feasibility and project proposal
Funding Sources

The Appropriate Technology Center initially obtained its funding from the University for the renovation of the building as well as for its initial operation. Research funds were also sourced out from the University Research Outreach Center as well as from outside sources - both private sectors and government agencies. Operational expenses and developmental cost of the Center is obtained from the savings derived from the different projects contracted.

Design and Development
The design and development of various agricultural engineering technologies is being carried out at the Department of Agricultural Engineering where proto-type machines are conceptualized and developed. Fabrication of proto-type as well as actual units are being done through subcontract with various manufacturers in Iloilo.
Development and improvement of the units are done according to the requirements of the clients.
Aside from the CPU College of Agriculture Extension Service, WESVARRDEC supports ATC in the promotion and dissemination of the technology through the DA-Caravan and radio broadcast within the region. The Farming System Division of PCARRD also assists in the nationwide information dissemination through newspaper publications.

Management
The Center is being managed by the Director who mainly does the design and development of the different technologies. Graduating or newly graduated students are hired as Assistant Engineers and/ or Project Assistant Engineers on contractual or project basis. A Secretary/Bookkeeper, who will do the filing and who will keep financial records of each project, will also be hired.

Network/Linkages
A. Government Organizations
1. WESVARRDEC
2. DA-RFU's
3. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
4. National Mango Research and Development Center
5. Dingle Agricultural and Technical College
6. San Enrique Polytechnic College
7. WESVIARC
8. Department of Science and Technology
9. Department of Energy
10. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
11. Department of Agrarian Reform
12. Mindanao State University -General Santos City
13. West Visayas State University- Research Office

B. Non-Governmental Organizations

1. Wind Energy Association of the Philippine
2. Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines
3. Jamindan Multi-Purpose Cooperative
4. Tamasak Multi-Purpose Cooperative
5. Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers
6. CARE Philippines
7. Basilio Bautista Foundation, Inc.
8. JO Farm and Forest Foundation, Inc.

C. Industry
1. Jamandre Industries, Inc
2. Jover Light Industries, Inc
3. Veraluz International
4. Jemylene Marketing
5. Jokson Metal Craft
6. Dennis Welding Shop and Repair
7. Condor Hydro Marketing
8. Approtech Power Engineering Services
9. Bajada Rice Mill
10. Leo's Furniture Shop
11. PHILSURIN

For further information contact:
Engr. Alexis T. Belonio
Project Director
Appropriate Technology Center
Department of Agricultural Engineering
College of Agriculture, Central Philippine University
Iloilo City
Tel: (063-33)329-1971 to 79 loc 1071
E-mail: atbelonio@yahoo.com