𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 | Bridging Research and Industry: TAU’s Sweetpotato Study Earns Regional Awards in Central Luzon

𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 | Bridging Research and Industry: TAU’s Sweetpotato Study Earns Regional Awards in Central Luzon

The market viability study conducted by researchers from Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) stood out as the top performer during the Training on Financial Analysis for Impact Assessment, organized by the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) on 15 August.

The intensive five-day training, held from 11 to 15 August, concluded with TAU’s team—composed of Dr. Maria Elena T. Caguioa, Dr. Agnes C. Perey, Dr. Sherwin S. Alar, and Ms. Linda Mae A. Fernandez, together with CLSU’s Ms. Katrina Sedillo—earning the Regional Best Paper Award for their innovative project on Sweetpotato Polvoron commercialization.

Ms. Fernandez further distinguished herself by winning the Best Presenter award during the final presentation held at CLSU’s Research and Development Center. Her effective delivery of the team’s comprehensive financial analysis, which featured detailed capital investment breakdowns and strong financial indicators, particularly impressed the panel of evaluators. Dr. Alar was likewise recognized as the Most Improved Participant.

These recognitions affirm the importance of regional initiatives in building research capacity and translating academic outputs into practical applications. Through participation in this training, the TAU team strengthened its ability to evaluate technologies not only for academic merit but also for long-term market success. Such outcomes are crucial in positioning Central Luzon as a hub for agri-based innovation.

Conducted by TAU under its mandate through the Rootcrops Research and Training Center (RRTC) and Sweetpotato Research Niche, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)-funded study examines the commercial viability of sweetpotato polvoron.

Building on sweetpotato’s reputation as a nutritious, high-value crop, the project is designed to capture opportunities in the growing health snack industry. To overcome the persistent gap of insufficient financial data for technology transfer, the analysis provides a complete financial overview. This includes capital investment requirements, projected income, breakeven points, and essential investment indicators intended to confirm feasibility and guide sustainable expansion into wider markets.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #CLAARRDDEC #SweetPotato #SDG9 #SDG12 #SDG15 #SDG17

Article | Information Unit
Photos | Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium