Food Science and Technology Summit takes place in BukSU

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) became a hub for innovation and collaboration in the field of food science and technology as it hosted the “PAMULAAN: Enriching Indigenous Foods for the Future of Food Science and Technology” Summit, organized by the Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT) BukSU Chapter, on April 7-8, 2025, at the university’s main campus auditorium and related facilities.

A total of 275 participants, including experts in the food industry, faculty, and students from various universities, engaged in advancing food technology.

“Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program designed to engage with renowned experts in the food industry, gaining insights into cutting-edge innovations and emerging trends; participate in thought-provoking panel discussions addressing critical challenges and advancements in food science and technology; and, involve in various engaging activities that will enhance their technical skills and practical knowledge,” said Mr. Kierby Depalan, adviser to the PAFT-BukSU Chapter.

The “PAMULAAN” summit signified BukSU’s active role in fostering academic and professional growth within the region and contributing to the advancement of food science and technology in the Philippines.

Highlights of the summit included a product development showcase and the pitching competition.

Participants from PAFT- Sigma Chapter Central Mindanao University (CMU) exhibited their purple sweet potato, pineapple wine, and Saba banana flour. CMU was awarded the Best Pitch, Best Poster, and Best Booth.

Other participating schools were from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), PAFT-PSI, Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University (XU), PAFT-ETA, and BukSU.

“Key learnings from the summit, particularly from the presented talks, centered on the composition of functional foods and the indigenous sources of their bioactive components, such as antioxidants and probiotics prevalent in our region. As aspiring food technologists, we recognize our future responsibilities to prioritize consumer safety and ensure the quality of the products we develop and distribute,” a XU participant shared.

“The summit provided valuable insights towards smart/intelligent packaging. It’s the requirement for food technology students to acquire knowledge extending beyond product formulation to include a comprehensive understanding of diverse packaging modalities and their corresponding indicator systems,” a USTP participant said. (with reports from Zhyra Edlang and Cherrybel Naparan, BukSU-IU interns)