Yerba Buena: Mindanaoan Condiments Industry in future agro-industrial innovation hubs

A photo of yerba buena ¹

Some cultures have a certain proclivity towards home-cooked meals over takeout meals. ² This is a foundational concept, as people integrate the “home-cooked” philosophy into the evolving food technologies. Food production is evolving, and natural production systems will be outpaced by or integrated to digitally-driven food systems. The recent advent of 3D printing has paved the way for more efficient production systems. With 3D printing, the food sciences can recalibrate the food systems, such that food miles are minimized and innovations are sustained, but with caveat on food safety and labeling (Tran, 2016). ³ One industry that the food sciences can experiment on is the Mindanaoan Condiments Industry. Condiments have been used since time immemorial, and these products showcase heirloom processes that can be conserved and improved. While the rest of the world is experimenting on 3D printing of food, it’s best for this part of the world to record and deeply understand its taste profiles. ⁴ This way, it’s easier to understand and compound the overarching goals of future 3D printing of local food – Mindanaoan Innovation Hubs.

SWEET: Macadamia

Macadamia nuts are currently being studied in the northern parts of the country, but it can definitely be co-developed in Mindanao. ⁵ It’s known as the world’s most nutritious nut, and Arakan Valley in North Cotabato can definitely host these valuable crops. Peanut Butter is also known to the world as a common condiment for spreads and sweets, although it’s used for savory dishes like Kare-Kare in the country. ⁶ Hass avocado production is currently being developed in Mindanao. ⁷ The avocado fruit is traditionally used as a dessert ingredient in the country, although some prefer to use it in sauces and dishes as well. Same with the case of avocado, ube is traditionally used for desserts in the country. ⁸ The local halo-halo, which is often filled with ube, is known throughout the peoples’ diaspora.

BITTER: Dark Chocolate

There are bitter taste profiles, of course, especially in the fruits and vegetables industry. Mindanao can also bank on its established Dark Chocolate Industry, and expand its reach and recognitions. ⁹ The development of the Criollo Chocolate Industry, which is an heirloom industry in the country, can be best developed with its Latin counterparts. ¹⁰

MEATY (Umami): Tamaraw

Langka, or otherwise known as jackfruit, is the biggest fruit in the world. This is commonly found in Southeast Asia and other tropical territories. It is being developed intensively by Eastern Visayas, ¹¹ but Mindanao can co-develop its future potentials. It is traditionally used for sweets and desserts in the country, but it can be used for future plant-based meat products. This is a good resource for studies of the local Food Technologists, who are projecting the next food that people might be eating. ¹² As for now, people can do so much with the existing meat profiles, which includes that of the Ilonggo-led Carabeef Industry.

Tamaraw, an endemic species of cattle in the country, is under threat of extinction. This one of the reasons why a holistic approach of integrating it to the food industry should help in preservation. It can be studied for the eventual production of carabeef, and hopefully expand the broad options of proteins in Mindanao and beyond. This way, enough funds can be set for its preservation efforts. Aside from the carabeef, its by-products look promising as well – Asian Cheese.

The importance of Tamaraw in the country’s history cannot be overlooked, and expanding its preservation efforts to Mindanao is a big boost for tourism and Mindanaoan Condiments Industry. ¹³ Italy, for example, has made positive remarks for its variants of cheese. ¹⁴ With proper partnerships, Mindanao can hopefully aid in the preservation efforts of Tamaraw and the development of Tamaraw-based butter and cheese.

Municipality of Matalam in North Cotabato has some Limonsito (Calamansi), a local citrus, orchards that can be used in making a local version of Asian Cheese. ¹⁵ It can hopefully boost partnerships with Cagayan Valley, the citrus capital of the country. ¹⁶

Mindanao, which is close to Indonesia, can also bank on the development of local Coconut Oil Industry. The oil can develop a thriving coconut oil industry that is strongly integrated to the food industry. ¹⁷ Hopefully, other sources of natural oils can be developed soon.

COOL: Yerba Buena

Cantoria (1985) laid the study of a herb locally known as Yerba Buena. It is now known as the Surigao Mint that can be cultivated for food and medicine. The mint has a cool taste profile, which can be used much like the other mint species. ¹⁸ This can be propagated in Ciudad de Zamboanga, otherwise known as Asia’s Latin City. Further profiling of cool taste profile is needed in the country.

Xantham Gum can be derived from the many sugar profiles of Mindanao. This is especially useful both in industrial businesses, as well as food businesses. It is also used in the oil industry, especially in drilling operations.

HOT/SPICY: Sweet Chili Sauce

Banana Ketchup, with hot and spicy variants, has been used in the country since its conception and production. It has been well-loved by the people, especially if paired with the native Lechón. ²⁰ Additionally, Thailand has produced one of the known condiments – Sweet Chili Sauce. This can be benchmarked by the country. Developments can spark the demand in the local chili industry, especially that chili normally thrives along sandy soils. The future production of honey in Mindanao can be paired with the Chili Industry of Lanao del Sur, especially that these can be made into a local version of Sweet Chili Sauce. ²¹

SOUR: Suka

It would be an understatement to say that the local taste profile is towards the Sour Profile. Vinegars, locally known as suka, are bountiful in the country. This taste profile is ranging from coconut-based vinegars to banana-based vinegars. While some grape orchards may still be developing their versions of Balsamic Vinegars, especially for areas in Ilocos and South Cotabato, the locals continue to enjoy their Kinilaw. ²²

Kinilaw ²³ is likened to ceviche ²⁴ of the Latinxs or the sushi ²⁵ of the Japanese, since the protein (traditionally fish) is eaten raw. Some locals of the Visayas also use the batwan, a local fruit-based souring agent, which is used in other parts of Southeast Asia. ²⁶ The bounty of rice producing areas in the country can also tap the opportunities of rice wine, which can be used as cooking wine. ²⁷

SALTY: Bagoong

The country enjoys some salty profiles; especially that it is an archipelagic country. It is literally surrounded by sea, thus salt is very much bountiful. But it’s an industry that needs some good monitoring systems. The existence of microplastics in 90% of table salt samples should trigger a response mechanism from the food industry. This is a point of concern that can be addressed by developing substitutes and appropriate technologies. ²⁸

On the other hand, shrimp-based salty condiments are bountiful in the country. Bagoong, a form of seafood-based salty condiment, is used throughout the country. This can be a foundational benchmark in expanding the fermentation process to other seafood profiles that are yet to be studied. ²⁹

While nations are recalibrating the food systems to minimize food miles and maximize productivity, locals can bank on recording and developing their taste profiles for now. This way, scientists can easily translate the written food literature into the food sciences like molecular gastronomy. ³⁰ With further developments in the future, people can just choose a food literature (recipe) and use 3D printing techniques to enjoy the food they love. This is how scientists see the future of food, but safety of food processing is an utmost priority. Finally, merely printing food should not be the end goal. With the introduction of Mindanaoan Innovation Hubs for food printing, there must be a way to capture the “home-cooked” philosophy to make the most of holistic food experience. It’s the collective role of scientists and artists to define what “home-cooked” philosophy constitutes. ³¹

REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on Feb 21, 2021)

1. http://balitangviral.com/10-doh-approved-herbal-medicine/10/

2. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1019%26context%3Dfoodsci_etds%26httpsredir%3D1%26referer%3D&ved=2ahUKEwiGkJyQh_ruAhXM3mEKHQJxCFoQFjAFegQIFBAC&usg=AOvVaw2YFCuNVEdVqeTLrNeDXaRQ

3. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1409%26context%3Dmjlst&ved=2ahUKEwi4qbHih_ruAhVE62EKHRk1Dx8QFjANegQIHhAC&usg=AOvVaw0a9vEcYzEK1nNpOt4Od3S9

4. https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13411-014-0028-3

5. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/business/agriculture/2017/07/22/1720570/cashing-demand-macadamia-nut/amp/

6. https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/the-fascinating-history-of-kare-kare-a2386-20190802-lfrm2

7. https://www.mindanews.com/business/2020/11/minda-pushes-hass-avocado-production-in-mindanao/

8. https://minda.gov.ph/news/551-complete-value-chain-ube-jam-with-wild-honey-mindanao-s-unique-product

9. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/09/davao-based-dark-chocolate-maker-gets-star-from-great-taste-award/

10. https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/05/18/lifestyle-entertainment/life-times/criollo-philippines-lesser-known-luxury-cacao/327914/amp/

11. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043343

12. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/20/1928028/food-tech-major-mindanaos-first-summa

13. https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2018/08/22/carabeef-for-all-a-closer-look-at-carabao-slaughtering-procedures/

14. https://www.asianwildcattle.org/tamaraw-conservation.html

15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236873427_Italian_Cheese_types_and_innovations_of_traditional_cheeses

16. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/8/10/512/pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjrkO-bjvruAhVD62EKHV_GBE4QFjAMegQIEBAC&usg=AOvVaw3VdmpnCyyEokq_U66DHSKv

17. http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home/portal/index.php/quick-information-dispatch/3061-cagayan-valley-eyes-citrus-capital-of-the-philippines-title

18. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1874104/Davao/Local-News/Study-shows-virgin-coconut-oils-potential-vs-Covid-19

19. https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-services/create-article/6459-yerba-buena-analgesic-drug-formulation

20. https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/the-history-behind-the-invention-of-banana-ketchup-a1729-20180622-lfrm

21. https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2019/05/31/the-best-lechon-is-marinduques-native-black-pig/

22. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.fao.org/3/ca7553en/CA7553EN.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiJ2fTOkfruAhXMfd4KHSv0B9UQFjABegQIBBAC&usg=AOvVaw09tXSWMkQpbkBdrAS9naDg

23. https://region12.dost.gov.ph/index.php/what-we-do/techtransfer/setup2-0/112-news-and-announcements/setup-updates/274-grapes-industry-in-gensan-a-promising-market-seeks-to-rise-with-science-and-technology

24. https://nutriasia.com/recipes/kinilaw-na-isda/

25. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ceviche

26. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/simple-sushi/amp

27. https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/batwan-2/

28. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313221981_Comparative_studies_of_rice_wine_production_from_synergistic_and_individual_activities_of_lactic_acid_bacteria_and_yeasts_isolated_from_fermented_foods&ved=2ahUKEwiioee2lPruAhXDdd4KHR5EAroQFjACegQICRAD&usg=AOvVaw16xL4FBiZHzaM8JRHaSRZ9

29. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/10/microplastics-found-90-percent-table-salt-sea-salt/

30. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234688/&ved=2ahUKEwjttNiIlfruAhVU7WEKHRFFD1QQFjABegQIGRAC&usg=AOvVaw3uxVOys8lZGUANOilKEvbB

31. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82022752.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj39MDTlfruAhXN-GEKHYOtBpAQFjASegQIBhAC&usg=AOvVaw2f_R4DyvmUug9A80l-Y-2A

Tagok: Mindanaoan Timber Industry in future agro-industrial data management

A photo of coconut sap ¹

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has magnified a fact that we often overlook – we are just creatures that are susceptible to the whims of nature. This pandemic has created a large amount of data since we become fixated to our gadgets. And while we are collecting and understanding Big Data ² and its implications to various aspects of our lives, it is imperative that we develop technologies that can catch up with the amount of data that we are generating. This is where we focus on data management.

Our civilization’s data management has evolved from cave paintings, stone carvings, paper manuscripts, and currently electronic data – all telling the peoples’ narratives from one generation to another. After electronic data, how should we store the large amount of data that we have produced so far?

As our civilization enters the road to singularity ³ that is estimated by 2045, it is essential to understand how technology can be integrated not just to humans but also to non-human creatures. Much like how we download and upload data from our electronic devices, maybe we can store our civilization’s data to our non-human assets. Trees, for example, have been used by scientists to understand history by counting its rings – data storytelling. ⁴

Aside from the rings of trees for data storytelling, we can still tap other potentials of trees. Some areas of the country have mastered the process of tapping, which is the collection of “tagok” (sap/gum) from trees. This can be a foundational benchmark process. In the future, we can upload data to trees’ DNA and design it such that it is self-replicating without damage. ⁵ Doing so, we can also use “tapping” of sap or gum as a form of downloading mechanism whenever we need to retrieve some very old data. This is just a hypothesis, of course.

Two very popular trees that produce tagok in Mindanao are rubber and coconut. ⁶ With some further studies on its viability as biological storage medium, the common sap like tubâ (coconut sap) ⁷ may well be our future storage medium. This is the future we’re hoping for, but we can settle with the combination of paper manuscripts and electronic data for now.

As of now, there is already a thriving Mindanaoan Timber Industry that specializes in softwood production, especialy in Northern Mindanao. ⁸ The municipality of President Roxas in North Cotabato has an heirloom timber industry, but has declined in recent years. This is an opportunity that the municipality can look into, aside from the industries that it is currently developing. The area is suitable for falcata, a type of softwood that can be made into plywood or paper. This softwood can also be intercropped with existing banana since the wood can be made as natural posts during windy season. In the future, our data management systems may be using biological storage media. But for now, we can maximize the paper manuscript/electronic data systems we have, and contribute to the evolving Mindanaoan Timber Industry.

REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on February 19, 2021)

1. https://www.google.com/search?q=coconut+sap&client=ms-android-samsung&prmd=ivn&sxsrf=ALeKk01D3l6vVR-xjUyQy7Ba-PMS4RJ1Ew:1613696594854&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjswb6i4PTuAhUbM94KHdy6BdcQ_AUoAXoECAgQAQ#imgrc=cfHjCTbtWH39aM

2. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20210211STO97614/big-data-definition-benefits-challenges-infographics

3. https://www.amazon.com/Singularity-artificial-intelligence-out-think-Consciousness/dp/1845409078

4. https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/how-climate-works/tree-rings

5. https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/7/6/1092/5711038

6. https://ati.da.gov.ph/ati-10/main-tags/rubber-tapping

7. https://press.up.edu.ph/project/discovering-tuba/

8. https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/07/22/business/quicker-profits-from-fast-growing-trees/422070/

Lamaw: Mindanaoan Biodegradation Centers in future continuous agro-industrial loop

Eggshells – a common biodegradable waste

Lamaw, the local term for food and biodegradable wastes (otherwise, swill), has been part of the linguistic profile of peri-urban dwellers in some parts of the country. The people who collect “lamaw” normally come from the same peri-urban neighborhoods. ¹ These people normally use it as feed for animals. This practice, although it needs much improvements, can be a foundational benchmark for the rest of rural zones and urban zones that aim to reduce many other biodegradable wastes (food and green wastes) through circular economics.

Food waste as raw material for cement production. (Video courtesy of World
Economic Forum)

Circular Economics is defined as the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials for as long as it can be utilized. ² Closing the circular loop is an evolving project. For example, one of the prevailing problems in some urban areas is the low collection percentage of garbage. Although people can simply follow the collection schedules of non-biodegradable wastes, the collection schedule of biodegradable wastes can be challenging especially with its fast decomposition time. One of the solutions, with further research and development, is the creation of local biodegradation centers. These centers, which can be established through cooperatives or through private start-ups, can bank on the monetization ³ of biodegradable wastes by buying it from households and adjacent zones. This way, these institutions can create enough manpower needs in the neighborhood and provide local employment. Much like junkshops in the recycling industry, which has a whopping $377 value by 2024, ⁴ these biodegradable wastes can be turned into value-adding products with the use of some decomposition techniques.

Black Soldier Fly

Black Soldier Flies can be used to decompose biodegradable wastes. It produces maggots, the protein of which can be turned into feeds for the fish and poultry industry. ⁵ These insects have been used in the different countries already, especially in high-density zones.

Vermiculture

Classic use of earthworms can be beneficial as well, especially that the soil can be used in urban gardening. ⁶ Vermiculture is much useful, especially near the horticulture industries across the country.

Enzymes

Organic liquid fertilizers are used in organic food production. Some of these were sourced out from scrap fruits and vegetables. Additionally, scientists in Japan have discovered mutant enzymes that can breakdown plastics. ⁷ This must be co-studied by our scientists as well, especially that our country is part of the high producers of plastic pollution.

Southeast Asian countries have been called out for its contribution to plastic pollution. ⁸ With the biodegradation centers, the biodegradable by-products can be integrated in other industries. Thus, monetization of biodegradable wastes should have its grading systems. For example, biodegradable wastes like eggshells, which are highly used in the orchid industry, can be bought at a higher price by the biodegradation centers. Many other biodegradable wastes can be graded in the future, but what matters for now is the integration of practices that act as prefiguration of circular economics.

REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on February 14, 2021)

1. https://www.google.com/amp/s/pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034001.amp

2. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits

3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monetize

4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/239662/size-of-the-global-recycling-market/

5. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/03/maggots-could-revolutionize-global-food-supply-heres-how/?arc404=true

6. https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2019/04/11/a-guide-to-vermicomposting-part-2-steps/

7. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/16/scientists-accidentally-create-mutant-enzyme-that-eats-plastic-bottles

8. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-plastic-idUSKBN1XN1QL

Magkal: Mindanaoan Textile Industry as agent of agro-industrial ethics (A Concept Art)

Photo courtesy of ebay site ¹

Anthrozoology, the study of relationships between humans and nonhuman animals, ² is an important aspect of our cultures. Philippines, as one of the centers of the Turquoise Triangle ³ and biodiverse Southeast Asia, hosts 20,000-mile coastlines filled with flora and fauna that are yet to be studied and developed. History taught us that the pets held by people today were actually domesticated wild animals. Of course, not all animals can be domesticated but that does not mean that we set aside the proper treatment of these creatures. This human-nonhuman interaction highlights the evolving narratives between humans and animals, and is a beautiful case of study – animal ethics.

Magkal

It comes by many names, but it has always been part of local history. The reticulated python is one of the longest snakes in the world. And while haute countries love animal skins made out of crocodile or ostrich, Southeast Asia can still collectively put something on the table – python skin.

Bohol currently pets a huge Magkal, ⁴ which can be the mother source of the pythons for the ethical production of python skin in Mindanao. Some local tribes in Mindanao consider snakes as valuable elements in rites of passage before becoming a full-fledged warrior. Thus, the ceremonial giving of Magkal to Mindanao should have a strong cultural relevance for the settler identity in the Mindanaoan narrative.

Crocodile

It is not a surprise that the biggest crocodile in captivity was once caught in the country. The lakes and riverine systems are home to crocodile reserves. Crocodile-Human interactions can sometimes be unpleasant, and it is good study to understand how our natives co-exist with these ancient beasts- animal conservation.

Value-adding products can still be developed for the military, medicine, and sports, especially with the leadership and benchmarking facilities of Davao Crocodile Park. ⁵

Ostrich

The country can further invest in some uncommon industries like the ostrich industry, which produces the “greenest” red meat. It may well be developed by the moros in the future, especially that a big market tends to consume this meat product – Halal Market.

The areas of Cotabato and Bangsamoro are fit for Sorghum production, which can be a good feed for the ostrich industry. Our moro brothers and sisters can start their Morotowns, if they deem it fit, and develop dishes based on ostrich. Expansion to neighboring countries can be a good opportunity as well, especially that there is already an established Davao-Gensan-Bitung Roro Route. ⁶

Rabbit

Kidapawan and Bansalan are areas that already specializes in the production of rabbits, especially in Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC). ⁷ This can be tapped for the production of skins for countries with winter seasons. There are still rooms for improvement in its production processes. For example, TESDA and other educational institutions can be tapped for its animal production and raw material value-adding frameworks. Additionally, these institutions can still be matched with corporations that create haute products.

Cow

The presence of rubber industry, which can produce latex for various products, ⁸ can be paired with leather industry. This is especially true for the local football industry, which the country can still invest on. For example, the Ilonggo diaspora in Mindanao can tap the help of Barotac Nuevo for local training and development of the sport. Bike parts made of latex can also be tapped for the Triathlon enthusiasts. The sport attires can be produced by the evolving bamboo industry.

(to be updated)

There are many textile arts, both animal-based and plant-based, that are yet to be developed. These products can eventually be featured in the Moda Mindanao, which is the longest-running fashion design competition in this part of the country, with highlights on agro-industrial and animal ethics.

REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on February 10, 2021)

1. https://www.google.com/search?q=reticulated+python+skin&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwi09MGcgN7uAhUaAaYKHY6EAyAQ2-cCegQIABAC#imgrc=LXN7fcYW1dhEwM

2. Anthrozoology- https://www.animalsandsociety.org/courses/has-courses-in-animal-studies-anthrozoology/

3. https://cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2018/06/01/dot-eyes-manila-boracay-puerto-prinsesa-cruise-destinations.html

4. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=rsXZat9RphgC&pg=PA215&lpg=PA215&dq=magkal&source=bl&ots=a0hQyGn9eZ&sig=ACfU3U18PtbhGVEAieNVhuj-tYcR1MQTMg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQqLec8d3uAhWNwZQKHV_AAF4Q6AEwG3oECB4QAQ#v=onepage&q=magkal&f=false

5. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3043551/crocodile-farming-how-philippine-home-improvement

6. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/155548/new-ferry-service-davao-city-indonesia-boost-eaga-trade/amp

7. https://edgedavao.net/agri-trends/2015/05/18/raising-rabbits-for-fun-and-profit/

8. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/05/23/mit-researchers-use-bacteria-to-create-workout-clothes-that-cool-the-sweaty-body/%3foutputType=amp

Collective Apiculture: Spatial analysis of stingless beekeeping for agro-industrial productivity

Honey ¹

Many species of bees act as soldiers in agriculture. These insects are highly relevant, especially in the agri-based industries in the country. Mindanao supplies 40% of the country’s food requirement, ² which means that it has a big role in championing the food-related industries. The development of the Mindanao Food Basket Corridor is highly correlated with understanding the overarching processes of food production, which include pollination. Stingless bees aid in pollination and the higher productivity of high-value crops, which include coconut, palm oil, coffee, flowers, fruits and vegetables. These insects, which have many species as well, also produce beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. Thus, it is important that agriculture leaders must understand and integrate these insects where they are much needed in the food production systems – spatial analysis.

Spatial analysis seeks to explain patterns of entities through mathematics and geometrical terms. ³ Much like how we have integrated technology to monitor our fishes, we also need to monitor our pollinators. Studies show that the presence of bees actually increase farm output by almost a double, ⁴ which has big implications especially as food supplies affect the prices of commodities. If we are able to upgrade and produce good quality food through “collective apiculture” or the collective local development of beekeeping practices, our farmers can eventually start to frame some quality grading systems for their agricultural produce. For example, Grade A (Superior) quality produce can be sold at higher prices to supermarkets while the surplus produce can be sold in our local farm markets, thereby giving additional income to farmers and additional options for consumers. This practice can be replicated to a wide variety of farm produce all over the country, and thus contribute to the overarching agro-industrial productivity.

REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved Feb 5, 2021)

1. amp/s/www.news-medical.net/amp/whitepaper/20200611/Using-NMR-to-Differentiate-Adulterated-Honey-from-Natural-Honey.aspx

2. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.fao.org/3/ca5540en/ca5540en.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjhhrTHj9HuAhU1NKYKHXDYC4oQFjAAegQIAxAC&usg=AOvVaw1A3L9B3llwbESTqnZx28YW

3. researchguides.dartmouth.edu › gis
Web results
Spatial Analysis & Modelling – Geographic Information Systems …

4. https://www.iloilo.gov.ph/social-welfare-and-development/bees-help-poor-ilonggos-carles

Concept Art: Mindanaoan Art as a forefront of compounding economics

A view beside Hillside Kopi in Magpet

I believe that the best exhibits are found in living museums, where creations are made and celebrated with utmost respect. A recent visit to Datu Damaso Bayawan, an indigenous leader in upper Kidapawan, was a breath of fresh air for me. I am already fascinated by the narrative that the term “Lumad” was coined in Kidapawan, so it is a privilege for me to meet one of our elders. Simply put, I was able to delve into a narrative that the younger generations tend to look for – compounded experience.

Compounding economics, or economists prefer to call it as agglomeration, focuses on development of various products or services in close proximity to satisfy the needs and wants of customers, with focus on the optimization of the “umwelt” concept.

Chang (2009) studied the prolific contribution of Jakob Johann von Uexküll in the field of semiotics, which is the concept of Umwelt. Uexküll (1940/1982, as cited in Chang (2009)) worked on his concept of umwelt, which is translated as “environment” in German, as a subjective meaning world of an organism. ¹

People live and survive through experiences, and experiences are relegated on the use of senses – visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), tactile (touch), gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), and vestibular (movement). The Umwelt approach outlines the importance of understanding the shift in evolutionary theory, especially from the “awareness” side to the “manufacturing” side. ²

These senses can be utilized and developed in various industries. It is an adage that Mindanaoans often feel that they are left out from the rest of the country’s development. Sadly, that is just the case of compounding economics since most products and services are indeed agglomerated in some parts of the country. These places already championed some industries, and one of the best ways that Mindanaoans can catch up is through developing its comparative advantage – its concept art.

Mindanao is dubbed as “land of promise,” a paradise beholden by diverse peoples. It can be likened to an oasis, which can be designed with a 3-strata system.

Kopi Luwak: UNESCO Heritage Sites (Natural/Cultural)

Mount Apo Natural Park is a forest reserve that has one of the highest elevations in the country. There are existing trails that can still be developed further, especially that implementation of certain tourism policies are still to be integrated with more sustainable technologies. Aside from the natural park, we can also focus on the cultural reserves. For example, Kidapawan hosts some endemic spices and plants that are yet to be studied and developed for food or medicine. Encroachment of unbridled and unnecessary development can only threaten these treasures. Some parts of the reserve already feature the Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee) – an expensive coffee. And while some enjoy French, Italian, Continental and other roasting processes, maybe we can integrate the Civet Coffee Process and develop our own Southeast Asian roast.

Kulintang: UNESCO Creative Cities

Mount Apo is a place for our tribes, and we have to respect their established ancestral domain. But that does not mean that we hinder exchanges between the reserves and our metropolitan areas. We can create buffer zones – Creative Cities. For example, creation of gongs goes back to ancient times, especially for the peoples of Mindanao. A known artist in Mindanao, Kublai Millan, took inspiration from its creative process and developed medals for the Iron Man Triathlon in Metro Davao. There are rooms for adaptive reuse without crossing cultural appropriation.

Metropolitan Areas: Economic Zones

Aside from the Natural/Cultural Reserves and Creative Cities, North Cotabato is in need of an economic zone to absorb much of its local graduates, especially in the IT-BPM Industry. Modern culture has strengthened some of our institutions, and it deserves our long-term focus. Exchanges between our zones can produce a melting pot of ideas. For example, the priced bell peppers that are adept in high elevations can be sold in the metropolitan areas, or risotto-filled bell peppers can be a featured food in the buffer creative cities.

(Ongoing Research)

REFERENCES
1. Chang, R. S. (2009). Relating to Environments: A New Look at Umwelt. Retrieved on April 23, 2021 from https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=en&lr=&id=vvcnDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=info:xsQ5anP95KEJ:scholar.google.com/&ots=HoHb94PxEc&sig=MWw4_7MCEyRKYDqy7JLJMS1NV-M&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

2. Kull, Kalevi (2010). Umwelt and Modelling. Retrieved on October 14, 2022 (World Standards Day) from https://www.academia.edu/41023859/Umwelt_and_modelling