Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) logo1
Lifelong learning is an evolving concept, as various institutions start to adapt to the influences of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). 2 Perhaps, an old local word can fairly capture the concept of lifelong learning – Kruhay. It means “long live.” 3 “Long live” to the skills development programs that upskill the human capital in the Philippines, especially to that of TESDA which upskills the grassroot human capital. 4 TESDA can still beef up on strenghtening its alumni network as it try to address: “Skills Training for Drug Dependents; Skills Training for Entrepreneurs and Family Enterprises; Skills Training for Inmates and their Families; OFW’s Reintegration; Special Skills Program for the Indigenous People; Expanded Training Program for Women and PWDs, etc.” 5 Future partnerships of the TESDA Alumni Office with Department of Trade and Industry’s MSMEs Global Academy can be a great boost for the TESDA Alumni Network, especially in the intersection of agro-industrial lifelong learning programs. 6 Additionally, enabling laws for Agricultural Pension Fund may be strengthened by the agro-industrial upskilling projects of the said agencies. 7 Inter-agency partnerships can aid in the eventual internationalization of Philippine human capital, especially for adult lifelong learners (e.g. TESDA Alumni). 8 Kruhay!
A superfood is defined as a food that has high levels of nutrients, although it has no official scientific definition. 2 Superfoods can power-pack the ordinary meals and snacks with nutrients. 3 One traditional crop that is considered as nutrient rich is Moringa.4 Moringa, also known locally as malunggay, is a common ingredient of some national dishes and traditional medicine. 5 Additionally, it can be added to value-adding products, like noodles or pasta since grains are abundant in the country. A recent study entitled “Market Intelligence EFTA for the Philippines” identified some products that Philippines can trade with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Moringa is allowed for food applications in Europe. 6 Aside from EFTA, Japan imports moringa powder from the Philippines. 7 The development of superfoods industries will not only benefit the industries related to traditional dishes and medicine, but also those that have trajectory towards value-adding products. 8
Photo of Moringa oleifera being cultivated in Lomonay
Daisugi is a Japanese forestry technique that was developed during the Muromachiperiod. 2 It utilizes the sugi3 or cedar to produce timber for construction. Additionally, daisugi means “platform cedar” or “table cedar.” This technique is similar to coppicing, which is used to produce more biomass from wood. 4 Biomass from wood is used not just in the construction industry but also in energy generation, especially in societies that have an ingrained cultural connection with nature. 5Toyota, for example, has a 70-hectare smart city project that aims to utilize mainly wooden materials. 6 This is one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)projects 7 that the government needs to quantify and incentivize, as societies aim for sustainability. 8
There are already many materials that are utilized by the furniture industry worldwide, both natural and synthesized. This industry, which is estimated to be a 600-million dollar industry by 2027, 2 if trends are favorable, remains lucrative under the creative economy 3. Philippines is aiming to become a global innovator4 in furniture production using sustainable materials. 5 Some of the materials available locally are hardwood, buri, rattan.6 And while the country strives to keep its foothold as “Milan of Asia” 7 in terms of furniture production, it still has more local materials to develop. One material that is still to be utilized more is the “bagtok” – Climbing Bamboo. 8
Oasis is defined as an area in a desert or an arid land that is made fertile by freshwater. 2 It bears both some ancient religious meanings in many religions, and as well as some contemporary scientific uses. 3 Recently, the Paschal Triduum has been celebrated by various religious traditions in the world. 4 It celebrates the concept of “resurrection,” which is a concept that is reflected in many epics and written literatures around the world. This “oasis” is one of the concepts that people can build on as climate change expands the problem of desertification5 and saltwater intrusion. 6
Oases are one of the many examples of integrated agriculture,7 as it involves a3-strata system: (1) Oases are often associated with palms8 , which serve as its primary and highest stratum; (2) What follows is the intermediate stratum that is composed of fruit trees9 and the like; (3) Third stratum is composed of shade-tolerant plants, such as herbs. 10 Oases can help in the conservation of freshwater reserves, 11 especially through the aid of commercially-viable palm species 12 as a primary stratum.
There are already many palm species locally, which include coconuts13 and oil palm. 14 Some inland species that can still be tapped include the Nipa Palm, which can be a source of weaving raw materials, sugar, tubá, and bioethanol. 15 bAlthough it normally thrives around brackish16 waters, some of Nipa palm can tolerate17 freshwater environments. “Oasis” concept can be a foundational concept of “resurrecting” the lands affected by desertification and saltwater intrusion, with associated studies on the evolutionary transition18 of seawater and brackish-water species to freshwater environments, and vice versa.
puksi can be defined as “to pick flowers” or “to tear off.” 2 This process is a good form of practice for the children, as they try to study and understand the world around them. For example, the “puksi” process is reminiscent of the sampling technique used in Statistics, where enough sampling is conducted until a conclusion is made. 3 Much like how children play with toys, the “puksi” process, especially picking flowers, is already well-integrated across many cultures in the world. Flowers have been used alongside the early human traditions of birth, growth, and death. 4 Thus, flowers bear with it some implied meanings, one very important of which is Historicity. 5
Historicity is defined as historical actuality or authenticity. 6 Studies have shown that the sense of smell can evoke memories, 7 which are highly tied up to the historicity of the person. It is a good sense of study to tie up historicities with flowers, especially for the evolving historicities of migration. People are just like flowers because their historicities also need some kind of acclimatization to new environments and narratives. 8 For instance, with proper studies, the uniformity of smell in a train/vehicle and the smell in the classroom may help students remember and understand their lessons while they are travelling. This might be a form of assisted learning, much like how other people are adept to visual memory. 9
Lotus
Lotus has been regarded by many belief systems as sacred, which is often associated with “enlightenment.” 10 Additionally, the consumption of lotus in some Southeast Asian countries is common. This is one of the example of the many historicities associated with the Lotus flowers. Other lotus parts can also be used for food, along with similar aquatic plants. The peculiar consumption of lotus rhizome is common in Southeast Asia, which is also reminiscent of the consumption of stolons called takway in the country. 11
Dandelion
Dandelion is considered as a weed in some traditions, but it can be consumed as well. With some threats of plant diseases to commercial rubber trees, dandelions can be a good fallback for rubber producers. 12 This commercial value as a food and as a source of rubber can be banked on by the local industries, although controlled environments are needed to produce it so as to avoid invasiveness and to properly grow it in the tropical climate. 13
Cadena de Amor
Cadena de Amor in Lomonay
Christian-based traditions often celebrate the “Flores de Mayo,” which is a form of holy veneration through the use of flowers. It is often celebrated with the participation of children in the community. Cadena de Amor has a settler historicity associated with it since it is used in the country not just as an ornamental flower but also as a garnish. 14 It was once used by the women of the University of the Philippines as a regalia symbol. Aside from Cadena de Amor, flowers like Sampaguita15 andYlang-ylang16 are used in sacred rites in the country.
“Puksi” is a process that may teach children the basic framework of Statistics, which is taking as many samples as possible and then generating a conclusion based on their experience. With the proper studies and interpolation of commercial value and associated historicities of flowers, other edible flowers may well be discovered and developed in the future. This should help not just the future plant-based industries, 17 but also the studies on the diminishing numbers of pollinators. 18
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
Kinilaw23 is likened to ceviche24 of the Latinxs or the sushi25 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
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 Data2 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 singularity3 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.
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 monetization3 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.
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.
Vincent Carlo Duran Cuzon 