Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU, GH NutriPharma Inc. to develop heat-pump dried commodities

By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Binhi Bio Farm of GH NutriPharma, Inc., formally entered a partnership to develop innovative heat pump-dried agricultural products. The collaboration was formalized during a virtual signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on May 15.

The agreement supports MMSU’s project, Academe-Industry Partnership on Processing and Product Development Using Heat Pump-Dried Indigenous Commodities, a spin-off of the university’s first approved extension project titled Accessing Meager Communities through Hearty Derivatives and Products Using the Automated Multi-Commodity Heat Pump Dryer. This initiative focuses on using heat pump drying technology, a sustainable and energy-efficient method, to enhance the value, shelf life, and market potential of indigenous crops.

Leading the signing were Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., MMSU President, and Mr. Patrick Roquel, president and owner of GH NutriPharma, Inc.

The signing was witnessed by Dr. Marilou Lucas, extension director; Dr. Lorcelie Taclan, project leader; and co-project leaders Dr. Bethany Grace Calixto, Dr. Jemmarie Suetos, Dr. Rowena Antemano, and Dr. Sabina Parinas. Dr. Elinor Roquel, vice president and co-owner, and Colin Velasco, manufacturing engineer, also represented GH NutriPharma.

In the agreement, MMSU will provide technical expertise, identify farmer-cooperators, supply raw materials for drying, and lead promotional and training efforts. The university will also lead clinical trials for the developed products, an important step to ensure their safety and efficacy for market use.

GH NutriPharma, through its Binhi Bio Farm, will assist in identifying potential products for development, link MMSU with industry partners, and provide funding for both product development and clinical trials. The company will also allocate space and resources for joint project activities.

“This partnership reflects our commitment not only to advancing research and innovation, but also to improving the livelihood of our local farmers,” said Dr. Manzano.
He added that by working with industry, science can be transformed into sustainable, market-ready solutions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Roquel emphasized the shared vision of both institutions, describing it as a foundation for creating new opportunities in local and global markets.