Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center

𝐄𝐕𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 - 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 🌾

The Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC) successfully conducted the RTE Champorado Product Development: Preliminary Experiments from February 23–27, 2026 at the Food Processing Facility in San Roque, Northern Samar.

This activity is part of the CHAMPORADO Project (Community-Led Heat-Processed Alimentary Meals for Post-Disaster Operations and Resilient Agricultural Dietary Outreach) which aims to develop disaster-ready, shelf-stable food products that can support emergency feeding programs while promoting food innovation and livelihood opportunities for communities.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) and DOST–PSTO Northern Samar, strengthening partnerships in advancing food technology and innovation initiatives in the region.

During the five-day activity, the EVFIC technical team conducted product formulation trials, water retort processing, and sensory evaluation to determine the most acceptable formulation of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Champorado. Participants were also trained on thermal processing principles.

The successful conduct of this preliminary experiment marks an important milestone toward the development of a nutritious, shelf-stable champorado product that can contribute to disaster preparedness, food security, and community-based innovation in Eastern Visayas.

🎄 Before the noche buena leftovers disappear…

Merry Christmas! 🌟

Warm Christmas greetings from EVFIC to our valued clients, industry partners or partner agencies, and soon to be partners. Thank you for your trust and continued support. May this season bring you joy, peace, and meaningful moments with your loved ones.

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Christmas! ✨

---𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏---

In celebration of its 10-Year Anniversary last September 26, 2025, the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC) housed at Eastern Visayas State University successfully held the 2025 EVFIC Business Forum on December 9, 2025 at the Summit Hotel Tacloban City. The event was attended by Dr. Lydia M. Morante - VP for Administration, Finance and Auxiliary Services; Dr. Danilo B. Pulma - VP for Research, Innovation and Extension Services; Prof. Bernard Niño Q. Membrebe - Research Director & EVFIC Center Director; Prof. Mark Rembert M. Patindol - EVFIC Operations Manager; Dr. M. Windie C. Velarde - Director of Innovation Office, Mr. Salvador Bonifacio - Head of EVSU Negosyo Center; Dr. Hilaria Bustamante - Former Center Director of EVFIC; Dr. Isabelita M. Pamposa - DOST-Evfic Focal Person; Dr. Marilyn O. Radam - ARD for Technical Operations of DOST VIII who also delivered the message of DOST VIII Regional Director, Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña. Provincial Science & Technology Offices (Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte), LGU Palo, EVFIC Industry Partners, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban, Department of Economy, Planning and Development Region VIII, PGNS-PEDIPO, staffs of EVFIC, ORIES, Innovation Office, and EVSU Deans and Faculties.

Testimonial messages were delivered by Chef. Noel Barquera - Owner of Alto Peak Chocolate Processing, and Mr. Carlo Romano - President of TACLIYA, while Prof. Mark Rembert Patindol presented EVFIC’s commercializable technologies. A major highlight of the event was the Panel Discussion and Open Forum, where participants actively raised relevant questions on commercializable technologies of EVFIC, technology transfer, commercialization opportunities, and EVFIC services — demonstrating strong engagement and interest from stakeholders.

The center would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Ms. Giselle Janna Joyce Morcilla for sharing her talent during the forum, to the events' Master of Ceremony - Mr. Dindo Duane Biscante, and to Ms. Jenette F. Ruedas - Director of University Multimedia Development Center (UMDC).

As EVFIC continues to advance food innovation in Eastern Visayas, the center remains deeply grateful to its partners, EVSU community, and DOST Region VIII for their unwavering support and collaboration.

On April 15, 2025, several faculty members from the College of Technology (COT), Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), and the Eastern Visayas State University Food Innovation Center (EVSU FIC) were officially recognized for completing the Faculty Orientation Program and earning their full certification as Wadhwani Ignite Educators under the Wadhwani Entrepreneur Network’s IGNITE Entrepreneurship Course.
The certified educators from the HM and Industrial Technology Departments include:
Prof. Harvey Romawak
Prof. Mia Gretz Ramirez
Prof. Jan Vidale Naraja
Prof. Ma. Stefanie I. Caintic
From ITSO and EVSU FIC, the following personnel were certified:
Dr. Ma. Windie Velarde
Prof. Mark Rembert Patindol (EVFIC)
Mr. Vergel Cabidog (EVFIC)
Mr. Richard Rey Signar (EVFIC)
In addition to their certifications, several individuals and teams from EVSU received special awards for their outstanding performance throughout the course:
Best Venture - 2nd Place was awarded to the EVSU Food Innovation Center Team, composed of:
Dr. Ma. Windie Velarde
Prof. Ma. Stefanie I. Caintic
Prof. Mark Rembert Patindol (EVFIC)
Mr. Vergel Cabidog (EVFIC)
Mr. Richard Rey Signar (EVFIC)
Best Facilitator Awards were given to:
Dr. Ma. Windie Velarde
Mr. Vergel Cabidog (EVFIC)
Highest Overall Quiz Scores were attained by:
Dr. Ma. Windie Velarde
Prof. Mark Rembert Patindol (EVFIC)
Most Promising Entrepreneurship Educator (Highest Overall) was awarded to:
Mr. Vergel Cabidog (EVFIC)
This achievement reflects the dedication and capability of the EVSU academic community in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional growth. The training and recognition received through the Wadhwani Foundation—an international non-profit organization committed to accelerating job creation and sustainable livelihood in emerging economies—strengthen EVSU’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship education across the region.

The DOST-ITDI concluded the final leg of the "Training on Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of the DOST-Developed Food Processing Equipment (FPE)." The week-long training was a pivotal component of the DOST-GIA Project: Technical Support for DOST Regional Food Innovation Centers (RFICs). This initiative is a collaborative effort following the comprehensive rehabilitation of all Food Processing Equipment (FPEs) within each Regional Food Innovation Center. The training, conducted from February 19 to 23, 2024, has effectively paved the way for enhanced efficiency and productivity in the Food Innovation Centers.

Participants for this comprehensive training journeyed from various FICs across the regions, including Isabela State University, Cagayan State University, University of the Philippines Diliman, Mindoro State University, Eastern Visayas State University, and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.

Facilitated by the DOST-ITDI team, the training centered on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of DOST-Developed Food Processing Equipment. The sessions unfolded at the Food Innovation Center of the Industrial Technology Development Institute in Taguig City, Manila. The comprehensive training covered various aspects of food processing equipment, including but not limited to water retort, spray dryer, freeze dryer, vacuum fryer, and other ancillary equipment housed in the rFICs.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.'

Thank you for a decade of dedicated service to our Food Innovation Center Sir Ignacio Pabilona. Your cheerful spirit and commitment brings light to our workplace. May your journey to eternal peace be as bright as the joy you brought to our EVFIC Family.

📚🎓 Educational Learning Visit at EVFIC, EVSU Main Campus 🎓📚

🌟 On August 4th, 2023, The EVFIC welcomed, twenty-seven (27) 3rd-year BS Entrepreneurship students, along with three (3) faculty members from the BS Entrepreneurship department of Burauen EVSU Campus, as they embarked on an exciting educational learning visit to EVSU! 🏛️
💡💼 This visit was all about empowering our budding entrepreneurs with practical insights into the world of entrepreneurship while nurturing the importance of innovation. 🧠🌱
🤝 Partnering with EVFIC, we created an enriching experience where the students explored various EVFIC R&D initiatives, Services and facilities. They witnessed firsthand the importance of science, technology, and innovation in the world of business. 🌐🚀🏭 The students had also the opportunity to visit the Shared Service Facility (SSF) . This experience has ignited them the passion for entrepreneurship among students, empowering them to think big and explore new possibilities.

With the right exposure and support, they are poised to become the next generation of innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs! 💪🌟

Packing a hot lunch, such as soup, chili, or stew? Save these tips to keep you and your loved ones food safe!

The Department of Science and Technology Office VIII, in collaboration with the Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office, has successfully conducted an S&T intervention to enhance complementary food production in Baybay City. The intervention focused on optimizing the manufacturing process and improving product quality, with a particular emphasis on baby food and milk drinks made from specific root crop ingredient.

As part of this initiative, the beneficiary, LGU Baybay, acquired a water retort, which played a crucial role in achieving significant improvements. This technology enabled them to enhance the manufacturing process and elevate the quality of the food products produced. To ensure the success of the intervention, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) requested technical experts from the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center. Mr. Mark Rembert Patindol, EVFIC Operations Manager, and Ignacio Pabilona, Equipment Operator, were assigned to conduct onsite interventions from June 26-30, 2023, in Baybay City.

The remarkable outcomes achieved were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Science and Technology, the Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office, the LGU Baybay, and the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center.