CapSU development researcher sets high hopes on R&D

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Specialist

Capiz State University (CapSU)


Graduated Bachelor of Science major in Agricultural Engineering from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1978, Calinog-born Pedro Mallorca Celo, started work at the Capiz State University (then Panay State PolytechnicCollege) in 1985.

Prior to working in CapSU, Celo worked for the National Irrigation Administration’s Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, a four-irrigation system which operated in Jalaur River, Dingle; Mina; Aganan, San Miguel’ and Sta Barbara, all in the province of Iloilo. In the said period from 1978 to 1981, Celo gained relevant technical knowledge on efficient water management and planning and water management and land use systems. Until now, the said irrigation systems are in place.

Born in 1952, Engr. Celo is currently Associate Professor V at CapSU Burias Campus who is in charge of the Post-Harvest and Food Processing Engineering of the Department of Agricultural Engineering under the College of Agriculture and Forestry. Celo’s current post includes agricultural food processing and environmental engineering.

In 1995, Celo started being active in research. The thesis adviserships given him by the College allowed Celo to consider research for good. There Celo came to know that research work has to be geared towards solving a problem, based on observations. Research results are to be utilized—to solve an existing problem within the field, so as to improve agricultural productivity.

For one, engaging in innovative processes or developing machines—developing technologies—addresses specific problem or need, always helps address the need to improve the livelihood of its end users.

Engr. Celo (bottom left photo) takes part in the R&D symposium led
by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges,
an aggregate of eleven state universities and colleges in Western Visayas.

In the field of research, development starts with a concept. The researcher prepares a design of a process or a machine. Then after he fabricates the technology, he tests and evaluates, and leads to conduct the pilot testing. Then the technology’s adoption and commercialization should follow.

Through the years, Celo has undertaken a number of development technologies. In early 2000s, Celo has developed saba mechanical chipper and cassava mechanical chipper. Celo also helped fabricate a kaong dehydrator in 2004 and a ginger grinder and extractor in 2006.

In the last three years, Celo’s engagement in research produced a number of useful technologies including a small-scale VCO mill in 2007, jatropha stove and Jatropha gas stove in 2009 and coco shell gas stove in 2010.

Celo considers these inventions relevant even as they render benefits and advantages to the environment. According to Celo, the fabricated gas stoves using agricultural wastes or byproducts as fuel could eventually replace the use of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Celo acknowledges he has yet to see the extent of how the technologies he helped develop improved the lives of people in his locale. According to Celo, “we have yet to assess the impact of these interventions.” So far, the banana chipper their department once designed is presently being used by a multipurpose cooperative based in the province of Capiz.

For the 58-year old agricultural engineer, each technology they helped develop has pros and cons—each has significance. Developed technologies—even furnished with cost-and-return analysis—have trade-offs, always still open for in-depth study. Even if the technology produced is considered economically feasible today, six months from now may be a different story. “Lahat ng ginawa ko may sariling kontribusyon—masterpiece lahat ng mga ginawa ko,” Celo quips.

Through the years, Celo’s efforts in research have not gone unnoticed. His banana chipper project was cited second runner up by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) in 2008. In 2009 and 2010, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Western Visayas) awarded Celo’s development projects.Among others, Celo’s VCO mill and banana chipper technologies have been recognized at the annual in-house reviews at the CapSU.

Engr. Pedro Celo