Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija - The Department of Science and Technology-Central Luzon (DOST-3) has announced a partnership with Bauertek Corp. to establish a state-of-the-art research, manufacturing, and development facility in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. This facility will focus on extracting and processing bioactive compounds for the food and agriculture industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOST-3 Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, in a radio interview, highlighted the timeliness of the project and its alignment with DOST's vision of making the Science City of Muñoz a model smart city in the Philippines. The facility, supported by DOST's Business Innovation through Science and Technology program, will feature high-end laboratory equipment, benefiting not only Bauertek Corp. but also local researchers in Central Luzon. Sicat sees this development as a game-changer, offering opportunities for indigenous plant materials to become profitable for farmers. He encouraged the academe, private partners, and innovators to develop and commercialize relevant technologies, emphasizing the positive impact on the community and the demonstration of the effectiveness of science. The facility, which will include an herbal processing center, plantation, research, and visitor's center, will be constructed on a 16-hectare lot within the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) compound. The agreement for the establishment of the facility was forged between Bauertek Corp. and CLSU on November 13. The project promises to provide faculty, staff researchers, and students with access to advanced laboratories, create jobs, and generate income for the Science City of Muñoz. Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to be completed within two years.