Bicol: The Bicol University (BU) Guinobatan Campus is set to host its fourth annual agri-festival from September 8 to 11, focusing on postharvest technologies, agricultural innovation, value addition, and entrepreneurship within the agri-aqua sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the festival, themed "POSTHARVEST: Promoting Opportunities for Sustainable Transformation, Harnessing Agri-Aqua Resources for Value-Addition in Empowering Stakeholders and Technology," aims to unite students, farmers, researchers, government agencies, industry partners, and other community stakeholders. The event promotes technology-driven and sustainable approaches in agriculture and agri-aqua development.

The festival will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, technology demonstrations, product showcasing, career development, and enhanced collaboration among academia, government, industry, and farming communities. Its objectives include showcasing innovative postharvest technologies, research outputs, and best practices; promoting value addition, product development, and sustainable utilization of agricultural and aquatic resources; and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders while encouraging agriculture-related careers and entrepreneurship.

The opening day will feature an array of activities, including an opening parade, ribbon-cutting, a press conference, a boodle fight, booth hopping, and traditional games. The second day will offer seminar sessions, a campus tour, career guidance, an abaca fiber competition, and the Agrifest Vet Mission 2026.

On the third day, technology demonstrations, seminar sessions, a job fair, and student competitions will be held. The fourth day will conclude the festival with seminar sessions, the Food Innovation Challenge, and technology pitching activities. The Postharvest Technology Pavilion and booth displays will remain open throughout, providing educational opportunities for farmers and producers and exposing students to career and entrepreneurial prospects in agriculture and related industries.

The festival is anticipated to promote efforts to reduce postharvest losses, improve product quality, develop value-added products, and enhance the competitiveness of the agri-aqua sector. It will serve as a platform for BU Guinobatan and its partner institutions to bolster linkages and promote sustainable transformation through agriculture, technology, and innovation.