TARLAC State University,  in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Tarlac, has launched Central Luzon’s first mobile food processing facility to help curb post-harvest losses and strengthen food security.

The ₱3.3-million project, called HI-SAGiP: Hybrid Innovation for Sustainable Agri-Goods Mobile Food Processing in Region III, will function as an on-call “food ambulance,” converting surplus crops such as squash, tomato, okra, and mango into marketable products.

A memorandum of agreement formalizing the initiative was signed last week, with TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, and DOST Provincial Science and Technology Director Karen Danez in attendance.

The College of Industrial Technology, led by Dean and project proponent Engr. Larry A. Suboc, will oversee the vehicle’s reconditioning and fabrication—including trailer construction, roofing, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The facility will feature food-grade systems, a mini kitchen, and solar power integration from the Center for Solar and Emerging Technologies.

Meanwhile, the College of Science’s Food Technology Department will ensure product safety and quality, producing jams, sauces, pickles, and vegetable powders.

“When not in use for community deployment, the food ambulance will serve as an educational resource for Food Technology students and assist local micro, small, and medium enterprises in processing their produce,” TSU said.