by Carmela Isabelle P. Disilio
Hailing from the Cordillera region where tradition meets innovation, Ma. Dolores Cynthia C. Zarate is reshaping the landscape of agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
As she gained inspiration from her husband and seasoned mentors, Zarate carved a name of her own in agricultural innovation through the creation of the Hammer Mill which eyes to revolutionize small-scale food processing of dried root crops.
A natural problem-solver
As early as her graduate studies, Zarate already had a deep-rooted interest in research and passion for problem-solving.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Zarate.
With this, Zarate's invention was born out of a common problem faced by small-scale food processors: the clumping of root crop flour during milling.
Traditional commercial mills often incorporate unwanted iron particles into the flour and experience frequent operational disruptions. Zarate aimed to create a solution that would produce fine, non-clumping root crop flour more efficiently and cleanly.
Creating a game-changer in food processing
Her answer was the creation of a hammer mill equipped with swinging blades. These blades not only pound and grind the dried root crops but also swing to prevent jamming when encountering tough materials. Additionally, the blades feature fins that act as air fans, effectively blowing the fine particles out of the grinding chamber and into the outlet.
Working prototype of the Hammer Mill created by inventor Ma. Dolores Cynthia C. Zarate.
A unique aspect of Zarate's hammer mill is the inclusion of a temperature sensor. This sensor automatically stops the mill when temperatures reach a level that could cause clumping due to the caramelization of sugars in the root crops. Once the material cools down, the mill can be restarted, ensuring continuous and efficient operation and quality of the processed crops.
Overcoming hurdles in her innovation journey
"Making the machine sturdy and efficient posed a significant challenge," Zarate admits. However, setbacks during testing only fueled their determination. "Failure is part of the process, as long as there's room for improvement," she emphasizes.
Currently in the prototype stage, Zarate envisions her invention benefiting small-scale food processors with its portability and low power consumption. Early tests have shown promising results, meeting required flour fineness standards.
Looking ahead, Zarate sees her invention commercialized and improved, aiming for widespread adoption in the next decade.
Between career and motherhood
Reflecting on her role as a mother and an inventor, Zarate underscores the importance of creativity and resourcefulness required in both. To date, Zarate is also a mother of three successful professionals in the creative industry.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Zarate.
Zarate also sees her gender as an advantage rather than a hindrance in pursuing her career in science and technology. Being a woman allows her to humanize technological advancements and solutions in addressing societal challenges.
The Importance of Global Engagement
For Zarate, participating in the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE) brings both excitement and anticipation as she hopes to gain inspiration, exposure, and potential collaborations to promote her invention further.
"Participating in global expositions allows us to keep up with market needs and assess how our innovations compare to those from other countries," she says. "It's about closing the gap and learning from the best."
Zarate acknowledges DOST-TAPI's crucial support in patenting, funding prototypes, and opening opportunities for international exposure for Filipino inventors.
** This article is part of the "Stirring the Future Solutions" campaign for the participants of the 2024 Korea International Women's Invention Exhibition (KIWIE). For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.
