"Tuyo", a Filipino staple food, has faced challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions and lack of proper sanitation. Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso developed the BIODRY MACH, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sun-drying. Powered by renewable biomass like rice hulls, the bio-friendly dryer operates without electricity, ensuring reliable drying in 3 to 7.5 hours. With a 100-kg capacity per cycle, it delivers consistent, high-quality results regardless of weather conditions. The bio-friendly dryer is made from food-grade stainless steel, ensuring hygienic, safe dried fish and preventing spoilage. Licensed under IPOPHIL, the BIODRY MACH offers a sustainable and competitive alternative to traditional sun-drying methods. 

BioDry Mach: Modernizing the Ancient Way of Preserving

“Tuyo,” or known locally as “Uga,” is a cherished Filipino staple food deeply rooted from our rich history of drying our food to preserve it before refrigeration was invented.

The traditional method of sun-drying has been a staple in both household and commercial fish drying processes. However, as the weather becomes more unpredictable, producers relying heavily on this method face significant challenges.  Although the cost of the process is fairly cheap, sun drying becomes problematic during the rainy season (DOST, 2013).

A 2024 survey conducted by Isabel Cabugao, an instructor at CAPSU – Main Campus, among 100 targeted participants involved in dried fish production, revealed that in terms of production, unpredictable weather conditions, particularly high humidity and precipitation, significantly hinder the drying process, leading to spoilage and loss of product. However, Cabugao's research further highlighted that the lack of proper sanitation and inadequate technology were even more pressing issues, raising concerns about food safety and the absence of modern drying methods.

To address these challenges, Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso, a professor at CAPSU Burias Campus developed the BIODRY MACH—a sustainable, efficient, and hygienic alternative to traditional sun-drying.

Powered by renewable biomass like rice hulls, this eco-friendly dryer operates without electricity, ensuring reliable drying in 3 to 7.5 hours. With a 100-kg capacity per cycle, it delivers consistent, high-quality results regardless of weather conditions.

The BIODRY MACH boasts enhanced insulation for efficient heating and precise temperature and humidity control via a user-friendly system. Made from food-grade stainless steel, it ensures hygienic, safe dried fish while preventing spoilage and weather-related delays. Designed for sustainable, eco-friendly production, it boosts productivity and gives fish producers a competitive edge.

Registered and protected under IPOPHIL, the BIODRY MACH – Biomass-Fired Fish Dryer is ready for adoption by dried fish producers who are looking to modernize their drying processes. It not only addresses the challenges of today but also offers a way to preserve a traditional Filipino product while meeting modern consumer expectations for quality and sustainability.

Are you ready to become an adopter of this innovative technology and take your fish drying process to the next level?