2008 in Review

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center, true to its mandate of delivering S & T services in the countryside as a linking arm of the DOST to its clients has contributed notable accomplishments for CY 2008. Priority projects and activities were centered on technology transfer and commercialization and support services including provision of technology information, equipment acquisition, and consultancy. These things were carried out by a lean PSTC organization, with two (2) regular staff and one (1) job order personnel, through proper networking of several partners and stakeholders in the area.

With very limited resources, the Center were able to submit several projects which were consequently approved and funded by the SET-UP NPMO for technology acquisition support. A total of six (6) projects were approved for CY 2008 for Biliran amounting to about PhP 2.3 M.

Innovation Systems Support

SET-UP Core Funded Projects

The Biliran PSTC facilitated the approval of the following project for core funding under the SET-UP technology acquisition support for CY 2008:

1. Upgrading of Metal Working Facility of the AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing, Naval, Biliran. The project includes acquisition of equipment for production of rebored cylinder heads for motorcycle and small engines. With MIRDC as partner other services include consultancy for process and productivity improvements. Total approved amount is PhP 995,000.00

SET UP also approved a project on Fish Processing which was later on split into two due to some intervening events:

2. The Bangus Processing project of Biliran Agri-Center involves the acquisition of equipment used in the preservation and storage of smoked bangus. The project is also located in Naval, Biliran with a total project cost of PhP 44,400.00

3. The second of the fish processing project is the Fish Processing Demonstration project in Cabucgayan, Biliran managed and operated by the Local Government Unit. The project involves the demonstration on the use of Smoke House and Mechanical Dryer for the production of quality smoked and dried fish. The project costs PhP 750,000.00.

4. Jornales Bakeshop of Biliran, Biliran a new firm established through DOST support, has its project on Cake Production approved in the amount of PhP 70,000.00. The project involves the acquisition of equipment for cake production such as heavy duty mixer and baking utensils.

5. Caril Furniture of Naval, Biliran. is another project approved in principle in the amount of PhP 70,000.00 but release of funds were delayed due to non-submission of some additional document needed.

6. Innovation Support for Vegetable based Noodles Production of WR Bakeshop, Naval, Biliran amounting to PhP 413,000.00 were also approved in 2008. The project would involve acquisition of equipment for noodles production using FNRI developed technology.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Based on key performance indicators, the Center was able to provide 26 technology interventions to 15 existing, and 2 new SMEs, province wide. DOST assisted projects generated gross sales of PhP 1.45 M and 155 man-months employments. The firms assisted made an average of 72% improvement in their productivity based on their initial capacity before DOST assistance.

Projects that contributed to these economic data include: the citronella oil extraction project of the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines in Biliran, Biliran, meat processing of Carding Meat Store in Naval, Biliran, coco-coir based handicrafts production by the Biliran Integrated Coco-Industries in Naval, and AJ Handicrafts metal-fiber based production.

Under the consultancy services to help improve productivity of MSMEs, 3 firms were assisted under MPEX and 1 under CAPE. A total of 30 other consultancy engagements were also conducted for the year benefiting a total of 127 clients, served by 36 local experts. In addition 35 experts under the STEVPP were able to serve the technical needs of 50 clients.

In coordination with line agencies like TESDA, DTI, DOLE, NIT, the FTTC of TESDA-CNSAT, a DOST assisted training facility, and other agencies, the PSTC was able to conduct 15 technology trainings involving 32 firms with a total of 252 participants.

In the process of promoting DOST technologies, the Center was able to conduct 2 technology fora participated by 16 firms and attended by 60 individuals from around the province.

Under the DATBED Program, a total of 8 student beneficiaries from 1 school were able to experience hands-on entrepreneurial activities through SET-UP funds.

(Photos (from top to buttom): The fish dryer in Cabucgayan, BICI coco-coir processing plant, BEOMP citronella processing plant, Carding Meat Store processing facility, sample squash based products, AWA soap packaging training)