DOST, BIPSU conduct 1st Qtr. CEST Project Assessment

The DOST Biliran PSTC and the Biliran Province State University-Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension conducted on April 22, 2022, the First Quarter Assessment of the Progress of the implementation of various projects under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) managed by BIPSU with funding support from DOST CII. 

The assessment identified challenges during the implementation and agreed on strategies to address the issues and concerns for the realization of project objectives. The project review was spearheaded by Dr. Romeo Dignos, DOST Biliran, and Dr. Marianne Agnes Mendoza, VP for REI of BIPSU, and attended by project leaders of the different RDE Projects.  Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba SRS II and Ms. Ellen Joyce Nartia Project Assistant I of PSTC Biliran facilitated the meeting.

DOST Biliran conducts post disaster assessment on SETUP projects

The DOST Biliran SETUP Team led by Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo, Project Assistant II and Mr Teddy Abenido, Project Assistant I conducted on April 19-22, 2022 the assessment of the impacts of typhoon Agaton on the operations of SETUP assisted projects in Biliran Province. 

The recent flooding caused by heavy rains brought by the typhoon affected vast areas in the island. Many properties were damaged by the flash flooding and business operations were hampered due to unpassable roads. The assessment will collect data as to the extent of damages experienced by the enterprises in order for DOST to decide if deferment of refund is necessary to help the respective entrepreneurs to cope with the effect of the natural disasters.

DOST, BiPSU-BilCam conducts training on ginger soft candy making

Fifteen members of the Lower San Agustin Women’s Association (LOSAWA) in Brgy. Uson, Caibiran, Biliran have experienced, hands-on, the process of making candies from desiccated ginger pulps last March 16, 2022. Traditionally, the ginger pulp “sapal” which is a by-product in ginger tea or instant salabat production is thrown as waste.

A joint team from DOST-8 Biliran PSTC and the Biliran Province State University-Biliran Campus coordinated the conduct of the one-day training to the women, who are mostly jobless housewives from the locality. Their leader, Ms. Gloria Sarsalejo, persistently rallied the women to empower them to participate in the endeavor that is expected to provide them livelihood and income. Currently, the group produces ginger and turmeric powders and is marketed in the municipality of Caibiran and buyers from within and outside the Province of Biliran.

DOST Certifies BEI for May 2022 Election

The Certification of the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) from Biliran Province for the May 2022 Election has taken off in Biliran on March 14, 2022. The activity was preceded by a coordination meeting with the Provincial COMELEC Office and other major stakeholders including the Department of Education and the Biliran Electric Cooperative. 

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center presented to the COMELEC Officials the process to be implemented in the certification of BEIs. The DOST is tasked to certify the EB as IT capable of operating the Vote Counting Machine. More than 400 teachers are expected to undertake the certification.

The DOST Biliran Certification Team is led by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD as Supervising Certifier with Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba and Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo as Certifiers.

DOST 8-Biliran PSTC joins LGU Naval’s 2nd Livelihood Summit Trade Fair

The DOST8 PSTC-Biliran joined the product exhibits and fair in the 2nd Livelihood Summit and Trade Fair 2022 sponsored by the Municipal Government of Naval at BiPSU Main Campus Gymnasium in Naval, Biliran.

The activity is aimed to promote and sell local products of the different producers from the municipality and the province. The activity ran for two days on February 9-10, 2022. 

The PSTC showcased products from SETUP and GIA-assisted firms/organizations. The two-day Trade Fair generated considerable sales to the various exhibitors from the municipality of the Naval. DOST Biliran generated about P10,000.00 in sales from products displayed.

DOST turns over CEST Fund to LGU Naval

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No.8 turned over a project fund amounting to P500,000.00 to the Local Government Unit of Naval during the 2nd Livelihood Summit held on February 9, 2022, at BIPSU Gym, Naval, Biliran. The fund is intended to support the livelihood development, food sufficiency, and nutrition projects of the town under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program of DOST.

The DOST-VIII Regional Director Engr. Ernesto M. Granada personally handed the check to the Mayor of Naval, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina, and witnessed by Biliran Province State University President, Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr., DOST-Biliran Provincial S&T Director Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, and the San Pablo Farmers Association members as the project's target beneficiaries. 

PLGU Biliran release financial support for CEST Project with BiPSU and DOST

The Provincial Government of Biliran through Honorable Governor Rogelio J. Espina released today the counterpart fund of the PLGU for the DOST-Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project in Higatangan Island implemented by the BiPSU Main Campus. 

Receiving the check amounting to PhP 530,000 is Engr Brian Bernil, BiPSU CEST-Project Team Leader and his Project Staff Mr. Jessie Sanoy, with the presence of DOST-Biliran Project Assistant Ms. Ellen Joyce B. Nartia and Ms. Gretchen Espina, the Governor's Executive Secretary. 

DOST VIII Biliran PSTC conducts SETUP Forum

The DOST Biliran successfully conducted on December 10, 2021 the Annual SETUP Forum in Naval, Biliran in partnership with the DTI-Biliran Provincial Office and the Provincial Government of Biliran thru the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services. 

 The event included the presentation of DOST SETUP Program to MSMEs from the municipalities of Kawayan, Culaba, and Caibiran to encourage them to avail of SETUP. Likewise, the event was highlighted by the awarding of certificates to SETUP Graduates (those MSMEs who availed SETUP and completed their refund obligations of the financial assistance). One of this year's graduates, the Naval Bicycle Center was awarded a plaque being the Provincial winner and the 1ST Runner Up of the 2021 Region 8 SETUP PRAISE AWARD. 

To encourage further the participants, former SETUP Awardees from Biliran gave their testimonies on how SETUP helped their respective firms. the guests were Mr. Noel Pla of Know Well Office Systems and Mr. Rogelio Cabulang of AR La Naval Motor Parts both in Naval, Biliran. Ms. Sally Requillo of Naval Bicycle Center also gave her testimonies. 

DOST 8 Biliran PSTC brings S&T to Maripipi Island

The DOST PSTC Biliran Team poses with Maripipi Mayor Caingcoy 
and the participants of the Forum

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII successfully conducted various Science and Technology-based promotion and extension activities in the geographically challenged island municipality of Maripipi. The activities were fully supported by the LGU of Maripipi through Hon. Joseph Caingcoy, who actively graced the activities by his presence and support. Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry Biliran Provincial Office assisted the DOST through the Negosyo Center Facility and personnel. 

Maripipi town is one of the 8 component municipalities of the Province of Biliran and the only municipality in a separate island. It is the mother town of the popular tourist destination, Sambawan Island, which is another beautiful islet in the various islands comprising the Province of Biliran. 

DOST-8 helps PRLEC Community in Naval, Biliran

In support of the Organic Vegetable production of the Cabungaan Farmer's Association, Naval, Biliran, a priority community under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the NTF-ELCAC, the DOST Biliran conducted on October 22, 2021, a technology demonstration on the operation and use of the shredder for organic fertilizer production. Three operators from the association were trained on how to run the machine. 

The CFA requested DOST-8 for the said equipment to enhance their capability to produce organic fertilizer from vermicast. Biomass farm wastes need to be shredded to enhance their decomposition. The equipment used was initially used as a demo unit pending the approval of the DOST-8 Regional Technical Evaluation Committee (RTEC) and the Regional Director, Engr Ernesto M Granada, for its donation. Once approved, the said machine will be given to the association as long as they need them. 

𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗚𝗨-𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

The PSTC Biliran responded to the request of LGU-Naval, through the Livelihood and Training Center for assistance to community on the production of mushroom using mushroom-in-bags technology. The office conducted assessment of the community needs and consider it for possible assistance under CEST (Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology https://cest.ph/) under the areas of Human Resource Development, Enterprise Development, and Nutrition and Food Sufficiency. 

Mushroom production had been one of the approaches to providing alternative and healthier source of protein as substitute to meat for the health conscious. Aside from being a meat alternative, mushrooms make a good ingredient for many meat-based recipes and formulations. 

DOST-8, BIPSU Energy Audit Team Assists Mini Hydro Project in Biliran

DOST-8 through the Biliran PSTC deployed the Energy Audit Team of Biliran Province State University headed by Engr. Bryan Bernil and Engr. Neil Sereño on Sept 16, 2021 to address some problems in the operation of the only micro hydropower system that exist in Biliran Province used by the Cabadiangan Cold Spring Resort in Naval, Biliran. 

Cabadiangan Cold Spring Resort utilizes hydroelectric power for its lighting needs and in the production of tube ice needed by its customers. For more than a year, the resort owners Mr. and Mrs. Vicente Curso, had been using this micro power generation system with the capacity of 5KW. However, the owner has experienced recently unstable power generation. The resort noticed low voltage output even if the water flow is very stable. This resorted them to use the power supplied by the local Electric Cooperative which is more costly instead of using the hydropower system which is a renewable energy source and is free for their use. 

DOST 8 approves PhP 2.1 M assistance to 5 MSMEs in Biliran

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII approved recently a total amount of PhP 2.1 M financial assistance to upgrade the facilities of 5 firms in the Province of Biliran under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The proponents have signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the projects. 

The fund will be used to acquire improved technologies and procure technology related equipment to boost the productivity of these firms. The five firms located in different municipalities of the Island Province of Biliran include the following: 

1) Lloyd’s Meat Shop, Almeria, Biliran for the Upgrading of its meat processing facility with the adoption of high fiber sausage technology and acquisition of GMP compliant meat processing equipment as well as improvement of their packaging; 

DOST-8 supports Agricultural Productivity projects in Biliran Province

With the end view of helping local farmers improve their productivity, the DOST Biliran PSTC joined hands with several Local Government Units and the Biliran Province State University to undertake several science and technology-based interventions. 

The BiPSU together with Mun. Agricultural Office of the LGU-Almeria, Biliran assisted DOST Biliran by fielding their consultants which are accredited by DOST’s Consultancy on Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Consultancy Program to assist two farmer groups from Biliran, Province. The consultants are: Mr. Brian Sinagote, the MAO of Almeria and expert in Agricultural Production and on Landscaping and Dr. Ramelito Petilos, expert in Agricultural and Livestock Production and a licensed Veterinarian. 

DOST Region VIII CEST empowering communities in Biliran Province

Governor Rogelio Espina and Direct Ernesto Granada during turn-over
of financial assistance

July 12, 2021. Naval, Biliran.  The hardworking Regional Director of DOST-8, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada personally visited Biliran Province today to meet the equally hardworking Governor of Biliran Province Hon Rogelio J. Espina to jointly hand down funding assistance to two economically challenged communities in the Province under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST). 

The turn-over ceremonies are witnessed by the faculty and staff of BiPSU Main campus and BiPSU Biliran campus together with the barangay Chairpersons from Higatangan, representative of LGU-Naval, the PIA Biliran, and the beneficiary groups’ representatives. Governor Espina was appreciative of how DOST was able to support the governments’ trust of helping the people most in need of assistance and lauded the efforts of DOST-8 management through DOST-Biliran PSTC to involve the LGU in planning and project implementation. Hon. Espina further stressed, he is very willing to support endeavors of the national agencies if needed. 

Micro-enterpreneur uses innovation to pump prime his business

Being a micro-enterprise does not prevent one from being innovative and use technology to drive its business to success.

Mr. Ramsey Rom inspects the mixer

Lersey Hardware and Construction Supply, in Inasuyan, Kawayan, Biliran has proven that even a micro business producing concrete hollow blocks can adopt technology to pump prime its business operation. Mr. Ramsey Rom, proprietor of LHCS has currently doubled its output with the adoption of mechanized mixer and molder for the production  of 4 inches and 6 inches concrete hollow blocks (CHB). On top of this, Mr. Rom adopted a material formulation for hollow blocks production that is proven by research to increase the strength of the finished product. 

Mr. Rom declared that he started producing concrete hollow blocks by purely manual process using just a single CHB molder and a pair of shovels obtained from his friend. With the help of the Department of Science and Technology Region 8 through the Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, LHCS acquired a 1-bagger mixer powered by 5hp motor and 2 semi-mechanized molders one each for 4" CHB and 6" CHB. With this improvement the firm can produce at least 8,000 pcs of CHB a month from just about 4,000 pcs with manual mixing and molding. 

Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina Supports Science & Technology Based project for environmental management of Higatangan Island

Hon. Governor Rogelio Espina with
Dr. Dignos DOST-Biliran PD

The Honorable Governor, Doctor Rogelio J. Espina of Biliran signed today the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 8 and the Biliran Province State University for the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology project in the tourist island of Higatangan.

Governor Espina, enthusiastically expressed his full support to the project which has three components that would benefit not only the Higatangan Island constituents but also every tourist who will visit the beautiful island.  

The first component is the "Adoption of Eco-Sep Technology for Waste Treatment in Two (2) Selected Tourist Sites in Higatangan Island. This component will put up a communal CR to be used by tourists. This facility will be equipped with the eco-friendly septic tank that will use vigormin, a nature friendly formula to treat the wastewater from comfort rooms before it will be discharged to the ground or used to water ornaments and other plants. The Barangay LGUs will be tapped to identify appropriate location for the CRs one for each barangay. The said project will showcase the Eco-Sep Technology developed by Adamson University and will serve as model to be followed by local tourism facility operators of the island. The project will ultimately lessen or eliminate the problem of waste water contamination of the beaches in this tourism haven.

Culaba's traditional bread a heritage made possible thru grassroots innovation

Have you tasted the most delicious bread from Culaba, Biliran?

Well. despite, the rise of many state of the art bakeries in the urban areas, a traditional bread remained  sought after by residents in the town of Culaba, Biliran. The bread is produced by a family in the rural community of  Brgy Bool East, Culaba, Biliran.

One could be challenged by the claims of many who tasted the bread as the "pinakamasarap na tinapay."

Responding to the request of Dr. Faustito Aure, of the Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City who happened to have a close encounter with the traditional bread maker, to assess the product for possible DOST assistance, the DOST Biliran PSTC staff in coordination with the Culaba Municipal Planning and Development Office through Engr. Albert Fiel its MPDO, went to where the bread is. 

The DOST-Biliran team went there to discover the truth and find scientific and technological basis why such a claim. The team found out that the bread's popularity even spread beyond the borders of Culaba to the nearby towns of Kawayan and reached even Naval, the capital of Biliran Province. But the most solid evidence of the breads unique taste, as claimed, is the technology used by its makers. 

DOST FNRI's E-Nutribun now available in Biliran

Look: A nutritious bread for all Biliranons! 

The technology on Enhanced Nutribun production (Squash Variant) developed by DOST-FNRI is set to be produced starting this Friday (May 28, 2021) by Mam Dit's Baker's Corner Brgy. Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran.

Ms. Sherlyn Salloman Nogra is the owner of Mam Dit's, a micro-level enterprise that specializes in the production of Breads and Pastries. The firm is a beneficiary of the DOST-SETUP assistance. 

Through the said program, Mam Dit's Baker's Corner was able to adopt the technology and became the FIRST and ONLY licensed producer of DOST-FNRI ENHANCED NUTRIBUN in Biliran Province (as of this writing). 

DOST-Biliran joins the planting fad in pandemic times

Gov. Rogelio J. Espina w/ PSTD Romeo Dignos
of DOST Biliran during the Project launching

The pandemic created a new fad within our neighborhoods developing the plantitos and plantitas amongst us. 

Well, its a productive craze that enabled many to derive income out of it. Selling planting materials, seeds, seedlings, potting media, fertilizers, pots, organic vegetables, beautiful ornamentals of varied species, and many others. The government responded well by promoting agricultural production during this challenging times and provided support in terms of technology, human resource capability enhancement, experts advices, and many others.

The DOST-Biliran Provincial Science and Technology joined the efforts of the national and local governments in stimulating agriculture productivity of micro and small farms and even up to the household levels to sustain the needs of the populace. In 2020, armed with a meager fund allocated under the Grand-in-Aid Program of the DOST Regional Office No. VIII, DOST-Biliran was able to provide one (1) unit of Greenhouse to the Provincial Government of Biliran through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS).