Biliran studes join DOST Scholarship exams

A total of one hundred twenty three (123) graduating high school students from around Biliran Province and nearby Leyte town flocked to Naval State University where the SY 2012-2013 DOST Scholarship Qualifying Examinations was conducted on November 20, 2011 from 7:00 AM to 6:00PM.

The students came from the different private and public high schools from the Division of Biliran and were members of the top 5% of the graduating class and those from special match and science classes of science accredited high schools.

If this examinees would pass the test, they will be considered DOST scholars who can avail free tuition and monthly stipend and other benefits in accredited universities around the country.

SETUP approves 2 new projects for Biliran

A total of PhP355,000 worth of technology upgrading assistance has been released to two (2) micro enterprises in the Province of Biliran in the 3rd quarter of 2011. The financial support include the acquisition of new equipment to improve production efficiency and production volume and improve the packaging and labeling of their products.

Winconfel Suman from Naval, Biliran would soon be acquiring improved set of equipment for the processing of glutenous rice into the popular native delicacy from Naval - the "Balintawak suman." In the otherhand, JV Bakeshop from Kansanoc, Kawayan, Biliran will be improving their process of producing the sweet otap, a sugar coated pastry popular among Cebuanos.

The financial support aims to improve the production volume of the msmes by at least 20% from their current production. This support will economically result to increase revenue and will provide employment opportunity in the locality.
(Inset Photo: wrapping of balintawak suman in anahaw leaves)

Phase II of citronella project in Biliran takes off

BEOMP consultant Engr. Jesus Villamil, inspects new distilling still

Another set of new citronella oil distilling equipment is about to be used by Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing of Brgy. Bato, Biliran, Biliran Province after DOST provided the company the second phase of financial support for technology upgrading of its processing plant.

BEOM is the first success story of the SETUP program in Biliran province when it created income opportunity to the community through employment, improvement of its product quality, and increasing the production volume, on top of other economic parameters (see related article). Above all these indicators is the successful completion of the firm's refund of the financial support provided by DOST for the Phase I of equipment acquisition. DOST provided PhP 865,000.00 for the Phase II new equipment.

The equipment is ready for testing at the fabrication site in Kananga, Leyte who is supervised by BEOM consultant Engr. Jesus Villamil. "When tests will be completed the equipment will be transported to the plant site in Brgy. Bato for on-site testing and trial operation," Mr. Jesus Doyon Sr., BEOM propriator said. The new equipment is expected to replace the old distilling unit used by the firm when its operation started. The old unit had been inefficient due to frequent bug downs and repair. With the acquisition of the new unit, cost of maintenance will be reduced and production capacity of the plant will be optimized.

The new unit will now be working side by side with the distiller purchased during the phase I of the project

Citronella oil extraction project in Biliran

One of the success stories in the implementation of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Region VIII is the citronella extraction project in Barangay Bato, Biliran, Biliran. The citronella oil extraction plant is operated by the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines (BEOMP) with office at Ormoc City owned by Mr. Jesus F. Doyon, Sr.

The firm started operation in 2004. The adoptor initially uses the crude design of the citronella oil extraction equipment developed by Engr. Jesus Villamil, who became Mr. Doyon’s consultant. Realizing the potential of the citronella oil industry, the company continuously seek the assistance of DOST and other agencies for improvement of the process and expansion of the essential oil venture. Latest addition to the innovativeness of the owner is the adoption of new citronella oil extractor design which can use both LPG and firewood as fuel, and under vacuum condition through the support of DOST. This was conceived because of the desire of the proprietor to improve citronella oil quality for the future needs of buyers who would demand better quality oil. Although ambitious, the proponent was looking in advance for expansion of its local market share and possible foreign market. The Internet is its current market scout through Mr. Doyon’s marketing manager, Mrs. Irma Paras, with the support of DOST-Biliran PSTC.

DOST through several agencies such as the Industrial Technology Development Institute, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute, the DOST Regional Office No. VIII and the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center have provided continuous support to the company since its operation in 2004. Among the assistance provided was on the quality assessment of citronella oil. Result of ITDI chemical analysis show that the citronella oil produced by the company contain about 21-25% geraniol (the essential alcohol component of citronella oil). Because of this ITDI recommended possible improvement of the process to increase geraniol levels such as use of vacuum distiller. This innovation was integrated in the design of the new citronella oil extraction machine which was acquired through funding support by DOST's SET-UP in the amount of PhP365,000.00 in 2006.

Another recommendation in the Valdecañas & Torres report, which was integrated in the new design, was the use of alternative fuel (LPG) and the fiberglass insulation of the main extractor vessel. Continued technical consultancy was provided in the manufacturing practices of the company such as elimination of the use of waste tire as fuel or fire starter in the burner, the possible removal of dead leaves and other minor recommendations, which the adoptor used.

The firms production and sales from citronella oil almost doubled compared to its past levels. Increase of production ranges from 80-100% from its original level in 2004. Gross sales in 2007 approximately reached PhP780,000 which is about 84% increase from 2004 recorded sales (Based on DOST Pre-Implementation Sheet data).The citronella oil becomes clearer and finer with geraniol considerably increased to 52% based on latest analysis of ITDI.

The intervention of the DOST was matched up by the proponent’s increased investment with the acquisition of additional equipment, facility improvement, and farm implements reaching about PhP 3.5 M. In an industry level, since BEOM is the only producer in the Region, the investment is a major contribution. The expansion of the plantation from the existing 15-hectare active plantation to another 20 hectares was a big leap to reactivating the 50 hectares used by the earlier companies.

The waste grass was not a problem for the company since it is biodegradable and can be used as organic fertilizer for the plantation and landfill for the remaining uncultivated areas. The waste water was used as spray for the plants to repel insects and pests.

What then could be a good sign of success as far as SETUP is concerned? Well, among the milestones achieved is BEOMP's completion of its refund of the SETUP assistance in 2009. Having employed at least 30 workers and involved farmers in citronella grass cultivation is a legacy that would be a starting point for a growing industry in this Island Paradise of Biliran. A proof that a lazy man's crop like citronella grass could be a good source of livelihood and income to the local folks.

For more details, interested citronella oil buyers and investors may contact Ms. Irma Paras (email: irmaparas@yahoo.com or irmadoyon@yahoo.com and phone number:+639239202060 or +639273641259).

ISO Preparation activities

The month of June was a hectic month for Biliran PSTC. Not only that our activities were focused on finalizing our implementation of ISO 9000:2008 for accreditation purposes, but also that my assistant, SRS II, is on leave for the entire month, and sadly he planned to resign starting July 2009; for greener pasture, I suppose.

The whole DOST-8 was occupied with series of events on ISO and provincial staff were required to join. We have our Internal Audit training last month, of course with MIRDC, and the actual conduct of Internal Audit.

Despite the time pressure, with me out of office most of the time, new projects are being worked out and are on the pipeline. I would mention them on the next post. Thanks to my job order staff, a janitorial employee who is able to cope the instant promotion (of work only, not pay) in becoming my SRS II. Things really are tough in the DOST. Well, that's science and technology.