DOST supports NSU Research & Development efforts

Mr. Amosco & Mr Dignos during the critiquing

To boost the Naval State University's effort to improve its Research and Development capabilities, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII provided support by training NSU personnel on Statistical Procedures for Research and Development.

A training on Statistical Analysis, Data Interpretation, and Presentation was conducted by NSU in partnership with DOST-8 for the College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences in February 2013 and for the College of Engineering last April 25-26, 2013. Participants were taught on how to identify the best suited statistical analysis based on the design of their project. A matrix was provided to the researchers as easy reference.

Mr. Arnaldo T. Amosco, Jr., Provincial Science and Technology Director of Eastern Samar and the only qualified statistics expert of DOST-8 served as speaker during the series of trainings. DOST Biliran PSTD, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos assisted in the critiquing of the research proposals for the two separate trainings.

Research is one of the four-pronged mandates of state universities alongside instruction, production, and extension. However, many SUCs would admit they have limited capabilities as far as Research is concerned due to a lot of reasons. Among these is limited knowledge of researchers on experimental designs and data analysis and interpretation.

Statistical analysis in researches is a highly specialized knowledge that many researchers think its the sole responsibility of qualified statisticians. But good researchers agree that without knowledge of how the research is to be conducted and data analyzed good research is difficult to achieve.

DOST SEI SY 2013-2014 Scholarship Results

Listed below are the passers for the DOST SEI 2012 Scholarship Examinations from Biliran Province who will be considered scholars starting SY 2013-2014.

1. Apolinar, Lovely D.  Kawayan NHS  RA7687
2. Arche, Hizly Rose N. Naval SF  RA7687
3. Bagdoc, Analyn P.   Almeria NHS RA7687
4, Egipto, Rafael  C. Biliran NAHS  RA7687
5. Palconit, Patrick G.  Biliran NAHS  RA7687
6. Prudenciado, Renz    Maripipi NVS    RA7687
7. Racho, Jetran J.  Naval SF  RA7687
8. Rosel, Vanessa Joy C.  Manlabang NHS  RA7687
9. Tomenio, Rowel A. Culaba NVS  RA7687
10. Montes, Margie P.   Sisters of Mary School,

Congratulations Biliran passers!

Complete List of Passers from Region VIII , click here
Complete List of Passers Nationwide,click here

The DOST SEI SY 2013-2014 Scholarship qualifiers are entitled to free tuition and other school fees, book allowance, PE or NSTP uniform allowance, free round trip for one economy-class transportation if they study outside their home province, monthly living allowance, group health and accident insurance and post-graduation clothing allowance.

As DOST SEI scholars they can enroll in State Universities and Colleges (SUC) and other higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development.

Qualifiers of the DOST SEI SY 2013-2014 Scholarship are advised to wait for formal notice of qualification with the schedule of scholarship orientation and signing of scholarship agreement and the requirements to be submitted. For further information they can reach our office at (053)5009347.

DOST brings S & T to the countryside

A shot during the Forum

Mang Pandoy heaves a sigh of hope after hearing a presentation of DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). Finally, from the corner of his entrepreneurial mind he saw a beam of light that lifted up his small metal fabrication shop to a higher plane. "Puede ak niyo mabuligan?" ("Can you help me?")was his only question.

Mang Pandoy (Fernando Goyjodo) was one of the participants during the Forum on the SETUP Program conducted in the Municipal Session Hall of Caibiran, Biliran last January 8, 2013. He is engaged in fabrication of farm implements, metal grilles, and similar products and had been in this venture for more than five years now. Just like other metal fabrication shops he just relied on experience without adopting improved welding and finishing techniques that could have helped improve his products. Thanks to the forum, he has realized he could upgrade his shop and there is an agency that could assist him. And thanks to the local government of Caibiran headed by Mayor Eulalio Maderazo who generously offered support for the activity that was conducted by the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center.
In response to Mr. Goyjudo's question, DOST-Biliran, conducted a follow through activity in a form of Technology Needs Assessment of his firm. The TNA would ultimately determine what technological assistance DOST could provide to enhance his productivity and competitiveness. DOST lined up several programs to support him should he need them. These include the Manufacturing Productivity Enhancement program (MPEX), Cleaner Production Technology (CPT), Energy Audit, and others.

Preparation of support proposals will follow once technological needs are identified for Mang Pandoy's firm. This is also true to others who signified interest to avail DOST's Programs aas long as they belong to the priority sectors and their needs are technical. DOST-Biliran is always open for client's queries and they can be reached at (053)5009347 and their office is located at NSU Compound Naval, Biliran. (Donnie Rey D. Duhig, SRSI)

DOST helps improve Almeria's puffed rice product

Mayor Agajan of Almeria (2nd fr left)

Turning the simple puffed rice, popularly known as "ampaw" into a better marketable product is a challenge picked by the Department of Science and Technology Biliran Provincial Office by providing a package of assistance in a form of scientific and technological interventions to improve the product formulation and the processing techniques.

Development assistance through the DOST-8 GIA Program was provided to LGU-Almeria in the amount of Two Hundred Forty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP245,000.00) and was handed by Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, DOST Biliran Provincial Director to Hon. Dominador O. Agajan, Almeria's Chief Executive during a simple ceremony at the Municipal Hall in Almeria, Biliran last December 21, 2012.

The Municipality of Almeria in Biliran Province identified "ampaw" as one of the rice based products for which the town considers as its focus for improvement under the One Town One Product.

This financial assistance will be used for acquisition of equipment and will be housed in a facility which will serve the local producers of "ampaw" from the municipality. The Community based project is expected to provide training and technology demonstration as well as a common service facility for "ampaw" production. Establishing this facility is will benefit directly the local producers and indirectly the rice producers and the retailers of the improved ampaw products. The facility will focus on product quality improvement through technology and equipment acquisition plus packaging improvement.

"Ampaw" processing involves cooking the rice, drying the cooked rice, and then deep frying it. After which, caramelized sugar is added and the mixture is formed into balls or molded and cut like gold bars.

The product is a traditional snack or dessert items across all ages as long as the consumers have the capability to chew harder food, which is one of the characteristics of the product aside from its crispiness. Hardness could sometimes be a disadvantage among younger or older consumers.

But latest technological innovations developed better process and formulations that makes "ampaw" more easily chewable and even more nutritious. These technologies are essentially needed to be transferred to the local manufacturers not only to enhance product quality but also to make it more convenient for the consumers.

4 Biliran studes qualify the PSHS scholarships for SY 2013-2014

Four students from Biliran Division all coming from the Naval SPED Center in Naval, Biliran Province has been named to qualify as scholars for the premier science high school of the country- The Philippine Science High School. This developed after they passed the National Competitive Examinations conducted in September 2012.

(1) ANCERO, Velle Aila Maamo; (2) NAQUILA, Erika Mae Vicente; and (3) CAIRO, Maria Sheena Gudula Sabong qualify for the Eastern Visayas Campus, in Palo Leyte while (4) BADUYA, Mary Snow Haya Pilapil qualifies for the Central Visayas Campus in Cebu City.

For a complete list of passers, please click Complete List from PSHS site.

The passers are advised to refer to the respective campuses where they qualify after they received the official notice from the PSHS system.

As scholars, the qualifiers will have the privilege to study at the designated campus with benefits including free tuition, monthly stipend, and the opportunity to be among the best high school students of the country.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the passers.

DOST Biliran Inaugurates New Home

Two decades of moving from different locations until finally DOST Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center settled on a place it can call home.  Related Article-PIA

November 8, 2012 when Engr. Edgardo M. Esperancilla, DOST-8 Regional Director and Dr. Minerva Sanoza, Dean of the College of Education, representing Dr. Edita S. Genson. the President of the Naval State University led the Biliran and NSU Science community in inaugurating the newly erected DOST Biliran PSTC building within the campus of NSU, Naval, Biliran.

The proposal for establishing the DOST Biliran building started in 1992 when Biliran became a full fledged province (Biliran was a Sub-Province of Leyte until May 2012). The DOST-8 office was then under Dir. Redia N. Atienza as Regional Director, while Mr. Ronaldo Villaver as Provincial Coordinator for Leyte and Biliran PSTC.

Every year since then, budget for construction of the office was proposed but was always slashed. Until finally in 2011 budget hearing for the 2012 GAA Biliran PSTC Building worth PhP 3.0M wasfunded with the persistent effort of Dir. Esperancilla and the support of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo.

DOST-Biliran through the voice of Mr. Romeo Dignos, the DOST Biliran Provincial Director echoed its gratefulness for the full support of DOST-8 Management and to NSU for providing the use of its lot to house the center through a USUFRUCT agreement with DOST-8.

With the establishment of the center, the DOST is hopeful to provide better services and open more opportunities for assistance to to its target clientele. Dir Esperancilla said that the building will be a venue to other services sooner when it will be equipped as a science and technology library and even a small laboratory to cater to demands of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Biliran.

Dr. Genson in her message delivered by Dr. Sanoza, emphasized that with the establishment of the new building, DOST will "continue to be an important entity in partnership with the academe like NSU for the goal of promoting and developing the country."

The simple ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a blessing rite. Together with the NSU faculty members who were witnesses to the event was Mr. Matias Bentor, University Board Secretary and NSU Biliran campus Director.

Meanwhile, the DOST-8 family was joined by DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute Executive Director, Engr. Edgar Garcia, who was present with some staff to conduct evaluation of TAPI program implementation in Biliran.

Also present were national agency partners such as DepEd, TESDA, DOLE, PIA, and DTI among others.

The grateful clients assisted by DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program were witness to the ceremonies as well. Related Article-PIA

DOST Supports Organic Farming

Mr. Macorol, POFII (right) with Ms. Radam (2nd left)
during the training on CFA production

Organic has been the current trend in agricultural production. Along the agricultural value chain, subsistence farmers in the one end and large industrial companies in the other, both agreed on the advantages of going organic. These especially is abated by the felt rise of diseases related to consumption of products containing trace chemicals from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

Process Organic Farming Innovations Incorporated (POFII) is one of those convinced to focus on production of organically grown crops including the use of organic fertilizers. With the headship of Mr. Nestor Macorol, a native of Maripipi, Biliran, POFII sought assistance from DOST-Biliran for acquiring technical knowledge on use of Compost Fungus Activator (CFA) for the production of organic fertilizers. Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, Center Manager of DOST VIII S & T Laboratory Services, supported by her staff Mr. Alfred Calibuso, trained Mr. Macorol's group on CFA production last August 2-3, 2012 at Naval, Biliran.

CFA is a formulation of natural substrates (sawdust, and other organic materials) inoculated with naturally occuring Trichoderma harcianum, a type of fungus that hastens decomposition of farm wastes from the normal one month to at least a week.

POFII envisions to produce CFA for and distribute it to local farmers. Likewise, he plans to develop organic fertilizers either in liquid or solid forms utilizing the CFA technology.

DOST approves support for Babesken pastries

(L-R):Mr. DIgnos-PSTD DOST Biliran, Ms. Recuerdo,
Ms. Bacordo, & Engr. Gonda-DOST Biliran

From hobbyist to full scale entrepreneur, partners Norma Bacordo and Emma Recuerdo, proprietors of Babesken General Merchandise from Naval, Biliran received the nod from DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program for support in acquiring improved technology for pastry production as well as improving its packaging system.

 In a simple turn-over ceremony at DOST Biliran in NSU Compound on June 20, 2012 Babesken General Merchandise received the check amounting to Three Hundred Eighty Nine Thousand Pesos (PhP389,000.00) as financial support for acquisition of technology related equipment including label design and procurement of packaging materials.

Babesken's products with the current packaging

Babesken specializes on bread puddings,banana cakes, cassava cakes, and other specialty cakes. Currently the use of ordinary gas range from the kitchen or outsourced baking services is what they use to cook their cakes. The use of small capacity hand mixer is also a burden for Ms. Recuerdo. With the assistance from DOST SETUP, Hand mixing will be substituted by heavy duty mixer and a new baking oven specially designed for bakery purposes will be acquired.

Part of the assistance will also improve the packaging of Babesken's product which is simply just placed in styro and wrapped with thin plastic film. DOST SETUP will provide support for designing of improved product label and procurement of suitable packaging materials for their product.

Norma and Emma were both optimistic to see their product soon to come out from the market with new appearance which would be comparable with the well-known Gardenia products which their firm is also distributing throughout the province of Biliran.

Suman is Naval's new pride

Different variants of suman from Naval, Biliran

The lowly traditional delicacy from Naval, Biliran locally known as "suman" has become a new pride for Navaleneos recently both as "Pasalubong" treat or a special dessert or snack item in different occasions. This developed as the suman makers of Naval has been upgraded technologically with convergence support from DOST, DOLE, DTI, NSU, LGU Naval with the MSWDO,

Suman is a rice based delicacy using white and black glutenous rice cooked in coconut milk then rolled and twirled alongside, for black and white type (tinambiran), or rolled single either white or black, then wrapped either using "anahaw" leaves or banana leaves, then steamed. The white suman comes in salty or sweet taste.

L-R: Bacordo-MSWDO Naval, Vice Mayor Villordon
Mr Dignos-DOST, Mr Jamin-DTI, Ms. Solite

It all started when the local government of Naval decided to name it as its One Town One Product  and launched it during the Suman Festival in 2010 spearheaded by Hon. Mayor Susan Parilla and Vice Mayor Redy Villordon. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Naval, Ms. Norma Bacordo lead the Search for Naval's Best Suman which was technically backed up by the expertise of the Department of Science and Technology-Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center through Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, the Provincial Director, and his staff Engr. Ma. Catherine B. Gonda.

As an offshoot of the festival, "suman" started to become talk of the town. DTI and DOLE Biliran Provincial offices joined the crusade and organized the producers into what has become now, Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA). DTI through its RUMEP and with convergence support from DOLE, DOST, NSU and LGU Naval trained the members for new techniques in suman making. DOST-8 also trained the group on food handling and GMP appreciation. Later on DOST Biliran through the request of the MSWDO's Ms. Bacordo, prepared proposals for DOLE funding which was later approved. NASUMA members were able to acquire sets of equipment for suman making such as coconut grater, coconut milk extractor, steamer, heavy duty stove, large woks, and some supplies for suman production.

Soon, Naval will become suman capital of the Visayas and its quality product will be distributed from Biliran to Manila and out of the country through suman loving Balikbayans. There could never be a trip to Biliran without a taste of suman. So the next time you visit the Island Paradise of Biliran think and taste the suman of Naval.

DOST 8 Executive named 2011 GAWAD CES Awardee

His friends call him Ed, but in DOST-8 he is Sir Ed. and he is worthy to be called Sir not just because of his good leadership but also because he steered the office into exceptional civil service noticeable enough for him to be named one of the five government service executives to receive the 2011 Gawad Career Executive Service Presidential Award, one of the most prestigious award given by the Career Executive Service Board to government executives.

DOST joins 20th Biliran Provincehood

DOST Biliran grabs 3rd place among other national government agencies in the recently held booth dressing contest, one of the main highlights of the 20th Biliran Provincehood Anniversary celebration on May 9-11, 2012 held at the Biliran Provincial Capitol grounds in Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

The DOST exhibits, which was a jointly arranged by DOST Biliran staff and Engr. Ramil Uy of DOST Regional office, featured the DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and all the products out of the projects assisted by it.

Products displayed include: 1) citronella oil packed in 10ml bottles produced by Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines from Bato, Biliran, 2) Otap produced by JV Bakeshop from Kawayan, Biliran, 3) handicrafts from Ungali handicrafts, Ungali, Kawayan, Biliran, 4) Papaya pickles of Culaba Papaya Producers Association in Culaba, Biliran, 5) Nata-de-coco atsara product of ELSHIRGLOW Processed Foods, Bariis, Caibiran, 6)Coconut wine of LGU Cabucgayan, 7) Furniture products of Caril Furniture, Naval, Biliran, 8)Veggie-noodles of White-Rose Bakeshop, Naval, Biliran, and 9)Balintawak suman by Wincofel Suman Special, Naval, Biliran.

Also in the top of the winning exhibits are DepEd and DA Regional Office, 1st and 2nd places, respectively.

Wine making technology transfer to the grassroots

Joebit and Oliver presenting the ITDI wine kit to tuba producers 

Oliver and Joebit were as excited as Josefina and 64 of her friends as they met in one venue to teach and learn, respectively on the standard method of wine making using coconut sap as raw materials. The event was a training on social preparation and entrepreneurship appreciation course with training cum production on coconut wine conducted in Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran on April 17-20, 2012

Joebit Ocasla and Oliver Evangelista, who visited the place for the 1st time, are both resource persons from the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in Bicutan, Taguig City who trained 65 members of the Cabucgayan Corn Farmers Association who are also producers of the traditional tuba, a wine produced from coconut sap.

The fun on their part was shown in the very enthusiastic mood of imparting the knowledge they have on wine making using improved fermentation techniques using their agency designed wine kit. The process was really enjoyable with Oliver and Joebit explaining highly technical information in a very down to earth manner and examples that is comprehensible to the levels of the tuba gatherers (manangiti) who didn't even reach high school. Yet the participants understood and appreciated the methods introduced.

Josefina L. Genoguin, who is CACOFA president,with the rest of the members, intensely joined the learning and fun. Another encouragement on their part is the vision of improving their coconut wine to evolve into a more classy product at par with commercial wines in the market.

Mr. Romeo Dignos, DOST Biliran PSTD also presented the project concept on coconut wine improvement project and the technology needed to achieve the project goals. Ms. Rosario Orejola of DOLE Biliran together with Ms. Charity Nicolas, a private consultant, joined hands in providing social preparation seminar and entrepreneurial appreciation to the CACOFA members.

Mayor Gemma Adobo of Cabucgayan was so appreciative of the efforts of the DOST and DOLE and exerted full support for the project despite being so busy with other appointments by deputizing her Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Maria P. Suson.

Members of the facilitating team included Engr. Cathy Gonda, Engr. DOnnie Rey Duhig, Engr. Jefferson Aribe, and Mr. Teddy Abenido of DOST Biliran, Eng. Florentino Quinones, and Mr. Dominic Abiabi of DOST-8.

The training included the demonstration on the use of ITDI wine kit which was acquired by LGU Cabucgayan for the project. The farmers were also taught on the basic raw material control by measuring sugar level of sap using refractometer and measuring the acidity of the materials and finish products using Titratable acidity method and using pH meter, and measuring alcohol levels using ebolliumeter. In addition the producers were taught on simple bottling and labeling of their finished wine.

The experience is an additional know-how on the part of the learners who had been using for decades the traditional method of coconut wine or "bahalina" making. DOST Biliran was passionate on uplifting the level of the products quality by improving the process through the use of improved technology and equipment.

Convergence among national and local partners made the training possible. The Department of Labor Region VIII and Biliran Provincial Office was very supportive of the endeavor and even provided grants for acquisition of improved utensils to the sap gatherers and the wine fermentors amounting to PhP 623,160.00. DOST Region VIII also provided funds amounting to PhP 176,400 for acquisition of equipment and tools that would serve as common service facility for wine production, product quality control, and packing services. LGU Cabucgayan provided the rest of the support including the building and area to house the CSF, the training cost, and other expenses.

Regional Director Exequiel Sarcaoga, of DOLE 8, graced the closing ceremonies of the training by giving his message and distributing the certificates to the 65 members of the group who completed the 4-day training program.

2012 S & T Scholarship Result

Seven students from Biliran Province Qualifies the Science and Technology Scholarships for SY 2012-2013. Five qualifies for RA 7687 and 2 under the Merit Scholarship Category.

RA7687 Qualifiers:

1. Castillo, Jemimah Dorcas Mapalad, NSU LHS
2. Verba, Nicka Elorza Manlabang NHS
3. Pamor, Ronald Montealto Culaba NVS
4. Balame, Paul Leonard Amparo NSU LHS
5. Sanosa, Wyndel Bornillo NSU LHS

Merit Qualifiers:
1. Ambe, Ennah Marie Deguinon PSHS Central Visayas Campus
2. Sanchez, Joseph Alwin Supremo PSHS East Visayas Campus

The 2012 S & T Scholarship exams was conducted last November 20, 2011. Qualifiers for the examination will enjoy several benefits including free tuition, monthly stipend, and other allowances.

For inquiries and more information you may visit the provincial offices in your area. For Biliran you can visit us at NSU Campus, Naval, Biliran.

Biliran Products

The DOST Biliran has launched a new blogsite for products generated by DOST assisted projects

This site will also serve as an information sharing facility as well as opportunities to e-market the local products. Interested buyers will have the opportunity to place inquiries and if possible place orders.

To visit you can click here. There are also links on the top menu bar and on the left side bar uppermost portion. Please have a visit and leave your comments.

Leyte and Biliran LGUs project cooperation

Mayor Ramon Oñate, Palompon (2nd from left) with Mayor Gemma Adobo
of Cabucgayan (3rd from left). The fish dryer in background

Fish processing opportunity is what encouraged Mayor Ramon Oñate of Palompon, Leyte to visit the town of Cabucgayan in Biliran Province, hoping they would learn from Cabucgayan's experience in utilizing technology to produce quality dried fish products.

Cabucgayan has tested the mechanical fish dryer designed by DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI-DOST) with positive results and in his plan to pilot test the said dryer in his town, Mayor Oñate seek the support of DOST to transfer the equipment used by Cabucgayan for its pilot testing project to Palompon. The dryer will be used in improving the dried "danggit" which is a popular product of Palompon, Leyte.

Cabucgayan received assistance from DOST through PSTC Biliran in 2007 for the use of fish dryer and smoke house as a technology demonstration to improve its fish products. The LGU was able to produce better quality dried fish using fish species available in the area like "besogo", stick fish ("tubo-tubo"), and others.

Since the project has been completed, Palompon signified interest to use the facilities from Cabucgayan to pilot its use for "danggit" and if found to be viable they will adopt the technology for commercial production.

DOST Biliran in coordination with DOST Leyte and the DOST VIII Regional office is currently facilitating the rehabilitation and speedy transfer of the dryer to Palompon.

Wanted Civil Engineers

DOST is in need of two(2) Project Assistant III (Contractual), SG12 with monthly salary of PhP18,333.00.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
2.Eligibility: Licensure Examination for Civil Engineers
3. Experience: 3 years Experience in Building Construction and Supervision (at least 2 storey building)

REQUIREMENTS
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Certified Photocopy of Transcript of Records
3. Certified Photocopy of License
4. NBI Clearance
5. Service Record/Record of Employment Issued by Previous Employer(s)

OTHER REQUIREMENT
1. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excell
2. Proficiency in AutoCAD operation is an advantage

DURATION OF CONTRACT: Six (6) months (May to October 2012)

AREA OF ASSIGNMENT: PSTC Biliran, NSU, Naval, Biliran and PSTC Samar, SSU, Catbalogan City, Samar

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supervise all phases of construction for the Establishment of PSTC Biliran Office Building.
2. Prepare and submit required reports on time.
3. Evaluate the quality and quantity of construction materials used in all construction works.
4. Evaluate building structures to ensure its conformance to specifications and building standards.
5. Perform other relevant duties to ensure timely and smooth completion of the construction of office buildings.

Interested applicants may submit application letter together with the requirements not later than March 15, 2012 to:

RUFINO E. MENGOTE
ARD for Finance and Administrative Services
Department of Science and Technology
Regional Office No. VIII
Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte
Tel/Fax: (053) 323-6356
Email: rufinomengote@yahoo.com

OL Trap rolls out in Biliran

When life is at stake, heroes always come running. It was proven true when 132 school principals and school nurses from the elementary and secondary schools in the Biliran Division joined the roll-out training of the Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap (OL Trap) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology on February 15, 2012 at the Department of Education's Library Hub in Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran.

What is noble with the activity is its purview of reducing the deadly dengue menace. Dengue had been one of the growing problem that even caused fatalities mostly among school aged children through-out the country. It is currently the subject of intense campaign of the government to reduce if not eliminate the causes.

Ms. Rosario Canlas, representing Dr. Pedro T Escobarte, Jr., the Biliran Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education, welcomed the enthusiastic participants while Ms. Mae Anne Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist and OL Trap Project Coordinator of DOST Region VIII, presented the life cycle of the dengue carrier mosquito and the nitty-gritty of operating and using the device to reduce the mosquito population. Mr. Romeo Dignos, Senior Science Research Specialist and Provincial Director for DOST Biliran, encouraged the school principals and head teachers to be serious in accomplishing the tasks required of them since the project's vision is a dignified one.

The OL Trap a sytem developed by DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) in cooperation with the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and the Department of Health is designed to attract the Aedes egypti mosquitoes, the carrier of the dengue virus, to lay their eggs in it and kill the offsprings before it could live and spread further.

DOST VIII  through the project will provide every rooms in all schools about 4 sets of the device including supplies that will be used and monitored for the next 6 months. The school heads will report the data to DOST Biliran Provincial office who will submit the same to the Regional Office for analysis.

The OL trap system roll-out in Biliran is a part of the project of DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo to promote the use of the ingenious gadget throughout the country. "As we are conducting this training, other parts of the country, may also be doing the same this time," Ms. Reyes disclosed.

When love and candies meet

Candies and love can be as sweet but they can be sweeter together. This holds true in the case of Santiago and Rose Nierra when their love for candy making turned their love nest into a growing enterprise of producing milk candy and related products. But how did it started? Well, let's find out.

The enterprise name SAN-ROSE Processed Food Products obviously is a mixture of the owners first name. And as candies are bound hard with sugar, SanRose's commitment to pursue the venture is bound with the love and purpose of helping not only themselves but also the community they serve through the people they employ.

This commitment led SanRose to seek assistance from DOST Biliran who in turn enrolled the micro-enterprise under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading program (SETUP). The firm later received consultancy support through the MPEX. This year, 2012 a technology acquisition support amounting to Eighty-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP85,000.00) which include improving the packaging system of its products is released to the firm.

Few years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Nierra was suppose to return to Manila to work after a visit to their hometown in Almeria, Biliran. They felt how hard it is in the metropolis with meager income as candy factory worker. Tasked to lead his local church community the couple contemplated on starting a small business instead. Hesitant at first to venture into such a business but after seeing a lot of rural people having no work encouraged them to help. And so armed with enough knowledge on candy making they started very small.

They produced milk candy (yema) initially, hired unemployed women and youth as packers and sell the products to peddlers with motorcycle who in turn distributed the products around Almeria and the neighboring towns. And so San-Rose products became available in stores around the province.

Seeing young people, mostly women with hairnets and aprons, usually inspires rural folk with the thought of having a small candy factory in their remote rural community. This impression is what SANROSE has given to constituents of Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran about 5 kilometers from Almeria town. The firm generated about four hundred thousand pesos (PhP400,000) worth of products and was able to employ at least 12 workers from the community based on its operation last year.

Mr. Nierra, a local church leader, set a small area near his house as a processing section for milk candy, pastillas, peanut butter, and similar products. With the help of consultants from Naval State University commissioned by DOST's MPEX program, San-Rose was able to improve its processing lay-out as well as the formulation of its candy products.

Micro as it is categorized, the firm strive to increase its production by 20% through the assistance of DOST and other agencies by the coming years.

With the enthusiasm to help and the love and inspiration of family members, the sweetness of San-Rose candy can be an instrument of building a stronger community if properly sustained.

There's future for a roadside bamboo furniture shop

Who would think that a road shoulder in a rural community could be a start of a promising venture?

Ronie Villanueva utilizing a small lot along the Kawayan-Culaba road in  Barangay Bulalacao, Kawayan, Biliran started his small bamboo furniture venture armed with a few thousand pesos, a bunch of willing skilled craftsmen, a backward set of woodworking tools, and an optimistic heart.

And this optimism yielded the support of DOST SET-UP program through a series of consultancy and finally approving a technology acquisition assistance for Ronie Furniture this year 2012 in the amount of PhP 111,000.00.

A security guard turned entrepreneur, Ronie convinced and earned the trust of an unemployed furniture maker from his place and put up a small capital to start the business. The initial arrangement was for him to acquire the materials and sell the finish products, while the partner do the crafting with his family in a makeshift area along the road. This space became their production as well as display area for the products.

Ronie realized that his plan worked well "and it was good," borrowing from the famous lines of Genesis, so he aspired bigger. Hearing about DOST SETUP program, he didn't hesitate to visit the DOST Biliran Provincial office in Naval, Biliran where a collaborative project was hatched.

DOST Biliran facilitated the conduct of technology assessment for Ronie which was then enrolled under the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX) involving consultants from Naval State University in Naval.

DOST realized that Ronie Furniture's potential could be more harnessed through improving its facilities and so an Innovation Support Project was proposed and technology and equipment need were identified with assistance from the DOST's Forest Products and Natural Resources Research and Development Institute in Los Banos, Laguna through Engr. Vic Revilleza and Ms. Zenaida Reyes.

With the DOST support, soon the ordinary planes and saws used by the workers will be replaced with more efficient cutting, cleaning, and boring tools which will greatly improve the quality of their finished product.

The MPEX consultancy conducted by NSU has earlier created improvement in the lay-out of the production area and the over-all management of the business.