Biliran SETUP Database

DOST Biliran has added new information on its blogsite. The SETUP Projects of Biliran can now be accessed through the button on the right column of the Home Page. For the mean time limited information can be viewed and copied by any interested users. Soon the database can include updates as far as refund rates and other information which is made possible through the Cloud Facilities of Google.

Earlier we added the Map Page which will give you ideas of the location of our projects. Here's the link Map

You can also visit the link from this post.

Ms. Maniba named DOST Biliran OIC

Ms. Maria Catherine G. Maniba

With the awarding of the Scholarship for a Doctorate Degree of the concurrent Provincial Director of DOST Biliran, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, Ms. Maria Catherine G. Maniba was named Officer-in-Charge of the office effective August 1, 2014 until the official return of Mr. Dignos.

MS. MARIA CATHERINE GONDA-MANIBA was born and raised in Brgy. Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran being 2nd child among 3 children of Lilio Candido Gonda (deceased) and Cristina Tecling Borja a retired teacher. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering cum laude at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in 1997 as DOST Scholar. In April 2014 she completed her Master’s Degree in Technology Management at University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City under the DOST Human Resource Development Program Scholarship (Residential).

As a government worker, Ms. Maniba, "Cathy" to her friends, started as a contractual Science Research Assistant under the Technical Operations Division of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 8 Gov’t Center, Candahug, Palo Leyte from February 2008- September 2009. She was transferred to the Scholarship Unit in October – December 2009 and served as Scholarship Project Staff II. In January 2010 she was promoted to a permanent position as Science Research Specialist II assigned in the Biliran Provincial S & T Center of the Department of Science and Technology holding office at NSU Compound, Naval Biliran Province.

She was married to Mr. Rodolfo Logro Maniba, Jr. from Brgy. Mapuyo, Kawayan, Biliran and blessed with 2 children. She and her family now resides in Brgy. Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran.

DOST 8 approves PhP2.9M for 7 new SETUP project in Biliran

Some of the products of AR La Naval

A total of seven (7) micro enterprises from Biliran Province have recently availed of the DOST's SETUP program totaling PhP 2.935 Million worth of technology assistance for improving the productivity of each firm. The bulk of this assistance is on technology transfer and acquisition of technology related equipment.

The firms who were added in the roll of DOST SETUP assisted enterprises in this island province include the following: 1) AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing, Naval, Biliran engaged in customized metals and motor parts productions and industrial tools and equipment fabrication; 2) Memua Minimart, Caibiran, Biliran for the production of veggie based bread; 3) Lego's Tailoring, Naval, Biliran for production of gifts and holiday decors; 4) USJ Welding Shop, Almeria, Biliran for the production of sidecars for tricycle and other fabricated steel products; 5) JC's Breadhauz, Almeria, Biliran for production of specialized bread products; 6) Kisha Snack House, Cabucgayan, Biliran for improvement of its snack food production facility; and 7) Brian's Landscaping and Agricultural Consultancy Services for upgrading of its hydroponic system for production of high valued vegetables.

The SETUP program primarily aims to upgrade the productivity of these firms so that their product will be of better quality and are GMP and Food Safety compliant, for those engaged in food preparation, through the infusion of appropriate technology.

With the infusion of technology the firms are expected to generate local employment and added income by increasing their production capacity and product marketability.

Henry brought floodwaters in Biliran

Bagongbong River Water Level reading

Typhoon Henry, despite having no storm signal in Biliran Province, brought torrential rains over Biliran Island causing floods in different areas around the province.

Almeria town experienced flooding when rain accumulation reached 213mm from 10AM to 5PM on July 20, 2014. Sources estimated the annual global average precipitation at 715mm and the rains that poured over Almeria in 7 hrs is equivalent to almost 6 months of average rain.

Photo by Jocelyn Salloman Odiselam from biliranisland.com

Bagongbong River, which is the largest river in Almeria recorded rise in water level of up to almost 2 meters. The sensor reading taken from DOST-ASTI's PREDICT site is shown in the photo. The site can be accessed through this link Predict

Meanwhile, Naval which is Biliran's capital town experienced almost the same predicament with torrential rains reaching as high as 120mm of rain from 10AM to 5PM also July 20, 2014. The two major rivers Anas and Caraycaray registered rise in water level to about 2 meters from its normal level. Records of the WLMS reading are presented in the following photos taken from PREDICT site. The rise in water levels prompted the LGU to evacuate residents near the rivers and the suspension of classes on Monday July 21, 2014

Coco farmers appreciate Food Safety and GMP

"Food safety is everybody's concern," declares the Eastern Visayas Food Safety Team. For this reason, even aspiring food manufacturers need to understand their responsibility as far as production of safe food is concerned.

A group of coconut farmers from Brgy. Looc, Almeria, Biliran was made aware of the basics of food safety though a lecture on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)which form part of their training on Village Level Coconut Based Food Processing on June 25-28, 2014 at Looc, Almeria, Biliran.

A total of 32 participants, both men and women, who are members of the Looc Small Coconut Farmers Association in Almeria. The group was headed by Mr. Pastor Mecaydor, who is also the Barangay Chairman of Looc. The group was organized and assisted by the Philippine Coconut Authority, Biliran headed by Mr. Ladislao Atuel, the Provincial Manager. The training was facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute, VSU, Baybay, Leyte

The DOST Biliran Provincial Director, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos presented the topic on Food Safety which covers basic principles on food safety, different types of hazards, and a brief discussion on DOH Administrative Order 153 s. 2004 that is the REVISED GUIDELINES ON CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN MANUFACTURING, PACKING, REPACKING, OR HOLDING FOOD. Mr Dignos also discussed the importance of appropriate labeling and packaging as part of cGMP and food safety advocacy. Packaging and Labeling is embodied in RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines under Chapter IV of the Act.

DOST-8 middle managers learn F.Covey's 7Habits

Imagine an organization with highly competent people. The field was cleared, instruments ran smoothly, and people were too eager with high spirits. The outputs were overflowing but there was a stinging pain of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion after the tasks were done. What could possibly went wrong? Perhaps, there needed to be some fine tuning in the workers' characters and values. There must be a revisiting of the habits of effectiveness.

The passion of Dir. Edgardo M. Esperancilla, DOST-8 Regional Director to share the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to his middle managers came into fruition when 20 senior officers of the office completed the course last June 19-21, 2014. I was fortunate I was one of the 20. We thanked the soft-spoken Dir. Ed for letting us experience the program. Dir. Esperancilla completed the said training years back. "It changed my life," he told us.

'I felt grateful for this tool which will not only enhance my work effectiveness but my personal way of dealing with my own life, my relationship with others, and my duties as a human being.' Well, that's a quote from my own mind, which I could have said if I was given the chance to speak then during the closing program. But since time was limited, few volunteers uttered the same thought - of course, using different words.

Ms. Christine Javier of the Center for Leadership and Change, Inc. shared her experience and competence in the 7H program by facilitating the 3-day activity that was held in Tierra de Milagros in Palo, Leyte. Her talents made our spirits "levitate" from Cloud 7 to Cloud 9, with good synthesis and a healthy sense of humor. Ms. Mafe Caalim,also from CLCI, assisted Christine during the activities. That would be a thumbs up for Ma'am Christine and Mafe. Looking ahead for the follow up activities.

The challenge laid upon us is great. The next seven weeks will be the start of a journey in creating a path in our minds. A path that would make way for the habits to create a regular patterns in our routine. Though it's hard, being proactive is a key to achieving what had been carved in our mind as an end result, the vision of what we want to be.

AR La Naval is DOST Biliran's 2014 best technology adoptor

What does it mean to dream of bolts-and-nuts?

Perhaps there are psychic explanations, but for Mr. Rogelio G. Cabulang, proprietor of AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing, that dream is the beginning of a growing business in the metals and engineering field.

AR La Naval, as we call his business name in short, is the leading supplier of motor parts in Biliran today and has the first complete facility for motorcycle servicing in the province. It has a metal fabrication facility that could provide customized small motorcycle components such as mufflers, crash guards, bushings, customized bolts and nuts, gears, and a lot more. Its metal working facility could provide, sleeving and reboring of small engines and fabricate different kinds of farm implements like rice winnower, land master, thresher, and industrial tools and equipment like coco milk extractors, electric graters, stainless tables, pipe benders, and many others.

When Mr. Cabulang first meet Engr. Willy Lim of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology during the visit of the latter in Naval sometime in 2008, his first question was "How can I start a business of bolts and nuts production?" This idea came into his mind because as a supplier of motor parts in a developing town of Naval in the young province of Biliran, bolts and nuts is one of its best selling product with high demands. But the discussion turned into some twist that lead Mr. Cabulang to realize his passion is in machining.

AR La Naval has a small shop which is annexed to his first store, a rented space in downtown Naval, that provided re-boring services to motorcycle engines. Since, motorcycle is the primary transportation system in the rural areas of Biliran, his services was in demand. But he had a problem, he was only using an old boring machine and improvised honing machine. So his first step to realizing the dream was by contacting the Department of Science and Technology in Biliran Province.

The technology needs assessment conducted during the MIRDC visit assisted by DOST Biliran staff paved the way for a SETUP assistance to improve his machining facility intended to improve the quality of the rebored products plus the improved capability to produce customized motorcycle components. The assistance included acquisition of equipment worth PhP 985,000.00.

But like his bolts-and-nuts dream, the going sometimes gets tough. Because of his expansion efforts he had to invest on the infrastructure by acquiring a lot and constructing his own building to house the newly acquired equipment. He sourced his capital through mortgaged loan from commercial banks.

AR La Naval needed to double his efforts in order to pay his obligations. He started refunding DOST assistance in December 2009. He faced some highs and lows along the way but was able to complete refund in April 2014. Way before the time the repayments has been completed, AR has already opened a new store outlet in Sogod, Southern Leyte with a small shop providing the same reboring services to the Southern Leyte clients.

From the initial 5 workers before DOST entered into AR La Naval's business the firm now employs 30 personnel in his 3 outlets. Comparing the financial records submitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the firm has a total assets of around PhP 7million before DOST intervention and a total of about PhP 10M by the enterprise completed its refund.

Mr. Cabulang's dream maybe far from ending but his determination and hard-work is always there just like bolts-and-nuts strongly attached together.

2015 DOST Undergrad Scholarships now open for application

The Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI) now accepts applications for the undergraduate scholarship programs for the school year 2015-2016.

Graduating fourth year high school students for this school year 2014-2015 who belong to the top 5% of the graduating class are qualified to apply. Other criteria include the following: natural-born Filipino citizen; poor, talented and deserving student who belongs to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators; member of the graduating class of a DOST-SEI identified or DepEd-recognized science high school; resident of the municipality for the last 4 years as attested by the barangay; and of good moral character and in good health.

Passing the qualifying exams slated on September 21, 2014 is a requirement to become a DOST Scholar. Deadline for submission of application is on August 22, 2014. Forms can be obtained at any DOST offices in the provinces and the Regional Offices. It cn also be downloaded through the following links:

2015 DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form

2015 DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Brochure

In Biliran we are located at NSU compound, Naval, Biliran Province.

No mountain too steep for DOST Consultancy program

Biliran Scents & Fragrance citronella plantation assessment

The DOST-8 Consultancy team literally walks though hills and climb mountains just to reach its clients in the countryside.

This has become the routine of the Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) coordinators and its commissioned consultants during assessment of interested clients who signifies interest to avail of DOST services.

CAPE is one of DOST's consultancy window together with the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion (MPEX) Program, Cleaner Production Technology (CPT), Food Safety (FS), Energy Audit (EA), and other technology specific consultancies.

On June 2-3, 2014 the DOST-8 Team lead by Engr. Ramil Uy, STS Coordinator, Ms. Lucia Dauz and Engr. Florentino Quenonez, MPEX Coordinators, and Ms. Evelyn Tablante, CAPE Coordinator together with the DOST-Biliran Team headed by Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD, Ms. Ma. Catherine B. Gonda, SRSII, Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo, Project Assistant II, and Mr. Teddy Abenido, Project Assistant I visited 8 firms from around the Province of Biliran who are enrolled for consultancy assistance for CY 2014.

Canaan Hill Farms Assessment

The DOST Teams were joined by a group of CAPE consultants from the Visayas State University in the persons of Dr. Alfredo B. Escasinas, Dr. Arsenio Ramos, and Dr. Mario Baliad who are experts in their respective fields in Agriculture.

These firms will receive free consultancy services from DOST commissioned consultants from various schools in the region for a period of 3-6 months. The consultants will assist the recipient firms in improving their operations both on technical and management aspects. DOST provides support for the transportation and other incidental expenses of the experts during the consultancy engagements. The consultants, in return, will make necessary recommendations and other technical inputs that will help solve common problems in the business operations. On the receiving end, the firm will be responsible for the cost of any changes he/she is willing to adopt out of the consultants recommendations.

The cost of consultancy fee is so high nowadays that it would be impractical for micro and small enterprises to avail the expertise of consultants by spending some amount out of their own pockets. DOST’s assistance is therefore a big help for them since DOST convinced these consultants to do their share without asking for standard rate consultancy fees.

>The firms to be assisted include: 4 for MPEX: JC Breadhauz, Almeria, Biliran, USJ Welding Shop, Almeria, Biliran, Kisha Snack House, Cabucgayan, Biliran, and Memu Minimart, Caibiran, Biliran; 4 for CAPE: Atipolo MPCI, Naval, Biliran, Biliran Scents & Fragrances, Biliran, Biliran, Canaan Hill Farms, Caibiran, and Maderazo Farm, Caibiran. Also USJ Welding Shop will be assisted with the CPT Program and Energy Audit.

SY2014-2015 DOST-SEI Scholarship Examination Results

The result of the 2014 DOST-SEI Scholarship Examinations for the SY 2014-2015 is now available.

Congratulations to the following passers from Biliran Province:

1. LACSON, JOVIE ANN ALMERIA NHS
2. BORAGAY, GRANT G. BILIRAN NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL HS
3. CORPIN, PRINCESS MICAH T. BILIRAN NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL HS
4. ORZAL, KRIS ANN M. CABUCGAYAN NSAT
5. CABALQUINTO, MICHELLE B. MANLABANG NHS
6. FIEL, ROVIE JOY Q. MANLABANG NHS
7. BORROMEO, ANGELYN A. CULABA NVS
8. PAPILLERAS, KAREN ANTONETTE A. KAWAYAN NHS
9. RADAM, ANITA J. MARIPIPI NVS
10.GULFO, JEFFERSON G. LUCSOON NHS
11.MAHINAY, JEDALYN V. NAVAL NHS
12.SUMAYAN, KIM REYMART BILIRAN SHS

Click the link for the Complete List of qualifiers.

The new scholarship awardees must seek admission in any of the priority S&T fields of study at state colleges and universities and CHED-identified Centers of Excellence/Centers of Development. Each qualifier shall receive a notice of award from the DOST-SEI or DOST Regional Office stating the date of orientation and contract signing. He/she shall report at the designated venue with a parent/legal guardian who must bring a 2014 Community Tax Certificate or Official Passport. The legal guardian is required to present his/her affidavit of guardianship. The names of some potential qualifiers are put on hold pending re-evaluation of some requirements.

Congratulations to all passers.

DOST Biliran SETUP Team kicks-off anew

After ST Yolanda comes a new challenge for the DOST Biliran Team for CY 2014.

Gracevillalyn R. Saldo

The DOST Biliran SETUP Team has been refreshed by the hiring of a new staff in the person of Ms. Gracevillalyn R. Saldo, Computer Engineer by profession, and a Yolanda survivor herself. How she survived is history which she has the right to keep by herself or share them in whatever means she likes.

The month of January as usual is a ground-working stage with several lined up activities which include the orientation of new staff, Hydromet Project Installation, and Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for new SETUP applicants.

DOST Biliran PSTD conducted the orientation of the new staff about the SETUP Program and its components, and a hands-on training on project proposal preparation, financial analysis, and TNA procedures to the new staff. The activities ran from January 4 to January 8, 2014. The next days were devoted to identification of prospective SETUP applicants with Ms. Saldo backed-up by SETUP Staff Mr. Teddy Abenido. After which they conducted one-on-one consultation with the MSME prospects around Biliran. DTI Biliran PO provided us the list of registered MSMEs, special thanks to Director Celerina Bato.

ARG Installation in Almeria, Biliran

On January 16 the DOST Biliran Team supported by the DOST Regional Office 8 Hydromet project team members: Engr. Heber Matuza and Mr. Dominic Abiabi installed the Automatic Rain Gauges in two locations: Almeria Central School, Almeria, Biliran and Biliran Municipal Grounds in the Municipality of Biliran in Biliran Province. The units were successfully installed despite the non-stop rain.

The next day, January 17, 2014 while the sun and the sky was partially covered with drizzle the Team went on to conduct Technology Needs Assessment to two MSMEs in Caibiran, Biliran.

at Canaan Hillside Farms, Uson, Caibiran

The first was Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden located at Brgy. Uson who sought assistance for their ginger powder processing venture. But the Team found more possible support through CAPE and MPEX programs. Next was Memua Minimart in Poblacion, Caibiran who needed support for then healthy bread production. The proponent needed help in production of bread with no animal fat added which is targeted for non pork eaters (Muslims, Adventists, etc). They are planning to adopt vegie-bread technologies.

The team's last stop for the day was the installation of Automatic Rain Gauge in the Municipal Grounds of Culaba, Biliran.

Damaged but recovering

Some of our SETUP clients tried their very best to stand despite the damages brought by super typhoon Yolanda.

Note: This is our initial post for the year since our Globe Broadband connection is still under repair. We have no telephone line as of this time.

Photo show some of damage facilities. There are several beneficiaries in Biliran who also suffered major setbacks.

Remedial actions were underway to minimize their economic losses.

DOST successfully conducted Scholarship exams in Biliran

The Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute successfully conducted the DOST-SEI Scholarships qualifying examinations for 2014 particularly in Biliran Province with a 94% turn-out. The test was conducted simultaneously throughout the country last September 22, 2013, except for armed conflict affected areas in Mindanao. In Biliran, 200 students out of 212 registered applicants from different high schools of the Division of Biliran participated in the exams. It was held in the Naval State University Gym from 7:00AM - 12:00 Noon for the morning session and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the afternoon session.

The examination is aimed at identifying the next batch of scholars for the coming school year 2014-2015. Graduating fourth year students who belong to the top 5% of their class and those enrolled in certified science based high schools were qualified to take the examinations. The scholarships were classified into two categories: the RA7687 and the Merit Scholarships. The former is intended for the poor but deserving students while the latter is for students with higher family income. All qualifiers of the scholarship are required to take science and technology based courses in certified schools within the country.

Few students from island municipality of Maripipi and Higatangan were not able to take the exam which was reportedly hindered due to prevailing bad sea conditions.

DOST-8 assists Biliran PDRRMC Operation Center's IT capability

Mr. Dignos-DOST Biliran with Mr Dacillo PDRRMO
with staff during the turn-over of equipment

The DOST-8 through the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center provided support to the Biliran Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)through infusion of IT capability to aid in its Prevention and Mitigation efforts. The assistance includes the acquisition of 1 unit Computer to store databases on hazard maps of Biliran Province for easy retrieval and updating and one unit Global Positioning System (GPS) for mapping of risk data. The computer will also be used as storage for different hazard mitigating and monitoring software promoted by the DOST such as Project NOAH, REDAS of PHIVOLCS, and links to PAGASA and other weather monitoring agencies.

As the agency mandated to lead the Council's Prevention and Mitigation Committee the DOST initiated the project entitled Establishment of IT Support Center for Hazard Mitigation of Flood and Earthquake Related Hazards in Biliran Province. It was funded by DOST-8 through its local Grant-In-Aid (GIA) program for a total amount of Sevety Five Thousand Pesos for the acquisition of 1 unit Desktop Computer and one unit GPS. It was generally aimed to improve the over-all preparedness of the local disaster risk reduction and management planners for hazard mitigation by establishing a facility for better hazard map preparation and updating and real time monitoring. Part of the project was the training conducted earlier on the REDAS software application which was attended by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers of the different municipalities of Biliran Province.

Mr. Sofronio "Jun" Dacillo, Jr., the Provincial Disater Risk and Reduction Management Officer of Biliran Provincial expressed his gratefulness to the DOST in behalf of the Council and the Provincial Government for the very valuable contribution.

The equipment provided by the project will be operated and managed by the PDRRMO and will be located at the PDRRMC Operation Center located at the Provincial Museum in front of Provincial Capitol, Calumpang, Naval, Biliran. The computer will have direct Internet link for access of Project NOAH site and other earthquake and typhoon monitoring sites both local and international. A system will be designed later to pool these links in one user interface for ease of access. Local database on different hazard maps will be integrated in the system for ease of monitoring and accessibility.-RLDignos

Phivolcs-DOST helps Biliran on Eartquake Disaster Mitigation

Drs. Ma. Leonila & Bartolome Bautista of Phivolcs during the lectures
(in white shirts)

Readiness in times of calamities is a key element in preventing disasters. This is the reason the Biliran Provincial Government quickly responded to the call of the Department of Science and Technology to adopt the Rapid Earthquake Disaster Assessment Software (REDAS) developed and promoted by DOST's Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS).

Phivolcs stated that REDAS could provide a quick and near real-time simulated earthquake hazard information to disaster managers which will help them in assessing the distribution and extent of the impacts of a strong earthquake. This information will guide them in organizing a timely rescue and relief operations. Furthermore it could also serve as a tool for land use planners, policy makers, city and town development planners to consider earthquake hazards in their planning and development to mitigate seismic risks. The tool can calculate hazards of ground shaking, earthquake-induced landslides, liquefaction and tsunami.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers from the eight Municipalities of Biliran Province joined the hands-on training conducted by Phivolcs on July 21-26, 2013 at Agta Beach Resort, Almeria, Biliran. Participants from other nearby provinces also attended the event.There were 43 individuals who participated the training workshop, the output of which are hazard maps on different earthquake related hazards.

The Phivolcs 9-man training team headed by  Deputy Director Dr. Bartolome Bautista provided the participants first hand experience in running the software and understanding its full functionality. This same team was responsible in gathering the initial data used in digitizing base maps and maps for earthquake related hazards for the Province of Biliran that were also used during the training.

The activity was jointly organized and supported by the DOST-Phivolcs who provided counterpart funds for the travel of the training team from Manila to Biliran, the Biliran Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through the headship of Mr. Sofronio B. Dacillo Jr, PDRRMO, The DOST-8 through the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center, with PSTD Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, and the Office of Civil Defense 8 headed by Director Rey Gozon who provided funding for the activity. Hon. Brigido Caneja III, representing Honorable Gerardo Espina Jr., Provincial Governor of Biliran at the same time Chairman of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council graced the opening ceremonies of the training.

DOST Biliran Project Maps

The DOST Biliran has generated a Map using Google Maps of its local projects funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program. The map is aimed at providing general information on the kinds of projects supported by the program. Place markers are color coded based on the sectors where the project is considered:
Green - Food,    Blue w/o dot - Metals,   Yellow - Furniture,  Red w/o dot - Pharmaceuticals,  Red - IT,  Blue - Others. Yellow push pin markers are DOST-GIA assisted project

The Map generated by Google

The place markers when clicked will show the SETUP Project Title and other pertinent project information.

For further inquiries about specific project, please email rdignos@hotmail.com. You can also call our landline at (053) 500 9347, or you can visit our office at DOST-Biliran, NSU Compound, Naval, Biliran Province.

ITDI conducts assessment for Gasifier Combustor technology application

The existing oven of Talahid Beach Resor

The Industrial Technology Development Institute through the expertise of Engineer Lorencito M. Pacatang, conducted recently an assessment of two micro enterprises from the Province of Biliran for the possible application of the gasifier combustor technology in their respective processing operations.

Gasifier combustor is a devise that converts biomass wastes into energy through gasification process. The biomass is burned inside a close chamber to produce blue flames that are used as heat source in any cooking processes. The common fuel used are rice hulls which are abundantly found in the rural areas.

Marksahn Breadshop in Biliran, Biliran signified interest in adopting the technology for its bakery business. The owner, Mr. Arthur Cerera was optimistic it would help him reduce his fuel cost. Engr. Pacatang provided the technology design and helped the beneficiary in contacting the fabricator of the equipment. Equipment acquisition will be supported by the DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

Meanwhile, Talahid Beach Resort, in Agta Beach, Talahid, Almeria, Biliran who is famous for its unique broiled chicken sought the support of DOST in improving their broiler production facility. The Resort is currently using an old traditional type of oven. ITDI inspected the facility and provided recommendations to improve further their existing oven.

The series of activities that was conducted last June 25-27, 2013 was coordinated by the Training and Consultancy group of the Department of Science and Technology, Regional Office VIII through Engr. Ramil T. Uy, Sr. Science Research Specialist. It was also assisted by the Biliran Provincial S & T Center.

ACAI Goldsmith receives technology upgrading assistance from DOST

Cecil Joson, ACAI proprietress (2nd from left) during the training

The ACAI Goldsmithery shop in Naval, Biliran recently received a series of support from the Department of Science and Technology to make better its jewelry production facility. The assistance is expected to improve the quality of the firm's jewelry products and hopefully create new product lines such as medals, pins, and related items.

It started with the release of Innovation Support fund for the improvement of its process and acquisition of technology related equipment amounting to Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos (PhP 460,000.00).

The transfer of technology on spin casting and electroplating was undertaken through their participation in a training conducted by Metals Industry Research and Development Center of DOST on June 4-7, 2013 at DOST Eastern Samar Conference Hall in Borongan City.

Electroplating technology is needed for the production of low cost jewelry and metal products which are made of low quality metals and coated with precious metals like gold, silver, bronze and the like. These products include: medals, trophy plates, name plates, and the likes. In the other hand, spin casting is the process where small items are molded to desired form before they are plated to produce the final products mentioned earlier.

The training which served both Eastern Samar and Biliran SETUP beneficiaries were jointly coordinated by the DOST Regional Office 8 and the DOST Provincial Offices of Eastern Samar and Biliran.

Engr. Wilfredo R. Lim and Engr. Edilbert M. Dela Peña, both Senior Science Research Specialist from MIRDC, served as resource speakers of the said event.

The upgrading assistance is expected to boost the production capability of ACAI Goldsmith which is currently using the old methods of forming and designing their products. The acquisition of better electroplating technology will also enhance the surface finish of their plated products while spin casting will open for new product lines.

DOST, DAR conducts Food Safety training

The Food Safety Team headed by Engr. Gopo

Food safety is everybody's business and the Eastern Visayas Food Safety Team is serious on its mandate of spreading awareness of ensuring fitness for consumption the food products produced even by micro-enterprises from rural areas. The Balaquid Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, from Brgy. Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran is the latest to receive the training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices conducted last May 29-30, 2013.

Department of Agrarian Reform Biliran Provincial office provided the funding for the two-day training under its Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program III. The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII through the Food Safety Team and the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center joined hands in organizing the activity.

The training held at Balaquid Women's Building was participated by twelve members of the cooperative who are producers of fruit and vegetable pickles. Engr. Rosella Gopo, Sr. Science Research Specialist and Provincial Science and Technology Director of Samar Provincial Science and Technology Center, headed the Food Safety team's training group. Engr. Isabelita M. Pamposa and Mr. Alfred Calibuso both Science Research Specialist II of DOST-8 was part of the team. Engr. Donnie Rey Duhig, SRS I, and Mr. Teddy Abenido, SRA of DOST Biliran assisted the trainers during the activities. Ms. Nancy Obligado, Provincial Marketing Assistance Officer and Development Facilitator of DARPO Biliran served as facilitator.

The participants were taught on different aspects of Food Safety including: hand washing techniques, Chemical, Allergens, and Physical Hazards, Cross contamination, Personal hygiene, and other topics related to good manufacturing practices. Hands-on activities were conducted to let the attendees experience first hand the topics discussed.

"Damo an amon mabaruan para mas malimpyo pa ang producto (We learned a lot to make our product more clean and safe)" was the general feedback of the participants.

BARBC is mostly composed of women who are family members of Agrarian Reform beneficiaries from the Agrarian Reform Community of Balaquid Cabucgayan. Their products are papaya pickles, mango pickles, and others. Their food processing venture is an added source of income. BARBC members are all farmers.