Loving "Bahalina", pride of the Visayans

sample label of Coconut wine in Cabucgayan

Coconut wine had been the traditional pride of the "Waray" speaking people of Eastern Visayas. Immigrants to these islands in central Philippines, and even the entire archipelago joined the Leyte-Samar natives in loving these fermented wine from coconut toddy, which has about 10% alcohol. And this "Tuba," as they locally call it, was the best the Samareneos could offer to Ferdinand Magellan's army during the country's early history.

I am a light drinker and I appreciate the taste of good coconut wines. But my obsessions in having to see "bahalina" as valuable as grape wines started when I realized many in the rural coconut planted areas depend on the industry, which was not even given emphasis on improving. Well, drinking may not be acceptable to many, but "grape wines" from the west is well accepted. So why not improve the coconut wine and package it to be known if not like the popular grape and other fruit wines, the rice wine of Japan, and others but at least establish its own name not to remain as a lowly local drink even considered as a "poor man's wine".

The coconut wine industry needed much more attention from researchers and government support agencies. There are several researchable areas I discuss below, these include: process standardizaton, identification and use of appropriate yeast strains, formulation studies, equipment design, and process improvement.

DOST Biliran PSTC conducts Scholarship caravan

It's DOST Scholarship season once again, and DOST Biliran PSTC is promoting the DOST Science Education Institute's (DOST-SEI) scholarship program through a series of information forum around the Province of Biliran.

DOST in partnership with DepEd aimed to educate the students who are currently enrolled in Senior High School about the Science Scholarships intended for those who will be going to college next school year. While college tuition has become free for all state universities and colleges, the DOST gives opportunity to deserving students who want to pursue science and engineering courses special privileges such as monthly stipend, book allowance, uniform allowances among other benefits. They must however pass the DOST-SEI Scholarship examinations to be conducted on October 21, 2018.

As part of the forum, DOST distributed application forms to students and briefed them on how they are accomplished and what are the needed documents. Ms. Maria Catherine G. Maniba, Science Research Specialist II, led the DOST-Biliran Team who conducted the presentation and briefing on various DOST-SEI scholarship programs. Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo, Project Assistant II, and Mr. Teddy Abenido, Project Assistant I joined the team.

PTRI-DOST trains handicraft makers in Cabucgayan on dyeing of pandan fibers

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Members of the Looc Cabucgayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARECO) gained improved experience on quality dyeing of romblon or pandan fibers used in the manufacture of their popular products- the romblon bags and other handicrafts. This was made possible through the expertise of Engr. Thelma Sipin assisted by her staff Mr. Ronelo Vallente both from the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology who conducted the training on July 3-5, 2018 at the Multi-purpose Center of Brgy. Looc, Cabucgayan, Biliran. There were 24 members who joined the technology training.

Tube ice production plant soon to open in Naval, Biliran Province

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The much needed clean and safe tube-ice for refreshments and other food application will soon be available in the markets of Naval, Biliran.

This will be made possible with the funding of DOST-8 SETUP of the upgrading project of D'Adaone Bar and Restaurant entitled "Adoption of Tube Ice Production Technology for the Food and Beverage and Tourism Industry Needs of Biliran Province". As the project title states, the D'Adaone will set up a 2 tonne capacity tube ice production equipment through funding support from DOST-8 SETUP which will cater to the needs of tourism outlets (hotels, restaurants, refreshment bars, etc) throughout the Province of Biliran.

More updates will be posted related to this project in the coming months. Meanwhile, interested buyers who plans to place reservation and advanced orders may contact directly with the management of the D'Adaone Bar and Restaurant.

Work Immersion in DOST: A Journey through Science and Technology

(A feature story by Miles Vincent Garrido and Aura Gahera as part of their immersion task)

Work Immersion sounds stressful for Senior High School Students. Yet, as part of the K-12 curriculum, we, STEM students are required to gain relevant learning experiences through actual work by assigning us to a specific partner institution, business organization or establishment parallel to our specializations to help us reinforce our knowledge from classrooms and enhance our skills. For us, with a group of six students, we were engaged with the Department of Science and Technology.

Foremost, we learned that DOST is the premiere science and technology body in the country charged with the twin mandate of providing central direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development. DOST Biliran, officially called Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST BILIRAN-PSTC) is one of the six provincial centers of the DOST-8 currently located inside the campus of Naval State University.

12 Biliranons qualify for DOST SEI JLSS Scholarships

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4,529 third year college students passed the 2017 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) examination which was administered last November 19 nationwide as announced by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) on December 31, 2017.

The JLSS is a scholarship program under the Republic Act No. 7687 or the “S&T Scholarship Act of 1994,” R.A. No. 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013,” and the R.A. No. 2067 or the Merit Scholarship Program.” There were a total of 6,049 third year college students who are enrolled in various S&T courses that took the examination for the said program. Qualifiers to the program will enjoy two to three years of scholarship benefits, which include tuition subsidy, monthly stipend, book allowance, and others. Passers of the Merit Scholarship will likewise receive the same benefits except for the pro-rated monthly stipend that is based on the scholar’s socio-economic status.

The following students are the qualifiers from Biliran Province:

DOST-SEI Campaigns for Scholarship

The Department of Science and Technology- Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is once again campaigning for talented and deserving students to apply for the 2018 Undergraduate Scholarship and Junior Level Science Scholarship Programs.

The 2018 Undergraduate scholarship is offered to students belonging to the top 5% of the graduating Grade 12 senior high school for SY 2017-2018 or upcoming first-year students for SY 2018-2019. For this scholarship, students may apply under RA 7687 or the Merit scholarship programs. The RA 7687, also known as the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994,” provides a scholarship to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Meanwhile, Merit Scholarship Program, formerly known as the NSDB or NSTA Scholarship under RA No. 2067, is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics. Applicants and qualifiers must be willing to pursue priority fields of study in the fields of science and technology. 

CEST goes to Higatangan Island

The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII pushed beyond its normal course by reaching out island communities in Eastern Visayas. First of its empowering tour is the beautiful island of Higatangan which is part of the Municipality of Naval, the capital town of Biliran Province with the conduct of Training Workshop on Community Life Competence Process (CLCP) on June 14-15, 2017 at Emponet Resort in Brgy Libertad.

Higatangan Island, with two component barangays (Brgy. Mabini and Brgy. Libertad) and home to a total population of 1970 (PSA, 2015), is one of the picturesque tourist destinations in Biliran that has gained increasing esteem due to its marvelous shifting sand bar that stretched about 200 meters from the shoreline of Brgy. Mabini to the open and relaxing sea. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters that is enticing for snorkelers and divers. White beaches are found on the west side and rock formation carved by nature on the north.

Like many rural barangays throughout the country, Higatangan is not immune to common social and developmental problems. Simple community problems are compounded by the fact that influx of local and foreign tourist is expected to increase due to rising promotional activities spearheaded by the young and active Mayor of Naval, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina.

The CEST program used the modalities of the CLCP to help the representatives of various sectors in Higatangan. The process involves the crafting of common dream or vision for Higatangan in the next 10 years and identify the key issues and activities they deem important in achieving their dream. Ms. Evelyn Tablante, of DOST-8 served as resource person and led facilitator of the workshop. Support facilitators for the two-day training workshop are DOST-Biliran staff Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba-SRS II, Ms. Juliet M. Aguirre-AA III, and Gracevillalyn Saldo-PA II with DOST-8 support staff Ms. Teresa Yepes and Ma. Arian Jane Q. Gad.

Result of the CLCP shows that among the top concerns of the island are: 1) access to safe and potable water; 2) clearing of unwanted structures in the beach and sand bar area; 3) easy access to health services and medicine, 4) putting up of police sub-station, 5) construction of covered court both for sports and evacuation purposes, and 6) dumping site for solid waste management. The 55 participants coming from the two barangays were composed of representative from the barangay officials, farmers, fisher-folks, women, youth, senior citizens, housewives, and micro entrepreneurs (mat weavers) sectors. The final output of the activities is an action plan for one year in relation to their priority activities.

Regional Director Edgardo M. Esperancilla, of DOST-8 who headed the CEST Team himself, inspired the participants of the training workshop by reminding them how fortunate they have to have a potential world class tourist spot that is even better than other popular places abroad. He also stressed the need for better management of their resources to maximize their potential especially for tourism purposes. He was also appreciative of the enthusiastic response and cooperation of the representatives from various sector coming from the two barangays. Director Esperancilla further stated that results of the CLCP will be a good entry point for identification of priority projects for implementation by concerned line agencies.

Engr Ramil Uy, Sr. SRS of DOST-8, presented the programs of DOST-8 to the participants to give them a birds’ eye view of relevant services DOST-8 is providing to the community under the CEST program. Dr. Romeo Dignos, Provincial S & T Director for DOST-Biliran also presented the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to encourage the micro-entrepreneurs in the island to adopt technology innovation for better product quality to catch the tourist taste and needs.

The Naval State University, headed by OIC-President Dr. Victor Cañezo, ably represented by the NSU’s Director Extension Services Office, Dr. Christopher Vicera served as the organizing institution for the CLCP activity. Mr. Jeremy Balondo and Engr. Bryan Bernil, both personnel and instructors of NSU served as facilitators of the training-workshop.

The NSU ESO is expected to undertake follow-up activities to link the community with concerned line agencies and other development stakeholders to address their problems. Meanwhile, DOST-8 encouraged the barangay officials to coordinate with DOST Provincial Office for further partnership and preparing proposals for possible project cooperation in relation to areas where science and technology can be used to address the major issues identified by Higatangan Island constituents.

RG Herbal Oil receives DOST- recognition

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Mr. Giovanni T. Dignos accepting his Certificates of Completion and
Ownership handed by Engr. Ramil T. Uy, Sr. SRS-DOST 8
and Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD-Biliran

Anyone who works hard to deliver desired outputs with willpower reaps the recognition he deserves. Just like Mr. Giovani T. Dignos, owner of RG Herbal Oil Repacking and Marketing, whom DOST-8 recognized and awarded with the Certificates of Completion and Ownership in recognition of his dedication and commitment in efficiently paying and completing his financial obligation to DOST SETUP. The awarding ceremony was done last December 1, 2016 at NSU Hostel, Naval, Biliran during the conduct of the 2016 SETUP Forum. 

RG Herbal Oil Repacking and Marketing is the producer of RG Herbal Oil, a popular liniment made from mineral oil, and extract from various medicinal plants. Before the DOST intervention, the enterprise produces herbal oil using ordinary equipment through a simple production process. On his short testimony during the SETUP Forum, the owner described how he converted and used big recycled cans as cooking tool in producing herbal oil. The cans corrode fast and he had to replace them every month. He tried using large aluminum kettles, but the largest he could have made him produce the required volume for the whole month. He also used firewood for oil extraction and product cooking. He comically shared his experience on how his neighbors had thought that their house was on fire whenever he was cooking due to the heavy smoke that the wooden firewood created.

Biliran studes qualify for the DOST-SEI 2016 Junior Level Science Scholarships

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Two students from the Naval State University passed the scholarship examinations for the 2016 Junior Level Science Scholarships conducted nationwide by the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) last October 2016.

The successful examinees are Oliver B. Jaguines and Emmanuel Salvador Y. Maturana, both second year BS Computer Engineering students of NSU.

The JLSS is a scholarship program of the DOST-SEI under the Republic Act No. 7687 or the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994”, Republic Act No. 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013”, and the Merit Scholarship Program.

The new scholars will receive scholarship benefits for the next three years beginning next school year. The NSU students who qualified under RA 10612 will be entitled to subsidy in tuition fee and other school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, among others, in the last 3 years of their undergraduate studies.

For the complete list of qualifiers from Region VIII please visit the link. Complete list

DOST 8 recognizes Know Well's SETUP performance

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Mr. Noel B. Pla, proprietor of Know Well Office Systems, receiving Certificates

of Completion and Ownership from DOST 8 through Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, 

PSTD-Biliran and Engr. Ramil T. Uy, Sr. SRS-DOST 8.

“Know Well Office Systems have grown significantly in just 3 years, and was able to maximize the support of DOST SETUP because we believe, we have chosen a good strategy in doing business,” said Mr Noel B. Pla, proprietor of Know Well Office Systems in Naval, Biliran. 

Mr. Noel B. Pla, alongside Mr. Giovanni Dignos, has been awarded the Certificates of Completion and Ownership last December 1, 2016 at NSU Hostel, NSU Compound, Naval, Biliran during the conduct of the 2016 SETUP Forum. The certificates were given to him in recognition of his dedication and commitment to DOST SETUP by efficiently paying and completing his financial obligation to the agency. 

PSTC-Biliran conducts SETUP Forum for Barangay LGUs

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Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD-Biliran, delivering a welcome message.

The DOST Provincial Science & Technology Center (PSTC)- Biliran successfully conducted the 2016 SETUP Forum cum DOST 8 Programs & Services Information Dissemination on December 1, 2016 at the Naval State University (NSU) Hostel, NSU Compound, Naval, Biliran. This time, the activity was conducted to tap the barangay officials as partners in disseminating and promoting DOST S&T programs and services to the local communities. Hence, initially for the first batch, barangay officials coming from the four (4) municipalities of the Province of Biliran namely- Biliran, Naval, Caibiran and Cabucgayan were invited. 

Detailed discussions were given focusing on the following DOST programs and services: Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP); Grants-In-Aid (GIA); Consultancy Services such Energy Audit (EA), Cleaner Production Technology (CPT), and Food Safety (FS); Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST); OneSTore and Scholarship. Furthermore, brief discussions on other services were also provided. The Resource Speakers were from the DOST Regional Office 8 namely Engr. Ramil T. Uy, Ms. Imelda S. Picorro, Engr. Heber Matoza, Mr. Joshua Reambonanza, and Mr. Lysander P. King III. After the discussions, queries and clarifications were entertained and answered. 

DOST 8- NAST PHL Conducts Lecture Series and Symposium for the Youth in Celebration of its 40th Anniversary

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DOST 8- RICTC- EVFIT Announces the Conduct of the 8th NICP ICT Summit

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DOST Supports the Cacao Industry Development in Biliran Province

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Have you ever dreamt of indulging yourself into a mouth-watering chocolate cake or truffles as a dessert after a delicious meal? Or imagined treating yourself into a luxurious chocolate spa treatment after a very stressful day? Or probably drinking a cup of hot chocolate while watching the rain drops? Well, guess what? In the year 2020, those dreams and imaginations may no longer become a reality.

Photo taken from http://chh-convest11.blogspot.com
(Goodness of Chocolate)

Chocolate is among the most loved pleasure food in the world. It is considered to create a pleasant “happy feeling” and helps reduce stress to many people who eats and smells it. To some, it serves as an excellent moisturizer and is believed to give skin a healthy glow when used as a massage cream or body scrub. However, according to Switzerland's Barry Callebaut Group, there could be a deficit in chocolate as early as 2020 due to its increasing demand while its raw material supply is decreasing. So, how is this possible?

Chocolate is a product of fermented cocoa or cacao beans. Cocoa or cacao (Theobroma cacao, L) is native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America and has been introduced as a crop in many Asian countries including the Philippines. According to The Washington Post, the norm now is that farmers produces less cocoa than the world eats, thus causing the shortage in chocolates in year 2020.

GMP and Food Safety Awareness for IMARCO

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The DOST Eastern Visayas Food Safety Team (EVFST) through the support of the Provincial S&T Center- Biliran and DAR Provincial Office Leyte-Biliran conducted a two-days training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to 24 members of the Imelda Agrarian Reform Cooperative (IMARCO) on August 30-31, 2016 at the Brgy. Imelda Multipurpose Center, Naval, Biliran.

The main objective of the activity is to equip the members of the cooperative with skills and knowledge in product development based on standard good manufacturing practices and food safety measures to be able to compete in the current market, thus increasing household income.

DOST-FNRI transfers Veggie-bread techs to Biliran MSMEs

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Bread and vegetables are two distinct foodstuffs that when combined will become a powerhouse for macro and micro nutrients needed for healthy life. These two have become one through the ingenuity of Filipino food scientists, who called the formulation veggie-bread. Veggie-bread technologies are finally in the grasp of Biliran bakers and most likely to benefit the consuming public of Biliran Province by making available the delicious and most nutritious breads ever in the market.

How veggie-bread technology came into being was because of two primary reasons.

Firstly, bread, in all its forms, is considered to be the most widely consumed food in several parts of the globe including the Philippines. It has been said that bread is not only an important source of carbohydrates but it is also portable and compact which explains why it has been an integral part of our diet way back 30,000 years ago up to the present. Consumers of bread products cut across different market classes and almost all age brackets, especially in the younger age groups.

Phil Sci Opens Application for NCE 2016

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The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System is calling all qualified and eligible graduating Grade 6 pupils to take the National Competitive Examination (NCE) on October 22, 2016. Attached below is a guide for the processing of Application Forms.

The PSHS System is mandated to offer a free scholarship for secondary course with emphasis on subjects pertaining to science with the end goal of preparing its students for careers in science and technology and was established by Republic Act 3661. From the first campus in Diliman, Quezon City in 1963, it has at present expanded into eleven campuses nationwide. The PSHS- Eastern Visayas Campus is located at Brgy. Pawing, Palo, Leyte. 

DOST 8,SEI conduct scholarship information caravan

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