2008 in Review

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center, true to its mandate of delivering S & T services in the countryside as a linking arm of the DOST to its clients has contributed notable accomplishments for CY 2008. Priority projects and activities were centered on technology transfer and commercialization and support services including provision of technology information, equipment acquisition, and consultancy. These things were carried out by a lean PSTC organization, with two (2) regular staff and one (1) job order personnel, through proper networking of several partners and stakeholders in the area.

With very limited resources, the Center were able to submit several projects which were consequently approved and funded by the SET-UP NPMO for technology acquisition support. A total of six (6) projects were approved for CY 2008 for Biliran amounting to about PhP 2.3 M.

Innovation Systems Support

SET-UP Core Funded Projects

The Biliran PSTC facilitated the approval of the following project for core funding under the SET-UP technology acquisition support for CY 2008:

1. Upgrading of Metal Working Facility of the AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing, Naval, Biliran. The project includes acquisition of equipment for production of rebored cylinder heads for motorcycle and small engines. With MIRDC as partner other services include consultancy for process and productivity improvements. Total approved amount is PhP 995,000.00

SET UP also approved a project on Fish Processing which was later on split into two due to some intervening events:

2. The Bangus Processing project of Biliran Agri-Center involves the acquisition of equipment used in the preservation and storage of smoked bangus. The project is also located in Naval, Biliran with a total project cost of PhP 44,400.00

3. The second of the fish processing project is the Fish Processing Demonstration project in Cabucgayan, Biliran managed and operated by the Local Government Unit. The project involves the demonstration on the use of Smoke House and Mechanical Dryer for the production of quality smoked and dried fish. The project costs PhP 750,000.00.

4. Jornales Bakeshop of Biliran, Biliran a new firm established through DOST support, has its project on Cake Production approved in the amount of PhP 70,000.00. The project involves the acquisition of equipment for cake production such as heavy duty mixer and baking utensils.

5. Caril Furniture of Naval, Biliran. is another project approved in principle in the amount of PhP 70,000.00 but release of funds were delayed due to non-submission of some additional document needed.

6. Innovation Support for Vegetable based Noodles Production of WR Bakeshop, Naval, Biliran amounting to PhP 413,000.00 were also approved in 2008. The project would involve acquisition of equipment for noodles production using FNRI developed technology.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Based on key performance indicators, the Center was able to provide 26 technology interventions to 15 existing, and 2 new SMEs, province wide. DOST assisted projects generated gross sales of PhP 1.45 M and 155 man-months employments. The firms assisted made an average of 72% improvement in their productivity based on their initial capacity before DOST assistance.

Projects that contributed to these economic data include: the citronella oil extraction project of the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines in Biliran, Biliran, meat processing of Carding Meat Store in Naval, Biliran, coco-coir based handicrafts production by the Biliran Integrated Coco-Industries in Naval, and AJ Handicrafts metal-fiber based production.

Under the consultancy services to help improve productivity of MSMEs, 3 firms were assisted under MPEX and 1 under CAPE. A total of 30 other consultancy engagements were also conducted for the year benefiting a total of 127 clients, served by 36 local experts. In addition 35 experts under the STEVPP were able to serve the technical needs of 50 clients.

In coordination with line agencies like TESDA, DTI, DOLE, NIT, the FTTC of TESDA-CNSAT, a DOST assisted training facility, and other agencies, the PSTC was able to conduct 15 technology trainings involving 32 firms with a total of 252 participants.

In the process of promoting DOST technologies, the Center was able to conduct 2 technology fora participated by 16 firms and attended by 60 individuals from around the province.

Under the DATBED Program, a total of 8 student beneficiaries from 1 school were able to experience hands-on entrepreneurial activities through SET-UP funds.

(Photos (from top to buttom): The fish dryer in Cabucgayan, BICI coco-coir processing plant, BEOMP citronella processing plant, Carding Meat Store processing facility, sample squash based products, AWA soap packaging training)

4th Visayas S & T Fair

DOST Visayas was in high spirits as it successfully showcased its humble contribution to pushing scientific and technological advancement in the regions through the holding of 4th Visayas Cluster Science and Technology Fair in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on October 22-26, 2008.

Leading the pack of the S & T enthusiasts from the whole country who joined the opening ceremony was no other than Honorable Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro of DOST, and the equally vibrant Assistant Secretary Carol M. Yorobe, and Dr. Carlos Tomboc, Executive Director of the Philippine Textile Research Institute who likewise is the Officer-in-Charge of the Technology Application and Promotions Institute (TAPI), the events primary sponsor.

Of course, The "Mighty Trio," of the DOST Visayas regions, young and dynamic Regional Directors Engr. Rowen Gelonga, Engr. Rene Burt Llanto, and Engr. Edgardo Esperancilla of DOST 6, 7, & 8, respectively, proudly lead, being the host, the rest of the strong DOST Regional officials.

The five-day event was higlighted primarily by the grandious display of science and technology acheivement through the exhibits held in the Island City Mall of Tagbilaran City. Quality products out of DOST-Visayas assisted SMEs which were made available for sale in the bazaar section captured the attention of local buyers thereby generating sales. Products ranged from processed food to gifts and holiday decors.

A series of fora and conferences presenting several developed technologies by DOST system were also held at the Agricultural Productivity Center in Bohol which drew the attention of participants from the academe, LGUs, private sector, and the SMEs.

Asked to assess the 4th Visayas Fair during the Press Conference, Sec. Alabastro commented that the current event was better than the previous ones as manifested by the enthusiasm not only of the organizers but by those who joined the entire events.

RSTW 2008 Eastern Visayas Celebration a success

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The celebration of the Regional Science and Technology Week in Eastern Visayas was a great success as hundreds of individuals flocked into the Kanhuraw Convention Center and the Leyte SMED Center in Tacloban City where simultaneous activities were conducted last July 29-31, 2008 in connection with the event. The 3-day event was able to highlight the major contribution of science and technology in the daily lives of student, the professionals, the industry, and the general public through different programs geared towards improving these sectors.

The events were jointly organized by the Leyte Science and Technology Foundation, Inc. (LSTFI), the Technology Application and Promotions Institute (TAPI-DOST), the Science Education Institute (SEI-DOST), and DOST-8. The major sponsors of the activities were the City of Tacloban through Honorable Mayor Alfred Romualdez, the LGU Province of Leyte through Honorable Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, and the Congressional Office of First District of Leyte through Congressman Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

The Opening Day was graced by the presence of the DOST Assistant Secretary and OIC of the Office of the Undersectary for Regional Operations, Dr. Carol M. Yorobe who highlighted the role of Science and Technology in nation building and the significance of the RSTW which form part of the larger events - the 8th Asean Science and Technology Week (July 1-11, 2008) and the National Science and Technology Week (July 7-11, 2008), respectively coordinated and spearheaded by DOST. This event were the major highlights as DOST celebrates 50th year as a government agency this year. Also present during the opening program were the DOST-8 Regional Director, Engr. Edgardo M. Esperancilla, Dr. Lesmes Lumen, the Chairman of the Leyte Science and Technology Foundation, Inc. who is the primary partner in the conduct of the activity, and the Mayor of Tacloban Hon. Alfred Romualdez.

As important as the opening ceremony the Closing Program marks the historical event in the pages of S & T in Eastern Visayas as DOST and the entire science community salute the contribution of 15 important people in their own field to what S & T has become in Region VIII during the 50 years of its advocacy. These people were honored by giving them plaques and certificates of appreciation. Also given certificates were DOST major partners which include 3 outstanding technology adotors under the DOST-SETUP program, 3 Outstanding DATBED implementors, 49 Institutions of Learning, National Agencies, Local Government Units, and Non-Government Organizations who were active partners of DOST-8 in 50 years of its existence.

Other major events during 3-day activities include the following:
Day 1 (July 29): Press Conference and Launching of the Leyte TBI Website, Lectures on Biofuel, Biogas Technology and Climate Change and Global Warming, S&T Quiz
Day 2 (July 30): Science Education Lecture Series for Teachers and Students, Audience and Group Discussion with DOST Asec Yorobe on Implementation of Projects and Activities on R & D and Technology Management of SUCs and R&D Institutions
Day 3 (July 31): IT products and Services in Eastern Visayas

View the complete documentation
Photo documentation

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Almeria rice farmers strive for Organic Farming

Fifteen (15) rice farmers from Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran benefited the training on natural methods of farming, also known as “Organic Farming” held last June 5-6, 2008. These farmers gladly accepted the technology for, according to them, "it is the right time to adopt the farming methods due to high cost of commercial fertilizers and pesticides."

The activity was part of the consolidated effort of the Almeria LGU and the One Town One Product (OTOP) program to improve rice farming and processing practices of the farmers. The municipality of Almeria identified rice as their OTOP product.

The speakers of the said seminar were experts from Farm and Resource Management Institute (FARMI) of the Visayas State University (VSU), Visca, Baybay, Leyte. Dr. Zosimo dela Rosa discussed about organic farming methods especially in rice through the use of ‘Systems of Rice Intensification’ or SRI, a method of rice farming that does not use inorganic fertilizer (commercial fertilizer) but instead uses compost that can easily be produced by farmers. Another speaker, Mr. Juanito Poliquit, discussed the use of effective microorganism (EM) to return the fertility of land. He stressed that farming methods which uses commercial fertilizers makes the land idle and unproductive because the beneficial microorganism present in the soil are eliminated and killed by the contents of the fertilizers. Aside from EM, he also discussed how to make natural fertilizers through fermentation of fish waste, seaweeds, fruit and plant extracts. A topic on vermi-composting, or the production of organic fertilizer using earthworm as medium in converting farm waste into fertilizer was also demonstrated.

The training was sponsored by Almeria Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) which provided the food for participants and accommodation of speakers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Biliran) which provided training supplies and materials. The Department of Science and Technology through DOST Biliran PSTC serve as a technology broker by linking the technology source to the participants through the OTOP program. The beneficiaries of the said training, would benefit further consultancy through the DOST’s Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) program which will tap the experts of FARMI to identify areas for further improvement of the farm practices of the Almeria farmers. Proposal for the said consultancies is now on process. (M.P. Letran, SRS II, DOST Biliran PSTC)

MPEX goes to Biliran

The Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) program of the Department of Science and Technology goes to Biliran with the assistance provided to AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing.The firm, situated at the main commercial center of Naval, the booming capital town of Biliran Province, is planning to expand its metalworking and machining services and sought the assistance of DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP).


Being part of the SET-UP upgrading assistance, the MPEX Team, composed of consultants from the University of San Jose Recolites (USJR) in Cebu, conducted evaluation on the business operations of AR and analyze areas for improvement with focus on the machine shop and motorcycle engine servicing operations.



The team, who visited the firm on June 6, 2008, includes Mr. Dennis Kilonskilong, Engr. Gilbert Nakila, Ms. Nanette Salazar, and Ms. Josie Elli from USJR, Ms. Mae Anne Reyes and Engr. Heber Matuza from DOST-8 and Mr. Romeo L. Dignos from DOST Biliran PSTC. The USJR consultants are expected to submit their findings and recommendations for productivity expansion of AR within a month after the assessment.

AR is optimistic to be able to expand its services, which is currently focused on repairs of motorcycle engines, by boosting its facility for small engine repair such as cylinder block reboring. This he envisions with the innovation support system of DOST's SET-UP program.

(Photos: Mr. Rogelio Cabulang, AR proprietor, during the interview and evaluation of the proposed show lay-out for the expansion project)