Biliran PSTC conducts MPEX pre-assessment

Three micro enterprises in Biliran were pre-assessed on November 10, 2009 for possible assistance under the DOST-8's continuing effort to improve the productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Two beneficiaries were considered under Manufacturing Productivty Expansion Program (MPEX) as well as possible innovation support and one to be considered only for technology acquisition support. The Caril's Furniture in Naval, Biliran, which was earlier favorably evaluated by SETUP National Program Management Office (NPMO), is specializing in wood furniture but uses manual tools in boring and curve cutting. The firm needs to acquire new tools to improve their productivity. Training on wood bending and wood finishing techniques is proposed for next year's intervention.

ES Cator Steel Works is another firm considered for MPEX. They specializes on body building for motor cabs and tricycles, grilles, steel trusses, and other steel works. Their current need is on improvement on their welding and metal bending facility. The last one is Ungale Handicraft in Brgy. Ungale, Kawayan, Biliran, which specializes in home decors and novelty gift items made from abaca based materials and other local indigenous raw materials. They are hoping to upgrade their facility by acquiring new equipment for sewing the weaving of abaca.

The assessment team was headed by Ms. Mae Anne D. Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Executive Manager of DOST-8 Technology Transfer and Commercialization Unit and Ms. Lucy Dauz, Science Research Specialist II and Coordinator of the DOST-8 MPEX project together with the Biliran Provincial S & T Director, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos.

Cake Decorating assistance

In partnership with experts from the Naval State University in Naval, Biliran, the DOST Biliran facilitated the conduct of training on improvement of cake products of Jornales Bakeshop, a micro enterprise specializing in cakes and pastry, in Biliran town of Biliran province on November 8, 2009.

A total of four formulations for cake, four formulations for cake icing, and decorating techniques were transfered to the proponent who was a beneficiary of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) of DOST. The training was attended by 6 persons who are workers and owners of Jornales Bakeshop and other walk in clients.

Mrs. Ma Lourdes Bacason, from the Naval State University served as the resource person of the training which was coordinated by the school through its Extension Services Office.

DOST 8 is ISO 9001:2008 Certified

After a very tedious process of complying the major requirements for accreditation DOST-8 with its six Provincial Center including Biliran PSTC is finally accorded the ISO 9001:2008 certification this October by Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIPI). With the certification is the assurance that our services passed a through Quality Management System at par with the rest of quality service providers of the world.

We will be posting more details of the certification sooner.

Training for emergency livelihood

In support to the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the government, the DOST Biliran joined hands with the DTI in conducting training activities for the youth and women's group in the municipality of Naval, Biliran Province

A training on bocorillo production was conducted for the women beneficiaries while training on silk screen printing was designed for the youth group. Bocorillo is a local delicacy made from young coconuts mixed with caramelized sugar with milk and formed into small circular patties. The product is a popular dessert.

Meanwhile, silk screen printing using photographic film was specially taught to youngsters. The skill is specifically applicable in t-shirt printing, ribbon production, and other specialized printing for commercial purposes.

A total of 51 trainees benefitted from the 1-day simultaneous activity that was conducted on October 29, 2009 at the Naval Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office facility. The LGU of Naval was co-implementing the event through the MSWDO.

NIT is now Naval State University (NSU)

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has finally signed Republic Act 9718 converting the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) into Naval State University (NSU) at Malacañang Palace on October 14, 2009.

Witnessing the event are Congressman Glenn A. Chong of the Lone District of Biliran and principal author of the law, Dr. Emmanuel Angeles, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Naval Sangguniang Bayan member Jose T. Genson, and Dr. Edita S. Genson, NSU President
(PIA Biliran)

Photo from biliranisland.com

DOST Biliran is Biliran OTOP's Most Supportive Partner Organization

The Department of Science and Technology's Provincial Science and Technology Centers in Region 8 bagged the One Town One Product's (OTOP) Most Supportive Partner Organization awards in Provincial levels fro 5 out of 6 provinces. The 5 provincial awardees and nominated for the Regional level awards are Biliran, Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte with Samar PSTC emerging as the Regional OTOP Most Supportive Partner Organization.

The awarding ceremony was made during the Regional OTOP Congress conducted in Tacloban City on September 10, 2009 through the leading of the OTOP Secretariat, the Department of Trade and Industry. Also awarded during the event are the SMEs and LGU implementers.

Honorable Cynthia R. Nierras, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, graced the occassion attended by OTOP partners and beneficiary LGU's and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) around the region.