First SET-UP Project visits in 2009

A DOST-8 Regional SET-UP Team and an Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) expert conducted an assessment of three ITDI assisted projects in Biliran Province last January 31, 2009 to evaluate the progress of their implementation.

Ms. Mae Anne D. Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist headed the team which is composed of Engr. Ramil Uy, Sr SRS, Ms. Lucia Dauz, SRS II, and Marcelino Nicer Sr., driver from the Regional Office and Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Director. Engr. Melchor Valdecañas who is the technology expert relevant to the visited projects represented the ITDI.

Among the projects visited was the Fish Processing Demonstration Project in Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran operated by the Municipal LGU of Cabucgayan. The facility uses the mechanical dryer and smoke house designed by ITDI through Engr. Valdecañas and his team. The dryer was tested during the visit which was attended by the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabucgayan headed by Vice Mayor Gemma Garcia Adobo. The facility is expected to serve the fisher folks of Cabucgayan in producing high quality dried fish by providing a clean facility for drying.

The team then proceeded to Brgy Bato. Biliran at the site of the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines, a facility producing citronella oil. The factory uses a SET-UP funded extraction equipment designed by Engr. Jesus Villamil with technical support from ITDI, again through Engr. Valdecañas. The facility is currently running in full operation and apparently providing income both to the owners and those laborers hired in the citronella farm and the processing plant.

In Naval, the Team visited the newly relocated Meat Processing Facility of Carding Meat Store which is now situated at Vicentello Street, Naval, Biliran. The firm has tried initial operation just recently and has volume of processed meat (smoked sausages) ready for testing. The firm had been assisted by ITDI in terms of Good Manufacturing Practices in the past consultancy visits.

The team provided recommendations to the cooperators of the respective project in improving their operations to attain the required out which revolves around employment and income generation.