Biliran PSTC bares contribution to DOST Regional Accomplishments

PSTC Biliran as the linking arm of DOST VIII in the province is proud to present its humble contribution to the performance of the agency in Eastern Visayas. The report contained herewith only highlights the PSTC's activities in line with the agency's key performance indicators (KPI) according to its major final outputs (MFO). There are other activities which the center conducted in coordination with other line agencies and local government units in Biliran Province, which may not be included in the report. To browse the summary of accomplishments, you may click the link below.

The year 2010 is a period of transitions in the government. This year marks the conduct of two elections nationwide, national and local. Several changes in focus and priorities were made as a result of changes in leadership both for the national and local positions. But despite these national political events, DOST continue to pursue its mandates as laid out in its development goals. The Biliran PSTC on its part continued implementation of its projects and activities as planned for the year 2010.

Still with limited budget, the PSTC was operated with two regular and one contractual employee who covers eight municipalities of the Province of Biliran. The office is hosted by the lone higher learning institution in the province, the Naval State University, with office located at the 1st floor of the NSU Gymnasium in Naval, Biliran. The provincial center coordinates every technical activities of the Department while administrative functions are made in the Regional Office to support its operations.

The accomplishments presented herewith are based on performance conducted by the center in cooperation with the local government units, other line agencies, the private sectors, local entrepreneurs, non-government organizations, the academe, and other agencies under the umbrella of the DOST. Projects implemented were based on performance commitments of the center as contribution to the over-all regional goals of DOST which in turn form part of the national DOST targets.

Highlights of Accomplishments

MFO1. Diffusion of Knowledge and Technologies

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Under the main program of DOST on Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), PSTC Biliran committed to provide 21 Technology Interventions to 3 existing firms and 1 new firm. From these targets PSTC Biliran was able to provide 37 interventions to 8 existing and 4 new firms with Innovation System Support funding (Core funded projects). These interventions generated gross income of PhP 5.6 Million, employment of 632 man months, and an average of 87% improvement of productivity for the entire year. These are about 260% greater than the targets of PhP 2,165 million, 256 man-months, and 50% productivity improvement for gross sales, employment, and productivity, respectively

For technology interventions under the SETUP program which are funded under regular DOST funds, PSTC Biliran targeted to provide 34 interventions to 8 existing and 4 new firms which would generate about PhP 13 M of gross income, 7 employments, and 20% productivity increase. For the year, the center was able to provide 50 technical interventions to 9 existing firms and 18 new firms that generated a total gross income of PhP 85million, employed 15 persons and create 53% improvement in productivity.

Consultancy Services

Provision of technical advice through qualified consultants also is a major thrust of the Provincial Office through several consultancy programs of the agency such as CAPE, MPEX, CPT, STEVPP, and other consultancy. In 2010 PSTC Biliran targeted 3 MPEX engagements but was able to accomplish only 2. Two (2) firms were targeted for CAPE and 1 for CPT but none were conducted for the year. These results were due to unavailability of qualified SMEs for the activities. STEVPP which aimed to deploy RDI based experts targeted to deploy 17 experts and serve 121 clients but were able to deploy only 15 experts to 82 clients. This is because of the limited funds for the program and the mobilization of local experts to answer consultancy needs of the firms. For other consultancies, PSTC Biliran aimed to conduct 54 activities to serve 41 clients with 57 consultants. A total of 54 were actually made serving 54 clients with 68 consultants working either as individual or as a team.

Training, Investment Clinics, & Fora

Conduct of training is another major activity of the PSTC. A total of 12 trainings were conducted by PSTC Biliran serving about 59 firms with a total of 219 trainees for the year. These surpassed its target of 11 training for 11 firms with 160 trainees. Training conducted by the center was in cooperation with NSU and the DOST supported Food Technology Training Center in CNSAT, Cabucgayan, Biliran. Although not part of the performance commitments, DOST Biliran was able to conduct 3 technology clinic and investment fora serving a total of 22 firms with 60 participants and deployed 14 experts from DOST and other support agencies. These activities were aimed to disseminate technologies from the generator to the private sector and the enterprises in particular.

Packaging and Labeling Assistance

Packaging and labeling assistance of DOST include provision of label design and execution of label design by acquiring packaging materials that uses the label design and applied on the products. Biliran PSTC targeted 5 interventions to 3 firms which are supposed to create 4 new markets and a generation of PhP 43,000.00 gross sales. For the year in review, Biliran was able to provide 5 interventions to 5 firms generating 5 new markets and a gross sale of PhP 105,000.00

MFO III. Development of Human Resources for the S & T Sector

The role of the PSTC on the provision of human resource development activities cannot be under-emphasized being the front line of the agency. PSTC Biliran take part in dissemination of DOST’s scholarship programs. In 2010 PSTC Biliran was able to assist 108 takers of the DOST Scholarship examinations and 80 examinees under the Philippine Science High School qualifying examinations. A total of 7 existing DOST scholars who are enrolled in NSU also received regular assistance from the PSTC including facilitation of tuition fee payments and releases of monthly stipends.

MFO IV. Provision of Quality S & T Services

In providing quality services, the PSTC’s role revolves around information dissemination, development of linkages and networks, resource generation, and monitoring and evaluation. Although most did not form part of the performance commitments of the center, several accomplishments were also realized.

For 2010, PSTC Biliran was able to serve 12 press releases through local radio station and the Philippine Information Agency. A total of 21 networks were established as targeted generating 14 projects out of 12 projects targeted and a total of 11 trainings conducted with the LGUs which is also just equal to the target.

Having mandated to assist in the certification of BEIs during the May 2010 National Elections, PSTC Biliran with support from NSU was able to certify 237 BEIs from Biliran province wide.

Conclusion

With the meager budget and a lean structure, Biliran PSTC was able to contribute to the accomplishments of the Regional Office. Although there are performance indicators unmet, intervening activities were more than enough to show that the center has performed as expected if not more than expected. The staff is hereby grateful to the full support of the management both technically and administratively.