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.
As we commence the Work Immersion last February 6, 2018, little did we know that an exciting adventure was about to begin. A journey that would make us realize that science is not only a mere concept taught inside a classroom and make us gaze in amazement how these scientific concepts are applied in the world.
Initially, we were oriented with the nature and mandate of the institution as well as the staff who would function as our advisers and supervisors as we initiated our training. Furthermore, our work environment had become more comfortable due to the friendly, approachable, and cheerful nature of the staff which were essential for us to effectively absorb all the knowledge and acquaint ourselves with the work of a DOST Personnel. As we progressed and became acquainted with the work endeavors and processes in the DOST, we were assigned to make variety of reports such as TNA Report, YRRP Monitoring Report, and even SETUP Project Proposal.
But the most exciting part of our work immersion is all about "traveling". Going to different towns and barangays around Biliran was a delightful experience for us not just because we saw the beauty of this island dubbed as "Undiscovered Paradise" but also since we have learned new techniques on how to handle businesses and technologies that are used to help local enterprises grow. With the help of the employees we have worked with, we were introduced to new experiences and tried new products from DOST assisted project.
We have also learned about the concept of Project DEWS or the Deployment of Early Warning System for Disaster-Prone Areas, a project undertaken in cooperation with the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), PAGASA, and DOST Regional Offices, and its role in mitigating the impacts of disasters in the province. We visited the different installation of hydro-meteorological devices such as the Automated Rain Gauge in Brgy. Talustusan, Naval, Biliran. ARG is an instrument used by meteorologists to gather and measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a set period of time. In addition, we have visited the Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) installed at Pitogohan Bridge, Almeria, Biliran. The instrument is essential in monitoring the rate of change of water level of the river where it is installed. Moreover, we have also visited the Early Warning Device installed at Brgy, Sto. Nino, Naval, Biliran, which functions as a receiver of data from the WLMS in Caraycaray Bridge and issue a particular warning level to alert all nearby areas in cases of an impending flood.
Another area visited was Brgy. Villaconsuelo, Naval, Biliran wherein we were introduced to an existing YRRP (Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Program) Project, the Coconut Sugar Processing Facility. The primary raw material of making this coconut sugar is the collected coconut sap which is heated and stirred continuously until it solidifies and powdered. This is considered a healthy sugar because it has low glycemic index and is preferable for persons with diabetes.
One of our most challenging travel we have was when we conducted a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) of the ECES Compunix Center, in Biliran, Biliran where we were assigned to interview the supervisor of the business and gather the necessary information to accomplish the specific task assigned to us and generally, to contribute in formulating a SETUP Project Proposal. SETUP is DOST's program that helps micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME)to adopt technology innovations to improve their business
Another travel engagement brought us to Culaba, Biliran, to visit another YRRP Project, the Fish Processing Facility. Based on our observation and assessment, we have found out that the area designated for the installation of fish dryer that is part of the facility to be established must be cleared as soon as possible because the project is among those YRRP projects scheduled for assessment by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional inspection group.
Though the travels are sometimes exhausting, we can say that we really enjoyed the journeys alongside with the DOST Personnel. We have learned how technological and scientific concepts are applied in the real world – all for the convenience and expediency of humankind. As what the quote says, “Experience is the best teacher” and nothing compares to the knowledge that it gave us. With all those things we gone through, we express our deepest gratitude to every staff of the DOST Biliran for making our Work Immersion memorable and worthwhile.