DOST 8 Biliran PSTC brings S&T to Maripipi Island

The DOST PSTC Biliran Team poses with Maripipi Mayor Caingcoy 
and the participants of the Forum

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII successfully conducted various Science and Technology-based promotion and extension activities in the geographically challenged island municipality of Maripipi. The activities were fully supported by the LGU of Maripipi through Hon. Joseph Caingcoy, who actively graced the activities by his presence and support. Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry Biliran Provincial Office assisted the DOST through the Negosyo Center Facility and personnel. 

Maripipi town is one of the 8 component municipalities of the Province of Biliran and the only municipality in a separate island. It is the mother town of the popular tourist destination, Sambawan Island, which is another beautiful islet in the various islands comprising the Province of Biliran. 

On November 9-10, 2021 the DOST8 Biliran PSTC team headed by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD conducted a series of activities to bring science and technology to the people of Maripipi. A forum was conducted on November 9 about the DOST programs that include the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Scientific and Technological Laboratory Services (RSTL), the Undergraduate Scholarship Programs, the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), and the DOST-8 Grant-in-Aide Program (GIA) were presented to two set of audiences. One was the group of local farmers composed of men and women belonging to the marginalized sector in the barangay of Canduhao, Maripipi and the other group was the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all over the island town. The forum was intended to encourage the clients in Maripipi to avail of DOST services and programs. 

Simultaneous with the forum, the DOST 8-Biliran PSTC team also conducted a training on Accelerated Vinegar Production on November 9-10, 2021 in Brgy. Canduhao, Maripipi, Biliran. The training was participated by two groups: The Canduhao Farmers’ Association and the Maripipi Vinegar Producers Association from Brgy Ermita, Maripipi, Biliran. The training was coordinated by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, through Ms. Louie Pulvera, MSWDO, who provided funds for the procurement of tools and equipment for accelerated vinegar production which the associations can use in vinegar production after the training. As an output of the activity, two (2) vinegar processing facilities will be established in Maripipi, one in Brgy Canduhao and one in Ermita.

PSTD Dignos conducted demo for TA analysis to Accelerated Vinegar
training participants