DOST, BIPSU conduct 1st Qtr. CEST Project Assessment

The DOST Biliran PSTC and the Biliran Province State University-Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension conducted on April 22, 2022, the First Quarter Assessment of the Progress of the implementation of various projects under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) managed by BIPSU with funding support from DOST CII. 

The assessment identified challenges during the implementation and agreed on strategies to address the issues and concerns for the realization of project objectives. The project review was spearheaded by Dr. Romeo Dignos, DOST Biliran, and Dr. Marianne Agnes Mendoza, VP for REI of BIPSU, and attended by project leaders of the different RDE Projects.  Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba SRS II and Ms. Ellen Joyce Nartia Project Assistant I of PSTC Biliran facilitated the meeting.

DOST Biliran conducts post disaster assessment on SETUP projects

The DOST Biliran SETUP Team led by Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo, Project Assistant II and Mr Teddy Abenido, Project Assistant I conducted on April 19-22, 2022 the assessment of the impacts of typhoon Agaton on the operations of SETUP assisted projects in Biliran Province. 

The recent flooding caused by heavy rains brought by the typhoon affected vast areas in the island. Many properties were damaged by the flash flooding and business operations were hampered due to unpassable roads. The assessment will collect data as to the extent of damages experienced by the enterprises in order for DOST to decide if deferment of refund is necessary to help the respective entrepreneurs to cope with the effect of the natural disasters.

DOST, BiPSU-BilCam conducts training on ginger soft candy making

Fifteen members of the Lower San Agustin Women’s Association (LOSAWA) in Brgy. Uson, Caibiran, Biliran have experienced, hands-on, the process of making candies from desiccated ginger pulps last March 16, 2022. Traditionally, the ginger pulp “sapal” which is a by-product in ginger tea or instant salabat production is thrown as waste.

A joint team from DOST-8 Biliran PSTC and the Biliran Province State University-Biliran Campus coordinated the conduct of the one-day training to the women, who are mostly jobless housewives from the locality. Their leader, Ms. Gloria Sarsalejo, persistently rallied the women to empower them to participate in the endeavor that is expected to provide them livelihood and income. Currently, the group produces ginger and turmeric powders and is marketed in the municipality of Caibiran and buyers from within and outside the Province of Biliran.

DOST Certifies BEI for May 2022 Election

The Certification of the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) from Biliran Province for the May 2022 Election has taken off in Biliran on March 14, 2022. The activity was preceded by a coordination meeting with the Provincial COMELEC Office and other major stakeholders including the Department of Education and the Biliran Electric Cooperative. 

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center presented to the COMELEC Officials the process to be implemented in the certification of BEIs. The DOST is tasked to certify the EB as IT capable of operating the Vote Counting Machine. More than 400 teachers are expected to undertake the certification.

The DOST Biliran Certification Team is led by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, PSTD as Supervising Certifier with Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba and Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo as Certifiers.

DOST turns over CEST Fund to LGU Naval

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No.8 turned over a project fund amounting to P500,000.00 to the Local Government Unit of Naval during the 2nd Livelihood Summit held on February 9, 2022, at BIPSU Gym, Naval, Biliran. The fund is intended to support the livelihood development, food sufficiency, and nutrition projects of the town under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program of DOST.

The DOST-VIII Regional Director Engr. Ernesto M. Granada personally handed the check to the Mayor of Naval, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina, and witnessed by Biliran Province State University President, Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr., DOST-Biliran Provincial S&T Director Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, and the San Pablo Farmers Association members as the project's target beneficiaries. 

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. 

DOST-8, BIPSU Energy Audit Team Assists Mini Hydro Project in Biliran

DOST-8 through the Biliran PSTC deployed the Energy Audit Team of Biliran Province State University headed by Engr. Bryan Bernil and Engr. Neil Sereño on Sept 16, 2021 to address some problems in the operation of the only micro hydropower system that exist in Biliran Province used by the Cabadiangan Cold Spring Resort in Naval, Biliran. 

Cabadiangan Cold Spring Resort utilizes hydroelectric power for its lighting needs and in the production of tube ice needed by its customers. For more than a year, the resort owners Mr. and Mrs. Vicente Curso, had been using this micro power generation system with the capacity of 5KW. However, the owner has experienced recently unstable power generation. The resort noticed low voltage output even if the water flow is very stable. This resorted them to use the power supplied by the local Electric Cooperative which is more costly instead of using the hydropower system which is a renewable energy source and is free for their use. 

DOST 8 approves PhP 2.1 M assistance to 5 MSMEs in Biliran

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII approved recently a total amount of PhP 2.1 M financial assistance to upgrade the facilities of 5 firms in the Province of Biliran under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The proponents have signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the projects. 

The fund will be used to acquire improved technologies and procure technology related equipment to boost the productivity of these firms. The five firms located in different municipalities of the Island Province of Biliran include the following: 

1) Lloyd’s Meat Shop, Almeria, Biliran for the Upgrading of its meat processing facility with the adoption of high fiber sausage technology and acquisition of GMP compliant meat processing equipment as well as improvement of their packaging; 

Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina Supports Science & Technology Based project for environmental management of Higatangan Island

Hon. Governor Rogelio Espina with
Dr. Dignos DOST-Biliran PD

The Honorable Governor, Doctor Rogelio J. Espina of Biliran signed today the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 8 and the Biliran Province State University for the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology project in the tourist island of Higatangan.

Governor Espina, enthusiastically expressed his full support to the project which has three components that would benefit not only the Higatangan Island constituents but also every tourist who will visit the beautiful island.  

The first component is the "Adoption of Eco-Sep Technology for Waste Treatment in Two (2) Selected Tourist Sites in Higatangan Island. This component will put up a communal CR to be used by tourists. This facility will be equipped with the eco-friendly septic tank that will use vigormin, a nature friendly formula to treat the wastewater from comfort rooms before it will be discharged to the ground or used to water ornaments and other plants. The Barangay LGUs will be tapped to identify appropriate location for the CRs one for each barangay. The said project will showcase the Eco-Sep Technology developed by Adamson University and will serve as model to be followed by local tourism facility operators of the island. The project will ultimately lessen or eliminate the problem of waste water contamination of the beaches in this tourism haven.

BiPSU-Biliran and DOST launched Ginger and Turmeric project

The BiPSU Biliran campus finally launched the Ginger and Turmeric tea and powder production facility last September 30, 2020 with a training-demo and test run of the equipment acquired through financial support of DOST-8 GIA. 

Members of the Lower Lumbia Vendors Association of Biliran, Biliran were present and conducted hands-on operation of the machine. Howvere, due to observance of health protocols only ten members of the association were able to attend the activity. The group produced 4 in 1 Ginger and Turmeric powder with malunggay and pandan extracts extract and sugar, 

Hydroponics and Greenhouse technologies eyed for vegetable production in Brgy. Cabunga-an, Naval, Biliran

The Provincial Science and Technology Center-Biliran of the Department of Science and Technology VIII (PSTC Biliran-DOST 8) led by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, Provincial S&T Director of PSTC-Biliran signed today the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BLGU Cabunga-an’s chairperson, Hon. Ana Q. Victoria and the beneficiary group, Cabunga-an Farmers Association’s (CFA) represented by its president, Mrs. Catalina Q. Sto. Tomas, of the project entitled “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST)-Based Intervention for the PRLEC identified community in Cabunga-an, Naval, Biliran.” 

Signed into formality, the said agreement involves the implementation of the science and technology-based intervention to support the convergence program of Biliran Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) lead by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which focuses on organic agriculture production. 

DOST Biliran spearheads nutrition project

The BNS during the training on the feeding management

" A heathy Nation is a Nation of PROGRESS" (Anonymous).

The DOST-Biliran PSTC believes that health is a primary factor for nation's development. We firmly stand on the idea that every child is our country's HOPE. Thus , encouraging us to provide a program that will ensure their healthy well being through our GIA Project entitled " Malnutrition Reduction Program: A CEST (Community Empowerment through Science and Technology) Based Intervention Towards Well Nourished Children" that seeks to liberate our children, especially those aged 6 months to 2 years, from malnutrition.  CEST is a DOST program that assist communities in various entry points such as health and nutrition and livelihood development among many others.

The project is actively implemented with the support of the Municipal Mayor of Naval, Hon. Gerard Roger Espina. DOST-8 GIA funded the training of the health workers and the procurement of the supplies for 6 months feeding. The Brgy officials of  Brgy. Smo. Rosario, Naval headed by Hon. Chairman Jonnel Quilaneta, manages the fund and the project activities fully backed by the Municipal Health Office of Naval and the Provincial Nutrition Council.

DOST-8 conducts Food Safety and GMP training to food enterprises in Biliran

The Provincial S&T Center- Biliran, in partnership with the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), conducted a Training on Basic Food Safety (FS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for selected establishments in Biliran Province at the BiPSU Hostel, Naval, Biliran on July 24-25, 2019.

Eleven (11) firms/associations, who were beneficiaries of various programs implemented by DOST-Biliran, were the pre-identified participants of the said training. The group is composed of 5 GIA beneficiaries and partners, 4 SETUP cooperators, 1 YRRP recipient, and 1 Food Safety consultancy beneficiary.

DOST-SEI scholarship for 2020 is now open

The Department of Science and Technology announces the opening of application for the 2020 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship examination which is scheduled on October 20, 2019. DOST Provincial Science and Technology Centers around the country are again busy promoting the program and encouraged graduating Grade 12 students to apply and grab the opportunity to become a scholar of DOST. Deadline of filing the application is set on September 6, 2019.

DOST Biliran topped 1st Semester SETUP Refund Performance in Region 8

The DOST-Biliran PSTC Team

The Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center of DOST-VIII recorded the highest Refund Rate at 97% for the implementation of its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Region VIII for the First Semester of 20019.The said rate was the highest among the six provinces of Region VIII.

SETUP provides financial support for technology acquisition of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) with the condition to refund the cost of technology within a period of three years without interest. Records show, Biliran PSTC was able to collect PhP 11.6M from PhP 11.9M collectibles as of June 2019.

NSU launches Food Research and Development Center

The President of Naval State University, Dr. Victo C. Cañezo, Jr. leads the Inauguration and Ribbon Cutting ceremony of the first Food Research and Development Centre (FRDC) in the Province of Biliran, situated in its main campus, last January 28, 2019. The newly opened FRDC is a collaborative project between the Department of Science and Technology, The Department of Trade and Industry, and NSU. It is situated at the right wing of the NSU-Hostel.

Dr. Cañezo, warmly expressed his gratitude to the project partners and everyone who joined the event through his welcome message. He said that the FRDC will not only help the community in producing tested and quality products but will also serve as a training ground for the young, aspiring food scientists of the school.

DOST Biliran turns over Abaca Stripping machine to Kawayan farmers

Mayor Udi Espina of Kawayan with DOST staff

The DOST-PSTC Biliran Provincial Director, Dr. Romeo Dignos together with the Municipal Mayor of Kawayan, Honorable Mayor Rodolfo “Udi” Espina spearheaded the turnover ceremony of one unit Abaca-Stripping Machine to the Farmers Association of Barangay Villa-Cornejo Kawayan, Biliran on the January 21, 2019.

The stripping machine was part of the project “Establishment of Abaca Fiber Processing Facility” funder under the DOST-8 GIA Program which is implemented by the LGU-Kawayan, Biliran. The project is primarily aimed to increase production of good quality abaca fiber for the target beneficiaries.

5 Biliranon's qualify for 2018 JLSS

Five out of the 202 passers from Region 8 of the 2018 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) conducted on October 20, 2018 are from Biliran. They are the following, with the corresponding Program they qualify, the school they are enrolled, and their respective courses:

(1) RA 10612, CORCILLES, MARY JOLLE SANOSA, EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, BS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2) RA 7687, DEJARLO, CATHERINE JOY TENOSO, NAVAL STATE UNIVERSITY, BS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(3) RA 7687, FUERTES, LEONARD VAPOROSO, NAVAL STATE UNIVERSITY, BS COMPUTER SCIENCE
(4) RA 7687, NOTARION, RACHEL PENARANDA, EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY-TACLOBAN, BS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
(5) RA 10612, VIVERO, PAULINE MAE GARING, NAVAL STATE UNIVERSITY, BSE BIOLOGY.

FNRI pushes Project ANAK in Biliran

FNRI staff  Ms. Dorado and Ms. Viajar with Biliran PNC members

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully conducted its advocacy on project ANAK here in the province of Biliran with the help of the DOST Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center and the Provincial Nutrition Council of DOH on January 17-18, 2019. The advocacy was aimed to seek the commitment of the Municipalities of Cabucgayan and Biliran, who have high prevalence of malnutrition, to adopt and implement the Project ANAK strategy.

Project ANAK or “Accelerated Nutrient Advocacy for Kids” is a model delivery system for complementary feeding intervention aimed to alleviate the malnutrition problem among children from six months to two years old. Ms. Julieta B. Dorado, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Ms. Rowena V. Viajar Science Research Specialist II both of DOST-FNRI served as resource persons during the advocacy.

DOST-VIII trains Culaba Fisherfolks in advance fish drying

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The PSTC-Biliran in coordination with the Local Government of Culaba conducted a training on dried fish processing last November 22-23, 2018 in Brgy. Habuhab, Culaba, Biliran. The participants of this training were the members of Habuhab United Fishers Association (HUFA).

“We are grateful to have a training like this so that we can do the proper process and can improve our products”, a participant said in dialect in appreciation to the training conducted.