DOST 8-Biliran PSTC joins LGU Naval’s 2nd Livelihood Summit Trade Fair

The DOST8 PSTC-Biliran joined the product exhibits and fair in the 2nd Livelihood Summit and Trade Fair 2022 sponsored by the Municipal Government of Naval at BiPSU Main Campus Gymnasium in Naval, Biliran.

The activity is aimed to promote and sell local products of the different producers from the municipality and the province. The activity ran for two days on February 9-10, 2022. 

The PSTC showcased products from SETUP and GIA-assisted firms/organizations. The two-day Trade Fair generated considerable sales to the various exhibitors from the municipality of the Naval. DOST Biliran generated about P10,000.00 in sales from products displayed.

DOST-8 supports Agricultural Productivity projects in Biliran Province

With the end view of helping local farmers improve their productivity, the DOST Biliran PSTC joined hands with several Local Government Units and the Biliran Province State University to undertake several science and technology-based interventions. 

The BiPSU together with Mun. Agricultural Office of the LGU-Almeria, Biliran assisted DOST Biliran by fielding their consultants which are accredited by DOST’s Consultancy on Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Consultancy Program to assist two farmer groups from Biliran, Province. The consultants are: Mr. Brian Sinagote, the MAO of Almeria and expert in Agricultural Production and on Landscaping and Dr. Ramelito Petilos, expert in Agricultural and Livestock Production and a licensed Veterinarian. 

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.

DOST-Biliran joins the planting fad in pandemic times

Gov. Rogelio J. Espina w/ PSTD Romeo Dignos
of DOST Biliran during the Project launching

The pandemic created a new fad within our neighborhoods developing the plantitos and plantitas amongst us. 

Well, its a productive craze that enabled many to derive income out of it. Selling planting materials, seeds, seedlings, potting media, fertilizers, pots, organic vegetables, beautiful ornamentals of varied species, and many others. The government responded well by promoting agricultural production during this challenging times and provided support in terms of technology, human resource capability enhancement, experts advices, and many others.

The DOST-Biliran Provincial Science and Technology joined the efforts of the national and local governments in stimulating agriculture productivity of micro and small farms and even up to the household levels to sustain the needs of the populace. In 2020, armed with a meager fund allocated under the Grand-in-Aid Program of the DOST Regional Office No. VIII, DOST-Biliran was able to provide one (1) unit of Greenhouse to the Provincial Government of Biliran through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS). 

Higatangan Potable water, a dream come true for this beautiful tourism haven

HIGATANGAN ISLAND, Naval, Biliran - For several decades in the life of the residents of Higatangan Island,  safe potable water is a precious good that can be accessed  across the sea from the main island of Biliran or the nearby Leyte Island. For them, its just a dream of having to fetch the water from their own community.

Such a dream became a reality when the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII, LGU-Naval, the Biliran Province State University, the Barangay Libertad, and the Department of Education launched the Water Purification Project and Inaugurated the completed facility on March 4, 2021 at Fidel M. Limpiado Sr. National High School. The facility can provide a maximum of 500 gallons a day based on equipment capacity.

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 conducts Nutrition workshop

The participants and speakers of the nutirition workshop

DOST-BILIRAN conducts a two-day Training, with the help of the Local Government Units (LGU) of Naval and the Municipal Health Office (MHO), for all Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in the Municipality of Naval on the Malnutrition Reduction Program at the Nutrition Room of the Municipal Health Center of Naval, Biliran last November 6-7, 2019.

This said training serves as an introduction to DOST-FNRI Project “ANAK: DOST PINOY INTERVENTION” focused on helping the nutrition of the Filipino children improve, decreasing the cases of malnutrition.

DOST-BiPSU-LGU Naval initiates Higatangan Water Purification project

The Local Government of Naval headed by Mayor Gerard Roger Espina in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII through the Biliran PSTC headed by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos and the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) headed by Dr. Victor Canezo Jr. joined hands in initiating a project on water purification for potable water needs of the island of Higatangan.

DOST-8 improves packaging of Biliran products

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Evelyn Alba, President of IMARCO receives the material from DOST-Biliran

The Department of Science and Technology Region VIII in partnership with the Packaging Technology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute of DOST assisted several organized groups in Biliran Province in improving their product through the infusion of label design improvement as well as procurement of initial stock of packaging materials using their developed designs.

The assistance was part of the package of support to community based endeavors in the local area, particularly to registered associations and cooperatives that were affected by ST Yolanda in 2013. The project was funded by the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.The DOST released the packaging materials to the respective beneficiaries from April to June 2019.

DOST 8 Food Safety Team helps protect human health

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Mrs. Donata Victorioso, owner of Ayang’s Mini Bakeshop in Kawayan, Biliran
being interviewed by the DOST8 Food Safety Team during the firm visit last
February 11, 2016.

Food is the most basic of the human needs, and consumption of safe sustenance is the primary concern of health conscious consumers. According to World Health Organization (WHO) the process by which foodstuffs gets from the farm to the plate has changed drastically over the past half century that safe food handling must be highly observed. Unsafe food poses health threats endangering everyone particularly vulnerable population such as infants, young children, pregnant women, and elderly among others.

Thus, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) established the Food Safety Program to promote the adoption of safe food handling practices among food processors, especially DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) adaptors, and other stakeholders of the processed food industry.

As part of the implementation of this program, the DOST 8 Food Safety Team, a group of experts in line with food safety, assisted by DOST-Biliran Provincial S&T Center staff conducted assessments of the food safety practices of three (3) SETUP-assisted firms namely: Mark Sahn’s Bakeshop, Symonn’s Bakeshop and Ayang’s Mini Bakeshop on February 11-12, 2016 in Biliran Province.

Mr. Arthur Cerera, owner of Mark Sahn’s Bakeshop
in Biliran, Biliran, being interviewed by Ms. Rosella L.
Gopo, DOST 8 Food Safety Team member, during the
firm visit last February 11, 2016.

Mark Sahn’s Bakeshop, a single proprietorship business from Biliran, Biliran, availed assistance from SETUP for acquisition of related equipment for the improvement of its bakery in 2014. Likewise, Symmon’s Bakeshop, a family enterprise from Naval, Biliran was granted P2, 000,000.00 financial assistance in 2015 for the adoption of vegetable based bread production technology. Ayang’s Mini Bakeshop, in the other hand, which is a family owned business from Kawayan, Biliran also received a financial assistance amounting to P200, 000.00 for improvement of its facility. 

The consultancy on Food Safety forms part of the package of assistance provided by DOST to its SETUP clients specifically for those firms belonging to the food sector. The three firms produce bread products that form part of Filipinos regular breakfast meal and even during snack treats. It must be ensured that the firms practice standard good manufacturing procedures so that their outputs are safe for consumption.

Mrs. Isabelita M. Pamposa, DOST 8 Food Safety member,
conducting an interview with one of the employees of
Symonn’s Bakeshop in Naval, Biliran last February 11, 2016

The Food Safety Team is expected to come up with recommendations to improve the efficiency in food handling and compliance of the firms with the FDA food safety standard. Follow up visits are expected in later dates to discuss their recommendation and ultimately implement the needed change (Juliet Aguirre, AA3, DOST-Biliran.)

2014 Accomplishments

DOST-Biliran staff during the 2014 Christmas fellowship

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Another year has passed, another year comes. As the working calendar 2015 officially opens today it is our duty as a government office to report what we have done according to our mandates. The following is the scoop of our accomplishments based on the set performance indicators:

SETUP

The DOST Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center's major mandate is to support the micro, small, and medium enterprises (mSMEs)by applying science, technology, and innovation to improve their productivity. Through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), DOST-Biliran targeted to assist 5 new mSMEs for a total proposed allocation of PhP 2.13M. It was able to assist 7 enterprises with approved funding support of PhP 2.9 M or 140% and 138% as to the number of enterprises and the amount of assistance respectively.

Based on KPIs

Based on our key performance indicators, DOST Biliran targeted to provide 34 Technology Interventions to 5 existing mSMEs and 3 new mSMEs that would generate PhP 3.754M Gross Sales and employ a total of 42 persons. As the year closed, the Center was able to extend a total of 45 Technology Interventions or 132% of the target. Technology Interventions included provision of technology, acquisition of technology related equipment, proposal preparation, plant lay-out assistance, product and process improvement, etc. The interventions helped 21 existing firms and 3 new firms. The gross sales generated by assisted mSMEs as a result of the support reached PhP 7.8 M or 208% on target. It also generated an employment of 70 persons which is 165% of our target.

Provision of consultancy services is another task of the DOST Biliran. Implementation of the regular consultancy programs of DOST  achieved 100% accomplishments as targeted. The MPEX helped 4 firms, another 4 firms availed of CAPE, 1 for CPT, 1 for Energy Audit, and 2 firms for Food Safety. In addition the office rendered one-on-one consultancy with various clients in different technology concerns. For 2014 the office provided 52  other consultancies (target = 44) to 95 clients (target=44) with 77 experts deployed (target=55). These figures are also higher to as much as 216% against target

For training services, DOST Biliran targeted 9 trainings for 9 firms with 94 participants with 17 experts deployment. The office conducted 9 trainings, assisted 16 firms with 160 participants and 17 experts. Accomplishments surpassed the target to as much as 178% for the number of firms assisted.

Network and Resource Generation

The DOST Biliran could not achieve its mandate alone. Partners such as the LGUs, other line agencies, and NGOs are crucial in project implementation. Because of this one of its major KPIs is Networks and Linkages established. In 2014 DOST targeted 12 networks and linkages with 3 projects co-funded with LGUs and 3 trainings conducted with LGUs. The office was able to create 44 linakges with 34 projects supported with LGUs and 3 trainings conducted with LGUs.

These projects implemented and linkages established in 2014 generated project resources amounting to PhP 1.3 M from LGUs, PhP 0.6 M from SUC, PhP 2.05M from other line agencies, PhP 2.92M from NGOs/mSMEs and PhP 0.3 M from other government organization.

Internal Resources

The DOST-Biliran was able to achieve all these with a very skeletal force. The office is composed of a 5-personnel team. Total budget for SETUP Implementation for the past year was only PhP 0.56 M and another PhP 0.6 M for Office operations excluding salary and benefits of regular staff. DOST is currently housed in its own 2-storey building inside the campus of the Naval State University in Naval, Biliran

AR La Naval is DOST Biliran's 2014 best technology adoptor

What does it mean to dream of bolts-and-nuts?

Perhaps there are psychic explanations, but for Mr. Rogelio G. Cabulang, proprietor of AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing, that dream is the beginning of a growing business in the metals and engineering field.

AR La Naval, as we call his business name in short, is the leading supplier of motor parts in Biliran today and has the first complete facility for motorcycle servicing in the province. It has a metal fabrication facility that could provide customized small motorcycle components such as mufflers, crash guards, bushings, customized bolts and nuts, gears, and a lot more. Its metal working facility could provide, sleeving and reboring of small engines and fabricate different kinds of farm implements like rice winnower, land master, thresher, and industrial tools and equipment like coco milk extractors, electric graters, stainless tables, pipe benders, and many others.

When Mr. Cabulang first meet Engr. Willy Lim of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology during the visit of the latter in Naval sometime in 2008, his first question was "How can I start a business of bolts and nuts production?" This idea came into his mind because as a supplier of motor parts in a developing town of Naval in the young province of Biliran, bolts and nuts is one of its best selling product with high demands. But the discussion turned into some twist that lead Mr. Cabulang to realize his passion is in machining.

AR La Naval has a small shop which is annexed to his first store, a rented space in downtown Naval, that provided re-boring services to motorcycle engines. Since, motorcycle is the primary transportation system in the rural areas of Biliran, his services was in demand. But he had a problem, he was only using an old boring machine and improvised honing machine. So his first step to realizing the dream was by contacting the Department of Science and Technology in Biliran Province.

The technology needs assessment conducted during the MIRDC visit assisted by DOST Biliran staff paved the way for a SETUP assistance to improve his machining facility intended to improve the quality of the rebored products plus the improved capability to produce customized motorcycle components. The assistance included acquisition of equipment worth PhP 985,000.00.

But like his bolts-and-nuts dream, the going sometimes gets tough. Because of his expansion efforts he had to invest on the infrastructure by acquiring a lot and constructing his own building to house the newly acquired equipment. He sourced his capital through mortgaged loan from commercial banks.

AR La Naval needed to double his efforts in order to pay his obligations. He started refunding DOST assistance in December 2009. He faced some highs and lows along the way but was able to complete refund in April 2014. Way before the time the repayments has been completed, AR has already opened a new store outlet in Sogod, Southern Leyte with a small shop providing the same reboring services to the Southern Leyte clients.

From the initial 5 workers before DOST entered into AR La Naval's business the firm now employs 30 personnel in his 3 outlets. Comparing the financial records submitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the firm has a total assets of around PhP 7million before DOST intervention and a total of about PhP 10M by the enterprise completed its refund.

Mr. Cabulang's dream maybe far from ending but his determination and hard-work is always there just like bolts-and-nuts strongly attached together.

DOST Biliran SETUP Team kicks-off anew

After ST Yolanda comes a new challenge for the DOST Biliran Team for CY 2014.

Gracevillalyn R. Saldo

The DOST Biliran SETUP Team has been refreshed by the hiring of a new staff in the person of Ms. Gracevillalyn R. Saldo, Computer Engineer by profession, and a Yolanda survivor herself. How she survived is history which she has the right to keep by herself or share them in whatever means she likes.

The month of January as usual is a ground-working stage with several lined up activities which include the orientation of new staff, Hydromet Project Installation, and Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for new SETUP applicants.

DOST Biliran PSTD conducted the orientation of the new staff about the SETUP Program and its components, and a hands-on training on project proposal preparation, financial analysis, and TNA procedures to the new staff. The activities ran from January 4 to January 8, 2014. The next days were devoted to identification of prospective SETUP applicants with Ms. Saldo backed-up by SETUP Staff Mr. Teddy Abenido. After which they conducted one-on-one consultation with the MSME prospects around Biliran. DTI Biliran PO provided us the list of registered MSMEs, special thanks to Director Celerina Bato.

ARG Installation in Almeria, Biliran

On January 16 the DOST Biliran Team supported by the DOST Regional Office 8 Hydromet project team members: Engr. Heber Matuza and Mr. Dominic Abiabi installed the Automatic Rain Gauges in two locations: Almeria Central School, Almeria, Biliran and Biliran Municipal Grounds in the Municipality of Biliran in Biliran Province. The units were successfully installed despite the non-stop rain.

The next day, January 17, 2014 while the sun and the sky was partially covered with drizzle the Team went on to conduct Technology Needs Assessment to two MSMEs in Caibiran, Biliran.

at Canaan Hillside Farms, Uson, Caibiran

The first was Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden located at Brgy. Uson who sought assistance for their ginger powder processing venture. But the Team found more possible support through CAPE and MPEX programs. Next was Memua Minimart in Poblacion, Caibiran who needed support for then healthy bread production. The proponent needed help in production of bread with no animal fat added which is targeted for non pork eaters (Muslims, Adventists, etc). They are planning to adopt vegie-bread technologies.

The team's last stop for the day was the installation of Automatic Rain Gauge in the Municipal Grounds of Culaba, Biliran.

ITDI conducts assessment for Gasifier Combustor technology application

The existing oven of Talahid Beach Resor

The Industrial Technology Development Institute through the expertise of Engineer Lorencito M. Pacatang, conducted recently an assessment of two micro enterprises from the Province of Biliran for the possible application of the gasifier combustor technology in their respective processing operations.

Gasifier combustor is a devise that converts biomass wastes into energy through gasification process. The biomass is burned inside a close chamber to produce blue flames that are used as heat source in any cooking processes. The common fuel used are rice hulls which are abundantly found in the rural areas.

Marksahn Breadshop in Biliran, Biliran signified interest in adopting the technology for its bakery business. The owner, Mr. Arthur Cerera was optimistic it would help him reduce his fuel cost. Engr. Pacatang provided the technology design and helped the beneficiary in contacting the fabricator of the equipment. Equipment acquisition will be supported by the DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

Meanwhile, Talahid Beach Resort, in Agta Beach, Talahid, Almeria, Biliran who is famous for its unique broiled chicken sought the support of DOST in improving their broiler production facility. The Resort is currently using an old traditional type of oven. ITDI inspected the facility and provided recommendations to improve further their existing oven.

The series of activities that was conducted last June 25-27, 2013 was coordinated by the Training and Consultancy group of the Department of Science and Technology, Regional Office VIII through Engr. Ramil T. Uy, Sr. Science Research Specialist. It was also assisted by the Biliran Provincial S & T Center.

ACAI Goldsmith receives technology upgrading assistance from DOST

Cecil Joson, ACAI proprietress (2nd from left) during the training

The ACAI Goldsmithery shop in Naval, Biliran recently received a series of support from the Department of Science and Technology to make better its jewelry production facility. The assistance is expected to improve the quality of the firm's jewelry products and hopefully create new product lines such as medals, pins, and related items.

It started with the release of Innovation Support fund for the improvement of its process and acquisition of technology related equipment amounting to Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos (PhP 460,000.00).

The transfer of technology on spin casting and electroplating was undertaken through their participation in a training conducted by Metals Industry Research and Development Center of DOST on June 4-7, 2013 at DOST Eastern Samar Conference Hall in Borongan City.

Electroplating technology is needed for the production of low cost jewelry and metal products which are made of low quality metals and coated with precious metals like gold, silver, bronze and the like. These products include: medals, trophy plates, name plates, and the likes. In the other hand, spin casting is the process where small items are molded to desired form before they are plated to produce the final products mentioned earlier.

The training which served both Eastern Samar and Biliran SETUP beneficiaries were jointly coordinated by the DOST Regional Office 8 and the DOST Provincial Offices of Eastern Samar and Biliran.

Engr. Wilfredo R. Lim and Engr. Edilbert M. Dela Peña, both Senior Science Research Specialist from MIRDC, served as resource speakers of the said event.

The upgrading assistance is expected to boost the production capability of ACAI Goldsmith which is currently using the old methods of forming and designing their products. The acquisition of better electroplating technology will also enhance the surface finish of their plated products while spin casting will open for new product lines.

Leyte and Biliran LGUs project cooperation

Mayor Ramon Oñate, Palompon (2nd from left) with Mayor Gemma Adobo
of Cabucgayan (3rd from left). The fish dryer in background

Fish processing opportunity is what encouraged Mayor Ramon Oñate of Palompon, Leyte to visit the town of Cabucgayan in Biliran Province, hoping they would learn from Cabucgayan's experience in utilizing technology to produce quality dried fish products.

Cabucgayan has tested the mechanical fish dryer designed by DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI-DOST) with positive results and in his plan to pilot test the said dryer in his town, Mayor Oñate seek the support of DOST to transfer the equipment used by Cabucgayan for its pilot testing project to Palompon. The dryer will be used in improving the dried "danggit" which is a popular product of Palompon, Leyte.

Cabucgayan received assistance from DOST through PSTC Biliran in 2007 for the use of fish dryer and smoke house as a technology demonstration to improve its fish products. The LGU was able to produce better quality dried fish using fish species available in the area like "besogo", stick fish ("tubo-tubo"), and others.

Since the project has been completed, Palompon signified interest to use the facilities from Cabucgayan to pilot its use for "danggit" and if found to be viable they will adopt the technology for commercial production.

DOST Biliran in coordination with DOST Leyte and the DOST VIII Regional office is currently facilitating the rehabilitation and speedy transfer of the dryer to Palompon.

OL Trap rolls out in Biliran

When life is at stake, heroes always come running. It was proven true when 132 school principals and school nurses from the elementary and secondary schools in the Biliran Division joined the roll-out training of the Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap (OL Trap) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology on February 15, 2012 at the Department of Education's Library Hub in Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran.

What is noble with the activity is its purview of reducing the deadly dengue menace. Dengue had been one of the growing problem that even caused fatalities mostly among school aged children through-out the country. It is currently the subject of intense campaign of the government to reduce if not eliminate the causes.

Ms. Rosario Canlas, representing Dr. Pedro T Escobarte, Jr., the Biliran Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education, welcomed the enthusiastic participants while Ms. Mae Anne Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist and OL Trap Project Coordinator of DOST Region VIII, presented the life cycle of the dengue carrier mosquito and the nitty-gritty of operating and using the device to reduce the mosquito population. Mr. Romeo Dignos, Senior Science Research Specialist and Provincial Director for DOST Biliran, encouraged the school principals and head teachers to be serious in accomplishing the tasks required of them since the project's vision is a dignified one.

The OL Trap a sytem developed by DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) in cooperation with the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and the Department of Health is designed to attract the Aedes egypti mosquitoes, the carrier of the dengue virus, to lay their eggs in it and kill the offsprings before it could live and spread further.

DOST VIII  through the project will provide every rooms in all schools about 4 sets of the device including supplies that will be used and monitored for the next 6 months. The school heads will report the data to DOST Biliran Provincial office who will submit the same to the Regional Office for analysis.

The OL trap system roll-out in Biliran is a part of the project of DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo to promote the use of the ingenious gadget throughout the country. "As we are conducting this training, other parts of the country, may also be doing the same this time," Ms. Reyes disclosed.

When love and candies meet

Candies and love can be as sweet but they can be sweeter together. This holds true in the case of Santiago and Rose Nierra when their love for candy making turned their love nest into a growing enterprise of producing milk candy and related products. But how did it started? Well, let's find out.

The enterprise name SAN-ROSE Processed Food Products obviously is a mixture of the owners first name. And as candies are bound hard with sugar, SanRose's commitment to pursue the venture is bound with the love and purpose of helping not only themselves but also the community they serve through the people they employ.

This commitment led SanRose to seek assistance from DOST Biliran who in turn enrolled the micro-enterprise under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading program (SETUP). The firm later received consultancy support through the MPEX. This year, 2012 a technology acquisition support amounting to Eighty-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP85,000.00) which include improving the packaging system of its products is released to the firm.

Few years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Nierra was suppose to return to Manila to work after a visit to their hometown in Almeria, Biliran. They felt how hard it is in the metropolis with meager income as candy factory worker. Tasked to lead his local church community the couple contemplated on starting a small business instead. Hesitant at first to venture into such a business but after seeing a lot of rural people having no work encouraged them to help. And so armed with enough knowledge on candy making they started very small.

They produced milk candy (yema) initially, hired unemployed women and youth as packers and sell the products to peddlers with motorcycle who in turn distributed the products around Almeria and the neighboring towns. And so San-Rose products became available in stores around the province.

Seeing young people, mostly women with hairnets and aprons, usually inspires rural folk with the thought of having a small candy factory in their remote rural community. This impression is what SANROSE has given to constituents of Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran about 5 kilometers from Almeria town. The firm generated about four hundred thousand pesos (PhP400,000) worth of products and was able to employ at least 12 workers from the community based on its operation last year.

Mr. Nierra, a local church leader, set a small area near his house as a processing section for milk candy, pastillas, peanut butter, and similar products. With the help of consultants from Naval State University commissioned by DOST's MPEX program, San-Rose was able to improve its processing lay-out as well as the formulation of its candy products.

Micro as it is categorized, the firm strive to increase its production by 20% through the assistance of DOST and other agencies by the coming years.

With the enthusiasm to help and the love and inspiration of family members, the sweetness of San-Rose candy can be an instrument of building a stronger community if properly sustained.

There's future for a roadside bamboo furniture shop

Who would think that a road shoulder in a rural community could be a start of a promising venture?

Ronie Villanueva utilizing a small lot along the Kawayan-Culaba road in  Barangay Bulalacao, Kawayan, Biliran started his small bamboo furniture venture armed with a few thousand pesos, a bunch of willing skilled craftsmen, a backward set of woodworking tools, and an optimistic heart.

And this optimism yielded the support of DOST SET-UP program through a series of consultancy and finally approving a technology acquisition assistance for Ronie Furniture this year 2012 in the amount of PhP 111,000.00.

A security guard turned entrepreneur, Ronie convinced and earned the trust of an unemployed furniture maker from his place and put up a small capital to start the business. The initial arrangement was for him to acquire the materials and sell the finish products, while the partner do the crafting with his family in a makeshift area along the road. This space became their production as well as display area for the products.

Ronie realized that his plan worked well "and it was good," borrowing from the famous lines of Genesis, so he aspired bigger. Hearing about DOST SETUP program, he didn't hesitate to visit the DOST Biliran Provincial office in Naval, Biliran where a collaborative project was hatched.

DOST Biliran facilitated the conduct of technology assessment for Ronie which was then enrolled under the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX) involving consultants from Naval State University in Naval.

DOST realized that Ronie Furniture's potential could be more harnessed through improving its facilities and so an Innovation Support Project was proposed and technology and equipment need were identified with assistance from the DOST's Forest Products and Natural Resources Research and Development Institute in Los Banos, Laguna through Engr. Vic Revilleza and Ms. Zenaida Reyes.

With the DOST support, soon the ordinary planes and saws used by the workers will be replaced with more efficient cutting, cleaning, and boring tools which will greatly improve the quality of their finished product.

The MPEX consultancy conducted by NSU has earlier created improvement in the lay-out of the production area and the over-all management of the business.