Dr. Mario Montejo is new DOST Secretary

President elect Benigno Simeon C. Aquino named today Dr. Mario Montejo as the new Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, when his cabinet will officially begin on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

Also named for the Aquino cabinet are the following

* Budget and Management -- Butch Abad
* National Economic and Development Authority -- Cayetano Paderanga
* Agriculture -- Proceso Alcala
* Environment -- Ramon Paje
* Transportation and Communication -- Ping De Jesus
* Labor -- Rosalinda Valmos
* Health -- Dr. Enrique Ona
* Tourism -- Alberto "Bertie" Lim
* Trade -- Greg Domingo
* Social Welfare -- Dinky Soliman
* Energy -- Jose Rene Almendras
* Public Works -- Rogelio Singson
* Agrarian Reform -- Virgilio Delos Reyes
* Presidential Peace Adviser -- Teresita Deles
* Presidential Management Staff -- Julia Abad
* Presidential Legal Counsel -- Edwardo de Mesa
* Commission on Higher Education -- Patricia Liguanan
* Internal Revenue -- Kim Jacinto-Henares

Team SETUP undergoes P & Q enhancement

Twenty eight (28) delegates from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao joined the second batch of the Training Course on Enhancing Competencies of Team SETUP through Productivity and Quality which runs from June 14 to 25, 2010 at Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City.

(photo shows the delegates with Mr. Ben Dy, the speaker during Day 1 lectures)

Master’s and Doctorate (MS & PhD) degree Scholarships

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII announces the availability of scholarships for Master’s and Doctorate (MS & PhD) degrees in priority S&T areas under the Accelerated Science & Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).

Interested students/graduates who wish to pursue higher education in science and engineering may apply for this scholarship starting the First Semeter of AY2010-2011. The priority fields of study are:

• Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources
• Information and Communication Technology
• Biology
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Earth and Space Science
• Microelectronics
• Environment
• Physics
• Fisheries and Marine Science

Application forms and information brochures can be downloaded at http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph or may call or visit the following DOST Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs) nearest to your municipality:

• Engr. John Glenn G. Ocaña, Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Leyte
Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte
(053) 323-5252

• Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Biliran
NSU Campus, Naval, Biliran
(053) 500-9347

• Engr. Dominador A. Clavejo, Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Southern Leyte
Capitol Site, Maasin City
(053) 381-3990

• Engr. Rosella L. Gopo, Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Samar
SSU Compound, Catbalogan, Samar
(055)261-2664

• Mr. Arnaldo T. Amosco, Jr., Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Eastern Samar
ESSU Compound, Borongan, Eastern Samar
(055) 261-2664

• Engr. Veronica A. Laguitan, Provincial S&T Director, PSTC-Northern Samar
UEP Compound, Catarman, Northern Samar
(055) 251-8178

Deadline for submission of accomplished application forms and other documentary requirements will be on 30 April 2010.

For details and inquiries, please visit the DOST Regional Office VIII located at the Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte or you may call us at telephone (053)323-7111, look for Engr. Florentino L. Quiñones, Jr. or Ms. Ma. Divina Gracia L. Advincula.

DOST VIII passes ISO 9001:2008 1st Surveillance Audit

Maintaining a quality management system that is Internationally recognized is not an easy task. But DOST VIII hurdled the 1st surveillance audit conducted by Certification International Philippines, Inc last April 19, 2010.

With the astringent requirements of the ISO 9001:2008, the DOST VIII was able to satisfy the need to maintain, sustain and continually improve its management system for a better service to its clients.

After a thorough audit by the lone auditor yet very diligent man, a veteran in the ISO auditing task, Mr. Rodolfo C. Viola Jr. the DOST was able to close the minor non-conformity and observations issued during Stage II Audit by CIPI in September 2009. Mr. Viola also suggested some areas for improvement to further enhance the effectiveness of the DOST VIII QMS.

The closing meeting was also made a venue for the long delayed official awarding of the Certificate of Registration to the DOST VIII and the 6 PSTC which are part of the ISO Certification.

Secretary Alabastro visits Biliran SETUP projects

The second leg of the Eastern Visayas project visits of DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro took off in the island province of Biliran on March 26, 2010

With quite a number of DOST officials and media people joining the tour, Dr. Alabastro made her first stop at the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines in Brgy. Bato, Biliran, Biliran.

BEOMP is known to be the largest producer of citronella oil in Region VIII or maybe the entire Visayas if not the whole country. Citronella oil is extracted at a rate of up to 1% from the matured leaves of citronella grass through steam distillation process using distilling still that can accommodate 600-1000 kg of grass per batch of 8 hours. The company owns two units of distillers, one of which is acquired through DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

From BEOMP, the entourage proceeded to AR La Naval Motor Parts and General Marketing's metal fabrication facility in Naval, Biliran. This newly established project is into the production of minor parts for small engines including bushings, bolts, nuts, small gears, cylinder head re-bores and sleeving, and similar machining services. SETUP provided funds for the company's acquisition of major equipment.

Out of the visits, the Secretary observed firsthand how DOST's interventions through technology transfer and consultancy services was able to create employment, improved product quality, and increase production volume for the company. All these were made possible through the coordinated efforts of the ITDI, MIRDC, PCARRD, TAPI, the LGU, and DOST VIII.

Citronella oil extraction project in Biliran

One of the success stories in the implementation of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Region VIII is the citronella extraction project in Barangay Bato, Biliran, Biliran. The citronella oil extraction plant is operated by the Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines (BEOMP) with office at Ormoc City owned by Mr. Jesus F. Doyon, Sr.

The firm started operation in 2004. The adoptor initially uses the crude design of the citronella oil extraction equipment developed by Engr. Jesus Villamil, who became Mr. Doyon’s consultant. Realizing the potential of the citronella oil industry, the company continuously seek the assistance of DOST and other agencies for improvement of the process and expansion of the essential oil venture. Latest addition to the innovativeness of the owner is the adoption of new citronella oil extractor design which can use both LPG and firewood as fuel, and under vacuum condition through the support of DOST. This was conceived because of the desire of the proprietor to improve citronella oil quality for the future needs of buyers who would demand better quality oil. Although ambitious, the proponent was looking in advance for expansion of its local market share and possible foreign market. The Internet is its current market scout through Mr. Doyon’s marketing manager, Mrs. Irma Paras, with the support of DOST-Biliran PSTC.

DOST through several agencies such as the Industrial Technology Development Institute, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute, the DOST Regional Office No. VIII and the Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center have provided continuous support to the company since its operation in 2004. Among the assistance provided was on the quality assessment of citronella oil. Result of ITDI chemical analysis show that the citronella oil produced by the company contain about 21-25% geraniol (the essential alcohol component of citronella oil). Because of this ITDI recommended possible improvement of the process to increase geraniol levels such as use of vacuum distiller. This innovation was integrated in the design of the new citronella oil extraction machine which was acquired through funding support by DOST's SET-UP in the amount of PhP365,000.00 in 2006.

Another recommendation in the Valdecañas & Torres report, which was integrated in the new design, was the use of alternative fuel (LPG) and the fiberglass insulation of the main extractor vessel. Continued technical consultancy was provided in the manufacturing practices of the company such as elimination of the use of waste tire as fuel or fire starter in the burner, the possible removal of dead leaves and other minor recommendations, which the adoptor used.

The firms production and sales from citronella oil almost doubled compared to its past levels. Increase of production ranges from 80-100% from its original level in 2004. Gross sales in 2007 approximately reached PhP780,000 which is about 84% increase from 2004 recorded sales (Based on DOST Pre-Implementation Sheet data).The citronella oil becomes clearer and finer with geraniol considerably increased to 52% based on latest analysis of ITDI.

The intervention of the DOST was matched up by the proponent’s increased investment with the acquisition of additional equipment, facility improvement, and farm implements reaching about PhP 3.5 M. In an industry level, since BEOM is the only producer in the Region, the investment is a major contribution. The expansion of the plantation from the existing 15-hectare active plantation to another 20 hectares was a big leap to reactivating the 50 hectares used by the earlier companies.

The waste grass was not a problem for the company since it is biodegradable and can be used as organic fertilizer for the plantation and landfill for the remaining uncultivated areas. The waste water was used as spray for the plants to repel insects and pests.

What then could be a good sign of success as far as SETUP is concerned? Well, among the milestones achieved is BEOMP's completion of its refund of the SETUP assistance in 2009. Having employed at least 30 workers and involved farmers in citronella grass cultivation is a legacy that would be a starting point for a growing industry in this Island Paradise of Biliran. A proof that a lazy man's crop like citronella grass could be a good source of livelihood and income to the local folks.