Suman is Naval's new pride

Different variants of suman from Naval, Biliran

The lowly traditional delicacy from Naval, Biliran locally known as "suman" has become a new pride for Navaleneos recently both as "Pasalubong" treat or a special dessert or snack item in different occasions. This developed as the suman makers of Naval has been upgraded technologically with convergence support from DOST, DOLE, DTI, NSU, LGU Naval with the MSWDO,

Suman is a rice based delicacy using white and black glutenous rice cooked in coconut milk then rolled and twirled alongside, for black and white type (tinambiran), or rolled single either white or black, then wrapped either using "anahaw" leaves or banana leaves, then steamed. The white suman comes in salty or sweet taste.

L-R: Bacordo-MSWDO Naval, Vice Mayor Villordon
Mr Dignos-DOST, Mr Jamin-DTI, Ms. Solite

It all started when the local government of Naval decided to name it as its One Town One Product  and launched it during the Suman Festival in 2010 spearheaded by Hon. Mayor Susan Parilla and Vice Mayor Redy Villordon. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Naval, Ms. Norma Bacordo lead the Search for Naval's Best Suman which was technically backed up by the expertise of the Department of Science and Technology-Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center through Mr. Romeo L. Dignos, the Provincial Director, and his staff Engr. Ma. Catherine B. Gonda.

As an offshoot of the festival, "suman" started to become talk of the town. DTI and DOLE Biliran Provincial offices joined the crusade and organized the producers into what has become now, Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA). DTI through its RUMEP and with convergence support from DOLE, DOST, NSU and LGU Naval trained the members for new techniques in suman making. DOST-8 also trained the group on food handling and GMP appreciation. Later on DOST Biliran through the request of the MSWDO's Ms. Bacordo, prepared proposals for DOLE funding which was later approved. NASUMA members were able to acquire sets of equipment for suman making such as coconut grater, coconut milk extractor, steamer, heavy duty stove, large woks, and some supplies for suman production.

Soon, Naval will become suman capital of the Visayas and its quality product will be distributed from Biliran to Manila and out of the country through suman loving Balikbayans. There could never be a trip to Biliran without a taste of suman. So the next time you visit the Island Paradise of Biliran think and taste the suman of Naval.

DOST 8 Executive named 2011 GAWAD CES Awardee

His friends call him Ed, but in DOST-8 he is Sir Ed. and he is worthy to be called Sir not just because of his good leadership but also because he steered the office into exceptional civil service noticeable enough for him to be named one of the five government service executives to receive the 2011 Gawad Career Executive Service Presidential Award, one of the most prestigious award given by the Career Executive Service Board to government executives.

DOST joins 20th Biliran Provincehood

DOST Biliran grabs 3rd place among other national government agencies in the recently held booth dressing contest, one of the main highlights of the 20th Biliran Provincehood Anniversary celebration on May 9-11, 2012 held at the Biliran Provincial Capitol grounds in Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

The DOST exhibits, which was a jointly arranged by DOST Biliran staff and Engr. Ramil Uy of DOST Regional office, featured the DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and all the products out of the projects assisted by it.

Products displayed include: 1) citronella oil packed in 10ml bottles produced by Biliran Essential Oil Manufacturing Philippines from Bato, Biliran, 2) Otap produced by JV Bakeshop from Kawayan, Biliran, 3) handicrafts from Ungali handicrafts, Ungali, Kawayan, Biliran, 4) Papaya pickles of Culaba Papaya Producers Association in Culaba, Biliran, 5) Nata-de-coco atsara product of ELSHIRGLOW Processed Foods, Bariis, Caibiran, 6)Coconut wine of LGU Cabucgayan, 7) Furniture products of Caril Furniture, Naval, Biliran, 8)Veggie-noodles of White-Rose Bakeshop, Naval, Biliran, and 9)Balintawak suman by Wincofel Suman Special, Naval, Biliran.

Also in the top of the winning exhibits are DepEd and DA Regional Office, 1st and 2nd places, respectively.

Wine making technology transfer to the grassroots

Joebit and Oliver presenting the ITDI wine kit to tuba producers 

Oliver and Joebit were as excited as Josefina and 64 of her friends as they met in one venue to teach and learn, respectively on the standard method of wine making using coconut sap as raw materials. The event was a training on social preparation and entrepreneurship appreciation course with training cum production on coconut wine conducted in Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran on April 17-20, 2012

Joebit Ocasla and Oliver Evangelista, who visited the place for the 1st time, are both resource persons from the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in Bicutan, Taguig City who trained 65 members of the Cabucgayan Corn Farmers Association who are also producers of the traditional tuba, a wine produced from coconut sap.

The fun on their part was shown in the very enthusiastic mood of imparting the knowledge they have on wine making using improved fermentation techniques using their agency designed wine kit. The process was really enjoyable with Oliver and Joebit explaining highly technical information in a very down to earth manner and examples that is comprehensible to the levels of the tuba gatherers (manangiti) who didn't even reach high school. Yet the participants understood and appreciated the methods introduced.

Josefina L. Genoguin, who is CACOFA president,with the rest of the members, intensely joined the learning and fun. Another encouragement on their part is the vision of improving their coconut wine to evolve into a more classy product at par with commercial wines in the market.

Mr. Romeo Dignos, DOST Biliran PSTD also presented the project concept on coconut wine improvement project and the technology needed to achieve the project goals. Ms. Rosario Orejola of DOLE Biliran together with Ms. Charity Nicolas, a private consultant, joined hands in providing social preparation seminar and entrepreneurial appreciation to the CACOFA members.

Mayor Gemma Adobo of Cabucgayan was so appreciative of the efforts of the DOST and DOLE and exerted full support for the project despite being so busy with other appointments by deputizing her Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Maria P. Suson.

Members of the facilitating team included Engr. Cathy Gonda, Engr. DOnnie Rey Duhig, Engr. Jefferson Aribe, and Mr. Teddy Abenido of DOST Biliran, Eng. Florentino Quinones, and Mr. Dominic Abiabi of DOST-8.

The training included the demonstration on the use of ITDI wine kit which was acquired by LGU Cabucgayan for the project. The farmers were also taught on the basic raw material control by measuring sugar level of sap using refractometer and measuring the acidity of the materials and finish products using Titratable acidity method and using pH meter, and measuring alcohol levels using ebolliumeter. In addition the producers were taught on simple bottling and labeling of their finished wine.

The experience is an additional know-how on the part of the learners who had been using for decades the traditional method of coconut wine or "bahalina" making. DOST Biliran was passionate on uplifting the level of the products quality by improving the process through the use of improved technology and equipment.

Convergence among national and local partners made the training possible. The Department of Labor Region VIII and Biliran Provincial Office was very supportive of the endeavor and even provided grants for acquisition of improved utensils to the sap gatherers and the wine fermentors amounting to PhP 623,160.00. DOST Region VIII also provided funds amounting to PhP 176,400 for acquisition of equipment and tools that would serve as common service facility for wine production, product quality control, and packing services. LGU Cabucgayan provided the rest of the support including the building and area to house the CSF, the training cost, and other expenses.

Regional Director Exequiel Sarcaoga, of DOLE 8, graced the closing ceremonies of the training by giving his message and distributing the certificates to the 65 members of the group who completed the 4-day training program.

2012 S & T Scholarship Result

Seven students from Biliran Province Qualifies the Science and Technology Scholarships for SY 2012-2013. Five qualifies for RA 7687 and 2 under the Merit Scholarship Category.

RA7687 Qualifiers:

1. Castillo, Jemimah Dorcas Mapalad, NSU LHS
2. Verba, Nicka Elorza Manlabang NHS
3. Pamor, Ronald Montealto Culaba NVS
4. Balame, Paul Leonard Amparo NSU LHS
5. Sanosa, Wyndel Bornillo NSU LHS

Merit Qualifiers:
1. Ambe, Ennah Marie Deguinon PSHS Central Visayas Campus
2. Sanchez, Joseph Alwin Supremo PSHS East Visayas Campus

The 2012 S & T Scholarship exams was conducted last November 20, 2011. Qualifiers for the examination will enjoy several benefits including free tuition, monthly stipend, and other allowances.

For inquiries and more information you may visit the provincial offices in your area. For Biliran you can visit us at NSU Campus, Naval, Biliran.

Biliran Products

The DOST Biliran has launched a new blogsite for products generated by DOST assisted projects

This site will also serve as an information sharing facility as well as opportunities to e-market the local products. Interested buyers will have the opportunity to place inquiries and if possible place orders.

To visit you can click here. There are also links on the top menu bar and on the left side bar uppermost portion. Please have a visit and leave your comments.