April - June 2012 Vol. 4 No. 2
Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region
2012 Consultancy programs to commence this June Sec. Montejo visits DOST offices in Baguio City
S
ecretary Mario G. Montejo visited DOST offices in Baguio City last May 24, 2012 specifically the DOST-ICTO formerly CICT, PAGASA and the Urban Science and Technology Center (USTC). Sec. Montejo’s visit to the DOST-ICTO was to meet with the staff who are now part of the DOST system. Since the transfer of the Commission of ICT by virtue of EO 47 signed last June 23, 2011, the CICT has now become the ICT Office of the DOST. Likewise, his visit at the PAGASA was done to assess the weather station and a short dialogue with the personnel was done primarily to see how office’s services could be improved. The USTC-Baguio City on the other hand was visited since it plays a crucial role in bringing S&T to the people of Baguio City. The office is DOST-CAR’s arm in ensuring that DOST programs and services will benefit the city. During the course of the project visits, the City Camp Lagoon was shown to Sec. Montejo due to the perennial problem of flooding in the area. He suggested the installation of an Automatic Water Level Sensor (AWLS) in the barangay. AWLS are devices that are used as a measure to warn against impending floods or flooding disasters. As such, the request for one AWLS for the City Camp Lagoon has already been forwarded by DOST-CAR to the DOST’s Central Office. (smsc)
T
he 2012 technical consultancy programs namely the Manufacturing and Productivity Enhancement Program (MPEX) and the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) of the DOST-CAR is now being implemented starting this June. The MPEX is a technical consultancy program designed to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector to attain higher productivity through improvements in the overall operation of the firm. The Department fields productivity consultancy teams composed of industrial engineers and experts to undertake productivity consultancy services throughout the country. Through the program, strategies are identified to improve the productivity of beneficiaries; and productivity improvement measures are identified and recommended for immediate implementation. For this year, a total of 25 firms are enrolled in the MPEX broken down as follows: five (5) firms in Abra, 15 in Baguio City and five (5) in Benguet. Consultants for the program are Covenant Consultancy International, Inc. (CCII) and Ms. Divina Alcasabas, an expert on food technology based in the Philippine Women’s University in Manila. The CAPE, on the other hand, aims to institutionalize effective farm management strategies to improve agricultural productivity. The Department provides consultancy teams to undertake productivity studies for qualified agri-based enterprises under the horticulture and aquaculture industries. Generally, the program helps improve productivity in the agricultural sector through judicious application of S& T innovations; Creates/accredits a pool of consultants to provide productivity consultancy services in agriculture; and encourages the private sector to tap government generated S& T innovations in agriculture. DOST-CAR identified 31 beneficiaries for the program with 10 coffee page 5
editorial board Editor/Writer/Lay-out SHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVER Science Research Specialist II Contributors
quote for the day
Editorial Consultants MARIA ROWENA C. MADARANG ARD for Finance and Administrative Services
MAX BERNARD M. CODAMON Science Research Specialist II
OSMUNDO B. BELMONTE ARD for Technical Services
PEPITO M. TORING Science Research Specialist I
NANCY A. BANTOG ARD for Field Operations Services and OIC, Office of the Regional Director
BEVIENNE M. APALING Science Research Specialist II CONRADO C. BAHIWAG Science Research Specialist I JAEMIE R. CHUA Science Research Specialist I CHONA IRENIA N. BELAGAN Science Research Analyst MARITESS A. BANAÑA PAS III ANALIZA M. ALZATE PAS II JUND RIAN A. DORINGO DOST FNRI- S&T MEDIA SERVICE
what’s inside Editorial News Stories SETUP Proponents increase in Benguet... First S&T Digital Library... 2012 Scholarship Orientation... Conduct of 2012 SOEP... USTC facilitates roll-out of OL TRAP... FNRI Info Bits...
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Feature Stories Sugarcane juice extraction in Ifugao... 8 SETUP Feature Story... 9 DOST Scholar Feature... 10 SETUP Corner 6 Photo Releases 11 S & T Trivia 12
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April - June 2012
editorial
“The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say ‘I’. And that’s not because they have trained themselves not to say ‘I’. They don’t think ‘I’. They think ‘we’; they think ‘team’. They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don’t sidestep it, but ‘we’ gets the credit.... This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.” Peter Drucker The 2nd quarter marks the end of the 1st semester of 2012 and with it, major accomplishments of the DOST-CAR through the concerted effort of the management and staff. Through the leadership of Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, OIC, Office of the Regional Director and the support of the Urban/Provincial S&T Directors, targets have been met particularly those under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). It is heartening to note that as of June, the targets for SETUP have already been achieved. This, despite the numerous programs, projects and activities that need to be implemented coupled with the minimal manpower complement. Perhaps one of the reasons for this may also be that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are now grabbing the chance to avail of the program. After 10 years, the SETUP continues to provide technology assistance to enterprises in the country. To date, the DOST-CAR has assisted a total of 152 firms in the Cordillera Administrative Region under the program alone. Other firms, associations, cooperatives, and groups have been assisted through other programs such as the Regional Grants-inAid (GIA), be it firm-based or Community-Based Projects (CBPs). As the DOST-CAR enters the 2nd quarter of the year with a new Regional Director installed in the person of Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, several adjustments will again, have to be made. But the resiliency of the DOST-CAR has been proven time and again and the agency is confident that this change will be met head on. As the saying goes, “Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy” (W. Somerset Maugham). This publication then, would like to extend its great regard to Dr. Bantog, who has, albeit her short stint as Officer-in-Charge, proven to be a steadfast leader. And it is a given fact that the DOST-CAR family will welcome its new regional director, always keeping in mind that the hard work being done is always for the upliftment of the Cordilleras through science and technology. (smsc)
s&t news SETUP Proponents increase in Benguet
First S&T Digital Library Opened in IfSU Making Scientific Information available to everyone is now a reality in three campuses of the Ifugao State University. This was made possible through project “STARBOOKS”. Project STARBOOKS is a digital library of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) established under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and among the Department of Science and Technology-CAR, the Ifugao State University, and the DOST- STII.
SETUP MOA signing with the Samantha’s Food Products based in Atok, Benguet last May 2012.
Many more entrepreneurs of Benguet are grabbing the opportunity to have their businesses assisted by DOST through the Small Entrepreneurs Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). This was indicated by the increased number of applicants during the first semester of 2012 compared to the past years since it started in 2002. For this year, applicants to the SETUP included four (4) different industries of the program’s eight (8) priority sectors. Five (5) applicants were from the metals and engineering sector, three (3) from food processing, one (1) from furniture, and one (1) from the horticulture sector. The increase is a manifestation of the growing awareness of the entrepreneurs of the existence of the DOST program, SETUP. The fast processing and approval of project proposals is welcome news for the entrepreneurs seeking assistance from the program all over the country. Of the nine project proposals submitted by the Benguet PSTC for the period, four (4) projects worth Php1,117,020.00 were already approved and the procurement of the requested equipment are currently being processed. With the SETUP’s aim of reaching out to all Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in all municipalities of every province, the Benguet PSTC responds by linking with the municipal LGUs with the conduct a technology forum for each of the thirteen (13) municipalities of Benguet. To date, only few SME’s from far flung areas in Benguet availed themselves of the assistance. The reason is not only because of the distance to the market and business districts, but also because most of them never heard of the program and assistance supposedly due them. Through the forum, it is expected that more and more SME’s will be encouraged to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their business’ productivity and competitiveness. (pmt)
The said MOA was signed on May 14, 2012 afterwhich, a training on the use of the STARBOOKS followed. This was spearheaded by the DOST-STII specifically for IFSU librarians who will be manning the project. Representatives from the Provincial S&T Center- Ifugao and the DOST-CAR regional office were likewise present for the event. Project STARBOOKS is the first Digital Science Library in the Province of Ifugao and the Cordillera Administrative Region. STARBOOKS means Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk. It provides people in the community access to key information physically available at the Science and Technology Information Institute, the DOST Science and Information network (SciNET) and Phil. e-library freely available on line and subscribed database. It contains hundreds of thousands of Science and Technology Information Resources in various formats placed in specially designed pod. Through STARBOOKS, Scientific information are available to researchers, teachers, students, and interested individuals in a one- stop shop. It is a compendium of Science and Technology information gathered from all over the world. It has videos on livelihood ideas to stimulate Filipino entrepreneur’s capacity. What really are the benefits of a Scientific Digital Library over the conventional libraries? Electronic media had change the way information are transmitted and utilized by end users. At an era where scientific information is accessed through electronic means, compact system such as STARBOOKS contained scientific information accessible to researchers. It is in fact the first Philippines Science digital library. Access to scientific information is now possible even without internet. Furthermore, people can use same materials at the same time page 8
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2012 Scholarship Orientation and Signing of Scholarship Agreement
Conduct of the 2012 Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP)
Tutors and DOST-CAR management and staff pose with the scholars during the closing program of the 2012 SOEP last June 1, 2012 at the Saint Louis University, Baguio City. Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, OIC, Office of the Regional Director gives the opening remarks during the scholarship orientation and signing of scholarship agreement last May 3, 2012 at the University of Baguio, Baguio City.
A total of 84 high school students from Cordillera Administrative Region have qualified for the DOST-Science Education Institute Undergraduate Science & Technology scholarships for AY 2012-2013. Seventy-six of these qualifiers belong to RA 7687 while the eight (8) qualifiers are under the Merit program. As such, the Department of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region, Scholarship Unit conducted scholarship orientation and signing of scholarship agreement on May 3, 2012, at the University of Baguio, Baguio City. It was participated in by the qualifiers of the 2012 Undergraduate Science and Technology Scholarship Examination both under the RA 7687 and Merit programs. Together with the qualifiers are their parents/ guardians. During the orientation, qualifiers were informed regarding the DOST-SEI scholarship program which includes the scholarship policies, privileges, service obligations and support programs. After the orientation, the signing of the scholarship agreement followed. The qualifiers were informed to pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences and science and mathematics teaching which they must write in the agreement. Scholars are to enroll in the following priority courses accredited in CAR: Agriculture, BSE Math, Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, BSE Biology, BS Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science Currently, a total of 101 new scholars enrolled in the accredited SUCs and HEIs in CAR, 45 scholars of which were endorsed by other regions. (mab)
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April - June 2012
The Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) was conducted for the 2012 RA 7687 scholars from May 7 to June 1, 2012. It was held at the Saint Louis University, Baguio City and was participated in by 63 scholars from Cordillera Administrative Region as well as scholars from other regions who will be studing in CAR. The objectives of the program is to level-off the preparation of the scholars in English, Mathematics, and Physics Skills. Likewise, it aims to prepare the scholars in their adjustment to college life and imbue in them the proper study habits and other techniques that can lead to better adjustment to the demands of college life which will eventually help them succeed in in getting their degrees. Four faculty members from the Saint Louis University were tapped to teach the refresher course which were focused on four (4) areas namely, Basic English (Grammar, Usage and Technical Writing); College Mathematics (College Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry); Physics; and PsychoSocial Skills Development. The scholars were given pre and post tests in English, Mathematics and Physics in order to determine the scholars’ performance during the course of the program. At the end of the SOEP, a closing program was set by the faculty members and the scholars, with the theme, “Our journey begins…” DOST-CAR, represented by Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, OIC, Office of the Regional Director and Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte, Scholarship Coordinator and ARD for Technical Services Division awarded the certificates to scholars who were chosen as Best in Mathematics, English and Physics. Likewise, the faculty members/tutors were given Certificates of Appreciation for their invaluable support and assistance as lecturers. Certificates of completion were also given to all scholars for their active participation in the SOEP.(mab)
USTC Facilitates Roll Out of OL Trap to DepEd
FNRI INFO BITS Nutrition and Cancer Cancer is an assortment of diseases characterized by the abnormal cell growth that can spread and destroy other organs and body tissues. It is a result of complex mix of factors related to heredity, diet, physical inactivity and prolonged, continuous exposure to certain chemicals and other substances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.4 million deaths, or around 13 percent of all deaths, in 2004. In the Philippines, malignant neoplasm or cancer ranked third among the leading causes of mortality, according to the Department of Health (DOH), with 48.9 percent mortality rate in 2005. Total death attributed to cancer is 366,931 according to the Philippine Health Statistics in 2000.
OL Trap kits distribution at the Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School last June 14, 2012.
An Orientation Seminar and Distribution of Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap (OLT) was conducted on June 14, 2012 at Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, Baguio City. Said activity was facilitated by Urban Science and Technology Director Dr. Pita S. Picpican together with Dr. Esther Y. Melecio from the DepEd Division and Ms. Bridgette Dumanew of Irisan National High School. DOST-USTC Staff Jaemie R. Chua and John Philip A. Tacdoy, assisted as secretariat and facilitated the distribution of OL Trap kits per school. The orientation discussed the roll out of OL Traps in schools nationwide. This was followed by a demonstration on the solution preparation and proper storage of the kit. Finally, an open forum followed to clarify concerns on the effective use of the OL Trap kits. There were 48 participants who attended the orientation, most of whom are principals and representatives from the Elementary Schools. Meanwhile, an extended orientation was conducted at the Baguio City National High School with 28 participants and Pines City National High School with 15 participants on June 15, 2012 since most of the Annex schools were not able to attend the June 14 seminar. (jrc) CONSULTANCY from page 1
growers based in Abra and 21 coffee growers in Mountain Province. Three consultants were tapped to provide the assistance to the CAPE beneficiaries namely Mr. Valentino L. Macanes of Benguet State University, Ms. Ligaya A. Poled from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture-Mountain Province and Dr. Janette C. Visayan of the JBCV Management and Consultancy Services. The Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between the DOST-CAR and the consultants have already been signed this June 2012. (smsc)
The goal of nutritional management of cancer is to obtain enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fluids for rebuilding the body tissues and promoting a sense of well-being during treatment. Berries like strawberry, flax seed, garlic, grape and grape juice, green tea, tomato and whole grains are foods that fight cancer, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR). Guyabano has a promising impact on cancer patients for it was found 10,000 times more effective than chemotherapy. A low-fat or high-fat diet wouldn’t really matter as long as the patient obtains adequate amounts of calories. It is more favorable to use mono-unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 dietary fats than saturated fats, and fish oils with megestrol acetate (or Megace). The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) developed the “Dietary Guidelines for the Prevention of Cancer”, a booklet on the role of dietary factors which affect the risk of getting certain forms of cancer. Five simple guidelines are in the booklet, namely, (1) increase consumption of green leafy and yellow vegetables, fruits and unrefined cereals, (2) eat fat and fatty foods in moderation, (3) limit consumption of smoked, charcoal-boiled, salt-cured and salt-pickled foods, (4) avoid mouldy foods, and (5) drink alcoholic beverages in moderation and (6) stop smoking. The FNRI-DOST is also presently conducting a study of dietary fiber which may help prevent certain diseases including colon cancer. Death is inevitable and cancer sees no exception from its irreversible effects. However with cautious eating, correct mindset, love and support, and a huge grasp of faith, there is a lot to hope for for cancer patients. For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri. dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: JUND RIAN A. DORINGO)
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set-up corner SETUP cooperators gear up this 2nd quarter
To fast track the approval of the project proposals submitted by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, DOST-CO has downloaded to the Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Regional Director, the authority to approve projects with budgetary requirements PhP 500,000.00 and below, taking effect on June 15, 2012. This change paved the way to fast-track approval of eight (8) project proposals in addition to those approved by the National Program Management Office (NPMO) for the quarter. Of said approved proposals, three (3) proposals were submitted by PSTC- MP, two (2) from Urban Science and Technology Center, two (2) from PSTC-Benguet and one (1) from PSTC-Kalinga. These projects aim to pursue the promotion and adoption of DOST technologies as well as to avail of S & T interventions. During the second quarter, there were 31 project proposals which were approved for financial assistance by both NPMO and RPMO. The approved proposals emanated from the different provinces as follows: Project Title
Name of Cooperator
Address of Cooperator
Upgrading of a Vegetable-Enriched Noodle Processing Project in Malamsit, Peñarrubia, Abra
Ms. Decimia D. Cabang 3D’s Food Products
Malamsit, Peñarrubia, Food Abra
390,000.00
Upgrading of Meat Processing Facilities of Kaya-Dana’s Meat Product
Mr. Alfredo A. Cariño Jr. Kaya-Dana's Meat Processing Center
Bliss, Angad, Bangued, Abra
Food
310,000.00
Upgrading of Facilities of Rona’s Meatshop for Meat Processing
Ms. Rona M. Perez Rona's Meatshop
Turod, Luna, Apayao
Food
150,000.00
Upgrading of Jhafaven Furniture and Handicraft
Ms. Rowena A. Bandao Jhafaven Furniture and Handicraft
#92 Purok 7, Camp 7, Baguio City
GDH
270,000.00
Upgrading of Agape Handicraft Industry Ms. Maria Theresa Ocampo Agape Handicraft Industry
L30, Phase II, Green Valley Village, Baguio City
GDH
46,700.00
Upgrading of Angelus Food Products
Mr. Angelus A. Baniqued Angelus Homemade Food Products
#19 Sariling Sikap, San Carlos Heights, Upper Irisan, Baguio City
Food
234,576.00
Upgrading of TCY Machinery
Mr. Jerrison A. Tiong TCY Machinery Works
# 21 Pucay Road, Baguio City
Metals and Engineering
1,328,440.00
Upgrading Baniswal Machine Shop
Mr. Donato A. Baniswal Banisawal Machine Shop
Marcos Highway, Baguio City
Metals and Engineering
495,000.00
Upgrading of Jekly Handicraft
Ms. Lucia C. Kinadoy Jekly Handicraft
# 46, Purok 23, San Carlos Heights, Baguio City
GDH
74,300.00
Upgrading of Samantha's Homemade Food Products
Ms. Cindy F. Tanas Samantha's Homemade Food Products
Bonglo Km 47, Paoay, Atok, Benguet
Food
139,500.00
Enhancing the Production Technology Mr. Edwin/ Norie Longsiab and Market Competitiveness of Loyung’s Loyung’s Restaurant Restaurant
Km. 49 Sayangan, Atok, Benguet
Food
510,000.00
Upgrading the Production Efficiency of Nosen’s Iron Works and Welding Shop
Mr. Thomas C. Andres Nosen’s Iron Works and Welding Shop
Abatan, Buguias, Benguet
Metals and Engineering
105,485.00
Upgrading of Production Process and Market Competitiveness of the On Top Construction Farm
Mr. Thomas R. Palileng Sr.
Cotcot, Bangao, Buguias, Benguet
Horticulture
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April - June 2012
Sector
Amount of Project (PHP)
53,500.00
Project Title
Name of Cooperator
Address of Cooperator
Sector
Upgrading the Production Efficiency of the Nsigidan Furniture Shop
Mr. Pio C. Wadingan Nsigidan Furniture Shop
Stonehills, Km.3, La Trinidad,Benguet
Furniture
440,250.00
Upgrading of Abe’s Handicraft
Ms. Flora T. Gano Abe’s Handicraft
Poitan, Banaue, Ifugao
GDH
514,380.00
Upgrading of James Ikat Loom Weaving
Mr. Fernando B. Bulhe James Ikat Loom Weaving
Lugo, O-ong, Hingyon, Ifugao.
GDH
70,100.00
Technological Upgrading of SND Furniture Shop
Mr. Edwin P. Sampayan SND Furniture Shop
Sta. Maria, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao
Furniture
Productivity Enhancement and Productivity Improvement for Kristian Handicraft
Mrs. Lilian Kimmayong Kristian Handicraft
Sitio Patilong, View Point, Banaue, Ifugao
GDH
Enhancing Production Efficiency, Capacity and Nutritional Qualities of Uncle Doods Baked Food Products
Ms. Dahlia D. Carlit Uncle Doods Baked Food Products
National Highway, Poblacion West, Lamut, Ifugao
Food
1,151,825.00
Upgrading Project for Special Buko and Pineapple Pie of Norma’s Food Products
Ms. Norma L. Gonzales Norma’s Food Products
Pinagan, Lucog, Tanuk Ciy, Kalinga
Food
349,270.00
Equipment Upgrading for Dona’s Bakeshop
Mrs. Beatriz L. Peralta Dona’s Bakeshop
Magsaysay, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Food
130,000.00
Upgrading of Kibayen’s Mushroom Production Center
Ms. Elvira Kibayen - Owner Mona Kibayen Tio - Manager
Purok 5, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Horticulture
210,000.00
Upgrading Project for Zurich Daily Bread Mrs. Nena T. Alibcag- Manager Bakery Zurich Daily Bread Bakery
De Jesus Street, Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga
Food
259,800.00
Facility Upgrading of Tabuk Concrete Products
Mr. Carlo Brian O. Gamon Tabuk Concrete Products
Provincial Road Appas, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Metals and Engineering
212,230.00
Upgrading of MW Auto Repair Shop
Mr. Mauricio A. Widwidan MW Auto Repair Shop
Anabel. Sadanga, Mt. Province
Metals and Engineering
85,700.00
Upgrading of Marcelo's Woodworks
Mr. Marcelo T. Lusad Marcelo's Woodworks
Bontoc, Mt. Province
Furniture
199,000.00
Upgrading of Codeo's Hauz of Miniature Toys
Mr. Marion Codeo Codeo's Hauz of Miniature Toys
Bontoc, Mt. Province
GDH
59,000.00
Upgrading of Navales’ Bakery
Mrs. Ofelia B. Navales Navales’ Bakery
Poblacion, Sagada, Mountain Province
Food
382,350.00
Improving the Production Capacity of Pandayan Bakeshop
Ms. Declaw S. Panoyo Pandayan Bakery
Bangaan, Sagada Mountain Province
Food
255,000.00
Upgrading of Equipment of Buzzkies Bee Farm
Mr. Raymundo Jacinto Pandayos Basco
Am-arani, Calutit, Bontoc, Mt. Province
Food
240,000.00
Establishment of Oil Processing Facility for Wellness Center
Ms. Lynn B.Madalang
Lacbaben, Bauko, Mountain Province
Health and Pharma
400,000.00
TOTAL (PhP)
Amount of Project (PHP)
1,098,102.00 180,500.00
10,445,008.00
To date, 152 MSMEs have been provided with our S&T services particularly in enhancing product quality, upgrading of technical skills, cost reduction, and effective waste management. (bma)
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feature Right picture: sugar cane juice extractor
Sugar Cane Juice Extraction in Damag, Aguinaldo, Ifugao
Teasing folks from a neighboring barangay, an elderly man from Damag, Aguinaldo says “in Damag we do sugar cane juice extraction so fast that we cannot even complete our usual betel nut chewing session.” Inherent in the life of Filipinos is the cracking of jokes to lighten a burdensome activity like in the manual sugar cane juice extraction. Extraction speed is dependent on the number of canes being fed into the wooden pair of rollers of the “pun-apalan” and the number of able bodied folks pushing both sides of the drive arm of the machine. Several pressed sugar canes are re-fed unto the rollers in bunches until all juice have been extracted. “Pun-apalan” is a village type sugar cane extractor machine which is human powered and is made of specially selected wood. Each component is carved to fit together and is a knock down set that is assembled during sugar extraction activities. Afterwards the set is disassembled and kept inside the house until the next sugar cane harvest season. Manual sugar cane juice extraction takes some time so sugar cane farmers do their betel nut “moma” chewing while waiting. An elderly man would usually find a comfortable place to sit at a distance and STARBOOKS from page 3
without the actual books taken out from the library. Other benefits of using STARBOOKS include assistance from DOST-STII in the development of the client’s own on line public access catalog (OPAC) in their respective libraries, and in cases of its absence, the development of digital libraries. The purpose of project STARBOOKS as stipulated in the MOA are: to create scientific interest in Science and Technology among young Filipinos in the province to enroll in S&T related courses; to encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas, inventions, and innovations; and to inspire ones capability for entrepreneurship and research for socioeconomic development.
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April - June 2012
watch his sugar cane harvest juiced in the “pun-apalan”. This takes awhile as it usually takes him several betel nut chewing sessions before his biscuit can container is filled with sugarcane juice. With DOST’s intervention that was aimed to upgrade the process and production facilities of muscovado processing, Damag folks shortened the time needed for sugar cane juice extraction from 30 minutes to about 3 minutes per load. The amazed face of the elderly man when he was called to get his biscuit can container full of sugar cane juice is a memory to Emilio Hitler – the president of the Damag Planters Association (DPA) who helped work out for the “Muscovado Processing Project” in their barangay. The man was surprised when he is yet to complete his “moma” chewing session when his turn was already through. With this experience the man can proudly challenge folks from other barangays in a contest of sugar cane juice extraction. The sugar cane juice extractor is a component of the CommunityBased GIA project of the Ifugao PSTC with the DPA. The machine is diesel powered and is a one-pass type with multi-purpose grinder and coconut grater. (mbmc) Left picture: manual sugar cane extractor Further, STARBOOKS is designed to cater to the needs of researchers and academicians, providing easier access to S&T Information among LGUs, NGOs and Educational Institutes. Using the STARBOOKS is very easy since it has a userfriendly interface at the kiosk at the IfSU library. By exploring the list of subjects arranged in alphabetical order, and in any discipline, the topic of choice can be selected and printed for use however, downloading of content is not allowed. STII welcomes stakeholders who would like to avail of the STARBOOKS in their area. For more information, you may visit their website at www.stii.dost.gov.ph.(ccb) *REFERENCE: S&T POST, 2011 3rd Qtr Issue
Alvin’s Woodworks: A passionate venture in furniture
P
aul Dumalsin is the manager of Alvin’s Woodworks, a Despite these setbacks, the company envisions itself to produce quality furniture not only for locality the but also for the whole furniture-based SETUP assisted project based in Bontoc, Mountain Province. Mr. Dumalsin’s hobby, since childhood is Cordillera region. He plans to expand and establish showrooms to make stuff out of wood which eventually became his passion. in urban areas such as Metro Manila in the next 10 years. This passion, in turn, became a thriving business enterprise for In order to achieve this, Mr. Dumalsin visited the office of him and his family. the DOST at Bontoc, Mountain Province on July 9, 2009 to seek assistance in upgrading his enterprise. Aside from this, he The furniture business started in 1993 and registered with the also hoped to increase production and income and to generate Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 1995 with the additional employment for the locality. name, Alvin’s Woodworks, “Alvin” coming from the combination of the names of his two children, Allan and Vincent. As such, the company became a cooperator under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in 2010 The company is based near their residence primarily to upgrade his production process “From a simple hobby through the provision of appropriate at Lower Caluttit, Bontoc, Mountain during childhood, the Alvin’s equipment such as wood molding machine, Province which is located along the Woodworks has become a national highway going to the municipality stationary table saw and stationary wood thriving furniture business of Sadanga towards Kalinga Province. lathe machine. Further, Mr. Dumalsin Finished products on the other hand, are says that the technology assistance from enterprise in Mountain DOST has maximized his skills and displayed at Chakchakan, Bontoc Ili, less Province.” lessened the cost of production due to the than a kilometer away from the production site but also along the national highway going towards Baguio shift from manual to semi-mechanized production. City. Furniture products include dining sets, sala sets, cabinets, office tables, panel doors, window frames, and others. Pine wood The success of the furniture business can be attributed to the cooperator’s determination and passion for his enterprise. And is the main raw material used with ply wood as supplement. Presently, the company has a utilization rate of 1,500 to 2,000 with the assistance of the DOST, products are now also of better board feet per month. quality such that customers are now even more satisfied with their orders. The Alvin’s Woodworks being a family enterprise, Mr. Indeed, this simple hobby of creating things from wood has Dumalsin acts as the manager of the company. During the resulted into a thriving local business despite the many challenges interview conducted with the cooperator, Mr. Dumalsin said that even though he is aware of his skill as a manager, this is faced by the furniture industry today. The entrepreneurship and not maximized due to the lack of appropriate equipment used innovativeness of the cooperator paid off greatly and it seems that in production. Not all orders from customers are being accepted the Alvin’s Woodworks is on its way to achieve its vision, to be by the company because he knows that they cannot deliver them a quality furniture producer not only in the Mountain Province on time. Aside from this, products are not of high quality as he but in the region and perhaps, in the whole country as well. (cib) would prefer and finally, innovation and product development cannot be applied due to the lack of appropriate equipment.
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feature DOST PRIDE
A DOST Scholar’s Testimonial
Mark Jasper V. Casabar, BS ECE, Saint Louis University
Last February 2012, I was proclaimed a BPI-DOST Science Awardee of 2012. This is in honor of my academic excellence, leadership potential and research output that focused on the topic, “Anti-Overloading and Helmet-Detector System for Motorcycle.” At the same time, it was recognized by the University through its Gawad San Luis for Creativity in the Field of Research. This, I believe is a result of the DOST Scholarship which has had great impact on students over the years. I was stunned by Bill Gates’ statement, as written in the front page of our Scholarship Handbook, “The best and the brightest students shouldn’t be denied access to higher education simply because they can’t afford it.” Five years ago, I was one among thousands of Filipino High School graduates who had the tendency not to go to college due to lack of financial means. It couldn’t be denied that college education is expensive, and most Filipino families can hardly afford to send their children to school. The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute through its Scholarship and Training Division marked an arena for budding scientists and engineers in our country through scholarships. I was one of the few young minds who made it in the list of 2007 scholars. It was April 2007 when I learned the news in a national circulation and immediately decided to change my original indicated course in the College Entrance Exam (CEE) notice form of Saint Louis University from BS Accountancy to BS Electronics and Communications Engineering, which happens to be a DOST priority course. I first met my fellow scholars from the Cordillera Administrative Region and nearby provinces who opted to study in Baguio City during the month-long Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program in May 2007. I was excited, at the same time nervous, as I’ve seen how they systematically dealt with Math problems and how they spontaneously carried out their thoughts in our English classes. At the end of the program, I was able to carry out my first public speech in college when
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April - June 2012
I was asked to give a testimonial on the enrichment program. As I stepped in college, DOST has inspired me to study well. Our cut-off grade was 85%, otherwise we will be delisted. Our training in the science and engineering field was rigid. It required focus, dedication and love of the subject matter. The training was a measure of both intelligence and industry. My scholarship benefits had helped me a lot in terms of financial circumstances. Alongside with the tuition and other fees paid by DOST, the stipends, book allowances and travel allowances were undeniably of great contribution to my educational advancement. Also, the Summer Practical Training Program for scholars has considerably trained and prepared me for the professional world. It contributed to my technical and managerial skills. It enhanced the theoretical undertakings in the academe. Reaping all the sacrifices, the sleepless nights of making projects and the tiring days of studying, I am happy to have achieved something after five years. With the help of my DOST Scholarship, I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree as Cum Laude. This is a manifestation of success of all who made and honed me to earn such, which includes the DOST. I am looking forward to three things after graduation --- (1) board examinations, (2) continuing education and (3) job settlement. I envision obtaining my license six months after graduation. In a few years, I would like to establish my career. More than a good-paying job, I will make sure that I love and enjoy what I will be doing. I hope to pursue higher education --- masters and doctorate, perhaps focusing in the fields of Management Engineering or Environmental Engineering --these are of greatest concerns in terms of technological innovations. I’d like to get an MBA also in order to capacitate my technical skills with the market. Finally, I foresee myself as a stable and fulfilled engineer. I am a proud DOST Scholar.
photo releases
Turn-over of the manual rain gauge to LGU-Tadian last June 7, 2012 at the DOST-CAR.
CAIMTEC Strategic Planning last April 10, 2012 at the Ating Tahanan, Baguio City in support to the project, “Clustering of the Regional Enterprises of CAR for Agri-Industrial Machinery and Parts Manufacturing”.
DOST Northern Luzon Cluster (NLC) IDEA Team “General Assembly and Capability Training on Problem Solving and Analysis (Equipment Troubleshooting) on April 14-16, 2012 at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the installation of the STII- Starbooks between DOST-STII, Ifugao State University, DOST-CAR and Ifugao PSTC last May 14, 2012 at the IfSU, Lamut, Ifugao.
Orientation, Training and Installation of the STII- Starbooks at the Ifugao State University last May 14, 2012 at the IfSU, Lamut, Ifugao.
DOST-Mt. Province with Dr. Nancy Bantog, OIC- Office of the Regional Director during the Lang-ay 2012 parade.
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s & t trivia
Why Drink Coffee? by: Analiza M. Alzate
Coffee is one of the most popular and consumed drinks in the world. People drink it everyday to have energy during the day, and to stay awake at night. According to researches, coffee drinkers enjoy not only the taste of their coffee but also reduced different kinds of risk diseases of individual: ..Regular coffee consumption cuts stroke risk in women, according to a new study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 20% reduced risk of stroke compared to women who had less than one cup per month. ..Men who regularly drink coffee appear to have a lower risk of developing a lethal form of prostate cancer, according to a research study by Harvard School of Public (HSPH) researchers. Men who consumed the most coffee six or more cups daily had nearly a 20% lower risk of developing any form of prostate cancer and more intake of coffee had a 60% lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer. Women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day are 57 percent less likely to develop estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer than women who drink less than a cup of coffee a day, said study researcher Jingmei Li, of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. ..Heavy coffee drinkers may have also a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a disease that can lead to a seroius health problems. Ling Zheng, Kun Huang and collegues explain that coffee drinkers are at lower risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. People consume four or more cups of coffee daily may have 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and every additional cup of coffee brings another decrease in risk of almost seven(7) percent. .. Coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer symptomatic gallstone disease, possibly because coffee alters the cholesterol content of the bile produced by the liver.
“To lead people, walk beside them … As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate … When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!” Lao-Tsu
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.. Coffee may also seems to protect men but not women against Parkinson’s disease. One possible explanation for the sex difference may be that estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized, and estrogen captures those enzymes. ..Coffee also refreshes the body with its wealth of polyphenols. Polyphenols are nutrients that help maintain our body in good health over time. They are also found in green tea, fruits and cocoa. ..Coffee drinkers also may protected from cold.Caffeine acts as decongestant as it opens narrowed bronchial tubes. ..Coffee can boost concentration and therefore makes you more alert and awake. Sources: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20090216/coffee-cutsstroke-risk-in -women www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2011-releases/ prostate-cancer-coffee-mucci-wilson.html www.Cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/17/coffee.prostate. cancer/index.htm http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42991809/ns/healthcancer/t/coffee-habit-may-protect-against-breast-cancer/ http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0406c. shtml http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0406c. shtml http://www.nescafe.com.ph/coffee_benefits_en_ph.axcms?gcl id=CP3e3KGFh7ECFQp66wodNl6yrA http://EzineArticles.com/3819288
Department of Science & Technology Cordillera Administrative Region Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet April - June 2012
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