July - September 2013 Vol. 5 No. 3
Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region
DOST NLC Conducts Successful S&T Fair The DOST North Luzon Cluster has successfully implemented the conduct of the 2013 North Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair on September 30-October 4, 2013 at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet with the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation: The Road Towards a Smarter North Luzon”. The 8th fair conducted by the North Luzon Cluster was implemented in cooperation with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI-DOST), the Benguet State University and other partners such as the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-CAR), the Department of Education (DEPED-CAR) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED-CAR).
RICE identifies winners for CAR The Department of Science and Technology-CAR in cooperation with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI-DOST) conducted the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) on September 30-October 1, 2013 at the College of Engineering, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. The RICE is the regional contest designed to identify inventions that will represent the region in the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) the following year. The competition is open for both the public and private sectors and researchers in the Cordillera region.
Several parallel activities were sponsored during the week-long event to ensure maximum appreciation of the public on the merits of Science, Technology and Innovation and its applications. Aside from the S&T Exhibits and Bazaar, the S&T Interactive Exhibits of the PAGASA Mobile Planetarium and the DOST’s Project NOAH were sponsored specifically for elementary and high school students in North Luzon. Contests such as the Robotics Competition for secondary and tertiary levels, On-the-Spot Essay For 2013, a total of 54 entries were Writing Contest, S&T Quiz and Trivia were likewise among the highlights submitted and pre-screened by the DOST-CAR of the fair. in-house evaluation committee, trimming the number of qualified entries into 34 broken down The S&T Exhibits which were held at the BSU gymnasium, per category as follows: Utility Model- 4, Creative page 4
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editorial board Editor/Writer SHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVER Science Research Specialist II Lay-out and Design HANSI G. DINUMLA Science Research Analyst Contributors MINERVA DEP-ET SRS II
Editorial Consultants MARIA ROWENA C. MADARANG ARD for Finance and Administrative Services OSMUNDO B. BELMONTE ARD for Technical Services JULIUS CAESAR V. SICAT Regional Director
CARLITO DAR Guest Contributor PIA-CAR Editorial Adviser/Consultant NANCY A. BANTOG RC-TTC
what’s inside
quote for the day
editorial
The Department of Science and Technology’s initiatives in pushing for sustainable countryside development through Science, Technology and Innovation was showcased in the recently concluded 2013 North Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. The activity, which drew in some 20,000+ visitors from the line government agencies, LGUs, MSMEs, private citizens and the academe, has hopefully educated these stakeholders on the importance and merits of Science and Technology. In keeping with this year’s theme of Science, Technology and Innovation: The Road Towards a Smarter North Luzon, the keynote speaker was Dir. Alejandro P. Melchor III, Program Director of DOST’s Smarter Philippines Program. He introduced the DOST SMARTER Philippines as the “DOST’s umbrella S&T program to leverage Science, Technology and Innovation to improve Philippine competitiveness and enhance the quality of life for Filipinos”. As such, it will focus on all aspects to include Smarter Scientists and Engineers, Smarter Healthcare, Smarter Farming, Smarter MSMEs, Smarter Industries, Smarter Jobs, Smarter Government, and Smarter Climate Change Adaptation. He stated, “We are in the eye of a perfect storm… a once-in-several-decades window of opportunity to dramatically accelerate inclusive economic growth, job creation and investment… to leverage the Global Information and Communications Technology Revolution and the Global Science and Technology Revolution for national development. There has never been a better opportunity to build a Smarter Philippines!” It is for this reason that all DOST programs, projects and activities are anchored on the program of DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo for a Smarter Philippines. Dir. Melchor, in his speech attributed this program as Secretary Montejo’s brainchild. The Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) is one concrete example of such initiative. As DOST’s response to disaster mitigation, Project NOAH harnesses technologies and management services for disaster risk reduction activities offered under the Department through PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), in partnership with the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and the UP College of Engineering. In a nutshell, it is part of the government’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of natural disasters and the risks associated with them by employing a team of professional scientists and programmers that makes use of advanced technology. Project NOAH aims to help people by working with various warning agencies and disseminating disaster-related information as early as possible.
Editorial 2 News Stories DOST-CAR Conducts.. 3 SmarTer Philippines boosts... 3 DOST-CAR Director... 8 DTI and DTI... 8 Feature Stories Winning Essay College... 5 Winning Essay High School... 10 It is important to note then, that Project NOAH is an initiative of Tarland Baguio Pasarabo 12 the Department to give real time disaster-related information to enable appropriate agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense and the Local Government Units in making informed decisions for their constituents. SETUP Corner 6-7 Photo Releases 11
The key to the success of the DOST’s efforts in pushing for a Smarter Philippines is the utmost cooperation between and among the stakeholders, whether government or private. DOST is doing its best to use Science, Technology and Innovation to answer the current needs of the country. But without cooperation and complementation from the other agencies, this will not succeed. I believe that Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best when he stated, “No member of a crew is praised for the rugged individuality of his rowing.” (smsc)
10 April- -September June 20132013 2 July
s&t news DOST-CAR conducts Seminar-Writeshop for STEAM Coordinators
‘SmarTer Philippines’ to boost country
STEAM training and development proposal writeshop on July 23-25, 2013 at the Teachers Camp, Baguio City.
Smarter Philippines Program Director Alejandor P. Melchor III in his kenote address during the 2013 NLC S&T Fair on September 30, 2013.
The Department of Science and Technology-CAR conducted the “Capability Building Seminar and S&T Development Project Proposal Writeshop for Municipal S&T Coordinators in CAR” last July 23-25, 2013 at the Quirino Hall, Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City. The seminar-workshop was the second among the series of activities planned by the DOSTCAR for its Municipal S&T Coordinators under its Science and Technology for the Enhancement and Advancement of Municipalities (STEAM) program.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) outlined the importance of science and technology in further boosting the country’s economic growth and the global competitiveness of Philippine products, industries and human resources.
A total of 57 Municipal S&T Coordinators from the six (6) provinces and Baguio City attended the activity broken down as follows: Abra- 8, Apayao- 7, Baguio City- 1, Benguet- 12, Ifugao-14, Kalinga-8 and Mountain Province- 7. Likewise, the agency’s Provincial S&T Centers assisted their municipal S&T coordinators in the preparation of the proposals.
Through the infusion of science, technology and innovation, DOST’s overall goal is to promote development and boost the competitiveness of the country in the sectors of governance, available jobs, industries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farming, healthcare, scientists and engineers and climate change adaptations.
DOST’s Smarter Philippines Program Director Alejandro Melchor III, in his keynote address during the opening of the North Luzon Cluster S&T Fair at the Benguet State University gym, shared the international economists’ acknowledgement of The Seminar on High Performing Public Sectors and the fast growing economy of the country as well as their positive Organizations and Team Building Activities was conducted outlook for its continuing growth. during the 1st day of the seminar-workshop with resource Melchor disclosed that through the Smarter Philippines, speakers from NEDA-CAR and the Saint Louis University. DOST’s umbrella S&T program, the department aims to ensure The 2nd and 3rd days were devoted for the S&T development that these rosy predictions translate to sustained growth and project proposal writeshop wherein all LGU participants were job creation all over the Philippines as well as to give investors encouraged to submit at least one Community-Based Proposal more business options. (CBP) for their municipality for possible funding under DOSTCAR’s Grants-in-Aid. Proposals submitted however, should be “The program aims to leverage science, technology and aligned to DOST-CAR priorities as well as the guidelines under innovation to improve Philippine competitiveness and enhance its Community-Based Projects (CBPs). the quality of life for all Filipinos,” Melchor stressed.
Melchor also said that intend to bring in science-based Part of the activity was the presentation to and evaluation know-how, technologies and tools to enable the agriculture of the proposals by DOST-CAR management and the Technical Assessment Committee (TAC), the agency’s in-house panel of sector and the MSMEs to raise productivity to world class page 9
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DOST NLC.. from page 1
RICE...from page 1
featured a total of 18 S&T exhibitors from the DOST Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), six (6) from DOST-NLC Technology Partner Agencies, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Japanese Association.
Research (Likha)- 8, Student Creative Research (Sibol High School)- 14 and Student Creative Research (Sibol College)- 8.
As an initiative to help existing DOST-NLC cooperators, the Techno Bazaar was set up at the BSU covered court with a total of 53 participating firms from regions CAR, 1 and 2. Such activity enabled them not only to market their products but more importantly, to promote and showcase the DOST’s technology assistance provided to these firms. Most of these MSMEs have availed of the DOST’s banner program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The DOST NLC sponsored various S&T fora and a two-day Seminar on Math and Science Teaching specifically for teachers in the region. Topics covered during the seminar include Mechanics on Writing a Research Paper, Investigatory Project, New Trends in Math Teaching and Intellectual Property Rights Protection. The S&T fora on the other hand presented DOST initiatives such as the Smarter Philippines Program, Metals Industry Clustering, Alternative Technologies Toward a Sustainable Mining Industry, Food Innovation Technologies and Addressing Malnutrition through the FNRI-DOST Complementary Food Technologies. A total of 296 participants attended the fora consisting of representatives from the LGUs, MSMEs, Regional Government Institutions, private or nongovernment institutions, and the Academe. In order to ensure the full media coverage of the S&T fair, a press conference/Kapihan sa DOST-CAR was conducted on the first day in cooperation with the PIA-CAR. Panelists during the two-hour press conference include the S&T Fair’s Keynote Speaker, Dir. Alejandro Melchor III of DOST Smarter Philippines, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-CAR, Dir. Elsa R. Chan, Regional Director of DOST I and Dr. Urdujah A. Tejada, Regional Director of DOST 2 and concurrent Cluster Chair. This activity was likewise anchored by Mr. Joseph Zambrano of PIA-CAR and Dr. Aristotle Carandang of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STIIDOST) and was covered by the tri-media group that included ABS-CBN, GMA-7, PTV-4, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Baguio Midland Courier, Sunstar, Baguio Chronicle, Northern Dispatch, DZWT, and BOMBO Radyo, among others. In summary, a total of 29,249 visitors from the LGUs, MSMEs, regional government agencies/institutions, private and government academic institutions from elementary to tertiary levels, private institutions and/or non-government agencies, the tri-media group and others attended/participated in the event. (smsc)
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July - September 2013
The contestants were required to put up displays of their entries as well as answer questions from the viewers. For this year’s contest, the panel of judges was composed of Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia of PHILMECH, Engr. Emmanuel M. Mendoza of the Intellectual Property Office, and Engr. Wilbert Balingit from MIRDC-DOST. The list of winners for this year’s contest is as follows: Utility Model Category 1st place- In-Line Water Purification and Sterilization Apparatus by Mr. Rodrigo P. Dugue of Baguio City 2nd place- The Process of Producing Hair Grower and the Composition Thereof by Ms. Sylvia S. Salang-oy of Luna, Apayao 3rd place- Eco Compost Receptacle by Mr. Fred L. Fangonon of Baguio City Creative Research (Likha) Category 1st place- An Iodinated Purified Water Treatment Device and Iodi-Pure Products by Mr. Alex G. Reyes, Ms. Florence G. Reyes and Mr. Reginald G. Reyes of Baguio City 2nd place- Electronic Farm Pests Control Device by Mr. Jose S. Kani of Baguio City 3rd place- Multi-purpose stove/oven by Mr. Dante P. Orbe of Baguio City and Mr. Joey L. Tacio of Tublay, Benguet Student Creative Research (Sibol) College Category 1st place- Vehicular Glass Breakage Alarm System with SMS Alert by Ms. Bianca Alegre and Mr. Tom Cabilatazan of the University of Baguio 2nd place- Betel Quid as a Bacteriological and Histological Staining Reagent by Ms. Mary Anne Lorraine Kua, Ms. Stephanie Agapito, Ms. Samara Brooke Fanao, Ms. Pearly Mae Piluden, Ms. Samira Salim and Ms. Ma. Katrina Tagata of the Saint Louis University 3rd place- Ginger Extract (Zingiber officinale) as a Procoagulant for Serum Assay by Mr. Victor A. Oyaman Jr. of the University of Baguio Student Creative Research (Sibol) High School Category 1st place- Battery Operated Prototype Mineral Water Detector by Ms. Jayryn Mae Panisigan of the Cordillera Regional Science High School page 9
WINNING ESSAY COLLEGE CATEGORY
Developing Sustainably Through Science & Technology In The Context Of Northern Luzon: Working With The Youth & Hurdling Barriers Gabrielle Paul S. Pacual, Saint Louis University
Growing up with a fascination for the latest trends and gadgets society has to offer, I have seen how technology has evolved rapidly for the past years. As a 90’s baby, the first gadgets I was introduced to was the beeper my dad used to receive message which my mother sent through a landline phone. A few years after, mobile phones came into existence and dad’s found its way inside our stash of memorabilia. I never owned a Playstation, Nintendo or even a Brick Game before, so I had to sneak to my cousin’s home just to play with the ‘in’ and the ‘new’. Now that I am in my college years, I would spend hours on my laptop, chatting with my friends on Facebook or playing with the latest computer games the cybermarkets has to offer. Such is our generation. We have grown accustomed to using technology in our lives in ways people before never imagined would happen. i remembered my senior college professors nagging about how they used to scour the university library just to find a book or paper they needed. Now a day, we have the internet and its database of millions of papers which could be accessed through just a few clicks of the mouse. My Lola used to complain how she got her arthritis from washing her cloths weekly in the nearest river. Just recently, I got to try a click-and-wash laundry shop which just opened near our home. We are indeed indebted to Science and Technology for the comfort we now enjoy. The past decade may have seen the fastest pace of development mankind has ever had. Despite the colossal advances, it is quite intriguing that the world still faces socioeconomic problems as if they are new and have just blossomed from nowhere. Our country boast world class professionals, but still, we lag behind our neighbors when it comes to solving problems on health. The environment, poverty and social equity. Clearly, something must be wrong with how ‘business as usual’ is. Northern Luzon shares the same problems other regions of the country has plus a lot more due to its physical and socioeconomic terrain. Our region teems with resources which either remain untapped or abused by the greedy. Our physical terrain hinders effective transportation and communication, which are keys to development. Socially, we cannot skip the fact that the different cultural heritages in the region sometimes lead to misunderstanding. We are also still plagued by poverty and illiteracy in the region. Add to that the proneness of the region calamities, the unsustainable destruction of the environment due to rapid urbanization and all the other problems. Which leave us all scratching our heads because of dismay. A monitor of mine once told me that intelligent does not always mean smart since the latter requires you to use the knowledge you have in your daily life. Smarter, in the context of our region, may mean integrating Science and Technology with solving the vast pool of the socioeconomic problems we have. I believe that this is the paradigm shift that our society needs and the youth (plus its tech-savvy ways) has to work with in order for our region to develop sustainably. In order for us to make Science and Technology work towards solving our region’s problems, we will have to add a lot of ingredients into the pot. First and foremost, we need people to start talking and thinking about the issues
and how they could contribute the solutions. Here is where the youth steps right in. making up the biggest fraction of our population, the youth and its energy cannot be ignored. Northern Luzon had a large influx of students on finding solutions to problems in our regions. University in our region should gear research courses and requirements towards socioeconomic challenges. Curricula should adapt to the present needs of society. This should also start as early as a child elementary school years. Such efforts should be youth-oriented and should consider the needs of the present generation. We should finds ways on how we could come in the form of trainings and seminars; establishing centers which would be dedicated to research and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities; and starting a journal which would publish researches which are geared towards societal problems. Research should also be incentivized as a means of motivation. Government policies should also be geared towards using Science and Technology to solve our socioeconomic problems. Such policies should set the theme for researchers. These should also cater to the needs of the researcher. On the other hand, government policies should also rely on studies in order to make them relevant to present needs. The government should also find a way to help researchers protect their intellectual properties. Once we have outstanding researches, the government should work with the researchers in finding ways to market the product and to make beneficiaries interested in using the product. Herbal medicines are good examples. Aside from being cost-effective, these pharmaceutics are for more safer because if fewer side effects. The government should make these products more available to the publication through policies. Aside from the government and the researchers, the beneficiaries also have a big role to play by supporting research efforts. Again, let us go back to the example of herbal medicines. Every researcher knows how difficult it is to find willing subjects who could try on such products. Some complain that they feel treated as “guinea pigs”. Others just have fears of side effects, which is expected from people without medical background. The government should be vocal in promoting safety among research subjects. Incentives could also be offered to these subjects to encourage them to support research efforts. Lastly, research should also consider cultural practices and traditions. Protecting such is very important in the North Luzon since our region is a melting pot of different indigenous groups, researchers should also explore indigenous practices which may be developed to solve our problems. A good example is the “muyong”, the Ifugao version of forest covers. This could be adapted in rapidly urbanizing areas to prevent soil erosion and also a means of promoting stewardship of the lad among people living in such areas. There will be more barriers on the road towards integrating Science and Technology with solving the problems we have in society. Despite these barriers, I strongly believe that Science and technology can become one of the greatest tools we have in developing Northern Luzon sustainably. We just need to work together towards this reachable goal for the next generation.
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set-up corner
SETUP 3rd Quarter Report Of the 45 projects for CY2013, 20 were approved for this quarter with a total amount of PhP8,932,206.20. Two (2) projects were approved at DOST-NPMO while eighteen (18) projects were approved at the regional level. The food sector topped the most approvals 12, Metals and Engineering 4, GDH 3, and Furniture 1. The provincial distribution is as follows. Table 1. CY 2013 SETUP Approved Projects Project Title
Name of Enterprise
Address of Cooperator
Sector
Amount of Project (PHP)
Furniture
1,616,303.20*
ABRA 1
Enhancement for Production Efficiency through Upgrading of Equipment of the A. Biares Furniture
A. Biares Furniture
Manabo, Abra
APAYAO 2
Upgrading of Facilities of Jig's Meat Shop for Meat Processing
Jig's Meat Shop
San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao
Food
103,990.00
3
Upgrading of Processing and Improvement of the Quality of VR Organic Fruit Wine
VR Organic Fruit Wine
Manag, Conner, Apayao
Food
149,000.00
4
Upgrading of Facilities and Improvement of the Packaging Material of Rebiajos
Rebiajos Food Products
San Carlos, Sta. Marcela, Apayao
Food
69,650.00
5
Upgrading of Facilities of Bageetz Food Products for Fruit Wine Processing
Bageetz Food Products
Poblacion, Pudtol, Apayao
Food
175,750.00
6
Upgrading of the Facilities of Henzy Metal Craft for the Fabrication and Repair of Farm Implements and other Metal Products
Henzy Metal Craft
Poblacion East, Flora, Apayao
Metals & Engineering
260,000.00
Hydraulic Compactor for Metal Wastes
Queen “C” and Crew Gen. Merchandise
Apugan-Loakan, Baguio City
Metals & Engineering
800,000.00
Upgrading of Equipment for the production of Sari-saringKakanin
Bulakeña’s SariSaringKakaninAtbp
#25 Interior B, Balacbac, Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City
Food
770,000.00
Upgrading of Metalikha Products
Metalikha #25 Naguilian Road, Plaques, Trophies, Baguio City and Graphics
GDH
646,500.00
046, Baguio La Chesa, Purok 3, Irisan, Baguio City
Food
217,920.00
Upper Bayabas, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet
Food
236,750.00
BAGUIO CITY 7
8
9
10
Upgrading of Equipment of Jhake and Jake and Jhaelle Jhaelle Bakeshop Bakeshop
BENGUET 11
6
Improving the Production Efficiency and Market Competitiveness of LaarniThea's Food Products
Laarni Thea’s Food Products
July - September 2013
12
Technology Intervention to Improve PiTaCo Bowls Productivity of the PiTaCo Bowls Cafe Café and and Restaurant Restaurant
Km. 5 La Trinidad, Benguet
Food
232,000.00
Poblacion West, Ifugao
Food
616,980.00
Food
668,700.00
IFUGAO 13 14 15
Upgrading of Carlit's Bakery
Joey Carlit’s Bakery
Upgrading of Dreamers Bakery
Dreamers Grocery Poblacion, Banaue, Ifugao
Upgrading of Wagz Auto Repair Shop & Iron Works
WAGZ Auto Repair Shop & Iron Works
Poblacion West, Lamut, Ifugao
Metals & Engineering
539,500.00
Upgrading of Taitana's Dress Shop and Kalinga Woven Products
Taitana’s Dress Shop and Kalinga Woven Products
Purok 6, National Road, Bulanao, Tabuk City
GDH
100,000.00
Productivity Improvement of Diana's Food Products
Diana’s Food Products
Agbannawag, Tabuk City Kalinga
Food
97,000.00
Facility Upgrading of DRR Marketing DRR Marketing
Magsaysay, Tabuk City, Kalinga
GDH
187,890.00
Quality Improvement of Ulricks Cassava Cake Production
Provincial Road, Magsaysay, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Food
278,000.00
Metals & Engineering
1,166,273.00*
KALINGA 16
17 18 19
Ulrik’s Cantina
MT. PROVINCE 20
Roadside Gas Upgrading the Equipment of Roadside Station and Auto Gas Station and Auto Services Services
Tambingan, Sabangan, Mt. Province
TOTAL (PhP)
8,932,206.20
*Approval by the SETUP National Program Management Office. MSMEs in CAR are encouraged to avail of this program. Interested firms may visit the provincial S&T centers and the regional office for further details.
SETUP MOA signing on August 6, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Room, La Trinidad, Benguet.
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s&t news DOST-CAR Director is New ECONDEV SECOM CHAIR
DTI and DOST initiate convergence activities to help constituents in CAR
Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-CAR has been voted as the new Chair of the Sectoral Committee on Economic Development (Econ SECOM) of the Cordillera’s Regional Development Council during its re-organization this August 2013. This committee is one of the six (6) sectoral committees of the RDC-CAR whose functions are analogous to and supportive of the functions of the RDC. SECOM chairs are likewise tasked to review and endorse matters pertaining to their respective sectors in the RDC Executive Committee (ExCom) and/or the RDC Full Council review and endorse national plans, programs and projects proposed for implementation in the Cordillera region. The Econ SECOM is RDC-CAR’s lead committee in spearheading economic development in Eco-Tourism, AgriIndustry, and Technology and Knowledge-based Industries. Specifically, the sectoral committee is tasked to fulfill the following functions: (1) coordinate economic development through planning and policy recommendation; (2) integrate approved economic plans of provinces, RLAs and SUCs into the competitive industry component of the Regional Development Plan (RDP); (3) evaluate and endorse proposed projects, programs and plans related to economic development; (4) review, prioritize and endorse to the RDC the annual and multi-year economic investment programs of the region for funding and implementation; (5) promote and direct the inflow and allocation of investments to the region; and (6) perform other related economic functions and activities in the region. Currently, there are a total of 31 RLAs, SUCs and Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) who are members of the Econ SECOM namely: DTI-CAR, PSR-Agriculture, DOT-CAR, DA-CAR, ATI-NTC, BFAR-CAR, DENR-CAR, BSU, BWD, CDA-CAR, ICTO-CAR, DAR-CAR, NSCB-CAR, DILGCAR, DOLE-CAR, NEDA-CAR, EMB-CAR, MGB-CAR, NCIP-CAR, NIA-CAR, PEZA, PIA-CAR, SEC, TESDA-CAR, DEP-ED-CAR, BAS-CAR, NSO-CAR, DSWD-CAR, PSRIndigenous Peoples, LGU- La Trinidad and DOST-CAR. Dr. Sicat, as the new chair of this sectoral committee, will also be a member of the Executive Committee of the RDC. (smsc) Source: RDC-CAR website (www.cordillera.gov.ph)
DTI and DOST management during the convergence meeting on August 28, 2013 at Baguio City.
A DTI-DOST convergence meeting was sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry-CAR last August 28, 2013 at the Chalet Hotel, Baguio City for both government agencies to identify areas of collaboration with the end goal of maximizing government resources particularly in their support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other stakeholders. Dir. Myrna A. Pablo, Regional Director of DTI-CAR explained that this convergence activity was a result of a previous meeting with Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-CAR where both directors agreed that DOST and DTI should complement each other since both have similar projects geared towards supporting MSMEs, associations and cooperatives. Such collaborative undertaking will likewise ensure that government resources are maximized and funds are used to the fullest through the sharing of knowledge and resources. DTI acknowledged the need for DOST’s technical expertise particularly with their new program on Shared Service Facility (SSF). The SSF is a program of the DTI to address the need to improve the quality and productivity of microenterprises and SMEs through access to enhanced technology and betterquality equipment. Through the program, it is hoped that assisted cooperators will improve the quality of goods and productivity, making their products more competitive in the market. The DOST’s role in the SSF program is to provide the needed technical expertise in identifying responsive technologies for the beneficiaries. This program is similar to DOST’s Community-Based Projects (CBPs) where appropriate technology assistance is also brought to the grassroots to enable them to be more competitive in the market. As a result of the one-day activity, various areas of page 9
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July - September 2013
DOST-CAR.. from page 3
RICE...from page 4
evaluators. This activity was meant to fast track the review and assessment of the proposals of the municipal S&T coordinators and it also served as a learning experience between and among the coordinators themselves.
2nd place- The Robotic Flood Solution Problem by Mr. Jan Zeddrieck Dacawi, Mr. Jose Anton Miguel Martin and Mr. Marc Joseph Tan of the University of Baguio Science High School 3rd place- Activated Pomelo Rind Charcoal by Mr. Denzely A. Ticne of the Cordillera Regional Science High School.
It can be recalled that the STEAM program is DOSTCAR’s initiative in capacitating identified LGU representatives in terms of effective project identification, project proposal preparation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation with the end goal of creating champions for development not only for Science and Technology but for all government programs as well. (smsc)
All first place winners identified during the RICE will represent the Cordillera Administrative Region in the upcoming 2014 National Invention Contest and Exhibit. (smsc)
Smarter.. from page 3
DTI.. from page 8
standards; state of the art facilities and capabilities to enable the country’s industries to move up the value chain and attain global competitiveness.
convergence were identified by the DTI Provincial Directors and DOST Provincial S&T Directors such as the SSF program, product development including product packaging and labeling design with product consultancy, and trainings and seminars, among others. Specifically, Dir. Sicat challenged the DTI and DOST provincial officials to look into the possibility of creating a “provincial branding program”. This will ensure the quality of products and at the same, give the Cordillera MSMEs a marketing advantage both locally and globally. Discussions also came up on the possibility of putting up a toll packaging center in each province to ensure that products are appropriately packaged and acceptable to discriminating consumers. The DOST-CAR, through its Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), can spearhead the needed laboratory analyses such as nutrition facts, shelf-life testing and microbiological tests to make certain that products in the region conform to quality standards. DTI on the other hand can focus on the preparation of label designs and product consultancy for MSMEs.
They also aim to make the Philippines a global leader in information technology with business process management generating direct employment of 1.3 million by 2016, as well as to produce highly skilled and competitive S&T human resources in support of the national S&T programs, said Melchor. Moreover, through Smarter Philippines, DOST aims to bring ICT-based transformation of governance and the delivery of government services and information including education and healthcare especially to the countryside towards inclusive growth, as well as science-based weather information and climate change scenarios with associated impact assessments enabling concerned agencies to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for a disaster and climate change resilient Philippines. Meantime, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)- Cordillera Regional Director Milagros Rimando, in her message, congratulated the DOST for holding the North Luzon cluster S&T fair as she called for a continuing convergence among regions 1, 2 and CAR in terms of development and promotions of S&T programs to bring in inclusive growth for all the people in the area. (Carlito Dar)
Both agencies have agreed to work together in aligning their programs with each agency’s priorities and the regional development plan. Dir. Pablo also reiterated that such convergence activities should not be limited to DTI and DOST only but should also involve other government agencies. She challenged Dir. Sicat, as the new chair of RDC-CAR’s ECON SECOM to push for the convergence of government agencies with the goal of a unified effort for sustainable development in the Cordillera Region.
Press Conference/Kapihan sa DOST during the 2013 NLC S&T Fair on September 30, 2013.
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feature WINNING ESSAY HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY
A BRIGHTER DAWN FOR NORTHERN LUZON Reba Joy Killongan, Tabuk City National High School
The dark clouds of the dim night will be blown away by the loud banging gongs, and then light will quickly came out, building a brighter dawn. Man, natured by its attitude to be hungry for truth was assigned to be God’s steward of nature. Behind those outstanding work for nature lies principles and processes that man is yet to discover. Gifted by the knowledge and creativity, man was set to discover, innovate and create things out of these processes in nature. Thus, the growth of Science and Technology. Science is a collective body of knowledge and technology is its application. Today, life has a lot to offer. Diverse Technological advances led to the rise of high level communication, transportation, medicine, health and sanitation, productivity, security and education. Now, everything is possible with just a click of a finger. Behind extreme traditional beliefs and rich cultural diversity, some says that the sun of high-level knowledge will not rise at Northern Luzon. But those thoughts were heavily embedded beneath its tribesmen tattoo as they were able to gain it thru the amazing tandem of Science and Technology. Northern Luzon is now experiencing the convenience of more comfortable lifestyle enabling it to go with the flow of highly-industrialized places. Lots of projects be if on livelihood, engineering and education were implemented making it work for a smarter Northern Luzon. Blessed with rich, fertile soil, Northern Luzon will shine thru the use of Scientific and Technological concepts in agriculture. Technological machines such as hand tractors, compound machines and mechanized reapers will lessen the dependency on manual time- consuming work. Thru this, farmers will gain more income due to the reduction of labor importation. The use of fertilizers will boost out production while the practice of using insecticide, herbicide and researches on breeding of nature-friendly insects will minimize pest and stem borers. Communal irrigation system will ensure water services to farms during droughts while farm to market roads will pave a way for marketing all products along all towns in Northern Luzon. Education makes people easy to govern but impossible to enslave. Scholarship grants for Science and Technology related courses are being offered to poor but academically-qualified students. Years later, Northern Luzon will have great scientist in the future knocking the wall between ignorance and smarter progressive place. Competitions will boost out the intellectual skills for the promotion of
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better ideas towards a generation of new information. Science Investigatory Projects, Essay Writing Contests, invention Contests and the like will purchase the smart minds of the one involve in it. A school within Northern Luzon was able to come up with a device to reduce the amount of poisonous gases emitted by motorcycles and the other one is the use of locally-grown fruits as plastic decomposer. Run away from the incomplete resources of some libraries and run towards the “one-click, full information” offered by computers. Almost all schools within Northern Luzon were enjoying the benefits of computer-aided education. Teachers will no longer suffer from lung disease caused by chalks due to LCD-powered teaching insufficient time for discussions will be reduce thru the inventions of computer, printers and photocopying machine. Instead of wasting time writing on the board, teachers will just print the lesson, photocopy it and distribute among its students. Alas! No more travelling to Manila or even overseas for new medical technologies, some hospitals in Northern Luzon are offering better medical technologies as those enjoyed abroad. Glancing back, thousands of lives were loss due to typhoons, accidents and crimes. Due to the advent of scientific concepts, rain gauges and water level measuring devices were installed to alarm people of the impending threat of typhoons. Drainage canals were constructed for the purpose of flood control. Solar-powered street lights and CCTV’s along roads will ensure safety and security. No more crawling in the dim night! Because of the depletion of oil and fuels, solar panels and hydroelectric power plants were installed in some province within Northern Luzon. Gone are those days when people have to travel for hour due to rough, rocky roads. The outstanding advent of engineering concepts led to the concretion of roads and building of bridges. Now, travel lifestyle has become a cakewalk; lesser time and more comfortable! We have good quality products which can be marketable here and abroad. Using scientific concepts and innovations, our local resources will turn out to be productive safe and cleaner products. The use of several food technology will increase the quality of the product for its marketability. Communications also improve due to computer cellphones and internet. These have promoted the outstanding wide speed of information. Relatives of distant places will be connected thru these phenomenal works of Science and Technology. Banks transactions will also be easier due to ATM’s. Smarter people are not those who knew everything. Instead, being smart is the capacity to invent and create things for possible solutions for problems and for the development of society. The works of technological and scientific methods, processes and concepts mentioned in previous discussion will act as satisfying water for Northern Luzon, which is thirsty of the knowledge to promote sustainable development. Thru Science, Technology and Innovation, Northern Luzon will make it work for a smarter and progressive future. Thus, a brighter dawn for Northern Luzon. The gongs will loudly played, the “Salidumay” will be sung joyfully and all from Northern Luzon will dance rhythmically the “Tadek”, marching victoriously with its banner waving proudly towards the horizon. Northern Luzon Shines!
photo releases
Waterlevel Monitoring Station inauguration at the City Camp Lagoon, Baguio City in August 2013.
Presentation of researches during the 3rd Joint HARRDEC-CIERDEC Regional Symposium on RDE in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Industry and Education Sectors on August 30, 2013 at Aspulan Hall, ATI-CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet
OLTrap Regional Orientation at the DOST-CAR Conference Room.
2013 Scholarship examination last September 21, 2013 at the University of Baguio Gym.
Ms. Mary Anne Lorraine Kua of Saint Louis University (SLU) explains their research during the 2013 DOST-CAR RICE held on Sept. 30-Oct. 01, 2013 at BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Students of University of Baguio Science High School showing their research during the 2013 DOST-CAR RICE held on Sept. 30-Oct. 01, 2013 at BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Robotics Competition during the 2013 NLC S&T Fair at the BSU Covered Court.
DOST Undersecretary for RO, Dr. Carol M. Yorobe visits the Techno Bazaar during the 2013 NLC S&T Fair.
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s & t feature TARTLAND BAGUIO PASARABO “Pasarabo”, the Ilocano term for pasalubong is embodied in this DOST assisted company because of its quality baked products which is popular among tourists and locals alike. As the company continues to grow in the food processing industry, the Tartland Baguio Pasarabo credits its success not only on the perseverance of the proprietor/manager but also to the various entities that have helped it achieve what it has become today. The Tartland Baguio Pasarabo is a single proprietorship business which started as a home-based, part time baking enterprise in August 2003. The proprietor, Ms. Angelita Dela Cruz-Reyes started with the production of boat tarts and lengua de gato at her residence in Amparo Heights, Camp 7, Baguio City. With the success of her then part time business, the cooperator was encouraged to venture into a full time enterprise, expanding her product lines to include leche flan, cheesecakes, chocolate coated lenguas, raisin oatmeal cookies and garlic pretzels. Tartland, being known as one of the best producers of lengua de gato in the city, has however, prioritized the production of this product over its other product lines. In 2007, Ms. Reyes approached DOST-CAR to avail of a Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program assistance. The proposed project, “Upgrading of Tartland Baguio Pasarabo” was consequently approved on June 28, 2007, with SETUP providing P350,000.00 for the technology upgrading of the business. Through the project, the introduction of appropriate equipment such as a three-deck oven, one unit spiral mixer, one unit vibra sifter and one unit stainless steel sink table was provided. In 2008, Tartland received technical consultancy services through the Manufacturing and Productivity Enhancement Program (MPEX). Aside from this, trainings on Good Manufacturing Practices and Cleaner Production Technologies for MSMEs were provided to the firm as well as product promotion opportunities during DOST S&T Fairs and Exhibit. After the DOST interventions, the firm’s annual gross sales and production have significantly increased. The workforce prior to the entry of the SETUP assistance was at 20 workers. Today, the firm provides 20 direct
and 120 indirect employment. Of course, along with the DOST assistance is the hard work and determination of Ms. Reyes to succeed in her food processing business. In fact, the success of the firm has enabled the cooperator to fully refund the SETUP assistance in June 2011. Several accolades have been awarded to this one time home-based company. In October 2009, the Tartland Baguio Pasarabo was awarded by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-CAR the “Business Excellence and People Development Award” for being the Regional Winner under the category of Small Enterprises for the Industry Sector during the Productivity Olympics of 2009. This award was confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission in 2009. Specifically, the company was one of the Finalists for the Best Productivity Improvement Program under the Small Enterprise-Industry Category. The proprietor, Ms. Reyes was also awarded by GO NEGOSYO as the Most Inspiring CAR Microentrepreneur in July 2008. The technology assistance being provided by the DOST-CAR is a continuing process. Further application of new technologies to improve the production efficiency and product quality of the firm in order to be more competitive in the market is on-going. Ms. Reyes also ensures that her firm continues to comply to existing product safety standards such as the GMP. She continuously undertakes product development innovation to come up with new and improved product lines. Research and development on product and process has never stopped which is one of the reasons why the firm continues to thrive in the food processing sector. The Tartland Baguio Pasarabo has marked its niche in providing quality baked food products in the City of Baguio. And true to its brand name, their products indeed speak of high quality “pasalubong” for all customers not only in the region but in the country as a whole. (smsc) * The Tartland Baguio Pasarabo was DOST-CAR’s entry to the 2013 Best SETUP Adoptor during the National Science and Technology Week last July 22-26, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia.
Dissatisfaction and discouragement are not caused by the absence of things but the absence of vision. Anonymous
Department of Science & Technology Cordillera Administrative Region Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________
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