July- September 2012 Vol. 4 No. 3
Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region
CAR finalists bag DOST National Invention Awards
H
igh school students from the UB Science High School and college students from the Saint Louis University won 1st place and 3rd place, respectively, under the Creative Research (SIBOL Award) Category in the recently concluded DOST National Invention Contest and Exhibition (NICE) last July 10-14, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The entry entitled “Biomimetics: Ultrasound Guide for the Blind” by Ms. Chyla Peñafiel, Ms. Kate Orduña Chiqui and Mr. Kenneth Choy of the UB Science High won 1st place under the SIBOL Award, high school category while the “Micro Controller Based Breath Analyzer Used in Alcohol Content Detection for Ignition Interlock” of Ms. Glenda B. Gonsadan, Ms. Norie Bell D. Loy, and Ms. Sonia B. Saley of SLU won 3rd place under the college category.
New DOST-CAR Head assumes office Turn-over ceremonies of DOST regional directorship from Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, OIC, Office of the Regional Director to Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat last July 20, 2012 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall. (L-R: Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, ARD for Field Operations Services, Ms. Maricel G. Mactal-Sicat, wife of Dr. Sicat, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, DOST-CAR Regional Director, Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte, ARD for Technical Services and Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, ARD for Finance and Admin Services)
D
r. Julius Caesar Villacorta Sicat was appointed the Regional Director of DOST-CAR effective July 20, 2012 besting the other four candidates for the position that was vacated by Dr. Ben D. Ladilad due to his transfer to the Benguet State University as President in December 2011. Dr. Sicat, an accomplished executive has been with the DOST system since 1993. Aside from his 19 years of working with the Department, he is also a proud product of the DOST, having been a DOST scholar both in high-school, through the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) and in college through the DOST-SEI scholarship, (then the National Science and Technology Authority Scholarship).
Special awards were likewise given to the winners. UB Science High’s entry was given a special award (1st prize) from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) while SLU’s entry won two (2) special awards namely: Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation (PhilDAF) Award (2nd place); and FFCCCII Award (3rd place). It can be recalled that these winners were the identified finalists, chosen to
Dr. Sicat started as a Volunteer Tutor in 1980 and quickly rose in the ranks due to his commendable dedication and commitment to his work. His experience as a Provincial S&T Director of Nueva Ecija followed by his promotion as ARD for Technical Operations of the DOST Region 3 in 2003 has equipped him with commendable leadership and management skills. In fact, during the meeting with the DOST-CAR staff on July 20, 2012, he assured the staff that he does not micro manage and that he is committed
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Rising from the ranks…
editorial board Editor/Writer/Lay-out SHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVER Science Research Specialist II Contributors PITA S. PICPICAN Urban S&T Director BEVIENNE M. APALING Science Research Specialist II CHERYL C. LUMEREZ Science Research Specialist I JAEMIE R. CHUA Science Research Specialist I
Editorial Adviser/Consultant NANCY A. BANTOG ARD for Field Operations Services 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
CECIL C. GUAKI Science Research Analyst ANALIZA M. ALZATE PAS II
what’s inside Editorial 2 News Stories DOST-CAR joins forces for MPEX... 3 First S&T Digital Library... 3 Dir. Sicat conducts first provincial visit... 4 DOST Training on Productivity... 4 Packaging and Labeling Seminar... 5 Biogas Forum... 5
quote for the day
editorial
“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” - Alan Cohen The creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region, thanks to EO 220 which was signed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1987 in the historic Mt. Data Hotel at Bauko, Mountain Province, has paved the way for the creation of government line agencies in the region. The Department of Science and Technology-CAR started with Dr. Saturnino Ocampo as Officer-in-Charge, being the Regional Director of DOST Region 1 at that time. In 1993, Dr. Ben D. Ladilad held office as regional director until December 5 2011. A transition period followed with Dr. Nancy A. Bantog as OIC of the Office of the Regional Director from December 6, 2011 to July 19, 2012. And now, a new Regional Director sits in the person of Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, the chosen leader responsible in steering the agency’s direction towards providing S&T services in the Cordilleras. Dir. Sicat is not new in the Department. He has been with the DOST System for over 19 years (see related article) and has likewise enjoyed the benefits of being a DOST scholar from high school to college. One can say that indeed, he is a product of the DOST who has, in turn, paid back the Department through his dedicated and meritorious service since the 1990s. During the turn-over ceremony and mid-year review of the DOST-CAR last July 20, 2012, the management and staff first met Dir. Sicat as their regional director. Dr. Bantog, in her turn-over speech said, “with the appointment of Dir. Sicat, everything will be in its proper place. We can be better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today. So let us be the wind behind his sails and give the same wholehearted cooperation for our new regional director.”
Although Dir. Sicat cannot stay full time at the office as of now because of the 6-month DAP training that the President has Feature Stories commissioned him to attend, changes have now started to come NLC S&T Fair... 8 in. In his acceptance speech, Dir. Sicat dared the staff to go out of DOST Scholar Feature... 9 their comfort zones, encouraging them to dare to challenge and SETUP Corner 6 dare to bring out the talent that is in each one. He promised, “we Photo Releases 11 will all do these together, tulong-tulong tayo for DOST-CAR.” S & T Trivia 12 The agency has much to look forward to. Let us all, indeed, work together to ensure that science and technology will play a big role in the sustainable development of the region. (smsc)
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July - September 2012
s&t news
DOST-CAR joins forces with CCII & PARRFI to implement MPEX program
First Philippine digital science library launched at the DOST-CAR Library
Benguet - With the need to help the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) in the province in acquiring knowledge and implement productivity measures to increase the quantity and quality of their products to meet the country’s economic development targets as well as international market demand, the Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) joins forces with the Covenant Consultants International Inc. (CCII) and the Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc., (PARRFI) to implement the program, “Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program”.
Making Scientific Information available for everyone is one of the key activities of the DOST under its S&T promotion initiatives. As support to this endeavor, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk or STARBOOKs, a project of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII-DOST), is now available at the DOST-CAR library, located at the Urban S&T Center, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City since August 2012.
The DOST-CAR has been active in implementing the MPEX program and has developed its internal capability to manage the project fully. Meanwhile, CCII and PARRFI, recognized co-implementers of the productivity program, are committed to share their expertise in the manufacturing productivity area. With this, DOST-CAR has identified five micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) in the province of Benguet as beneficiaries of the said program. Four are from the food processing industry and one from the Gifts, Decors, and Handicrafts sector. These MSMEs include A-1 Repack & General Merchandize (Central Ambiong, La Trinidad), Loyung’s Restaurant & Bakery (Sayangan, Atok), Manna di Cordillera Bakeshop (Pico, La Trinidad), Tita Helen’s Bakeshop & Food Services (Central Buyagan, La Trinidad) and Natural Metaphors Body Products (Puguis, La Trinidad). Ms. Rebecca Josiah of CCII, an expert in the GDH sector, assisted the specialty soap production of the Natural Metaphor Health and Beauty Products while food experts, Ms. Ma. Divina D. Alcasabas, Ms. Adoracion A. Cabrera and Ms. Rosalinda R. Lorilla of PARRFI, were assigned as consultants to equip and share their expertise for the cooperators under the food processing industry. As part of the MPEX program activities, a training on Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety was conducted on September 3 & 4, 2012 at Km 49, Sayangan, Atok, Benguet and at Granary Inn & Restaurant, Magsaysay Ave., Baguio City, consecutively. This was participated by the above mentioned MSMEs under the Food Industry Sector. With the progress of the consultancy services and other related activities, the program is expected to be successfully completed by October 2012.
STARBOOKs is the first Philippine digital science library which provides access to key information that is physically available at the STII-DOST, the DOST Science and Information network (Sci-NET), the Philippine e-lib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases. It is a standalone kiosk containing hundreds of thousands of S&T Information Resources in various formats placed in a specially designed pod, hence, information access is available even without internet connection. Likewise, it has a user-friendly interface, making access to the information simple and trouble-free. Through STARBOOKs, scientific information is available to researchers, teachers, students, and interested individuals. Aside from S&T information resources, the STARBOOKs also feature videos dubbed “Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos” to stimulate every Filipino’s entrepreneurial capacity. STII-DOST implemented the project with the hopes of creating interest in the field of Science and Technology which may increase the number of Filipinos enrolling in S&T courses as well as to encourage minds to develop new ideas and inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and research. DOST intends for the STARBOOKs to serve as information access portals in key areas in the Philippines such that this project is open to interested partners from the Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), educational institutions and private corporations. The Ifugao State University (IFSU) for example, has already installed the STARBOOKs in its library last May 14, 2012, making S&T information readily available to the students, teachers and researchers in the province. (smsc) Meanwhile, there are also 15 MSME’s; 8 under the food processing sector and 7 under the GDH sector, as MPEX beneficiaries in Baguio City that are likewise served simultaneously. (ccg)
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Dir. Sicat conducts first provincial visit in Mountain province
DOST Conducts Training on Productivity in Baguio City
Dir. Sicat visits the SETUP assisted project, Green Salad Farms based in Bauko, Mountain Province last September 7, 2012. (L-R: Mr. Norberto M. Cobaldez, PSTD- Mt. Province, Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, ARD FAS, Mr. Jonie Calawa, Proprietor, Green Salad Farms and Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director, DOST-CAR.
Training on Food Safety, GMP and 5S for MPEX beneficiaries of Baguio City and Benguet held last September 4, 2012 at the Granary Inn and Restaurant, Baguio City.
Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat conducted his first provincial visit at Mountain Province last September 7, 2012 primarily to assess the completed construction of the Provincial S&T Center of Mountain Province as well as to conduct project monitoring visits to selected SETUP projects. The one-day visit covered several activities including a short dialogue with the provincial S&T staff of Mountain Province and project monitoring to the Samoki Valley Bread Bakeshop, Sagada Weaving, Montañosa Research and Development Center, and Green Salad Farms. Courtesy calls were likewise done to the Provincial Government and Office of the Congressman of the province although unfortunately, the Governor and Congressman were in Manila. Nevertheless, Dir. Sicat assured the staff of the Governor and Congressman that he is extending his full support to the province, committing that Science and Technology endeavors will be provided especially those that are appropriate for Mountain Province. Dir. Sicat likewise encouraged Mr. Norberto Cobaldez, PSTD of Mt. Province to support the development of local delicacies such as the “inasin” or “etag”. He suggested that avenues be looked into to improve the product as well as its packaging to increase its aesthetic value and enable the expansion of market including the possible penetration of the export market.
The Department of Science and Technology-CAR through the Urban Science and Technology Center - Baguio (USTCBaguio) and Provincial Science and Technology Center Benguet (PSTC-Benguet) in partnership with the consultants from Philippine Agriculture and Resource Research Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI) conducted training on food safety, good manufacturing practices and 5S of good housekeeping as tools in productivity improvement. It was held at the Granary Inn and Restaurant on September 4, 2012 wherein seventy four owners and employees of eleven food processing firms have participated. There were eight participating firms from Baguio City, namely: MWP General Merchandise, Dadi Roi Enterprises, JCO Bakeshop, Mr. Budz Food Products, Ebai’s Café and Pastry, MM Peanut Brittle, Wenie’s Yogurt, and Napinget Livelihood Association. On the other hand, three firms from La Trinidad, Benguet included the following: Manna di Cordillera, Tita Helen’s Bakeshop, and A-1 Bakeshop.
Meanwhile, project monitoring of SETUP projects were done to assess the status of the selected projects as well as to look into possible ways in assisting the cooperators, particularly those with delayed repayments on the technology assistance.
Ms. Ma. Divina Alcasabas, consultant from PARRFI, explained that the Institute aims to help improve the productivity of the companies through quality improvement and competitive pricing. Also, she said, food safety is a must to productivity of food processors. It provides assurance that food, which has been handled, prepared, processed and stored properly will not cause any harm to the consumer. In addition, she explained that good manufacturing practices are sets of sanitation guidelines for food handlers, for the physical and processing operations in a food plant for safe and wholesome food products.
This is the first province that Dir. Sicat visited upon his assumption of duty as regional director of the agency. (smsc)
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July - September 2012
s&t news Technical Seminar on Packaging & Labeling conducted
DOST Baguio Conducts Biogas Forum
Seminar on Packaging and Labeling sponsored by the USTC-Baguio City held last Sept. 19, 2012 at Padre Burgos Brgy., Baguio City.
Forum on Biogas Technology conducted by the USTC-Baguio City last September 25, 2012 at Brgy. Lualhati, Mines View, Baguio City.
The Department of Science and Technology-Car through the Urban Science and Technology Center (USTC) – Baguio and in partnership with Barangay LGUs of District VII in Baguio City conducted the “Technical Consultancy/Seminar on Packaging and Labeling at Padre Burgos Barangay, Baguio City on September 19, 2012. Engr. Angel Basbasan Jr. and Ms. Marie Abigail Consorio of the Packaging Technology Division of Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI-DOST) discussed Food Packaging of SMEs as well as the division’s programs and services.
The Department of Science and Technology-CAR through the Urban S & T Center-Baguio conducted a Forum on Biogas Technology on September 25, 2012 at Barangay Lualhati, Baguio City. The Pacdal-Mines View Health District especially requested the S&T center for this particular forum due to the problem in waste generated by the owners of piggeries. This is likewise in line with the district’s proper health and sanitation program in the community especially in Barangay Maria Basa, Baguio City.
“The biogas technology turns waste matter into energy,” as said in the lecture by Engr. Angel L. Maguen, SRS II of DOSTCAR, to the 38 participants from Barangays Lualhati and Pacdal-Mines View. He also quoted from the research materials of Engr. Fernando E. Ablaza that all kinds of organic wastes, including animal manure and garden wastes, are placed into a digester thereby emitting gas used as an alternative source of energy. He also emphasized the multiple benefits of biogas technology including savings on cooking fuel, elimination of unwanted odors and pollution produced from animal raising, The spot critiquing of existing package and labels of not to mention better relations with neighbors, and reduction products brought by the participants and the various success of greenhouse gas emissions. stories presented by Ms. Consorio in using different packaging materials and designs gave inspiration to the participants to During the open forum, interested participants inquired improve their existing packaging and label designs. about the needed inputs in putting up a biogas structure. They likewise plan to build it as a Common Service Facility for use Aside from the discussion on packaging and labeling, in the community. Dr. Pita S. Picpican, Urban Science and Technology Director of USTC-Baguio also presented the different programs and USTC Baguio will closely coordinate with the barangay services of DOST-CAR particularly Technology Transfer and leaders for the project to be started. “With this forum, we hope Commercialization, Laboratory Testing and Services, and to use this knowledge for the betterment of our community,” Science and Technology Scholarship Programs. (ccl) said Norma D. Bustarde, Punong Barangay of Lualhati, Baguio City. (jrc) Stressing that “trade could not progress without proper packaging”, Engr. Basbasan presented the mandatory label information of prepackaged food products such as Product Identity, Net Content Declaration, Ingredient Declaration, Name and Address of Manufacturer/Packer/ Distributor and Country of Origin. The one-day activity was participated by food processors, handicraft manufacturers and some barangay officials of District VII, Baguio City.
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set-up corner 3rd Quarter SETUP Implementation, A Success
The authority to approve project proposals with a budgetary requirement of one million pesos and below has now been given to the Regional Directors of DOST regional offices; for RD Sicat, this took effect on August 10, 2012. Efforts to empower the regional offices coupled with the constant review and improvement of the processes used to evaluate the feasibility of project proposals submitted by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, have made possible the approval of 62 projects in CY 2012. Of the 62 projects, 22 were approved this quarter with a total amount of PhP11,639,629.00 and is expected to increase as proposals are continuously submitted. Likewise, 15 of these projects were approved by the Regional Director while seven (7) were approved by DOST-NPMO. The food sector topped the list with most approvals (8), followed by metals and engineering (7), gifts/decors/handicraft (GDH) (4), furniture (2), and agriculture (1), as follows: Project Title
Name of Cooperator
Address of Cooperator
Sector
Upgrading of Production Facilities for Noodle Production and Peanut Processing Project
Mrs. Eloida A. Arrocena Celona's Food Products
32 Partelo St., Zone 2, Bangued, Abra
Food
356,364.00
Upgrading of Facilities for Natural Powder Dye Extraction and Textile Application
Namarabar Farmers and Ethnic Arts Association c/o Normandino A. Mina
Namarabar, Peñarrubia, Abra
GDH
235,000.00
Enhancement of Production Capacity for F. Barcena's Bamboocraft
Esperanza T. Barcena
Udangan, La Paz, Abra
GDH
273,500.00
Upgrading of Facilities of Two Brothers' Furniture Shop and Sash Factory for the Production of Novelty Items
Mr. Maruel Cortes Two Brothers' Furniture Shop and Sash Factory
Turod, Luna, Apayao
GDH
138,800.00
Upgrading of Facilities of Aloag Fish Farm and Hatchery for the Production of Pangasius and Tilapia Farm and Hatchery
Mr. Rolando C. Aloag Aloag Fish
San Francisco, Luna, Apayao
Agriculture
98,100.00
Upgrading of KRRS Machine Shop
Mr. Antonio A. Marzo KRRS Machine Shop
Poblacion East, Flora, Apayao
Metals and Engineering
160,000.00
Upgrading of Facilities for the Production of Veggie Breads, Banana Cakes and Rice Breads of Nhele Bakery
Ms. Marinel D. Tugaoen Nhele Bakery
Turod, Luna, Apayao
Food
79,000.00
Upgrading of Facilities of Tri-R Balut Industry
Mr. Rodel D. Villanueva Tri-R Balut Industry
San Mariano, Sta. Marcela, Apayao
Food
150,600.00
Upgrading of Spiced Vinegar Production
Mr. Robert Roy M.Mamaat Dadi Roi Enterprises
# 122 Scout Barrio, Baguio City
Food
856,500.00
Upgrading of JCO Bakeshop
Mr. Jefferson C. Obar JCO Bakeshop
Dizon Subdivision, Baguio City
Food
525,560.00
Upgrading of Ron and Mar Handicraft for the Production of Quality Wood Products
Ms. Hermilita A. Tundagui Ron and Mar Handicraft
#22 Km.4, Asin Road, Baguio City3
Food
634,500.00
Improving the Production Capacity and Quality of the Gupaay’s Peanut Butter Enterprise
Mrs. Agusta S. Evangelista Gupaay’s Peanut Butter
AD-05 Central Buyagan La Trinidad Benguet
Food
249,000.00
AE-202 Western Buyagan, La Trinidad Benguet
Metals and Engineering
930,000.00
Enhancing the Productivity and Market Mr. Martin C. Oydot Competitiveness of MCO Machine Shop MCO Machine Shop
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July - -September April June 20122012
Amount of Project (PHP)
Project Title
Name of Cooperator
Address of Cooperator
Sector
Upgrading the Production Facilities of NORSO INDUSTRIALS
Mr. David N. Apacway Norso Industrials
AE-14A Windy Hill, Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet
Metals and Engineering
1,971,480.00
Improving Production Efficiency of the Douglas Engineering Machine Shop
Mr. Douglas D. Paticawen Douglas Engineering Machine Shop
Abatan 90, Buguias, Benguet
Metals and Engineering
1,544,460.00
Upgrading of S & H Furniture Shop
Ms. Hannah D. Bungallon S & H Furniture Shop
Duit, Kiangan, Ifugao
Furniture
478,000.00
Product Quality Enhancement and Innovation for Midway Souvenir Shop
Mr. Villamor D. Dulnuan Midway Souvenir Shop
Pitawan, O-ong, Hingyon, Ifugao
GDH
446,450.00
Upgrading of Four Kids Furniture Shop
Ms. Jovie Ann T. Buyayo Four Kids Furniture Shop
Alimit, Hucab, Kiangan, Ifugao
Furniture
222,000.00
Upgrading of Landokan’s Iron Works
Mr. Percival B. Orprecio Landokan’s Iron Works
Purok 2, Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Metals and Engineering
200,000.00
Upgrading the Facilities of Lucille’s General Merchandise
Ms. Imogene O. Bangao Lucille’s General Merchandise
Provincial Road Appas, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Metals and Engineering
887,312.00
Upgrading of Top Priority General Merchandise
Mr. John Gasmeňa Poblacion, Bontoc Mt. Top Priority General Merchandise Province
Engineering
510,000.00
Value Adding of Carrot through Production of Carrot Pineapple Juice Processing
Mr. Jonie B. Calawa Green Salad Farm
Food
693,000.00
Mt. Data, Bauko, Mt. Province
Amount of Project (PHP)
TOTAL (PhP)
11,639,626.00
These projects aim to pursue the adoption and promotion of DOST technologies and other technologies available for the improvement of product quality and production processes enabling them to be competitive in the market. To date, 172 MSMEs have been provided with our S&T services since the inception of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in 2002. (bma)
Joint MOA signing for DOST SETUP Cooperators from Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province last July 9, 2012 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall.
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feature
DOST-NLC successfully concludes 2012 S&T Fair
N
otwithstanding heavy downpour and unpredictable weather conditions that almost confined nearby provinces, the Department of Science and Technology Northern Luzon Cluster (DOST- Region I, Region II, and Cordillera Administrative Region) has successfully conducted the 2012 Science and Technology Fair last July 30-August 3, 2012 at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Batac City, Ilocos Norte with the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development”. Spearheaded by the DOST Region I being the host region, DOST-NLC organized activities such as Press conference, technology-based bazaar and exhibits, technology fora, science interactive exhibits and film showing. Such activities served as an avenue in showcasing matured and adoptable technologies, exchanging important science and technology issues, and promoting and marketing local science research and new technologies. It also provided an opportunity for scientists, researchers, and investors for technology transfer and commercialization, making science and technology accessible to the public. The weeklong event formally started with an opening program and ribbon cutting which was spearheaded by DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer Ma. Lourdes Orijola, DOST-I Director Elsa R. Chan, DOST-II Director Urdujah Tejada, DOST-CAR OIC-ORD Nancy A. Bantog, and DOST- Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) Director Edgar I. Garcia. Other guests include MMSU President Miriam E. Pascua, Ilocos Norte Provincial Governor Representative Wendell Chua and Batac City Councilor Florencio Laud. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo conveyed in his speech, as read by Engr. Orijola, that through the cluster fair, local technologies work and this is a chance to highlight the outstanding examples of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He also mentioned that developing local innovation capability shall be the mark of his administration encouraging further the use of clear and forward innovations. Secretary Montejo reiterated that DOST’s support to MSMEs is a major concern and in activities such as this S&T fair, DOST highlights outstanding examples of SMEs including their productivity, profitability and competitiveness through technology interventions which the DOST has provided for them. Likewise, Secretary Montejo charged the DOST family “to do our share in coming up with new points of intervention along the full range of scientific applications that would lead to technological breakthroughs.” After the opening ceremonies, a press conference was held which was attended by the local media and DOST officials.
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July - September 2012
In the technology exhibits based at MMSU Teatro Ilocandia, participating DOST-agencies, other government and academic institutions displayed different innovations and new technologies they developed. They also presented the programs and activities their agency are engaged with. Some of the technologies displayed include bamboo splitting machine, utility ladder, multi-purpose overhauling and lifting machine, and microcontroller based breath analyzer used in alcohol content detection for ignition interlock. It is important to note that over 19,000 guests came to view the technology exhibits of the DOST RDIs, Councils and Service Institutes as well as SUCs and Consortia from the three regions. On the other hand, the Science Interactive Exhibits at the University Training Center of MMSU catered to about 6,687 students, both high school and elementary from Regions 1, 2 and CAR. This is the newest addition or feature of the NLC fair which included the DOST-SEI SCIENCE EXPLORER, PAGASA MOBILE PLANETARIUM and FILM SHOWING of videos from SEI, PAGASA and PHIVOLCS. Moreover, various topics related to agriculture, aquaculture, furniture, processing technologies and including disaster prevention and hazard mitigation were discussed during the technology fora. The discussions enabled the participants and the presenters to exchange ideas for the improvement and adoption of such technology presented. Meanwhile, there are at least 35 DOST- assisted SMEs, most of which under food sector, who showcased and marketed their different products in the bazaar area. The cooperators who availed of the booths in the Technology-based bazaar were not only able to promote their products but were likewise able to generate income, albeit the short duration of the fair. It is an accepted fact that Science and Technology is a major key to the development of the country. And it is for this reason that the DOST strives to promote S&T breakthroughs through the NLC S&T Fair. Isaac Asimov, an American writer and professor said, “There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere.” The DOST strives to adapt and come up with scientific and technological breakthroughs that are applicable to local circumstances, thereby ensuring that these technologies are of use to the people. It is hoped that the application of S&T in the Department’s endeavors can bring about the much needed sustainable development that can push for the improvement of the lives of the people in our country. This was the governing message of the cluster fair since the opening ceremonies and it is hoped that albeit the short duration of the fair, this was achieved. (ccg and smsc)
feature DOST PRIDE
What’s After SOEP ?
Mary Rose Kim J. Lisnang, BS Physics, UP Baguio
Being a DOST scholar is a great privilege indeed. And having this Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP), gave us scholars even more advantage especially in adjusting to our college life. At first, I was hesitant to attend SOEP since I would be spending half of my summer vacation studying. I had the choice to attend or not though, but since most of my schoolmates before who are also scholars would attend, I decided to go. I also thought that maybe, this would be one way to make my summer vacation a productive one. The subjects that were focused on were Basic English, College Mathematics (College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry) and Physics. And not only that, there were also sessions on Psycho-Social Skills Development that gave us an idea on what to expect in college and how to survive this new stage of our life as students. Indeed, my summer vacation became productive this year. I learned a lot from the month – long study sessions. My mind was refreshed of the lessons we had back in high school and I learned new things and ideas from the college professors. Somehow, it gave me a taste of how college professors would be like compared to how our teachers back in high school taught us. SOEP not only helped me academically, but also psychologically. I learned how college will be like and how to cope up with being a college student. I also learned what attitude I must have in order to succeed in this new stage of my life. So, what’s after the month – long Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program?
Now that I’m already halfway of my first semester as a college freshman, I realized how beneficial the SOEP was. Specifically in Math, since we still don’t have subjects like English and Physics yet, I applied all that I learned back last summer. The concepts that we are tackling now were the same as what we have last May. It really helped that we already studied these things in advance. In our Math 17 class for example, the topics are not discussed in detail and the students must really read before actually discussing it in class in order to understand the lessons well. Somehow, it became easy for me to cope up since I already have a background in studying these things. It also helped that the topics were discussed clearly and in detail during the SOEP especially now that some of the lessons we have are not clearly instructed by our professors. I’m looking forward to applying what I also learned in English and Physics for the next semester to come. As I have said earlier, SOEP not only helped me academically but also psychologically. Entering college, I already knew what to expect. Those sessions we had in Psycho-Social Skills Development helped minimize that culture shock I had as I enter the university. I became geared up with the right attitude when times of disappointments and problems came. I also have better study habits now compared to what I have in high school. I also learned how to manage my time in my academics and in the organizations I now belong to. Also, they taught us that being a scholar is a very big opportunity and something not to be wasted. These are the things that SOEP made me realize and ponder upon. Overall, the Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program of DOST not only prepared me for being a college student, it also helped shape me us a person. It enhanced me mentally, socially and emotionally. I learned that as a DOST scholar, I must study not only for myself, but especially for the betterment of our country in the future.
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INVENTION... from page 1
New DOST Head...from page 1
represent CAR in the 2012 NICE, during the DOST-CAR Regional Invention Contest held last September 28, 2011 at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
to complement the staff in order to achieve the set targets of the regional office. Likewise, he reiterated that DOST-CAR programs, projects and activities will be “citizen centric, collaborative, innovative and visible”.
Other winners under the SIBOL Award are as follows: High School Category 2nd place winner is from Negros Occidental National Science High School and 3rd place from the Philippine Science High School- Ilocos Region Campus. For the college category, the 1st winner came from the University of Mindanao and 2nd prize from the Samar State University. The invention contest was held simultaneously with DOST’s National Science and Technology Fair (NSTW) with the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development”. NSTW celebrations, previously called as the Philippine National Science Week in the 1950s, was instituted by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 2214 in 1982 and has since become the platform of informed exchanges on important S&T issues, developments, and locally developed technologies. (smsc) PRODUCTIVITY TRAINING... from page 4
Moreover, she explained the 5S of good housekeeping as a systematic procedure to achieve a pleasant workplace. 5S was derived from the Japanese system referring to seiri (sort or remove unnecessary items), seiton (systematize or arrange items in order), seiso (sweep or clean your workplace completely), seiketso (sanitize or to maintain high standard of housekeeping), shitsuke (self-discipline or do things spontaneously without being told or ordered). Ms. Alcasabas concluded that safe food definitely avoids wastage.
Exemplary educational background… He graduated cum laude in BS in Agricultural Engineering from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and bagged 9th place in the 1987 Board of Agricultural Engineering Examination. Not content with his BS degree, Dr. Sicat pursued higher studies from the Graduate School of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Japan, completing his Master of Agriculture- Agricultural Machinery Science. His doctoral on Agricultural Engineering was again, attained in Japan specifically the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University. For both his masteral and doctorate degrees, Dr. Sicat was a MONBUSHO scholar, a scholarship under the Ministry of Education, Japan. His impressive educational qualifications are at par with his accomplishments as a manager and researcher, having published numerous papers in prestigious publications such as the Journal of Japanese Society of Agricultural Machinery. Multi-awarded leader… Acknowledgments received started as early as his elementary years up to the present. Recognition for his outstanding achievements includes the “CLSU Alumni Achiever Award” in 2010, the “PSAE Oustanding Agricultural Engineer (S&T Management Category)” in 2009 and the “Natatanging Anak ng Nueva Ecija (S&T Category)” in 2006, among others.
In summary, it is best to quote Dr. Victor B. Mariano, Regional Director of DOST Region 3 when he stated, “Dr. Sicat had shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the cause of the Department in bringing the fruits of science and technology to the people that we serve. He was never enticed to leave the country for the comfort of greener pastures even when offered such opportunities abroad. He always promotes cooperation, teamwork and respect to each other to maintain This training was conducted in support to the DOST cohesiveness of all DOST staff to attain regional objectives and manufacturing productivity extension program to help micro effectively implement our programs.” and small enterprises improve their skills and knowledge for Dr. Sicat’s assignment as the regional director of the DOSTthe production of quality and safe food products and improve CAR is welcomed by both management and staff, knowing productivity. (psp) full well that in the DOST, everyone is willing to work hand in hand to bring science and technology closer to the people of the Cordilleras. (smsc) After the general training, the consultants together with USTC-Baguio and PSTC staff conducted plant visits to the individual participating firms for one-on-one consultation from September 5 to 7, 2012. The consultants recommended approaches for the implementation of food safety, good manufacturing practices and 5S of good housekeeping for each participating firm.
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July - September 2012
photo releases
Site inspection of the building of the Provincial S&T CenterMountain Province last September 17, 2012.
Kapihan sa DOST-CAR/Press conference on DOST-CAR programs, projects and activities held last July 19, 2012 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall, Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet. (L-R: Ms. Jamie Beth B. Galian, RSTL-CAR, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, ARD for FOS, Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte, ARD for TSD, Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, ARD for FAS and Dr. Arnold M. Inumpa, PSTD-Benguet.
DOST-CAR staff joined the Civil Service Commission’s 112th year celebration and lantern parade last September 27, 2012. Incidentally, DOST-CAR won the best slogan contest for the event.
Mrs. Wilhelmina Rimando, President of the TAWIDCRAFT Corp. and SETUP Cooperator represented the GDH Sector during the NSTW last July 12, 2012 at the SMX, SM Mall of Asia.
Dir. Julius Caesar V. Sicat gives his acceptance speech during the Turn-over ceremonies and DOST-CAR Mid-Year Review last July 20, 2012 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall, Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet.
DOST-CAR RSTL is committed to provide accurate results‌ RSTL had the annual in-plant calibration of testing equipment on September 18-20, 2012. Ms. Christine Avelino and Mr. Samuel Ysit, the calibrators, are from the ISO/IEC 17025:2005-accredited Instrumentation Laboratory of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center-DOST.
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s & t trivia
KIDS’ AMAZING INVENTIONS by: Analiza M. Alzate
Peh Yong: A six-year old who invented a cooling umbrella designed to be used in hot weather. According to the Singapore newspaper The Strait Times, Peh Yong’s invention imitates the transpiration process of plants using a combination of a water container, plastic straws and threads. Water vapor that evaporates from the water container is released through holes in the straws which line the structure of the umbrella. Kathryn Gregory: Became an inventor and an entrepreneur at the age of ten. She invented a wristies in Bedford, Massachusetts. Wristies are protective winter gear that are designed to be worn under the coat and gloves that block the snow, wind, and cold from entering any unprotected gaps. She also became the youngest person to sell on QVC a television shopping show. Krysta Morlan: His first inventions was a device that relieves the irritation caused by wearing a cast called the cast cooler when she was in grade 10. The portable cast cooler works by pumping air into a cast through a plastic tube. Still in high school, she then invented the Waterbike, a semi-submersible, fin-propelled pedaled vehicle. “Growing up with cerebral palsy made me a stronger person and very determined to succeed. Inventing has given me confidence and a way to help myself as well as others.” - Krysta Morlan * Mike Snead, Tara Lynch, Kati Merrick, Jami Ralph, Rhonda McDowell, Patti Ann Betts, Jenna Tingle, Traci Peters, April Higgins, John Cahall: From Laurel Middle School, they invented the fingerprint gun which will help prevent criminal acts and careless mistakes. When you buy the gun, you must fill out an identification card and register your fingerprints. This information is stored in the gun’s memory chip. To operate the gun, you must place your thumb over a scanner on the handle of the gun before you can shoot it. If someone else tries to operate the gun, and the fingerprints don’t match, it will lock and not shoot.
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget this errand.” Woodrow Wilson
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Chester Greenwood: Was born in Farmington, Maine, and he invented earmuffs at the age of 15. While testing a new pair of ice skates, he grew frustrated at trying to protect his ears from the bitter cold. After wrapping his head in a scarf, which was too bulky and itchy, he made two ear-shaped loops from wire and asked his grandmother to sew fur on them. He patented an improved model with a steel band which held them in place and with Greenwood’s Champion Ear Protectors, he established Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory. He made a fortune supplying Ear Protectors to U.S. soldiers during World War I. He went on to patent more many other inventions. In 1977, Maine’s legislature declared December 21 “Chester Greenwood Day” to honor a native son and his contribution to cold weather protection. Callie of St. Julie Billiart: A big problem in the world today is the loss of energy. One way energy is lost is when people are brushing their teeth and they leave the water running. This wastes one of the world’s best resources water. So she invented a machine that limits how long the water can run in your faucet. This machine has a series of buttons on it. On each of the buttons there is a word, for example “wash hands”. The machine will turn the water on for a certain time, and it can automatically turn off. It is called the Automatic Water Turn-er Off-er. Jeanie Low: An eleven-year-old, who invented the Kiddie Stool—a foldup stool that fits under the sink so kids can unfold it, stand on it, and reach the sink on their own. Pamela Sica: A fourteen year old, who invented a push-button device that raises the floor of a car so that cargo can be raised and easily removed. Sources: http://inventors.about.com/b/2011/05/27/six-year-old-invents.html http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0768091.html
Department of Science & Technology Cordillera Administrative Region Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet
July - September 2012
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