October-December 2014 Vol. 6 No. 4
Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region
Cordillera R&D Consortia conducts 4th Joint Regional Symposium
T
he Highland Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC) and the Cordillera Industry and Energy Research and Development Consortium (CIERDEC) conducted the 4th Joint Regional Symposium on R&D in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Industry and Education Sectors on October 2, 2014 at the Agricultural Training Institute-CAR, BSU Cmpd., La Trinidad, Benguet. The regional symposium is an annual activity of HARRDEC and CIERDEC that provides a venue to disseminate R&D breakthroughs and significant findings to technology generators, researchers, policy makers, farmers and other stakeholders. For this year, participating researchers are from the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) of CAR, the Department of Agriculture-CAR, and the Bureau of Plant Industry-BNCRDC. A total of 33 researches on AFNR (6), Industry (3), Socio-Economics (13), and Education (11) were presented. Moreover, under the poster category, 35 entries under the aforementioned sectors were presented in the symposium.
USEC. Fortunato dela Pe単a during the STEM on October 17, 2014 at the BSU Gym, La Trinidad, Benguet.
STEM Career Planning Seminar for HS Studes in CAR A Career Planning Seminar in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) designed for high school students was conducted on October 17, 2014 at the Benguet State University gymnasium, La Trinidad Benguet. Implementing partners for the one-day event include the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology, Inc. (PhilAAST), the DOST-CAR and the Benguet State University.
A panel of judges that specializes on each sector were tapped to evaluate the presented researches and posters. Results of the R&D symposium are as follows:
A total of 314 3rd and 4th year students coming from BSU, Tuba NHS, Cordillera Career Development College, and Alejo M. Pacalso Memorial NHS attended the seminar. Experts from various fields of science, mathematics and
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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 Contributor MINERVA C. DEP-ET Project Assistant II PHOEBE U. PASIWEN Project Assistant III Editorial Adviser/Consultant NANCY A. BANTOG ARD for Technical Services Editorial Consultants MARIA ROWENA C. MADARANG ARD for Finance and Administrative Services JULIUS CAESAR V. SICAT Regional Director
what’s inside Editorial 2 News Stories DOST installs STARBOOKS... 3 CRHRDC conducts Trainings... NAST IEC on Biotechnology... 4
quote for the day
editorial
The Community-Based Projects of the DOST-CAR has drastically increased with the coming in of the Science and Technology for the Empowerment and Advancement of Municipalities (STEAM) program. The STEAM was initiated by Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat when he assumed office in 2012 wherein collaboration between and among key stakeholders were emphasized to complement programs, manpower and financial resources. With the full support of the Local Chief Executives of the Cordillera LGUs as well as the DILG-CAR, the program has started to gain ground in providing S&T based development projects in the municipalities. The warm reception of the program from the LGUs particularly in designating a Municipal S&T Coordinator has proven to be a beneficial and complementary relationship between the DOST and the LGUs. For this year alone, a total of 45 CBPs were approved for implementation covering 24 municipalities in CAR and benefitting 50 associations and 2,838 members. Majority of these are livelihood programs on food processing, gifts, decors and housewares (GDH) and agriculture. The science and technology infusion to the beneficiaries’ livelihood programs will hopefully improve their production process and eventually increase their income and employment generation. In terms of the Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) Core project which aimed at providing technology assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), DOST-CAR was able to assist a total of 57 firms in the various priority sectors of the DOST. This accomplishment can certainly be credited to the agency’s Provincial S&T Centers for their relentless dedication not only to achieve set targets but because of the conviction that science, technology and innovation is key in improving a firm’s production process.
Feature Benchmarking the CEST of Tineg... 9 A Scholar’s Testimony... As the DOST-CAR continues to move forward towards 2015 amid the challenges of the ASEAN integration, it is good SETUP Corner 6-7 to remember that loyalty to the agency, its mandate and the Photo Releases SETUP Project Monitoring 8 love for the Cordillera region and its people should be the driving force in meeting targets. In the end, numbers are just DOST-CAR activities 11 S & T Trivia 12
well, numbers. It is the people whose lives are changed through science and technology that really matter.//smsc
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s&t news DOST installs STARBOOKs in HEIs in the Cordillera
CRHRDC Conducts Trainings for Reg’l Health Researchers
The Science and Technology Information Institute (STII-DOST) together with the MIS team of the DOST-CAR conducted a series of STARBOOKS digital library installation, orientation and training at the Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC), Xijen College of Mt. Province and the Ifugao State University (IfSU) on November 11, 12 and 15, 2014, respectively. Support was likewise provided by the Provincial S&T Centers of the agency as well as the school librarians of the identified schools. Specifically, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) software was installed for the following: 1. Tabuk City National High School - Tabuk, Kalinga 2. Kalinga Apayao State College - Tabuk, Kalinga 3. Xijen College of Mt. Province - Bontoc, Mt. Province 4. Mt. Province State Polytechnic College - Bontoc, Mt. Province 5. Mt. Province State Polytechnic College - Tadian, Mt. Province The training and orientation in the three (3) provinces was attended by the librarians and IT staff of the public and private high schools and colleges/SUCs who have also proposed for the installation of the software in their libraries. Previously installed STARBOOKS servers in the three (3) campuses of the Ifugao State University (Lamut, Lagawe, and Tinoc) were also updated with the newest version of the software which includes a version of the Britannica Ultimate Encyclopedia. The STARBOOKS is the first Philippine Science digital library that contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio) that are accessible even without internet connection. A total of 38 servers were installed with STARBOOKS in the region since 2012. Software update on all previous installations is targeted this year, including the requests for new installations in schools and LGUs.// (hgd)
The Basic Epidemiological Research Training conducted by the CRHRDC on December 11-13, 2014 at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.
The Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) conducted a series of trainings to capacitate health researchers in the region. A training on “Spoken Data and Qualitative Research Tools: Rediscovering FGD and KII” was conducted on November 15, 2014 at the Sarmiento Hall, UP Baguio. This was implemented to train a total of 30 participants from the different member agencies, on using the focus group discussion and key informant interview as qualitiative tools in research. On December 11-13, 2014, another training was implemented on Basic Epidemiological Research at the Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City. The three-day activity revisited the role of epidemiology in the improvement of health of communities. Further, it aimed to motivate the participants to apply epidemiology not only in the prevention of disease and promotion of health but also to encourage them to engage in basic and other forms of epidemiology research. A total of 20 health professionals from hospitals, communities and the academe attended the training which tapped local experts as resource speakers.//pup
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NAST holds Biotechnology IEC in CAR
Science Film Festival conducted in CAR
Open Forum during the Biotechnology IEC on December 3, 2014 at the Pinesview Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City.
Film showing at the University of the Cordilleras Theater on November 29, 2014.
Participants during the Biotechnology IEC on December 3, 2014 at the Pinesview Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City.
The National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST-DOST) in partnership with the DOST-CAR conducted a Biotechnology IEC Forum for the Cordillera Administrative Region on December 3, 2014 at the Pinesview Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City. This was attended by around 80 participants from the LGUs, academe and farmers in the region. The IEC forum was conducted by the DOST to discuss topics on modern biotechnology including current products and applications, and technological and social issues to various stakeholders in the agricultural and environment sectors. Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco of the Mariano Marcos State University and Mr. Saul M. Rojas of NAST-DOST were tapped as resource speakers for the one-day activity. The IEC forum is a NAST project conducted in the country and is under the project entitled Capability-Building and Sustainable Biotechnology Information, Education and Communication for DOST and LGU key personnel. The project was conceptualized to promote the acceptability of modern biotechnology because of the potential and actual benefits of this science especially in terms of food security and protection of the environment.//
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The 2014 Science Film Festival was conducted on November 3 – December 14, 2014 in different venues in the country. This was organized by the Department of Science and Technology through the Science Education Institute (SEI) in cooperation with Goethe Institut-Manila to highlight the different technological advances that will help shape the future of the world. The theme, “Technologies of the Future” highlights several films that seek to promote science literacy and facilitate awareness of contemporary scientific, technological and environmental issues through the medium of film and television. Specifically, films chosen for screening in the country include: “What is the greenhouse Effect?”; “Bioplastic”; “LEGO Touring Machine”; “The Dream Flight Under Microgravity”; “Graphene: Sketches of Our Future”; “The Lithium Revolution”; “Catalyst:3D Virus”; and “The Sum of Its Parts”, among others. For the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Science Film Festival was conducted from November 17-December 14, 2014 in secondary schools and higher education institutes within Baguio City and Benguet. A total of 3,537 students both from the high school and college levels participated in the event. For the high school level, participating schools include the Baguio City NHSMain, Baguio City NHS-Fort del Pilar Annex, Baguio City NHS-Hillside Annex, Benguet State University HS, Cordillera Regional Science HS, Doña Aurora NHS, Pines City NHS and Rizal NHS. For the college level, participating universities are the Benguet State University, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras, and University of the Philippines Baguio. The Science Film Festival which was initiated by Goethe Institut, is a celebration of science communication and enjoys a unique position in Southeast Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Since 2005, the film festival has grown in terms of audience to as much as 370,000 visitors in 2012. Meanwhile, the DOST through the SEI together with the Goethe InstitutManila has been organizing the Philippine screening of the SFF since 2010. //
October - December 2014
s&t news Cordillera...from page 1
Sector
Winning Entries Best Paper
AFNR
Variety Evaluation, On-Farm Trials, Seed Production and Genotype x Environment (G x E) Analysis of Vegetables for Organic Production in the Philippine Highlands Benguet State University (BSU)
Industry
SocioEconomics
Controlling Eggplant Fruit Borer (Leucinodesorbonallis Linn) Using Organic Pest Management Techniques Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST)
Development of Root Crops-Wheat Flour Formulations for Quality Fresh Miki Noodles Benguet State University (BSU) Artifacts Speak: Diversion of Benguet Material Culture Benguet State University (BSU)
Education
Poster
Selection and Integration of Ilocano Texts in MTB-MLE Curriculum Apayao State College (ASC)
It is hoped that the successful conduct of the symposium will not only be a regional event for the sharing of knowledge among the HARRDEC and CIERDEC member agencies but that outstanding technologies/information will be given due recognition and relevant information on potentially mature technologies will be identified for the development of the Cordillera region.//
Presentation and evaluation of papers
Balili River’s Physico-Chemical Characteristics: The Effect on the River’s Biological Characteristic Benguet State University (BSU) Adopt a School Program: the Extension Experiences from BalongTabuk City, Kalinga KalingaApayao State College (KASC)
Awarding of certificates during the closing program
STEM..from page 1
engineering discussed on topics such as Prospects of a Career in Environmental Science; Agricultural Science; Engineering and Industrial Sciences; Medical and Biological Sciences; Geography and Earth Science; Information Technology; Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics; and Science Education. The DOST is pushing for students to enroll in science and engineering courses to increase the pool of scientists and engineers in the country.//
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set-up corner
SETUP 4th Quarter Update The fourth quarter of CY 2014 yielded thirteen (13) additional SETUP projects (Table 1). From 2002 to December 31, 2014, there were 24 MSMEs who graduated, 178 projects were completed, 41 on-going, while there were 19 terminated projects (Table 2). Table 1. Approved SETUP Projects for the 4th Quarter of 2014
Project Title
Name of Enterprise
ABRA 1 Improving the Production JB Campol’s Capacity and Efficiency of Furniture Campol’s Furniture Through Equipment Upgrading 2 Off-Season production PA’s Farm of Dragon Fruit Through Photo-Voltaic System Technology
Address of Cooperator
Calaba, South, Bangued, Abra Barangay Abaquid, Danglas, Abra
Sector
Amount of Project (PHP)
Furniture
410,000.00
Agriculture
753,200.00
APAYAO 3
Upgrading of Facilities of Semana Furniture Shop
BAGUIO CITY 4 Upgrading of Equipment and Product Quality for the Production of Bea's Tailoring and Printing Shop 5 Upgrading of Equipment and Product Quality of Elminic Bread Haus BENGUET 6 Upgrading the Production Capability of Igoland Weld KALINGA 7 Facility Upgrading of Dea’s Homemade Products 8 Equipment Upgrading of Kalinga Printing Press & General Merchandise
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Semana Furniture Shop
Poblacion, Pudtol, Apayao
Furniture
79,600.00
Bea Grace General Merchandise
32 Interior A Balacbac Rd., Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City
GDH
659,985.00
Elminic Bread Haus
115 Camp 8, Kennon Road, Baguio City
Food
96,000.00
Igoland Weld Mr. Mark C. Bayawa
Bgy. Cruz, La Trinidad, Benguet
Dea’s Homemade Products Kalinga Printing Press and General Merchandise Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Food
240,000.00
Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
GDH
480,000.00
October -- December December 2014 2014 October
Metals & Engineering
1,958,085.00
Sector
Amount of Project (PHP)
Magallaya Bagumbayan, Tabuk City, Mountain Specialty Kalinga Coffee
Food
300,000.00
Productivity Improvement in Rose Ethnic Kalinga Garment MT. PROVINCE 11 Biogas Project for the Utilization of the Piggery Waste of RDF Agri-Farm Supply
Rose Ethnic Kalinga Garment
Molintas Street, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
GDH
120,000.00
RDF Agri Farm Supply
Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province
Agriculture
300,000.00
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Upgrading of Pearl CafĂŠ
Pearl CafĂŠ
Food
93,733.00
13
Upgrading of Shallom Store
Shallom Store
Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province Loc-ong, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province
GDH
48,800.00
Name of Enterprise
Project Title 9
Improvement in Magallaya Mountain Specialty Coffee Production
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Address of Cooperator
TOTAL PhP
5,544,403.00
Table 2. SETUP Projects from 2002-2014
S & T Center
Graduated
Completed
Terminated
On-going
Newly Approved
Total
Abra
2
14
-
8
2
26
Apayao Baguio City Benguet
3 6 3
14 33 34
2 3 3
9 3 5
1 2 1
29 47 46
Ifugao Kalinga Mt. Province TOTAL
3 4 3 24
25 30 28 178
6 3 2 19
6 4 6 41
4 3 13
40 45 42 275
* Status of Projects Graduated - Projects where equipment acquisition (Phase (I) and repayment (Phase II) were completed. Completed - Projects where equipment acquisition was completed but with on-going repayment. In both graduated and completed projects, technical assistance are still provided continuously or when necessary. On-Going - Projects where equipment acquisition and technical assistance are on-going. Terminated - pulled out equipment/appraised equipment or on-going processing for termination; looking for possible cooperators to use the equipment.
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photo releases SETUP Projects Monitoring
Project visit and monitoring at the Binonwangan’s Sash and Furnitures in Lamut, Ifugao on November 5, 2014.
Project visit at Biares’ Furniture in Abra on November 26, 2014.
Project visit at Sacki Farms/VBS Food Products in kalinga on October 15, 2014.
Project visit at Tabuk Concrete Products in Kalinga on October 14, 2014.
The Regional Monitoring Team (RMT) inspects the equipment of the SMP Mini Canteen and Eatery in Mountain Province on December 1, 2014.
Project visit at Agape Handicrafts of Greenvalley, Baguio City on October 21, 2014.
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October - December 2014
feature EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Benchmarking the CEST Project of Tineg, Abra
“A man not only needs to know how to fish, he needs to have the freedom to do it and a place to do it. That's where community comes in. We have to help each other, and we feel government has a very important role therein.” Bill Ayres The municipality of Tineg is the 27th municipality of the province of Abra and is one of the hardest municipalities to reach due to the very poor road conditions that is passable only during the dry season. The people of this upland municipality are composed of the different sub-tribes of the Tingguian, the Indigenous People (IP) group of the province. On October 19-21, 2014, a team from the DOST-CAR regional office and the PSTC-Abra headed by PSTD Menandro B. Buenafe traveled to Tineg to conduct benchmarking activities since the municipality was identified by the agency as the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) recipient for 2014. The CEST program aims to provide S&T assistance to the poorest of the poor municipalities in the country through five (5) entry points namely; (1) livelihood; (2) basic education; (3) DRRM; (4) health and nutrition; and (5) water and sanitation. It was around 5:30AM when the team, together with the LGU Tineg staff headed by Mr. Rodolfo Canam, MPDO traveled the 2-hour drive from the capital town of Bangued to Vira, Tineg. We were warmly received by the LGU and PNP staff during the flag ceremony of the municipality. From Vira, we proceeded on foot to SitioTapayen, Alaoa to validate a proposed project site. Despite the heat of the blazing sun, the team appreciated the untouched beauty of upland Abra. It was easy for one to realize that some of the things we take for granted, like access to roads and electricity, is actually not a right but a privilege to some of our people in the Cordilleras.
This became even more evident during the 2nd day of our visit. We travelled through very rough roads to reach the Tineg River near the boundary of the municipality of Lagayan and Tineg. We saw for ourselves houses, shacks if you will, of residents whose main income is to hunt in Tineg’s forests. We saw how poor the people were, despite the abundance of natural resources around them. But then again, who am I to say that they are poor? Maybe they are poor based on the world’s definition of what poverty is, but then again, they are richer when it comes to knowing the secrets of living a simple and contented life. According to Emil Javier in his paper Technovilles (2012), crucial to the success of and distinction of this program is that “technology and scientific information could be made to bear on the national goals of eradicating poverty, raising livelihoods, ensuring food security as well as providing a healthy and physically safe environment.”Such pronouncement is one of the bases of the DOST CEST program since it offers a holistic strategy that answers such needs through science and technology infusion. On the third day of our Tineg adventure, we met with Mayor Corinthia Crisologo along with some barangay officials to outline the results of the benchmarking activity. While we were careful in explaining that the proposed projects will still go through DOST-CAR management review, we also assured them that management committed to help the municipality through the CEST program.
Standing in front of impoverished communities and presenting government programs is very difficult. While we outlined the DOST CEST program, we were met with expectant faces, hopeful residents waiting for government programs that could, ease their hand-to-mouth existence and provide alternative livelihood opportunities that would make life a bit easier.
And so, as the team left for home, there was this sense of purpose, a duty that gnawed on me that I should deliver the results of the benchmarking activity effectively to the regional office. That government agencies should exist to ensure that services are brought to the people who need it most, no matter how remote or difficult the assistance would be.
And as it is customary for small towns in the Cordillera region, this small community of Tapayen, through the LGU Tineg, provided lunch for their visitors. Visitors, as one elder-leader in the community said, “who will bring projects to help us.”That made me, personally even more determined to do everything I can to ensure that the CEST project will succeed.
According to the World Health Organization, “Community empowerment refers to the process of enabling communities to increase control over their lives. It is more than the involvement, participation or engagement of communities. It implies community ownership and action that explicitly aims at social and political change. Community empowerment necessarily addresses the social, cultural, political and economic determinants and seeks to build partnerships with other sectors in finding solutions.”
As they identified possible livelihood projects, we were careful in reminding them that DOST’s focus is on science and technology while requests that fall under production, for example will fall under the Department of Agriculture’s mandate or that irrigation systems should be referred to the National Irrigation Administration. Our brief stay in Tapayen has reinforced the cultural diversity of the Cordillera Region. Belonging to the Ibaloi-Kankana-ey group of Benguet, I saw for myself how, although we belong to one region, the culture of the IPs is distinct and what works for the IPs of Benguet will not work for the Tingguians of Abra. For one, the people in Tineg plant rice only for subsistence. When asked for the sources of raw materials for a proposed food processing project, they answered, “ado met lang ma’am dita banbantay, inmula ni Apo Dyos.” (There are plenty of sources in the mountains, they were planted by God).
Benchmarking activities are done because the DOST-CAR recognizes that it should not dictate the projects to be implemented in community-beneficiaries. Instead, they are seen as key partners in project implementation along with the Local Government Units and other appropriate government and non-government agencies. As a result of the visit, a proposal based on the data collected was prepared and given to the LGU-Tineg for validation, additional inputs and endorsement to DOSTCAR. I believe that Jean Vanier sums it best when he said, “Many people are good at talking about what they are doing, but in fact do little. Others do a lot but don’t talk about it; they are the ones who make a community live.” // smsc
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feature A Scholar’s Commitment Francis P. Awisan Jr. BS Electronics Engineering, Saint Louis University
Free or affordable education is rare in the Philippines. This is a fact that is substantiated by millions of Filipinos who, after graduating high school or even after learning how to read and write, resort to working to help their families.
I entered the university with countless and immense plans for my future and with an ambitious image of my own self. I knew that I don’t want to be just a regular student. I wanted to leave a mark in this world.
The pressure and high expectations of people on a DOST scholar was always there—always pushing me to my limit to do my best. But more that this, the scholarship has had a great impact to my academics. It has provided me with the confidence and motivation I needed to survive in college, to Living a simple life and be a part of the school publication, knowing that there are far brighter volunteer groups, and different students, I never expected that I would pass the school organizations, and to be a good leader whenever examination and that such kind of rare opportunity there is an opportunity. would come to my life. I took it as a sign that I may have a place in the engineering world and took up Bachelor I had my on-the-job training at a of Science in Electronics Engineering instead of BS in telecommunications company in fulfillment of the Accountancy. And I never regretted my decision. Summer Practical Training Program of the DOST. I experienced practical applications of the theories that I A month later, I found myself attending the have learned inside the classroom. It gave me a glimpse Summer Orientation Enrichment Program with other on the real technical world. Most importantly, I learned equally gifted student-scholars. Being with these kind how to deal with my supervisors and office personnel. of people is both flattering and depressing at the same How to deal with real people in the real world. This, I time. I was always comparing myself to them—the believe, cannot be learned or simulated in any school valedictorians, the mathematicians, the journalists, the classroom or laboratory. national science awardees and quizzers. But then I took it as a challenge to continuously improve myself and my After five years, I am indebted to the DOST and work, and to prove that I am deserving as well. I also the people of the Philippines for the education that I realized that I was there for a reason, and this is not obtained. I am very thankful for the opportunity that because of my past achievements, but because of what I was given to me. And as a true DOST scholar, I will also can do for others with my education. do my part to serve my country to the best of my ability. This is my commitment. When I found out that I made it on the list of 2009 Department of Science and Technology full merit scholars, it gave me hope. A hope for my dreams. A hope for my family. A hope to be the difference for my country.
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October - December 2014
photo releases
Installation of the Double Twin Extractor Machine in Guigaguit, Surrigao del Norte in October 2014 for the project, Roll-out of Complementary Food in the Regions, with DOSTCAR as the lead region.
STARBOOKS Digital Library Installation, Orientation and Training conducted at the Xijen College of Mt. Province on November12, 2014.
Kapihan/Press Conference on the Gold-Copper Mining Project on December 17, 2014 at the PSTC-Benguet, La Trinidad.
RD Sicat visits the proposed Gold-Copper Project site in Itogon, Benguet last November 5, 2014.
The Regional Dissemination Forum for the 8th National Nutrition Survey on October 9, 2014 at the El Cielito Hotel, Baguio City.
DOST-CAR staff invited as lecturers on Packaging and Labeling on December 15, 2014 at the USTC- Baguio City.
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s & t trivia
TV White Space Technology, taking advantage of the spectrum by: Hansi G. Dinumla
TV White Space refers to the unused broadcasting frequencies in the wireless spectrum. Television networks leave gaps between channels for buffering purposes, and this space in the wireless spectrum is similar to what is used for 4G and so it can be used to deliver widespread broadband internet. Typical home Wi-Fi can travel through two walls. White Space broadband can travel up to 10 kilometers, through vegetation, buildings, and other obstacles. Tablets, phones, and computers can all access this wireless internet using White Space through fixed or portable power stations. The actual amounts of spectrum vary by region, but White Space spectrum ranges from 470 MHz to 790 Mhz. So does your laptop have the hardware to connect straight to the broadband spectrum? Not yet, according to Alan Stillwell, incentive auctions advisor for the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). “If you want to use TVWS (TV White Space) with your existing laptop, you would need a separate device,” Stillwell said. “The TVWS devices shown above do not serve computers (towers, laptops or tablets) directly. They provide a link to a receiver that is connected to a regular WiFi hub. Google and Microsoft have also invested in White Space technology in developing countries. Google recently launched a program
in 10 schools in Cape Town, South Africa. Microsoft’s 4Afrika initiative is focusing on White Space technology throughout the continent, hoping to bring millions of people online, and has projects in place in Tanzania and South Africa. In the Philippines, this technology was first utilized by a joint project of Microsoft, DOST – ICTO, and USAID to improve fisherfolk registration at Bohol. Then, it was used to provide connectivity to support relief efforts for the victims of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in October 2013. Now, TV White Space is playing a role to provide Internet connectivity and much-needed communications for our kababayans affected by Typhoon Yolanda last year. Relatively, the same wireless technology, will be deployed in town plazas, as well as in public schools, colleges, libraries, hospitals, rural health units, and the other public sites for free in priority municipalities belonging to class 4, 5, and 6, under the Free Wi-Fi Project of DOST-ICTO. SOURCES: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/white-space-the-next-internet-disruption-10things-to-know/ http://www.upgrademag.com/web/tv-white-space-technology-enables-internetconnectivity-video-calls-typhoon-hit-areas/
““Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters” Albert Einstein
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Department of Science & Technology Cordillera Administrative Region Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________
October - December 2014