January- March 2017 Vol. 9. No. 1
Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region
RDC-CAR Ad Hoc Committee pushes AGT FS in BLISST area The Automated Guide-way Transit (AGT) System, a mass transport technology locally developed by the DOST through the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is the Department’s answer to address the need for environmentally sustainable transport technologies that could ease air pollution and traffic congestion. Seen as an alternative solution to solve the traffic congestion, transportation woes, and worsening air pollution in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet, a pre-feasibility study has been commissioned by the DOST-CAR to the Transport and Traffic Planners, Inc. (TTPI). The study looked into the viability of Deploying the DOST Developed Mass Transportation Technologies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet and was completed in 2015. The results of the pre-FS conducted by the TTPI is very encouraging as the proposed AGT system will benefit majority of the commuters along the proposed lines namely the Baguio Central Business District (CBD) line with a total length of 2.1kms; the Baguio- La Trinidad line with a total length of 5.4kms; and both lines combined. However, the same document recommends for alternative sources of employment and business opportunities for affected sectors which must be addressed by appropriate agencies. While the pre-FS was limited to Baguio City and La Trinidad, expansion is recommended to include Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay, covering the whole BLISTT area. With results, RDC-CAR has already spearheaded various initiatives needed to
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DOST Secretary, Hon. Fortunato P. Dela Pena, turns over the operations manual and ceremonial key to the Benguet Federation of Small Scale Miners during the “Inauguration and Turnover of the UP-DOST Field Testing of the Integrated Gold Copper Mineral Proceesing Plant” based in Sitio Besil, Brgy. Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet on March 10, 2017. Photo by Henry de Leon, DOST-STII.
S&T – based technology provides support to small scale mining in Benguet ITOGON, Benguet, Mar. 10 (PIA) - - Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña today led the inauguration and official turn – over of the integrated gold – copper mineral processing plant at barangay Gumatdang, here. The University of the Philippines – DOST Integrated Gold – Copper Mineral Processing Plant is the initial field – testing of the UP-developed technology that uses a non - cyanide and mercury gold extraction process which aside from being a healthier and environment – friendly process, can also increase the percentage of gold extraction from mineral ores. Dela Peña, with DOST – PCIEERD Director Dr. Carlos Primo David, DOST Cordillera Regional Director Victor Mariano, UP Diliman Chancellor representative Dr. Oscar Ferrer and Project Manager Herman Mendoza, along with the plant recipient Benguet Federation of Small Scale Miners headed by Engr. Lomino Kaniteng, Itogon Mayor Victor Palangdan and Benguet Provincial Administrator Noel Ngolob led the ribbon cutting and inauguration of the plant. Dela Peña, assisted by Mariano and Mendoza, also turned over the operations manual and ceremonial key to the BFSMMI represented by Kaniteng.
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setup updates 1st quarter SETUP Updates Christine L. Bullalin
SETUP is a mechanism of the DOST to assist Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which addresses technological problems in improving their productivity and competitiveness through S&T interventions such as technology upgrading, packaging and labelling, technology trainings, laboratory analysis and technical consultancy in the Food, Gifts, Decors and Handicrafts (GDH), Agriculture/Aquatic/Marine, Metals and Engineering, and Furniture sectors. In the first quarter of 2017, 15 project proposals were received from MSMEs with the assistance of the Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs). Of these, three each are from Ifugao and Kalinga, four each from Benguet and Mountain Province and one from Abra. Moreover, seven proposals were already approved, while, eight are still in-process and/or finalization. Five of these MSMEs, are under the Metals and Engineering sector, four under the Food, one under the furniture, two under the GDH sectors, while three are under the Agriculture/Aquatic/Marine sector. A total of PhP13,612,618.90 will be utilized for the implementation of these projects. Orientation and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the newly approved projects was done on February 24 and March 29, 2017. The approved proposals are listed below: Project Title
Name of Enterprise/Address
Amount of Project (PHP)
ABRA 1
Conversion of Farm Hog Wastes into Energy System and Fertilizers through the Adoptation of Biogas Technology for Gregoria Narciso Piggery Farm
Mrs. Gregoria N. Narciso Dumayco, Penarubia,Abra Gregoria N. Rosario Piggery farm Site 1
830,929.00
2
Upgrading the Fabrication Equipment of Anagaran Welding Shop & Vulcanizing Shop
Mr. Arghel Anagaran Talogtog, Dolores, Abra
1,045,000.00
3
Enhancement of Production Capacity and Qualityy of 3 Brothers Welding Shop through Upgrading of Facilities
Mr.Joey Tutop Macalling Bariquir, Bangued, Abra
1,203,000.00
1,198,000.00
BENGUET (including Baguio City) 4
Equipment Upgrading for the Product Diversification and Enhancement of JRWS Print Design
Mr. Wilmer Bugtong Jr. Amos Building, Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet
5
Continuing the Product Diversification and Enhancement of R&E Machine Shop through Equipment Upgrading
Mr. Rmulo G. Libatique #105 Sixto Gaerlan St., Campo Filipino Barangay, Baguio City
January - March 2017
415,000.00
Project Title 6
Productivity and Product Enhancement of Eljay Farm
Name of Enterprise/Address
Amount of Project (PHP)
Mr. and Mrs. Jaymon/Elvira Manogan Sayapo, Balili, Mankayan, Benguet
513,220.00
IFUGAO 7
Upgrading the Production Facilities and Improvement of Product Quality of Farmer's Enterprise
Ms. Milagros Dulnuan Farmer's Enterprise O-ong, Hinyon, Ifugao
177,568.00
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Upgrading of Production Faciltiies and Product Quality Improvement of 5J's Bakery
Ms. Esther Humiding Hapao, Hungduan, Ifugao
947,475.00
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE 7
Upgrading the Production Equipment and Capacity of Orange Dragon Enterprises
Mr. Marcial Lawilao, Jr. Palingaao, Lagan, Sabangan Mountain Province
1,859,200.00
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Adavancement of facilities to enhance the CWM Poultry Farm Productivity
Mr. Warren Modawan Guinzadan Sur, Bauko, Mt. Province
1,999,985.00
TOTAL (PhP)
10,189,377.00
MOA Signing for newly approved SETUP Core projects in the Province of Benguet and Ifugao on February 24, 2017 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall, BSU Cmpd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
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AGT... from page 1
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ensure the realization of the project. The RDC-CAR has provided the resolution for the creation of the RDC CAR Ad Hoc Committee for AGT System Project where the committee shall spearhead the Terms of Reference for the conduct of the full blown FS, as well as look into possible funding sources for the conduct of this study. Likewise, the PLGU-Benguet submitted a resolution to strongly support to the proposed development of the AGT in La Trinidad, Benguet and Baguio City and the conduct of a full-blown Feasibility Study (FS) while the BLISST Governing Council filed a resolution for the endorsement of the recommendation for funding of the BLISSTT AGT FS under the 2018 DOST budget. In a recently conducted meeting of the Ad Hoc committee on March 20, 2017 at the Citylight Hotel in Baguio City, it was seen that the AGT project could be one alternative to significantly enhance current public transportation and can also boost the country’s tourism. The draft TOR for the FS states that it will include, among others, the feasibility of deploying and operating the AGT System developed by the DOST-MIRDC in BLISTT to include a Value Engineering/ Value Analysis (VE/VA) to identify the best possible implementation options/configurations for the project. Meanwhile, specific activities of the FS under the draft TOR shall include field surveys including traffic volume and occupancy counts, travel time studies, public transit surveys, and interviews; detailed assessment of passenger demand; environmental benefits; structural and geotechnical assessment for AGT track and station design; identification of stakeholder groups and potential impacts of the AGT system; institutional analysis to identify possible interfaces; and assessment of potential financial and economic benefits and costs of the AGT system. Funding for the conduct of the AGT system FS is estimated to be at PhP10M and sources for this requirement is currently being looked into by the Ad Hoc Committee to include JICA and a PrivatePublic Partnership (PPP) center. Currently, the DOST-CAR has included this particular budget in its 2018 budget proposal which was duly endorsed by the RDC-CAR.// smsc
Gold-Copper... from page 1 Dela Peña, in his keynote message, affirmed the government’s support to small – scale mining and the mining industry which is why through the technology and the processing plant, they hope to provide better opportunities to the miners and at the same time promote a cleaner, healthier and high yielding gold extraction process. He also assured that the government, through science and technology, will continue to support not only small scale miners but other livelihood undertaking in the province, through value adding of their product by infusing Science and technology. The use of Science and Technology in bringing in socio – economic development and progress to all is part of the agenda of this administration… Using Science to work for the people, he stressed. Kaniteng expressed the gratitude of the federation to UP and DOST, as well as all the partners and stakeholders for the project as it will benefit around 20,000 members. He requested the DOST Secretary
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CIERDEC conducts its 2017 Planning Workshop in Baguio City The Cordillera Industry and Energy Research and Development Consortium (CIERDEC) has further strengthened the collaboration of its member-institutions during the CIERDEC 2017 Planning Workshop on February 1-2, 2017 at the University of Baguio Centennial Hall. In his welcome remarks , Consortium Director Norberto M. Cobaldez reiterated the need for the conduct of such activity, which is for the participants to identify the needed programs and activities to be implemented by the consortium in 2017. Dr. Nancy A. Bantog of DOST-CAR presented to the participants the One Expert program of their agency, which is an online pool of experts from all over the Philippines. The program serves to give consultancy and even technical services especially to micro , small and medium enterprises. The consortium also welcomed its new member, the Filipino Inventors’ Society of CAR (FISCAR) headed by its President, Mr. Luder Zarate. Mr. Zarate presented the vision, mission, programs and activities of their organization which can mutually help in the achievement of the consortium’s goals and targets. In the afternoon session, Engr. Nathaniel Vincent Lubrica of the University of the Cordilleras facilitated the Training Needs Assessment of the RTWG members. During the discussion, he emphasized that “the progress of the nation lies on S&T, and there is a need to build researchers to spearhead the development of R&D activities in CAR”. The TNA was then followed by workshops per committee and representatives presented their outputs during the second day of the workshop. “We must continuously inspire others to conduct research”, said Dr. Camilo Pimentel of Ifugao State University as his fellow RTWG members wrapped up the outputs of the Planning Workshop. Results of the two-day activity include the much-needed inputs for the crafting of the 2017 Work and Financial Plan of the consortium as well as the Capability Building Program proposal for submission to DOST-PCIEERD. The Regional Technical Working Groupo (RTWG) of the 24 member-institutions of the consortium participated in the activity.// spcf
for another similar project to be put up in the northern part of Benguet, which Dela Peña gladly considered. Palangdan and Ngolob also expressed their gratitude for the project, in behalf of the people of Itogon and the Benguet province respectively as they outlined its importance to the livelihood of the people as mining is one of the major industries in the province. (JDP/ CCD-PIA CAR)
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DOST-CAR partners with SUCs in Sericulture project
DOST-CAR RD Mariano during the enactment and declaration of the creation of EKB Barangay in Kabugao, Apayao. He related his visit at the PhilFIDA facility in La Trinidad, and saw that there was no production due to the lack of mulberry leaves to sustain the food necessity of the silkworms. This dilemma pushed him to continue the silk industry through partnership with the State Universities and Colleges in CAR. He encouraged the community to partake in this endeavor as it will serve as a source of income once the silk threads are woven and marketed. “…Simula lang po ito ng aming pagtulong sa bayan ng Kabugao. Sa pamamagitan ng mulberry, inaasahan namin na aangat ang kabuhayan ng bayan ng Kabugao…” RD Mariano said during the program. Caption and Photo by JRC
and Mr. Hermildore C. Soriano of the DOST Provincial S&T CenterKalinga. In Apayao, 20,000 cuttings were transported to the ASC Luna Campus assisted by DOST Provincial S&T Center Director Engr. Debbie Glynn Manangkil and Science Research Specialist II Jovelyn R. Siena. The planting materials were received by ASC Chairman of the Agriculture Department Mirasol L. Agpuldo through the directives of college President Dr. Nieves A. Dacyon. Rodolfo and Agpuldo said that their team will make sure that the cuttings will be properly planted in their respective nurseries for rooting. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the SUC Presidents and Dr. Mariano, witnessed by DOST-CAR officials Nancy A. Bantog, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Norberto M. Cobaldez Supervising Science Research Specialist, Alfonso K. Berto Provincial S&T Director for Kalinga and Engr. Manangkil for Apayao followed by a ceremonial planting of 400 saplings in KSU at Barangay Bulbul, Rizal, Kalinga and 600 saplings at Barangay Lenneng, Kabugao, Apayao. Meanwhile, coordination activities for the sericulture project with Mt. Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) and Ifugao State University (IfSU) are ongoing.//jrc
With the urgent need to address the gap of silkworm production in the Cordilleras, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Victor B. Mariano has steered the revival of the sericulture industry in partnership with CAR SUCs led by the Kalinga State University (KSU) and Apayao State College (ASC). The project is guided by the expertise of Dr. Arnold M. Inumpa, then Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) Science Specialist and current Senior Science Research Specialist of the DOST Benguet S&T Center. According to Dr. Mariano, the joint effort aims to establish at least 10 hectares of mulberry plantation each in Kalinga and Apayao in order to sustain mulberry leaves production, which in turn is used as food for silkworms. Initial planting materials were freely provided by the Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority (Phil FIDA) while the SUCs have allotted sufficient funds for the initial operation of the project. This will likewise be used as a venue for the conduct of research and development on sericulture. Dr. Inumpa further explained that after the harvest of cocoon, it will be transported to the Phil FIDA facility located in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet for perfect drying and silk reeling. To start with the implementation of the project, 17 sacks containing 21,380 pcs of mulberry cuttings were delivered to the KSU Rizal Campus, with the assistance of Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, University President, Dr. Robert Rodolfo KSU Director of Research
MOA signing for the Sericulture Project in Apayao and Kalinga. Photo by JRC
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DOST inaugurates building to serve S&T needs of Apayao
From brew to booze: Coffee producers eye quality wine from coffee La Trinidad, Benguet- Coffee producers can now process their coffee beans not only as roasted coffee but can also ferment it into wine. This was made possible through the technology upgrading assistance of the DOST Provincial Science and Technology CenterBenguet in coordination with the Local Government of La Trinidad. The project provided a set of wine processing equipment composed of primary and secondary fermenting bucket, syphon, triple scale hydrometer, filter machine and bottle filler machine to the La Trinidad Coffee Producers Association (LATACPA) in October 2016 under the DOST’s Community Based Project.
Ribbon cutting ceremony during the PSTC-Apayao building inauguration on February 6, 2017 (L-R: Engr. Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil, PSTD-Apayao; Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. of Apayao; and Dr. Victor B. Mariano, Regional Director of DOST-CAR). Photo by SMSC DOST – CAR Regional Director, Dr. Victor B. Mariano together with Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. of the Province of Apayao inaugurated the DOST – Apayao building, located at the Provincial Government Center, San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao on February 6, 2017. The event featured several activities to include ribbon cutting, ceremonial ritual called “Lumna ya baru a balay (Blessing of a new house)” by the Isnags, and a prayer by Pastor Julie Acloba of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. A short program followed by a kapehan capped the day’s activities. During his message, Gov. Bulut emphasized his programs for the alleviation of poverty in the province and DOST’s role in providing livelihood programs to benefit the people in the province. Dr. Mariano supported the Governor’s message when he discussed the on-going programs of DOST in Apayao and the proposed Sericulture Project with the Apayao State College and LGU – Kabugao. Meanwhile, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Assistant Regional Director of DOST – CAR presented the major DOST programs which can be implemented in the province. In the kapehan, other agencies presented their accomplishment reports and plans for the year. Full support for the realization of this project was provided by the Provincial Local Government Unit of Apayao (PLGU – Apayao) which provided an 850 square meter lot through a Deed of Usufruct. PLGU – Apayao also provided the services of their Civil Engineer to supervise the construction of the DOST building and through the initiative of Governor Bulut, a PhP2M funding support was provided to finish the construction, water system and air conditioning units. The DOST – CAR on the other hand, spent PhP6.3M for the construction of the DOST Building. While the building will serve as the main office for providing science, technology and innovation to the province, it shall also serve as a training center for farmers, entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs, micro enterprises, students and other stakeholders to learn appropriate technologies needed to support
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Further, to capacitate the members of LATACPA and other wine processors on how to use the equipment and process coffee wine, the S&T Center and the local government conducted a series of skills training on February 16-17, March 10, and March 23. Experts from Dielles Meadery Incorported- Manila, also a DOST beneficiary on technology upgrading assistance, were tapped to educate the coffee producers and wine processors. The training included lectures and demonstrations on several processes and techniques such as primary wine fermentation, secondary fermentation, measuring the sugar and alcohol content of wine, and fining of wine. “We appreciate the continual education the government provides to help farmers like us to become entrepreneurs and develop our products” said one of the participants. Further training on racking, filtering and bottling of wine, provision of laboratory analyses, and conceptualization of label design are set to be implemented this year to complete the identified science and technology interventions in the pursuit of producing quality coffee wine in the locality.//cgd
livelihood projects. It will also house the STARBOOKS, the DOST science digital library where students, MSMEs and the general public can access S&T information materials, even without internet connection. Finally, the building will serve as the Apayao Provincial Livelihood Development Center which is a convergence project of the PLGU – Apayao and national agencies implementing livelihood projects. With the establishment of the center, it is hoped that more MSMEs will be helped to improve their products and increase their productivity.//dgvm
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DOST offers S&T-based livelihood programs to Apayao folks Regional Director Victor B. Mariano of the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with Mayor Joseph C. Amid and several beneficiaries for two science and technology (S&T)- based livelihood projects in Kabugao, Apayao. The MOA signing was held as part of the launching of Barangay EKB during the 22nd Apayao Province Founding Anniversary Celebration on February 12, 2017. The projects entitled “Rejuvenation of Sericulture Industry in the Cordillera” and “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) for Kabugao, Apayao” aim to provide technology interventions in the municipality through the provision of livelihood opportunities that will consequently help in poverty alleviation. The first project will introduce silk-production technology in the municipality through the establishment of mulberry plantation and silkworm rearing houses. DOST-CAR will also sponsor technology trainings to ensure sustainability of the project. Meanwhile, the CEST project will provide S&T package that will address five (5) entry points under the program, namely health and nutrition, water and sanitation, DRRM, basic education, and livelihood or enterprise development. Under the health and nutrition component, the DOST will provide the RxBox telemedicine device and complementary foods to the community, including trainings on RxBox operation and nutrition education. The DOST’s ceramics water filter will be also provided to households with limited access to safe drinking water and to MDRRM calamity response for water and sanitation. Under the DRRM component, the MDRRM staff and officials from the 21 barangays of Kabugao will be likewise briefed on the use of DOST’s project NOAH online webGIS site, mobile applications, and early warning systems. The STARBOOKS, the DOST’s digital science library – a ready source of science, technology, and livelihood information, will be provided to the Kabugao National High School to support S&T education. Under the enterprise development, the DOST will embark on a technology mission to a jewelry manufacturing firm with the small-scale miners of Kabugao. Moreover, a community-based project on the production of veggie-bread and nutri-snack delicacies for school children will be also established in the community.
Apayao gov’t pledges P1M-worth DOST CFP for undernourished children in the province Recognizing Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) solution to eradicate malnutrition, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. of Apayao pledged that the Provincial Government Unit of Apayao will purchase P1M worth of Complementary Food Products (CFP) for the Supplemental Feeding Program of the undernourished children in the province. This was his pronouncement during a meeting for the establishment of Apayao Provincial Livelihood and Development Center with the heads of national line agencies held at DOST-Apayao in March 8, 2017. The complementary foods will be distributed to the seven municipalities of Apayao based on the number of undernourished children. Based on the 2015 Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of DOST, Apayao is second to Abra in terms of malnutrition rate in the Cordillera Administrative Region while the municipality of Pudtol has the highest malnutrition rate in the province. In a study conducted by DOST-FNRI, groups of children with age 6-35 months complementary fed with CFP for 120 days had significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight children from 96.7% to 82.1% while non-intervention group staggered at 94.9%. Correspondingly, LGU-Luna had adopted CFP in their feeding program implemented in October 2015 to May 2016 with 61 undernourished children aging 14-46 months from 9 barangays of the municipality. Weight data showed 4.3% monthly average increase in weight or 18.2% overall increase in weight from baseline. Training on Nutrition Education using DOST-PINOY Modules was earlier conducted by DOST-Apayao in collaboration with LGU-Luna in support to the feeding program.
According to RD Mariano, “employment generated in the countryside equates to lesser number of people who struggles in the cities.” To drive development in the countryside through technology transfer and commercialization is the main function of the DOST Regional Offices. RD mentioned this as he lauds the absence of traffic in the municipality, a complete opposite of the situation in the city. Mayor Amid expressed his earnest gratitude and assured his support to the DOST programs in the municipality.
The CFP features DOST-FNRI developed technologies on complementary foods like Rice-Mongo Curls, Rice-Mongo Instant Baby Food Blend and Rice-Mongo-Sesame Ready to Cook Blend which are now commercially produced by Apayao State College (ASC) with a brand name of “Bigba”. ASC is the cooperator of the DOST’s Program on the “Roll-out of Complementary Food Production in the Regions”. To realize the project, the DOST provided equipment, training, laboratory analysis, and packaging assistance for the complementary food processing, while the DOST-FNRI imparted the technology on the processing of complementary foods. Being a collaborative project, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also provided funds for the construction of the processing center while the PLGU – Apayao provided the land which is located in Payanan, San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao as well as funds needed for land improvement. This project aims to alleviate the malnutrition problem in Apayao as well as the Cordilleras and nearby regions.//dgvm
The beneficiaries who joined the ceremonial signing include President Nieves A. Dacyon of Apayao State College and Barangay Captain Esteban Balanoy of the Barangay Local Government Unit of EKB for the Sericulture Project; and Municipal Health Officer PJ B. Ukkong
of LGU-Kabugao, Officer-in-Charge Cecilia C. Laoag of Kabugao National High School, and Principal Magdalena E. Bosing of Apayao Community Learning Center for the CEST project.//mavf
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DOST-CAR lab maintains ISO accreditation
DOST-CAR keeps ISO 9001:2008 certification
The second surveillance visit of Department of Science and Technology Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory unit for Chemical and Microbiological Laboratories was conducted in August 5, 2016 by the appointed assessors from Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), Phil. MSQT Inc. and Philippine Society for Microbiology organizations. There were 23 overall findings announced: six minor non conformities, four significant non conformities, and 13 observations. The whole day event was done to determine whether both laboratories competently perform the tests and are complying the requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2005. Further, the audit looked into how management addressed the 1st surveillance visit findings on September 24-26, 2009. All findings of the auditors should be addressed to ensure maintenance of the certification. Ms. Perla F. Baje, the lead assessor of the team from the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) was assigned to evaluate the quality manager, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog and head committee for internal audit Ms. Alicia A. Balacua on the management requirements which includes the current scope of accreditation, use of logo, laboratory management system and status of approved signatories with two (2) observations, and one (1) Minor Conformity raised. For the Customer Relations Officer and Assistant Document Custodian, Ms. Gretchen D. Sayucop, was evaluated by Ms. Japhet D. Tolosa of PAB as well, specifically on the review of the control of documents, requests, tenders and contracts, services to customers. One (1) observation was raised regarding the Unified Laboratory Information Management System (ULIMS). The other observation raised by Ms. Tolosa is that, Ms. Sayucop is very conversant and familiar with the operations of both laboratories. Lastly, Ms. Tolosa also checked on the purchasing unit officers Ms. Maria Celeste R. dela Cruz and Ms. Mae Lany V. Bangnan for the purchasing of laboratory equipment and supplies. As for the Chemical and Microbiological laboratories, Technical requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and PAB Supplementary Requirements were assessed, One (1) Minor Conformity and observation were raised. Mr. Aldwin B. Tagapan of Phil. MSQT, Inc. audited Ms. Jasmin A. Lee-Donaal, the technical manager for chemical laboratory, and her analysts, two (2) Significant Non Conformities, four (4) minor non conformities and one (1) observation were raised. Meanwhile, Ms. Jamie Beth Galian, the technical manager of the Microbiological laboratory, and her analysts were evaluated by Ms. Gemma Gunila R. Basilio of PSM. A total of 10 findings were raised; two (2) Significant Non Conformities, one (1) minor non conformity and seven (7) observation were raised. It is encouraging to note that the number of findings compared to the 1st surveillance was lesser that serves as motivation
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ISO 9001:2008 External Audit of the DOST-CAR on March 7, 2017 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall, BSU Cmpd., Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet. Photo by CJAT On March 8, 2017, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-CAR) announced the successful completion of the second surveillance audit for ISO 9001:2008 certification. The said surveillance audit focused on the following areas: Science and Technology Transfer and Commercialization Services, Science and Technology Information and Promotion, Scholarship, Collection and Remittance, Customer Satisfaction and Feedback Handling, Maintenance, Management Review and Internal Audit. Mr. Benito Castillo, Jr., an auditor from Certification International Philippines Incorporated (CIPI) proclaimed that the audit result was favorable to DOST-CAR but some improvements have to be complied with in order to ensure the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) of the agency. Hence, in order to address the gap on the QMS, the DOST-CAR will conduct a training on ISO9001:2015 on March 27-29, 2017. This training will aid in the attainment of continual growth and improvement of the agency. Meanwhile, the third surveillance audit is scheduled in November this year.//jba, ald, crdc
to all the RSTL Staff to continuously implement the ISO /IEC 17025:2005 requirements. RSTL continue to maintain its accreditation with PAB, FDA as food testing, DOH as water testing and DENR as environmental water laboratory.//MJLB
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DOST - CAR provides free labeling assistance to its cooperators
80 new scholars to benefit from the DOST JLS scholarship
To support the DOST’s national tagline on packaging technology which states, “Inventing the Future for Philippine Products to be Globally Competitive through World Class and Sustainable Packaging Technology”, the DOST-CAR continuously supports the role of DOST – ITDI - Packaging Technology Division in making local MSMEs and their products globally competitive through world class, innovative packaging and labelling. With this, the DOST-CAR provides technical assistance to its cooperators and other MSMEs through the provision of packaging and labeling assistance to the firms who wish to improve the marketability, quality, and aesthetic value of their products. The service includes label designing, nutrition analysis, shelf-life testing, and consultancy or trainings and seminars. For 2017, the DOST-CAR has targeted provision of packaging and labelling assistance to a total of 60 firms with 10 firms for each province of the Cordillera region. As of March 2017, 10 firms with 17 products were already provided with free label designs.//rll
Scholarship contract signing agreement at the College of Teacher Education, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet on January 31, 2017. Photo by MAB The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), Scholarship Unit has conducted the orientation and signing of scholarship agreement for new scholars under the 2016 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) on January 31 to February 1, 2017 at the College of Teacher Education Hall, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. While all 80 JLSS qualifiers availed of the scholarship, only 87.5% (68) signed the agreement in CAR; the others signed the agreement in their respective home provinces.
Sample label designs prepared by the DOST-CAR for cooperators in CAR. Photo by RLL
During the orientation, parent/s and guardians were informed on the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship policies, privileges, service obligation and other support programs. Scholarship benefits include P5,000 monthly allowance, P10,000.00 per semester book allowance and tuition fee of P10,000.00/ semester or P8,000.00/trimester. Ms. Jasmin L. Donaal and Mr. Rodel B. Inga-an both DOSTSEI scholar graduates and DOST-CAR employees were also invited to share their life experiences to inspire the new scholars. They both encouraged the new scholars to value their scholarship especially since graduating as a DOST scholar has a lot of perks especially when it comes to applying for employment in the future.//mab
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editorial board
Editor/Writer SHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVER Science Research Specialist II Layout and Design CHRISTINE JOY A. TAYAB Project Assistant I
Contributors DEBBIE GLYNN V. MANANGKIL Senior Science Research Specialist PSTC- Apayao GENNA B. JALLORINA Senior Science Research Specialist PSTC- Ifugao MAX BERNARD M. CODAMON Science Research Specialist II PSTC- Ifugao MARFEL ANGELO FONTANILLA Science Research Specialist II PSTC- Apayao CECIL C. GUAKI Science Research Analyst PSTC-Benguet ELORDIE W. WAGAYEN Science Research Specialist II PSTC- Abra MARITESS A. BANANA Project Assistant III SEAN PAUL C. FIANGAAN Project Assistant II CHRISTINE L. BULLALIN Project Assistant III
RAMIEL L. LAGABAN Science Research Specialist I JAMIE BETH B. GALIAN Science Research Specialist II MARVI JOY L. BALABAG Science Research Specialist I CLARISSA L. NAGPALA Science Research Specialist I GRETCHEN D. SAYUCOP Science Research Specialist I JAEMIE R. CHUA Administrative Assistant III CELESTE R. DELA CRUZ Admin Officer V JONIBEL B. ARELLANO Admin Aide IV ANGELINE L. DOLINEN Admin Aide IV CARLITO C. DAR PIA-CAR/Guest Contributor Editorial Adviser/Consultant NANCY A. BANTOG ARD for Technical Services Editorial Consultants MARIA ROWENA C. MADARANG ARD for Finance and Administrative Services
what’s inside
VICTOR B. MARIANO Regional Director
News Stories: Drip Irrigation in Benguet 3 DOST Apayao inaguration 4 Coffee wine 4 CIERDEC Planning-Workshop 5 Sericulture News 8 S&T Interventions in Apayao 9 CFP in Apayao 9 DOST-CAR lab maintains ISO 10 DOST-CAR maintains ISO 9001:2008 10 Cacao farmers 12 Bamboo training 12 SETUP Updates 6-7 Photo Releases 11
2 January - March 2017
editorial
The DOST-CAR recognizes the importance of science and technology promotion to ensure that the initiatives of the Department are brought to the people of the Cordillera region. With the tagline “inspire, engage, convert”, the agency is continually implementing various activities to reach the people of the region, particularly those in the grassroots. On March 23-24, 2017, the DOST-CAR sponsored a “Training on DOST Branding, Science Journalism for Print and Social Media and Photo Journalism with the Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII). The training aimed to enhance the skills of the DOST-CAR personnel in translating programs, projects and activities to reach its stakesholders in the region. Full support was likewise provided by the DOST-STII with Dr. Aristotle P. Carandang, Ms. Framelia V. Anonas, and Mr. Henry de Leon as the resource speakers. Aside from lectures, workshops and actual photography was done by the participants. This 1st quarter issue of the Cordillera S&T Gazette features some of the output of the staff who attended the two-day training. The learnings during the training can be seen in the news articles that are now included in this issue. Continuous capability building programs shall be implemented in the agency. In fact, for 2017, a Science for the People Caravan shall be held in all provinces of the region to promote various programs such as the STARBOOKS, scholarship, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), One Expert and the services of the Regional Metrology Laboratory (RML). Various stakeholders in the province shall be invited during the SFTP caravan to support the DOST mandate of ensuring that alll programs and projects are of maximum benefit to the people. Strengthened partnerships with the Philippine Information Agency and local media outfits is likewise prioritized as they are the major partners in bringing to the public the good news that is science, technology, and innovation.//smsc
Quote of the Day “The best way to get things done is to simply begin.”
photo releases
Ceremonial planting of the mulberry saplings at Barangay EKB Kabugao, Apayao on February 12, 2017 with project stakeholders including Apayao State College and DOST CAR staff headed by Dir. Mariano. Photo by JRC
Inauguration and Turnover of the “UP-DOST Field Testing of the Integrated Gold Copper Mineral Proceesing Plant” based in Sitio Besil, Brgy. Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet on March 10, 2017. Photo by Henry de Leon, DOST-STII.
Inauguration and Turnover of the “UP-DOST Field Testing of the Integrated Gold Copper Mineral Proceesing Plant” based in Sitio Besil, Brgy. Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet on March 10, 2017. Photo by Henry de Leon, DOST-STII
Inauguration and blessing of the DOST-Apayao building on February 6, 2017. The building that shall spearhead science, technology and innovation in the province is located in the Apayao Provincial Government Center, Luna, Apayao. Photo by CJAT
CIERDEC Planning-Workshop on February 1, 2017 at the University of Baguio, Baguio City. RTWG discusses plans for the consortium for CY 2017. Photo by RBI
Mr. Benito Castillo Jr., an auditor from the CIPI, audits the DOST-CAR management during the ISO 9001:2008 external audit on March 7, 2017 at the DOST-CAR conference room.
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s & t news
Technology gives cacao farmers sweet future PSTC – Ifugao started the cacao industry development initiative through its Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) in 2015. The program aims to institutionalize effective farm management strategies to improve agricultural productivity. Twenty (20) farmer beneficiaries on cacao with minimum farm area of 1 hectare each have benefitted from the program. Technical assistance to include trainings (e.g. training on soil test and analysis and others) and techno-fora had been provided for them to well understand such an investment. Setbacks learned from the experiences of other enthusiast were presented and how to address such with new technologies or innovations. Market situations, processes involved, production and potentials that the farmers have in their farms were presented making them confident to invest on it. Though other agencies have their programs on cacao wherein seedlings of unknown varieties have been provided to their farmer beneficiaries, DOST made a difference by introducing scientific farming through the deployment of consultants/experts, provision of high breed and high yielding variety seeds, technical assistance on nursery and plantation establishment, maintenance and management. Other interested farmers who are seeking assistance on cacao development from other agencies are now being referred to DOST.
DOST Provides Training on Bamboo Propagation and Nursery Management The province of Abra is known for its abundant bamboo species, the main raw material in making different bamboo crafts designs. The province’s bamboo industry had since been supported by the provincial government. Activities focused in promoting local made bamboo crafts with their unique and ethnic designs were done annually thru the Abra Kawayan Festival. Further, other programs were supported and implemented to push the bamboo industry in the province. On February 19, 2017, The Department of Science and Technology- Abra in partnership with the Abra Science and Technology Institute- Lagangilang realised the conduct of training on Bamboo Propagation and Nursery Management in support to the Bamboo Industry and the National Greening Program of DENR in the province. It was participated by 36 villagers and members of the Adasen Tribal Clan Organization of Ba-I otherwise known as the ATCOB. The training aims to enhance nursery management skills and bamboo propagation techniques of the clients. Also, the training was conducted as an initial step in the proposed plans of planting bamboo species along the riverbanks of the Tineg river. //eww
As of today, an area of about thirty (30) hectares have been planted with Br 25 and UF 18 varieties that encourages other farmer entrepreneurs to establish their own plantation thus, creating a great demand for seedlings. These initiatives of DOST levelled up its popularity to farmer entrepreneurs.//mbmc and gbj
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi
Department of Science & Technology Cordillera Administrative Region Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet
12 January - March 2017
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