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January - March 2013 Vol. 5 No. 1

ASupplemental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading

Program (SETUP) to 16 approved projects in 2012 was signed last March 21, 2013 at the DOST-CAR conference hall. The supplemental MOA was a result of the new provisions of SETUP implementation that are to be implemented this year.

Of the 16 SETUP projects to be implemented this CY 2013, eight (8) are from the province of Abra, four (4) from Apayao, one (1) from Benguet, two (2) from Kalinga, and one (1) from Mountain Province. These projects represent sectors from food processing, GDH, agriculture and metals and engineering.

During the MOA signing, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-CAR encouraged the new cooperators to acknowledge the government’s assistance in improving their firms’ production process.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Coordinator for Techno Transfer and Commercialization gave a brief overview on the changes in SETUP implementation. Previously, the procurement of equipment under the program was done by the DOST CAR Regional Project Management Office (RPMO).

DOST-CAR inks MOA with 16 SETUP Cooperators

Official Publication of the Department of Science and Technology - Cordillera Administrative Region

95 High School students in CAR qualify for DOST Scholarship

A total of 95 high school students from CAR qualified for the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Scholarship for SY 2013-2014. Of the 95 qualifiers, 85 are under the RA 7687 scholarship program otherwise known as the S&T Scholarship Act of 1994 which provides scholarship privileges to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. The 10 qualifiers on the other hand qualified under the Merit Scholarship program which is designed for applicants whose families’ income do not qualify under the RA 7687.

Of the 95 qualifiers, 10 are from the province of Abra, 9 from Apayao, 23 from Baguio

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10 January - March 2013

quote for the dayEditor/WriterSHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVERScience Research Specialist II

Lay-out and DesignHANSI G. DINUMLAScience Research Analyst

ContributorsDEBBIE GLYNN V. MANANGKILSenior SRS/PSTD-Apayao

ALFONSO K. BERTOSenior SRS/PSTD- Kalinga

MAX BERNARD M. CODAMONSRS II, PSTC- Ifugao

PEPITO M. TORINGSRS I, PSTC- Benguet

ENGGA CHUGSAYANSecretary, KAFILIG/Guest Contributor

Editorial Adviser/ConsultantNANCY A. BANTOGRC-TTC

editorial board

what’s inside

editorialThe DOST has once again played a crucial role in the

upcoming 2013 May Elections. R.A. No. 8436 and amended by R.A. 9369 states that “Where AES shall be adopted, at least one member of the Board of Election Inspectors shall be an information technology-capable person, who is trained or certified by the DOST to use the AES”. The provisions of the Republic Act has tasked the DOST to certify the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) identified by the Department of Education and duly trained by the COMELEC.

For the DOST-CAR, the BEI certification process in the Cordillera Region was completed in March 2013. Regional and provincial staff were deployed and spearheaded the certification process of a total of 3,574 BEIs in the region.

On another note, major changes are to be expected in the implementation of DOST’s banner program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). Before, the regional offices were tasked to spearhead the acquisition of equipment for all projects under the program. With the new scheme, funds are now to be downloaded to the cooperators who will take charge of acquiring the equipment based on their approved Line-Item Budget (LIB) as specified in their projects. This, however will be done, in close coordination with the Urban/Provincial Science and Technology Directors.

Another new project that is now being facilitated by the DOST-CAR is the establishment of a regional metrology laboratory. The laboratory, which will be housed at the Provincial S&T Center-Benguet will provide the much needed metrology services in the region. such as mass and small volume calibration services. This will be in support to the regulatory functions of the Local Government Units (LGUs) since with the establishment of the Metrology Laboratory, DOST-CAR can now calibrate the test weights used by LGUs in calibrating weighing scales. It is targeted that the laboratory will be operational by July 20, 2013.

The DOST-CAR has likewise maintained its ISO 9001:2008 certification based on the external audit conducted last February 26-27, 203. Key services under the agency were audited by Dr. Rex Navaratte of CIPI and found conforming to the standards set by the ISO. Opportunities for improvement will however, be taken into consideration particularly since DOST-CAR adheres to the dictum that the provision of services to its customers in the region is a process that should continuously be enhanced. (smsc)

Editorial 2News Stories DOST-CAR RSTL awarded... 3 Access to a Wealth of S&T... 3 Getting over the Total Log... 4 DOST conducts Skills Training... 4 KAFILIG receives oil... 8 DOST to improve M&E... 8 DOST conducts Training... 8Feature Stories DOST Scholar Feature... 10 SETUP Corner 6 Photo Releases 11S & T Trivia 12

2 January - March 2013

Editorial ConsultantsMARIA ROWENA C. MADARANGARD for Finance and Administrative Services

OSMUNDO B. BELMONTEARD for Technical Services

JULIUS CAESAR V. SICATRegional Director

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s&t newsDOST-CAR RSTL awarded outstanding

laboratory

The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) of the DOST-CAR was awarded as one of the Outstanding Regional Testing Laboratory from the 14 DOST RSTLs in the country. Awarded on March 25, 2013 during the Planning Workshop at Los Baños, Laguna by Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Executive Director Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, the DOST-CAR RSTL was given due recognition for generating the highest income and conducting the highest number of tests from 2006 to 2012 for PCIEERD funded projects. These PCIEERD-funded projects include the “Rationalized Upgrading of Regional Laboratories” and “Strengthening the Testing and Analytical Capabilities of DOST Regional Laboratories to Support the Competitiveness of Local Industries (STARLABS)”.

Other DOST laboratories awarded include DOST Regions 1, 4 and 7. Meanwhile, DOST Region 2 was awarded as the Most Improved Regional Testing Laboratory for achieving the highest rate of increase in income.

The RSTL, a service unit of the DOST-CAR is given the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation since March 12, 2009 by the Philippine Accreditation Office of the Department of Trade and Industry. Having been granted the ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the laboratory has been formally recognized for its competency in providing laboratory services to various customers in the region particularly in the fields of Microbiological and Chemical

DOST-CAR RSTL Staff with their Certificate of Recognition. (L-R: Ms. Jessie Aliado, Ms. Leizel Quiño, Ms. Jasmin Lee-Donaal, Ms. Jamie Beth B. Galian and Ms. Wenabeth Castro.)

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STARBOOKS MOA Signing and Turnover Ceremony on March 1, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Hall. (L-R: Ms. Annie Lynn Bacani, STII-DOST, Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, ARD-FAS, Mr. Menandro B. Buenafe, PSTD-Abra, and Mr. Serafin B. Azzate, PIO-Abra).

The First Philippine Science Digital Library, otherwise known as DOST Science and Technology Academic and Research – Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) is now available at the provincial capitols of Abra, Apayao, and the municipal hall of Tanudan, Kalinga. The kiosk stations were awarded by the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of the Department of Science and Technology thru DOST-CAR on March 19, 2013 at the DOST – CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet. Representatives from the different provinces together with the respective Provincial S&T Directors attended the Training, MOA Signing and Turnover ceremony.

The STARBOOKS contains thousand of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio). These resources are placed in specially designed “pods” set in a user friendly interface. It is a standalone information kiosk, hence, information access is possible even without internet connection. The information is available in “read only” format but it can be printed. It is an S & T Information resource where the materials are sourced out from local and foreign linkages, subscription, archive collections and in-house publications. It has a “Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos” to promote and support the Filipinos entrepreneurial spirit.

To date, a total of fourteen (14) servers were installed with the STARBOOKS software in the region; one (1) at the DOST Regional library located at the USTC, Gov. Pack Rd., Baguio

Access to a Wealth of S&T Information right at your Fingertips

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4 January - March 2013

Getting over the “Total Log Ban”

The implementation of the “Total Log Ban” is a setback to the wood – based industries. Though we are confident in Ifugao of our “Muyong System” to exempt us from the log ban it is still but wise for us to absorb the idea of furnishing our homes not purely on wood but also with other materials. In fact the susceptibility of wood to termite infestation these days cannot be avoided with the increasing ambient temperature we are already experiencing. Anticipating that the life of lumber and wood furniture pieces comes shorter than expected the combination of wood with other materials should be considered as an alternative.

Beginning it wise at our end we at the Ifugao Science and Technology Center (ISTC) coordinated with the Forest Product Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) and conducted a training on “Mix Media Furniture Production” on March 12 -14, 2013 at the Binonwangan Sash and Furniture Shop (BSFS) at Poblacion West, Lamut, Ifugao. Timely for the proprietor of the BSFS is the training for he has already acquired metal fabrication equipments since he already felt the need to diversify business and accommodate non - wood furniture production.

The training was well accepted by the participants especially that a cost computation was made making the technology worth accepting. Product cost is competitive to that of pure wood-based and more durable. Accents and styles are already in the minds of the participants on how they could make their products unique and attractive. Raw materials such as bamboo, rattan, wrought iron and wood wastes to be used in the production of mix - media furniture pieces are available locally and is one of the prime considerations in adopting the technology. Though similar trainings by other institution have already been conducted before, the participants see this training better. (mbmc)

Training on Mix Media Furniture Production last March 12-14, 2013 in Lamut, Ifugao. Benguet – To promote livelihood opportunities in the

locality, the Department of Science and Technology-CAR through the Provincial Science and Technology Center-Benguet (PSTC-Benguet) in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-CAR (OWWA-CAR), and the Local Government of Sablan (LGU-Sablan) conducted a training on Fruit Processing at the Municipal Function Hall, Poblacion, Sablan on March 26-27, 2013. The primary participants were twenty nine (29) members of OFWs, returnees and their family circles who organized and call their group “Sablan OFW and Migrant Workers Family.”

Farming is the leading industry in the Municipality of Sablan. The favorable climatic condition contributes to the abundance of fruits, root crops and vegetables in the locality. Sad to say though, this abundance is sometimes bringing down the market price of these products especially the perishable ones. Furthermore, it is also this abundance that tends to make their taste monotonous or boring to the consumers that they would look for some other ways to diversify the taste of their product. But, more importantly, abundance could also translate to profit loss if there is no market or nothing is done to address the problem.

Speaking to welcome and address the participants, Sablan Municipal Mayor Arthur C. Baldo exhorted his constituents to take advantage of the training and make use of it to generate more family income from the vast raw materials available in their locality. Similarly, OWWA-CAR Director Manuela N. Peña challenged the OFW participants to help themselves as her agency and other partner agencies are behind them to support them technically and morally.

Mr. Cipriano Alvarado, DOST Trainer, served as the Resource person during the two-day training. He discussed and demonstrated techniques on fruit preservation such as pineapple juice making, pineapple in syrup making, fruit cocktail making,

DOST conducts Skills Training on Fruit Processing to Sablan OFW and Migrant Wokers Family

Training on Fruit Processing at the Municipal Function Hall, Poblacion, Sablan on March 26-27, 2013.

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Scholars... from page 1

City, 29 from Benguet, 7 from Ifugao, 4 from Kalinga and 13 are from Mountain Province.

The following are the list of applicants qualified under the RA 7687 program: Aguinaldo, Precious Abigail Quirit; Almosa, Jean Claire Tuazon; Alos, Bernalyn Mabli; Amado, Jodine Alarin; Angiwan, Alice Cawilan; Angwani, Grace Manallog; Arzadon, CD Mae Duldulao; Asperela, Melonie Talosig; Balay-as, Irwin Clave Cuanso; Balintag, Phillip Paul Saguiyod; Bangeng, Arah Jane Yohoy; Bangiacan, Shermae Killia-en; Bantiloc, Genie Rose Maximo; Barillo, Jaynarie Imperial; Batacan, Alma Mae Corpuz; Batnag, Neil Duane Pecdasen; Bayquen, Hannah Millace Bona; Belega, Drexell Estrada; Bisares, Keizle Mae Bagaoisan; Bisquera, Farah Jane Calion; Bullago, Joshua Garcia; Cadang, Krizzha Angel Acerit; Cadangen, Elke Kayle Ayeo-eo; Catalig, Clyde Ampoc; Cato, Hardy Depnag; Cayabas, Camille Sanchez; Clemente, Marie Antonnette; Cumahling, Cindy Mahicon; Delfin, Abdon Jr. Caparas; Dio-as, Benelisa Baguilat; Docayso, Rodney Jones Palingping; Domilod, Christian Revellame; Domines, Eljay Tilo; Ducala, Jelmar Allag; Dulatre, Rachel Florendo; Dulnuan, Jacqueline Tumitit; Edu, Adrian neil Calivoso; Elias, Joedericke Basatan; Estrada, Gillian Poblacion; Fabag, Alle Tar-odan; Ferrer, Ramil Jr. Fernandez; Filog, Leonico Laoyan; For-og, Henrick Alubong; Fortes, Maria Ellysa Doran; Francisco, Mary Joy Nitura; Fronda, Aileen Grace Martin; Galang, Miguela Catudio; Garcia, Lenz Bilog; Guerzon, Jose Fernando Nicolas; Gumpad, Grace Mae Magmoyao; Gumpic, Aury Lauree Fianza; Gutierrez, Ana Alyssa Bumogas; Ingosan, Brenda Comba-as; Kilaban, Achillyn Rose Arsenio; Lachaona, Nympha Pinkihan; Lapada, Wilbur Isaac Gawili; Linggayo, Laarnie Tilado; Lipato, Jennifer Gomgom-o; Lipit, Rexie Anne Galinato; Londob, Mae Shan Palking; Lopez, Julyssa Jem Rafael; Lungao, Louie Kisa; Manegneg, Andrea Nikole Macagne; Mapili, Junilyn Bataakil; Matayew, Kerrah Mae Quan; Moltio, Bretz Harllynne; Ogues, Ranie Carl Calgo; Olangkay, Joyce Kitano; Osngao, Kelsey Anne Salero; Pacio, Criston Alsaen; Palangchao, Dezyree Agnas; Paran, Melecent Bawan; Paranal, Lhezter Bagawe; Patricio, Pearl Lang-odan; Pescador, Majeth Ramos; Quizzagan, Harlee Timay; Romero, Raymond John Licudine; Roque, Melody Domingo; Roy, Nicklaus Calpase; Tacderas, John Cristopher Dulay; Tino, Astrid Jarylle Becasen; Torafing, Yanni Facsoy; Tuguinay, Jeriel Bubbod; Valera, Zsa zsa Bagano; and Wangdali, Lorraine Pago.

Qualifiers under the DOST Merit scholarship on the other hand are as follows: Capuyan, Carl Lewis Legaspi; Castillo, Gebrelle Saavedra; Degay, Nathan Joseph Abance; Dela Cruz, Isaiah Ray Soria; Epler, Marian Pheliz Rillera; Felizco, John Patrick Onia; Gonzales, Chester Lee Jr. Casuga; Leano, Erick Joshua Llanes; Picpican, Yvonne Riza Saong; and Sutiangso, John Allan Jose.

With the new scheme being implemented, the funds for equipment acquisition are now to be downloaded directly to the cooperators upon receipt of the signed purchase order/order slip of the cooperator and duly acknowledged by the supplier or fabricator. Likewise, Dr. Bantog reiterated that the purchase orders have to be countersigned/initialed by the respective Urban/Provincial S&T Director. She reminded the cooperators that the financial support from the SETUP should be used as approved in the Line-Item Budget (LIB) of the projects and should not be used for any other transactions including money market placements, time deposits and other forms of investments not related to the project.

The SETUP cooperators who joined the signing of the supplemental MOA are as follows: From the province of Abra: NAMARABAR Farmers’ Association, Barcena’s Handicraft, Rogelshan Peanut Products, Balbin’s Furniture, Mai-Ilang Food Products, Jumadas’ Vegetables, Crossroads Food Products and Restaurant, Terry’s Homemade Veggie Noodles; cooperators from Apayao include: Alaog Fish Farm and Hatchery, KRR’s Machine Shop, Nhele’s Bakery, and Tri-R Balut Industry; from Benguet: Abierta’s Daily Bread Bakeshop; from Kalinga: Landokan’s Iron Works, and Lucille’s General Merchandise; and from Mountain Province: Natonin Fiber Craft and Trading. (smsc)

DOST scholars are given Tuition Fee (not to exceed P 6,000.00/ semester), Book Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Monthly Stipends, Transportation Allowance (one economy-class round trip fare between permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis (for those studying outside of their home province) and Group Health and Accident Insurance.

It can be recalled that a total of 1,186 4th year student-applicants in the region took the DOST SEI Examination last November 18, 2012. (smsc)

Testing Services. These testing services include microbiological tests on foods and beverages, and waters including effluents; and chemical testing of foods and waters.

In addition, the RSTL is accredited by the Bureau of Health Facilities-DOH with Accreditation Number 132 since April 2006. As a water testing laboratory, RSTL is authorized to provide Physical, Bacteriological, and Chemical Analysis of water. RSTL also conducts microbiological and physico-chemical analyses of feed and food products, fruit wines, and other samples as well as shelf-life testing of food and beverages. (smsc)

SETUP... from page 1

RSTL...from page 3

2 January - March 2013

set-up corner

SETUP Implementation for 2012 For CY 2012, 124 SMEs have been provided with our S&T services particularly in enhancing product quality, upgrading of

technical skills, cost reduction, and effective waste management (Table 1).

Table 1. CY 2012 SETUP CORE Accomplishments

Abra Apayao Baguio Benguet Ifugao Kalinga Mt. Province Total

No. of Technology Interventions

17 28 91 65 66 54 21 342

No. of existing firms assisted 10 9 25 23 22 22 13 124

Employment Generated (persons employed)

152 69 1237 465 229 219 180 2,551

In addition to the existing 181 firms assisted by SETUP since 2002, a total of 45 project proposals were targeted for CY 2013 (Table 2). Based on the industry sector, the food sector has the most firms to avail of the SETUP similar to the trend in CY 2012. Firms engaged in Health, ICT, and Agri sectors are the least.

ProvinceSectors

TotalFood GDH Furniture Metals Health ICT Agri

Abra 1 - 2 1 - - - 4

Apayao 2 - - 2 1 - 1 6

Baguio 3 2 - 2 - - - 7

Benguet 8 - - 1 - - - 9

Ifugao 3 - - 1 - - - 4

Kalinga 2 3 1 1 - - 1 8

Mt. Prov. 1 - 4 1 - 1 - 7

TOTAL 20 5 7 9 1 1 2 45

Of the 45 targets, three (3) were already approved (Table 3). One of the major changes in the implementation of SETUP projects this year is the release of funds to the beneficiary for the region-approved projects. In the past years, DOST-CAR does the procurement of the equipment of the firm. The first batch of beneficiaries to avail of these new guidelines were the 16 projects approved in CY 2012 and the (2) two approved projects in 2013. The MOA of these projects were signed and funds were already released. The beneficiaries are now acquiring the S&T Intervention related equipment.

6 January - March 2013

3

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Table 3. 2013 SETUP Approved Projects

Project Title Name of Cooperator Address of Cooperator Sector Amount of Project

(PHP)

Upgrading of Vhal Vince's Bakeshop Ms. Mitchelle Sadoy

Dreamland, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet Food 248,500.00

Enhancing the Production Efficiency of Baguio Paradise Food Products

Ms. Betty Dulnuan Balajo Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet Food 1,291,500.00*

Upgrading of R&E Engineering & Machine Shop

Mr. Romulo G. Libatique

# 105 Sixto Gaerlan St., Campo Filipino Barangay, Baguio City

Metals & Engineering 913,000.00

TOTAL (PhP) 2,453,000.00

*National Program Management Office-Approved

MSMEs in CAR are encouraged to avail of this program. Interested firms may visit the provincial S&T centers and the regional office for further details.

Clockwise: Dr. Nancy A. Bantog orients the cooperators on the new scheme of SETUP; RD Julius Caesar V. Sicat inks MOA with the cooperators; Dr. Pita Picpican signs the MOA with Mr. and Mrs. Libatique of R&E Engineering and Machine Shop; and Dr. Inumpa explains to the owners of Vhal Vince the provisions of the MOA.

8 January - March 2013

s&t news

Sabangan, MP. The Kalawitan Agro Forest Integrated Livelihood and Information Group (KAFILIG), formally received a fabricated Steam Oil Extractor from the DOST. The tests and turn-over ceremony of the Steam Oil Extractor was done in Amcao, Losad, Sabangan, Mountain Province last February 18, 2013.

This project is one way of promoting and commercializing the technology developed by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the DOST and aims to provide additional income and source of employment for the community residents while at the same time, teaching the people to protect and manage their environment. The fabricated structure is used for extraction of pine needle oil and other herbal plants from the steam produced in boiling the raw materials. Likewise, wood is used as fuel for the equipment.

The proponent’s counterpart in this project are their labor and some raw materials in the construction of the furnace “pugon”. In the testing of the structure, KAFILIG members did the voluntary labor to collect raw materials and the wood for fuel. The land and building to house the structure forms part of the proponents counterpart as well.

KAFILIG receives oil extractor from DOST

The DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is spearheading a program that is meant to address the brain drain problem being faced by the country particularly in the area of metals and engineering. The project, to be implemented together with the DOST-CAR, TESDA-CAR, and the Metals Industry Association of the Philippines (MIAP-CAR) is on the “Human Resource Intervention for the Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness of the M&E Sector: Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training Curriculum Design for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machine Tool Programming and Operations.” Simply put, the project is a training program that aims to develop and implement an effective training curriculum design to ensure that competent CNC programmers and operators are made available to meet the manpower requirement of the domestic metalworking firms.

Specifically, the program was designed to develop local and qualified machinists in basic and common competencies particularly in terms of materials selection, mathematical concepts and techniques, reading and interpretation of technical drawings, shop computations and measurement, maintenance, basic machine shop operations, work ethics and occupational health and safety.

This nationwide project involves a 52-day Training Program that will upgrade the basic and common competencies and core competencies (CNC Programming and Operations) with a 10-day industry immersion. For the Cordillera region, the DOST is targeting the Moog Controls Corporation (MCC) as the primary venue for the 10-day on-the-job immersion with 80 trainees to be identified for four (4) batches at 20 participants per batch. Likewise, the training venue for the region will be at TESDA-CAR.

At present, 35 applicants from the region are scheduled for a final interview.

Trainees must be either a VocTech graduate (Mechanical Technology or related course or at least second year college level) with basic knowledge and skills in conventional machining and basic computer operation.

A training fee of Php10,000 will be applicable for employed trainees and free for unemployed trainees. Likewise, the DOST-MIRDC will provide a Php300.00 daily allowance

DOST to improve M&E competencies in CAR

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The steam oil extractor, an ITDI-DOST developed technology provided to the Kalawitan Agro Forest Integrated Livelihood

and Information Group (KAFILIG) based in Sabangan, Mountain Province.

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for unemployed participants to defray their cost of living while undergoing the training.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the program, all trainees will be required to sign a Training Agreement stipulating the reimbursement for non-completion of training and rendition of 3 years return service to the Philippines after completion of the CNC training program.

This program is aligned to the DOST-MIRDC and DOST-CAR project on “Clustering of the Regional Enterprises of CAR for Agri-Industrial Machinery and Parts Manufacturing” which was initiated in 2011 whose main goal is to boost the growth of the Metals and Engineering Industry Cluster in CAR. Support for this particular project has been given by the Regional Development Council as well as the MCC, MIAP-CAR, TESDA-CAR, PEZA, Provincial Government of Benguet, BLISTT LGUs, the Cordillera Industry and Energy Research and Development Consortium (CIERDEC) and selected Higher Education Institutes in the region.

It is hoped that the successful implementation of the program in CAR will address issues on the lack of skilled workers in the metals and engineering industry, particularly industries that cater to high-end markets such as the aerospace industry. At present, the country is highly dependent on other countries to provide needed metalworks that conform to local and international standards. (smsc)

M&E.. from page 8

DOST conducts training on cornick and banana chips processing

Fifty (50) corn and banana farmers in Dupligan, Tanudan attended the training on cornick and banana chips processing last February 20-21, 2013. The training aims to add value to the corn, banana and coffee harvest in the municipality and at the same time create employment which will consequently increase the economic activities in the whole municipality. Meanwhile, the acquisition of equipment for this project is on-going.

The lecturers during the training are clients of DOST-CAR in the SET-UP program, Ms. Juanita B. Perez, the owner and manager of Nitz Veggie Chips and Noodles and Ms. Theresa W. Angadol, owner of Tess Veggie Noodles and Chips.

The said training is a component of the establishment of processing centers for Cornick and Banana Chips, a Community-Based project being implemented by DOST-CAR for the municipality of Tanudan, Kalinga. Likewise, this CBP project falls under the Pro-Poor Program of the Department.

The municipality of Tanudan was identified as beneficiary in this project being the poorest municipality in CAR and second poorest nationwide as per the National Statistics Coordinating Board (NSCB). Another training scheduled to be conducted is on Coffee Processing. It is important to note that the activities under the project were results of the forum that was conducted in December 14, 2012 with farmers from the municipality.

Coffee, corn and banana are the major crops in Tanudan, Kalinga. Coffee is concentrated in the upper parts of the municipality while corn and banana are in lower parts of the municipality.

The partners of DOST in implementing these projects are LGU Tanudan, Dupligan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative and Nalyawan Farmers Cooperative.(akb)

Plans are in place for the DOST-CAR to provide a training on the processing technology to the KAFILIG member/staff who will be assigned to do the job. The oil extracts are ingredients in the production of many pharmaceutical products like air fresheners, deodorants and others. (ec)

KAFILIG.. from page 8

City, one in each of the three (3) Ifugao State University campus’ libraries and one (1) at their Admin Building, and six high schools (6) in Mountain Province namely, Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School, Immaculate Heart High School, Saliok National High School, Talubin National High School, Cagubatan National High School and Holy Rosary High School. (dgvm and hgd)

S&T information.. from page 3

sayote- pineapple jam making, sweetened banana chips, banana catsup, banana pastillas, banana peelings burger, ube pastillas, ube jam, ube maja, ube puto, ube ice cream and other recipes not included in the training brochure.

A lecture on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) was also tackled to inculcate the importance of complying with sanitary and processing requirements applicable to all food processing establishments. Such practices ensure that production process and finished products are handled safely and effectively at all times.

Moreover, business planning, and practical tips on establishing and running a business were also discussed by the OWWA Representatives after the skills training session.(pmt)

Skills training.. from page 8

10 January - March 2013

feature

“People often become scholars for the same reason they become soldiers: simply because they are unfit for any other station. Their right hand has to earn them a livelihood; one might say they lie down like bears in winter and seek sustenance from their paws.”

As secondary school nears its end, a new chapter of adventure to our future begins. As the next journey which is college comes, more challenges and problems will arrive. According to many, college means money, hard work, puzzles and many other demurs.

I’m very excited with the unfolding of a new page to accomplish the goals that I have set for my dreams and that is to become very successful and raise my family from poverty but in order for that to happen, I must first gain my degree.

I know that I have distinguished myself with diligence and determination in my academics throughout secondary school and a scholarship would ensure that my studies as a college student are not burdened by any financial constraints. If I gain a good scholarship, I can continue full tilt on the path to graduation and a degree. Many times when students can’t bear the financial burden of tuition fees, they decide to take a semester off in order to save funds and get back on their feet. I would discourage this as it seems to defer the task at hand but in many situations, it can’t be helped. Having to work long hours or more jobs to pay for tuition definitely takes away from valuable cram time. There aren’t so many hours in the day and many times managing to fit everything in is very difficult.

Another benefit of a good scholarship is reducing the amount of debt incurred. Student loansmay seem an easy solution to a large problem. When reality sets in and graduation passes, the bills start to flood in. This could be overwhelming and can potentially create hardships in the long run. Graduating from college should be a joyous time, a huge milestone in life, not a time to fret over how to suddenly pay for it all.

Since my family is financially handicapped, I know that something has to be done. So I applied and took almost all

of the exams for student assistance and scholarships. But among it all, there is one that I really want to achieve and that is the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship. Not only that is the financial support bigger compared to the rest but also, the job opportunities are

better when I finish my degree as a DOST scholar. If I was also qualified, I would feel that government really exists

to help its citizens. Frankly, Philippine government has the image of corruption and instead of ‘others’ stealing the funds, it would be better if it would

go to deserving students. I also really heard many positive things about this scholarship.

When I took the admission examination of DOST, let me tell you, it was not easy because most of the questions that I’ve encountered are really different compared to the questions that I’ve had taken from previous tests. Even though I think that I did great, I don’t want to assume because the questions are really tricky.

Every day, my friend and I would pass by at the DOST (Baguio Office) to check the exam results because many of the scholarships that I’ve applied to are already asking me to confirm if I will pursue it or not. I also need to decide my college course. Of course, I still need to wait for the DOST Scholarship because it is the one that I really like.

After a very long wait, I saw my name on the list of qualifiers and my world stopped. I thought that I was going to pass out because of so much joy. That time, I thought that I already proved something to myself that I can do things that I’ve never thought I can do.

I obviously chose DOST Scholarship and pursued BS in Electronics Engineering although at that time, I was still very hesitant because I was also interested in taking up a business related course.

During the summer, we are required to undergo the Summer Orientation Enrichment Program and I cancelled my Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) job at City Hall. But I don’t regret it because I’ve had a wonderful experience at SOEP. I got to know my co-scholars and I learned a lot. I was also psychologically and academically prepared for college and I thank our funny and amazing instructors for this.

And the story is just starting. During my first semester, I’ve encountered many problems. Since I decided to live independent of my parents, I went through countless financial problems especially during the month of June because the money that we get from DOST is usually delayed during the start of the semester. The school requirements were just way too costly and I relied too much from the scholarship. But thankfully, my job as a fashion and ramp model saved me.

During the first months of college, I wasn’t able to manage my time well because my modeling career needs so much time and attention. I even auditioned at the Culture for the Center of the Arts (Saint Louis Dance Troupe) to get an incentive or discount for my tuition fee but I’ve experienced worse. There were times that my body can’t move anymore because of fatigue. There were even moments when I felt so depressed. It was very disheartening. I was so worried that my studies will be jeopardized and that would lead to suspension or termination of my scholarship but thankfully this did not happen.

My choice in joining clubs was a wrong move so I quit and started to prioritize my studies. In the succeeding months, I never had a financial problem anymore thanks to the DOST Scholarship. Because of this, I was granted the luxury of more time to focus on my studies and less on worrying about finances. This was very beneficial in helping me better grasp concepts and produce higher quality work. The problems that I’ve encountered didn’t pull me down at all.

Instead it just awakens the spirit of a fighter within me. I just became hungrier to learn more and study. This scholarship really helped me a lot. As a scholarship recipient, it served as a vehicle for me to meet a variety of people who can assist me in achieving my goals. This opportunity would further improve my confidence and communication skills, an ability necessary to broaden my development as a scholar and as an individual.

In conclusion, I greatly benefitted from this scholarship. I could continue my lifelong desire to become successful.

I express my greatest appreciation to the people behind DOST which are the staff who really accommodated our needs and for being very understanding and easy to talk with. I can only hope that as you pray, our God will whisper to you that you are a blessing to others. I thank Him for giving me so many blessings. I also thank my family especially for my sister for everything.

Like what Ma’am Filma G. Brawnwer (SEI Director) said, “Venture into the exciting college life as a DOST-SEI scholar”, being one of them has never been this fun and exciting.

Again, thank you DOST!

DOST PRIDEMy Life as a DOST Scholar

Christopher B. Crisostomo, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering, Saint Louis University

11

releases

ISO 9001:2008 External Audit last February 26-27, 2013 at the DOST-CAR conference hall.

(PCHRD and CRHRDC event) 3rd National Medical Writing, Reviewing, and Train the Trainers Workshop. January 17-18, 2013 at the Baguio Country Club.

photo

DOST STARBOOKS Training, Installation and MOA Signing. February 12-14, 2013 at the MP Science and Technology Center

DOST STARBOOKS MOA Signing, Awarding, Launching and Training on March 19, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Room.

Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) Certification in Benguet Strawberry Festival Parade on March 18, 2013

12 January - March 2013

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s & t trivia

Department of Science & TechnologyCordillera Administrative RegionKm. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet

“However far modern science and techniques have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least

one lesson: Nothing is impossible.”

Lewis Mumford

The Science of Sunshineby: Hansi G. Dinumla

Is it true that the sun can, in some ways, be good for us? Well the answer to that should be a resounding yes.Science has already proved that the sun’s rays promote vitamin D in our skin which in turn promotes healthy bones and teeth. Obviously too much sun in terms of UV exposure can be damaging but we can’t ignore the fact that a bit of sunshine does seem to have a positive effect on us.

It’s widely accepted that the sun improves the immune system. Studies have also highlighted that the synthesis of vitamin D in the body can reduce the incidence of leukemia and colon cancer. Of course this may seem at odds since we are constantly hearing how too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer. This is unfortunately true but the positives, without a doubt, outweigh the negatives.Many people might not be aware that the sun can also aid the cardiovascular system, improving blood flow and stabilizing cholesterol levels. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that people in the UK were more inclined to die of heart disease in the winter months as opposed to the summer due to the absence of vitamin D. These are some of the clinical benefits that are afforded to us by the sun.

It goes without saying that people are generally in a good mood when they are immersed in the sun’s rays. In fact sunshine and happiness tend to go hand in hand as millions of people around the world head for the hotspots at their first opportunity. This is reflected in the fact that

weather reports are inherently biased towards sunshine and warm weather. The sun is considered good whereas rain and wind is certainly frowned upon.

The fact is, much like chocolate, the sun stimulates our endorphins thereby helping to reduce depression and stress. There are also the obvious aesthetic benefits that exposure to the sun will give you. People tend to feel better in themselves when they develop a glowing, but healthy, tan as they consider this to be more of a desirable look. More importantly, the continued but controlled, exposure to sunlight will eventually improve your resistance to the harmful effects of ultra violet rays.

One of the lesser known facts is that the sun can help you get a good night’s sleep by stimulating melatonin during the night. Getting a good night’s sleep means we are likely to be in a good mood when we awake. When you wake up, you will be ready for a hearty breakfast since the sun is also known to improve your appetite by stimulating digestion and encouraging metabolism.

The long and short of it is that when it’s sunny, we can get out and do the fun things which are impossible to do in the winter. We can enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and let’s face it, no one enjoys a barbecue in the snow!

http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/12207/20120919/the-science-of-sunshine.htm