April - June 2013 Vol. 5 No. 2

DOST-CAR installs 17 ARGs in CAR

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

Science Department Announces S&T Scholarship for SY 2014-2015

The Department of Science and Technology- CAR is inviting graduating students in the region to avail of the DOST Scholarship program for AY 2014-2015. This undergraduate scholarship program under the Department’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is open to qualified graduating high school students who wish to pursue careers in the Basic and Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Science and Mathematics Teaching. Scholarship application is now open for the coming school year.

There are two scholarship programs under the S&T Undergraduate Scholarship specifically the RA 7687 and Merit scholarship programs. RA 7687, otherwise known as the S&T Scholarship

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The Department of Science and Technology-CAR has installed a total of 17 Automatic Rain Gauges in the region this 2nd quarter 2013. The installation of the ARGs is a component of the DOST’s Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) which was initiated in 2012. Specifically, this year’s installation is under the project “Distribution of Hydrometerological Devices in hard-hit areas in the Philippines” wherein automated rain gauges and water level monitoring stations (WLMS) will be installed along the country’s 18 major river basins by December 2013 to provide a better picture of the country’s surface water in relation to flooding.

For the Cordilleras, out of the 31 ARGs and six (6) WLMS targeted to be installed in strategic locations in the region, 17 were installed in the months of May and June. The Management Information System (MIS) unit of DOST-CAR together with the respective Urban/Provincial S&T Centers spearheaded the installation of the ARGs in Pudtol, Conner, and Sta. Marcela in Apayao; Bokod, Buguias, Bakun, Sablan, Tuba, Kapangan, Benguet; Banaue, Hingyon, Asipulo, Alfonso Lista in Ifugao; Tanudan and Lubuagan in Kalinga; and Bauko and Besao, Mountain Province.

For this 3rd quarter, DOST-CAR is targeting the installation of ARGs in the following localities: Pilar, Boliney, Tineg, and Malibcong, Abra; Flora in Apayao, Tinglayan and Pinukpuk in Kalinga; Paracelis, and Tadian

10 April - June 2013

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

Lay-out and DesignHANSI G. DINUMLAScience Research Analyst

Contributors

MINERVA DEP-ETSRS II

CECIL GUAKISRA/PSTC-Benguet

MARITESS A. BANAÑAProject Assistant Staff III

MAX BERNARD M. CODAMONSRS II, PSTC- Ifugao

PEPITA S. PICPICANUrban S&T Director- Baguio City

JAEMIE R. CHUAAdministrative Assistant III

Editorial Adviser/ConsultantNANCY A. BANTOGRC-TTC

editorial board

what’s inside

editorialDOST-CAR, being the vice-chair for Disaster Mitigation in the

Cordillera Region has geared up its disaster mitigation activities particularly through the installation of Automated Rain Gauges (ARGs) in the identified municipalities of the region. Installation of these ARGs are under the HYDROMET project of the DOST where a target of around 600 ARGs and Water Level Monitoring Systems (WLMS) are to be installed in key locations all over the country.

For the months of May-June, the DOST-CAR has successfully installed a total of 17 ARGs in Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mt. Province. It is targeted that the remaining 20 devices will be installed within the 3rd quarter of this year.

The Urban/Provincial S&T Centers of the agency, the frontliners of DOST-CAR in the six provinces and Baguio City have successfully implemented the various programs of the agency particularly the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). For the quarter, a total of 13 new projects were approved. So far, the PSTC-Benguet had the most projects under this program with a total of 6 followed by Baguio City-4, Abra-2 and Mt. Province-1. With the massive information dissemination campaign of DOST-CAR on its programs, projects and activities in the region, it is hoped that more MSMEs and other stakeholders will avail of the S&T assistance being offered by the agency.

In related news, the recent tie-up between the DOST-CAR and the Philippine Information Agency-CAR will hopefully push for the successful IEC on the merits of science and technology and on how its applications can help in the quest for sustainable development in the Cordilleras. Further, the assistance of the DILG-CAR was tapped particularly in the implementation of the Science and Technology for the Enhancement and Advancement of Municipalities (STEAM) which was instituted in 2012. With the noble goal of capacitating identified LGU representatives for them to be champions not only in terms of Science and Technology but also for all government programs in the region, DILG-CAR’s support will definitely provide the needed boost in ensuring that all targeted activities under the STEAM program will be effectively implemented.

As the agency ends half of CY 2013, major accomplishment can be proudly presented to the public. This Cordillera S&T Gazette is one such platform in doing just this. It presents selected highlights on what the DOST-CAR is doing to ensure that its mandate of bringing Science and Technology to the stakeholders in the Cordillera region is achieved. (smsc)

Editorial 2News Stories LARCMPC Training on Tea... 3 2013 Scholarship Orientation... 3 2013 SOEP... 4 DOST pilots portable biogas... 4 Ifugao S&T Center news... 5 NTC holds program on Telemedicine... 8 SEI conducts DRRM training... 8

Feature Stories DOST Scholar Feature... 10 SETUP Corner 6-7 Photo Releases 11S & T Trivia 12

2 April - June 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 newsLARCMPC Trained on Advanced Tea Processing

Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet- To contend with the emerging trend changes of flavor, aroma, and packaging of tea products in the market, the Lusod Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LARCMPC) members were trained on advanced tea processing on May 15-16, 2013. The training was provided by the Department of Science and Technology- Provincial Science and Technology Center-Benguet (PSTC-Benguet) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Benguet (DTI-Benguet) and the Department of Agrarian Reform-Benguet (DAR-Benguet).

LARCMPC is an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary that availed of the assistance extended by DOST, DTI, and DAR. The organization is based in Kabayan, Benguet. In 2004, DOST-CAR assisted the cooperative through its Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The assistance included provision of important equipment such as automatic tea bagger, dryer and pulverizer/grinder.

With the unending aid of the aforementioned agencies and strong support from the Local Government of Kabayan, LARCMPC was able to develop and process tea products in the locality. One of which is the Gipah Herbal Tea which is beneficial to health in terms of its medicinal value and nutritional content. The earlier Gipah tea product is packaged in tea bags. Product diversification and variation of flavors are needed in order to maintain competitiveness and marketability of the product to meet the consumers’ tea tastes. Thus, the conceptualization and implementation of the said advanced skills training on tea processing.

During the opening ceremonies, the Hon. Faustino M. Aquisan, Kabayan Mayor, expressed his support to the

The LARCMPC members together with (Standing 2nd from left) SARPT-Lusod Christopher Carpio, CARP Coordinator-DTI Hans Busacay, Resource Speaker Cipriano Alvarado, and PSTD-Benguet Arnold Inumpa (Sitting first from left)

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Welcome Remarks given by Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang-ARD for Finance and Administrative Services during the Scholarship Orientation on April 25, 2013. Inset: Signing of Scholarship Agreement

The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region, Scholarship Unit has conducted the orientation and signing of scholarship agreement on April 25, 2013 at the UB Square Hall, University of Baguio. It was participated in by the qualifiers together with their parents/guardians.

Out of 16,631 applicants who took the 2013 Undergraduate Science and Technology Scholarship examination, 95 qualified from CAR. Out of these qualifiers, 85 belong to RA 7867 scholarship program and 10 belongs to the Merit scholarship program.

Before the orientation proper, School Coordinators and Dean of Students Affairs from the various Center of Excellence and Center of Development were given time to talk about the policies and guidelines of their schools. Graduate scholars were also invited to give inspirational talks to the qualifiers and parents. They were Mr. Marc Kenneth A. Pastrana, Cum Laude- BS ECE; Ms. Jufelia Paduyao, Summa Cum Laude- BSEd- Mathematics; Ms. Melodee Pacio, Cum Laude- BSEd- Mathematics; and Ms. Mildred Bolinget, Magna Cum Laude- BSEd- Mathematics. The general message conveyed to them were to study hard and give priority to their schooling.

During the orientation, parents/guardians and qualifiers were informed regarding the DOST-SEI scholarship policies, privileges, service obligations and other support programs.

In the afternoon, signing of scholarship agreement and application for ATM account were facilitated. The qualifiers were also informed to pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences and science and mathematics teaching which they must indicate in the agreement. (mabanaña)

2013 Scholarship Orientation and Signing of Scholar-ship Agreement

4 April - June 2013

2013 Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) completed

The Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) was conducted last May 6-31, 2013 at the Saint Louis University. This SEI sponsored activity is to prepare incoming freshmen/ scholars in English, Mathematics, Physics and Psycho-social training to prepare them in their adjustment to college life and instill in them proper study habits. This was participated in by 78 scholars.

A faculty member of the host venue was tapped to teach the courses. The refresher course focused mainly on four (4) areas which includes Basic English (Grammar, Usage and Technical Writing); College Mathematics (College Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry); Physics; and Psycho-Social Skills Development.

At the start and end of the program, the participants were given a pre and post test, respectively. This determined the scholars’ performance during the course of the program.

At the end of the SOEP, a closing program was set by the faculty members and the scholars, with the theme “Reach for the Stars”. Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director and Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte, Scholarship Coordinator and ARD for Technical Services Division awarded the certificates to scholars who were Best in Mathematics, English and Physics. The Faculty members were likewise given Certificates of Appreciation for sharing their knowledge and skills to the scholars. Finally, certificates of completion were given to all participants/ scholars for their active participation. (mabanaña)

Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte (left) and Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat (center), DOST-CAR Regional Director awards Certificate of Completion to the participants of the 2013 Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program.

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DOST pilots portable biogas digester in Baguio City

L-R: USTD Pita, RD JCVS and cooperator, Mr. Faustino Wayas. Photo taken during the project visit to the pilot portable biogas digester at Maria Basa, Pacdal, Baguio City on July 3, 2013.

The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera (DOST-CAR) through the Urban Science and Technology Center-Baguio (USTC-Baguio) and the DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI-DOST) conducted a training on the fabrication of portable biogas digester in Baguio City on May 28-30, 2013.

The activity was conducted to pilot and showcase the functionality of the ITDI-DOST portable biogas digester for the production of biogas for cooking. Also, the project aims to encourage the backyard piggery operators in Baguio City for better waste management of hog effluents. Through biogas generation utilizing the hog manure, there would be reduced hog effluents directly or indirectly discarded through the creeks which are contributory to the Balili River pollution. While reducing the hog effluents discharged to the creeks that contaminate the water, the hog manure is utilized as source of usable products: the biogas for cooking and the sludge for organic fertilizer.

The project on portable biogas digester was implemented at Maria Basa, Pacdal, Baguio City in partnership with Kagawad Faustino Wayas, who volunteered to partner with DOST in piloting the technology in his barangay. He said, he is interested in the portable biogas digester technology, having a piggery located near a creek, a member of the District Health and Sanitation Team in his district, hence, would like to showcase the technology to backyard piggery operators in Baguio City and other interested individuals. This is one way of contributing in the clean up drive of the Ballili River, he added.

After the first month of operation in June 2013, the portable biogas digester proved to produce biogas spontaneously. However, proper operation and regular maintenance are necessary.

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Color it right…Package it right and…Share it right

Color it right to make the fabric match the taste of the customers…

The loom weaving industry in Ifugao has survived the test of time. The need to put color into hard-to-color synthetic fibers must have to be addressed by loom weavers since product colors depend only on available colored threads in the locality. Now, with the training on Advanced Dyeing on Synthetic Fibers the selected loom weaving participants from Banaue and Hingyon could do their thread dyeing on their own. The training was conducted at the James IKAT Loom Weaving in Lugo, Hingyon, Ifugao on March 21-24, 2013.

The training aimed to provide the participants with the knowledge and techniques in dyeing of synthetic fibers and color matched the desired shades for cotton and polyester yarns. Ms. Procer S. Navarra and Mr. Noel A. Saguisag from PTRI served as the resource speakers who provided lecture, demonstration of the processes and hands – on of the participants.

Package it right to self promote the native rice product of Banaue…

Another significant activity conducted in Ifugao is the implementation of a DOST-GIA project entitled “Enhancing the Competitive Identity of Unique Philippine Products through the Development of Packaging Design and Appropriate Packaging Technology” by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). One of the 8 unique Philippines products that will undergo country branding and packaging development is the heirloom rice. Indeed this project is very helpful in the promotion of the Ifugao Heirloom Rice. A meeting was conducted on April 23-24, 2013 in Bocos, Banaue, Ifugao with the Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative where the project was presented. Ms. Grace D. Noceja, Ms. Rosa M. Mulimbayan and Mr. Edrian Eloriaga from the Packaging Technology Division (PTD) of ITDI were assisted by PSTC – Ifugao in the meeting.

Ms. Noceja discussed the project and Ms. Mulimbayan together with Mr. Eloriaga – both designers were with the team to take the most from the farmers that could be incorporated in the label design and package. The meeting included interview with selected farmers and a visit to their rice fields to get information about the background and processes in

producing the heirloom rice. Draft label designs and packaging were then presented for the farmers to choose from and make their suggestions. ISTC shall continue to assist the team in the coordination with the Rice Terraces Farmer’s Cooperative until the finalization of the design and package.

The heirloom rice is a year - long crop and is being replaced by newer rice varieties which are harvestable in a shorter period. The long cropping period is what makes the farmers abandon the variety to cope up with the rice demand of the farmers’ families. Packaging it good would extend its shelf life, help promote the product and could command a higher selling price. Hopefully, the farmers would soon get the benefits of keeping the year – long crop.

Share the ARG data right to help in Disaster Risk Reduction Management…

With the joint project of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) , data on rainfall can now be accessed on-line at www.noah.dost.gov.ph through the installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) in several sites in the country. In Ifugao, the municipalities of Asipulo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Hingyon had their ARGs installed within their premises. An earlier version of the ARG was already installed in the Main Campus of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) in Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao making the available rainfall data sources in the province to five (5).

Utilization of the collected data is not only for PAGASA but also for all interested individuals. Institutions who need the data for their program/project planning and implementation like those in the agriculture, irrigation, offices doing hydrologic study, developers and operators of hydro-power plants, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils and other firms like General Contractors whose projects are affected by weather conditions would see the internet–available data as very significant. They will be spared from the costs in conducting rainfall data sourcing/collection on their own.

Other institutions have installed their rain gauges in their preferred sites but data from these sites are not available on their websites. (mbmc)

2 April - June 2013

set-up corner

SETUP 2nd Quarter Report A total of 183 firms are being assisted by the DOST-CAR through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program

(SETUP) since its inception in 2002. For the 1st and 2nd quarter of CY 2013, a total of 13 new SETUP projects were approved for implementation as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. CY 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

Production Enhancement Through Upgrading of Production Facility for Meat Processing

Ms. Claribeth Acosta

Taft St. Zone 5, Bangued, Abra Food 495,500.00

Upgrading and Enhancement of the Production Capacity of Xtine's Food Products Through Semi-Mechanization Process

Ms. Clarissa Valentino

13 Acosta Street, Zone 3, Bangued, Abra Food 486,247.00

Equipment Upgrading of Dolphin Mechanical and Electrical Services

Mr. James S. Ignas Dolphin

#154 Purok 2, Km. 3, Asin Road Barangay, Baguio City

Metals & Engineering 690,500.00

Upgrading of Mang's Cuisine Breadline

Mrs. Irenea T. Columna

#37 Magnolia St., Upper QM (Quirino-Magsaysay), Baguio City

Food 312,850.00

Upgrading the equipment of OMG Baked Products

Mrs. Adelaida S. Garcia

20 Pucay Road, Baguio City Food 353,000.00

Enhancing Production Efficiency and Market Competitiveness of the Copperland Bakeshop

Mrs. Cynthia B. Mayam-es

Ta-ao, Marivic, Sapid, Mankayan, Benguet Food 475,200.00

Improving the Production Efficiency and Market Competitiveness of the JM’s Manna Bread Bakery

Mrs. Marina P. Obar

Abatan Proper, Abatan, Buguias, Benguet Food 545,000.00

Enhancing Production Efficiency of the Lindalecious Bibingka

Mrs. Erlinda D. Dilla

Itogon Trail, Tuding, Benguet Food 273,180.00

Improving Production Efficiency and Market Competitiveness of the Winky's Bakeshop

Mr. Brent Michael Sario

Aurora St. Poblacion, Mankayan, Benguet Food 264,300.00

Improving the Production of Specialty Bread, Cakes, and Pastries of Baey Bakers Best

Mrs. Maureen Arcely D. Kingat

Patay, Sagada, Mountain Province Food 670,000.00

TOTAL (PhP) 7,018,777.00

*National Program Management Office-Approved

6 April - June 2013

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SETUP ISS Staff Orientation on May 7-9, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Room, La Trinidad, Benguet. These ISS staff are deployed in the seven (7) Urban/Provincial S&T Centers in the region.

The SETUP is the DOST’s initiative in capacitating the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) upgrade their firms through the infusion of appropriate technology and innovation. Assistance may come through the acquisition of appropriate S&T intervention related equipment, packaging and labeling, technology trainings and laboratory analyses.

DOST-CAR, being the regional arm of the Department in the Cordillera Region continues to encourage local MSMEs to avail of the SETUP through its six (6) Provincial S&T Centers and one (1) Urban S&T Center in Baguio City.

SETUP MOA signing on June 20, 2013

8 April - June 2013

s&t news

“Let us work together for a smarter Philippines especially for the improvement of Cordillera and may this collaborative undertaking move us together as a nation,” encouraged by Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat in his speech during the Telehealth Summit and Forum on May 23, 2013 at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.

The event is in collaboration with the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) with the theme “Health and Wellbeing: Communicating Research Findings.” This was attended by 154 health workers, farmers, members from the academe, gov’t agencies and members of the consortium in the region.

The said summit is a venue to discuss collaborative efforts in Regional Health Development and the support for RxBox2, a telemedicine device used to transmit physiologic signals between primary care health professionals with Rural Health Units and Urban-hospital-based clinical specialists.

The goals and components of the National Telehealth Service Program (NTSP) were discussed by Dr. Portia F. Marcelo, Director of National Telehealth Center of the University of the Philippines Manila. She elaborated on the advantages brought about by telemedicine bridging distance barriers for better health outcome for all. An on-site training on the use of the device will be given to all medical and paramedical RHU staff, especially to the public health nurses, midwives, RN Heals and other staff who are in direct care of the birthing facility.

There will be RxBox2 units to be deployed in Peñarubia, Abra and Tinglayan, Kalinga. (jrc)

DOST & NTC holds forum on Telemedicine

LARCMPC...from page 3

Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat gives his message during the Telehealth Summit and Forum on May 23, 2013 at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.

introduction of new technologies for the improvement and promotion of their local products. He connotes that diversification of their herbal tea products can be an art of promotion and this can be an additional community product identity to be offered to mountain climbers and tourists visiting their famous Mount Pulag and the mummy caves in the municipality.

Mr. Cipriano Alvarado, a retired DOST-CAR employee served as the trainer. After the two-days training, the participants were able to acquire skills in processing Liquid Gipah Herbal tea. Aside from natural gipah flavor as the training output, there were other tea flavors such as Gipah with mango, apple, grapes, and orange flavor.

Training on bottling and packaging of tea products will be further realized to enhance the marketability of the product. //ccg

The Science Education Institute held a training program with the theme “Strengthening the Capacity of Science and Mathematics Teachers on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management,” at the Gladiola Center, La Trinidad, Benguet on May 7-9, 2013. The training-workshop aims to enhance the scientific knowledge of teachers on natural disasters and climate change.

The activity was graced by Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-CAR. In his speech, he thanked the efforts of the DOST-SEI in conducting such training and persuaded the participants to share their learning to the community regarding disaster risk reduction measures. He strongly encouraged the teachers to integrate the knowledge gained in the event in their science subjects to be able to implement action plans formulated in order to achieve a disaster-prepared community.

The three-day event was able to capacitate 40 participants composed of Science and Math teachers and instructors from the different schools and universities in Baguio City and Benguet. The forum tackled on Weather Forecasting and Warning Services; Climate Variability and Climate Change; Flood Forecasting and Warning Services; Community- based flood warning systems; Earthquakes and Earthquake Hazards; Tsunami; Volcano and Volcanic Hazards and; Rain Induced landslides and DRR measures which were discussed by lecturers from DOST-SEI, PAGASA and OCD-CAR. (jrc)

SEI conducts DRRM training in CAR

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in Mountain Province; and Kiangan in Ifugao. Likewise, WLMS will be installed at the Manabo Bridge, Manabo, Abra; City Camp Lagoon and the Canao Bridge in Tabuk City, Kalinga. Moreover, ARGs and WLMS will be installed at the Dacao Waterway in Apayao, Asin Bridge in Tuba, Benguet and the Ibulao Bridge in Lagawe, Ifugao.

These devices were developed by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI-DOST) to prepare the country for calamities and to complement PAGASA’s weather forecasting system. ARGs were developed to gather and record the amount of rainfall over a set period of time. The weather and rainfall data are sent wirelessly through the cellular network as a text message or Short Messaging System (SMS). Each station is equipped with the ASTI-developed data-logger platform GSM Data Acquisition Terminal (G-DAT) that serves as the mini-computer or brain that intelligently controls all the functions and data communications of the station. Designed to be rugged and standalone, these stations can be deployed even in the harshest remote areas and can operate continuously as it gets power from the sun, backed-up by the internal rechargeable battery. All weather and rainfall data from the remote stations are collected on a central database server and further analyzed. The processed data are readily available and easily accessible the local authorities over the Internet, in real time.

The Water Level Monitoring System was developed to deploy flood gauging instruments in critical flood prone areas throughout the Philippines for flood monitoring and forecasting. Through this project, a system which makes use of the ultrasonic sensor device to accurately measure and determine the flood waters in real time was developed. The standalone Water Level Monitoring System is equipped with solar panel and makes use of an ultrasonic sensor to measure the rate of change of water level using the principle similar to radar and sonar. The sensor calculates the time interval between sending the signal and receiving the echo to determine the water level. The information collected is then transmitted to a central server at a predefined interval again, via SMS.

In CY 2012, the DOST-CAR has also installed seven (7) ARGs in the six (6) provinces in CAR including Baguio City. (smsc)

(Source: DOST Info Sheet on Project NOAH)

ARGs...from page 1

Biogas.. from page 4

of 1994, provides college scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. The applicant under RA 7687 must be a member of the top five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class; or a member of the graduating class of a DOST-SEI identified or DepED- recognized science high school; a natural- born Filipino citizen; a resident of the municipality for the last 4 years as attested by the barangay/school records; of good moral character and in good health. For the Merit Scholarship program, the applicant must belong to the upper 5% of the high school graduating class; a natural-born Filipino citizen; in good health; and of good moral character.

Qualified applicants will be given Tuition Fee (not

to exceed P 8,000.00/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.

Application forms and brochures are available at the DOST- CAR Office located at Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet or in any of the DOST Provincial/Urban Science and Technology Centers in Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province. The deadline for filing of application is on August 23, 2013 while the qualifying examination is scheduled on September 22, 2013 (Sunday).

For further information about the scholarship program, please contact Dr. Osmundo B. Belmonte- ARD- TSD/ Scholarship Coordinator; Ms. Maritess A. Banaña or Ms. Evelyn A. Sicat- Scholarship staff at (074) 422-0979 and 422-2214. (mabanaña)

Scholarship.. from page 1

The ITDI-DOST portable biogas digester is a technology using an air-tight, oxygen-free vessel, fed with organic material like hog manure, where the microbial digestion takes place to produce biogas.

10 April - June 2013

feature

In the year 2008, I was granted the privilege of becoming a DOST Merit Scholar. Whether by luck or by rightfully deserving it, I was grateful as of that moment hence. I’ve heard about the perks and benefits, such as the allowance given by the government, the

possibility of landing a job immediately after graduation and bearing the title “scholar”. Little did I know that there are more to it than just the said incentives.

Scholarship as a title. Being called a scholar immediately adds a plus to your attitude. Somehow it makes you feel good in a way that you feel rather special. It also gains your respect from your acquaintances and your opinions are noteworthy. On the other hand the title bears a certain weight to it other than those ego boosters. You must satisfy the expectations of the people around you, you must prove that you are a reliable source to really make your opinions noteworthy, and you must persevere to maintain the respect given to you by other people.

Scholarship as an incentive.One of the most beneficial among the incentives is the financial aid given by the government. It helps reduce the load of the tuition fees and it can be used in case of immediate need or emergencies. As a scholar, in our school in this case, there is a schedule allotted for you so you may enroll earlier, arrange your schedule to your convenience,

and avoid the long lines in the cashier. There is also the Summer Practical Training offered in the contract. This requires you to undergo On-the-Job training during the summer preceding your last year in college. This gives you the advantage of knowing the ethics in the workplace, teaches you what attitude you must demonstrate, and how to deal with different kinds of people.

Scholarship as a factor in personal growth. Being a scholar certainly affects the personal growth of one person. It will hone you to be disciplined, to persevere, to endure, and to be humble. Discipline and perseverance are what you will need in order to maintain your scholarship. In my experience, these two are core values that one must develop first in order to flourish. However, these two are not the only things that a person must have. One must also have a positive mind-set, learn how to accept failure and use it as a motivation, become resourceful, and be confident in his actions. Endurance is somewhat important in order not to succumb to pressure and failure. There is an additional pressure to a scholar for he/she must maintain a grade, and if possible, obtain a high grade/average. Also, expectations of family, friends, and relatives are high. Knowing these, a scholar may not be able to deal with failure knowing that disappointment and embarrassment follows it. He/she must be able to overcome that failure, use it as a motivation, and prove it to him/herself that she could do it. Finally, humility is important to every person. One cannot simply flaunt and brag about his privileges, advantages, and perks unless he/she wants to be alone, discriminated, and avoided. One must learn how to accept the compliments given to him/her humbly for in this way you may be respected even more.

DOST PRIDEMy Life as a DOST Scholar

Ryan Miel S. Buyong, 2008 DOST Merit ScholarBS Electronics and Communications Engineering

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releases

Training on DRRM for Mathematics Teachers conducted by DOST-SEI on May 7-9, 2013 at La Trinidad, Benguet.

ARG installation in Pudtol, Apayao on June 13, 2013 at the Pudtol LGU compound.

photo

Awareness Seminar on PNS ISO/IEC17025:2005 on April 11, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Room.

Press Conference/Kapihan sa DOST-CAR on May 2, 2013 at the DOST-CAR Conference Room.

Visit of the JICA representatives in DOST-CAR last April 14, 2013

PSHS OJT closing activities last April 16, 2013

IFSU STARBOOKS Digital Library Upgrade on April 24, 2013

The USTC-Baguio attended the celebration of the 115th Independence Day on June 12, 2013 in Baguio City with the theme “Kalayaan 2013 Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran”

12 April - June 2013

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s & t trivia

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

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is

like a tree without roots.

Marcus Garvey

Weather Forecasting Through the Agesby: Hansi G. Dinumla

The art of weather forecasting began with early civilizations using reoccurring astronomical and meteorological events to help them monitor seasonal changes in the weather. Around 650 B.C., the Babylonians tried to predict short-term weather changes based on the appearance of clouds and optical phenomena such as haloes. By 300 B.C., Chinese astronomers had developed a calendar that divided the year into 24 festivals, each festival associated with a different type of weather.

Around 340 B.C., the Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote Meteorologica, a philosophical treatise that included theories about the formation of rain, clouds, hail, wind, thunder, lightning, and hurricanes. In addition, topics such as astronomy, geography, and chemistry were also addressed. Aristotle made some remarkably acute observations concerning the weather, along with some significant errors, and his four-volume text was considered by many to be the authority on weather theory for almost 2000 years. Although many of Aristotle’s claims were erroneous, it was not until about the 17th century that many of his ideas were overthrown.

Throughout the centuries, attempts have been made to produce forecasts based on weather lore and personal observations. However, by the end of the Renaissance, it had become increasingly evident that the speculations of the natural philosophers were inadequate and that greater knowledge was necessary to further our understanding of the atmosphere. In order to do this, instruments were needed to measure the properties of the atmosphere, such as moisture, temperature, and pressure. The first known design in western civilization for a hygrometer, an instrument to measure the humidity of air, was described by Nicholas Cusa (c.1401-1464, German) in the mid-fifteenth century. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642, Italian) invented an early thermometer in 1592 or shortly thereafter; and Evangelista Torricelli (1608-1647, Italian) invented the barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure in 1643.

While these meteorological instruments were being refined during the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, other related observational, theoretical, and technological developments also contributed to our knowledge of the atmosphere; and individuals at scattered locations began to make and record atmospheric measurements. The invention of the telegraph and the emergence of telegraph networks in the mid-nineteenth century allowed the routine transmission of weather observations to and from observers and compilers. Using these data, crude weather maps were drawn and surface wind patterns and storm systems could be identified and studied. Weather-observing stations began appearing all across the globe, eventually spawning the birth of synoptic weather forecasting, based on the compilation and analysis of many observations taken simultaneously over a wide area, in the 1860s.

With the formation of regional and global meteorological observation networks in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, more data were becoming available for observation-based weather forecasting. A great stride in monitoring weather at high altitudes was made in the 1920s with the invention of the radiosonde. Small lightweight boxes equipped with weather instruments and a radio transmitter, radiosondes are carried high into the atmosphere by a hydrogen or helium-filled balloon that ascends to an altitude of about 30 kilometers before bursting. During the ascent, these instruments transmit temperature, moisture, and pressure data (called soundings) back to a ground station. There, the data are processed and made available for constructing weather maps or insertion into computer models for weather prediction. Today, radiosondes are launched every 12 hours from hundreds of ground stations all over the world.

http://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WxForecasting/wx2.php