DOST recognizes 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐜 LGU 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay and Nicole Shane Fidchao

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) bestowed Bontoc a plaque of recognition for its “outstanding progress, making the municipality one of the most remarkable in Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program implementers in the Cordillera Administrative Region.”
    The plaque  was received by Sangguniang Bayan members Viola Okko and Timothy Pongad, Jr., along with Science and Technology coordinator Jenelyn Caluza during the 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week held in Bangued, Abra, last September 28-29.
    The Bontoc CEST initiatives have become a shining example of how science, technology, and innovation can act as catalysts for sustainable growth and development in Mountain Province being selected as the Provincial Best CEST Awardee and a regional nominee, officials said.
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., in his message delivered by SB Member Okko, said the recognition conferred to the Municipality of Bontoc was a humbling and inspiring feat, not only to the Bontoc local government but to the Bontoc community and partner stakeholders.
    He added the recognition served as testament to tireless dedication and commitment of the government towards the progress of the municipality.
    With best practices of Bontoc, it was cited that the innovative initiatives have not only improved the lives of residents but have also set a benchmark for others to follow in the pursuit of science and technology-driven progress.
    The mayor said the award reaffirmed the Bontoc LGU's position as a hub of innovation and a model for harnessing the power of science and technology to address community needs and achieve development.
    The recognition also cited importance of nurturing a culture of scientific exploration and innovation at the grassroots level.
    "This is a challenge for us to raise the bar higher in bringing government services to the community. I firmly believe that science for the people means the kind of science which changes the lives of people, and which can push the community forward and make the lives of people more comfortable and humane,” the mayor said.
    Part of the present administration's initiatives in empowering communities is the implementation of the DOST-CEST program in the barangays of Bontoc namely Dalican, Guina-ang, and Mainit. 
    The plaque of recognition was formally handed over to Mayor Tudlong and Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen on Oct. 2 during the Monday flag raising ceremony.

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Bontoc inks agreement with DOST and MPGCHS

 By Christy Mae F. Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province - In a significant move to advance science and technology education in the region, the Bontoc local government  signed memorandum of agreement with the Dept. of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region and Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS).
    The collaborative effort aimed to implement a project called "Science and technology education through robotics for Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School."
    The MOA signing ceremony took place at the municipal capitol on July 10, attended by senior education program specialist school mobilization networking section of DepEd-Mountain Province, Sonia Batnag, MPGCHS personnel led by Principal Atkinson Tudlong, Minerva Songaben OIC of the Provincial Science and Technology Office-Mountain Province, Jenelyn Caluza and municipal accountant Yolanda Comafay.
    The partnership stipulated their commitment in providing students with access to advanced technology and hands-on learning experiences, enabling them to develop critical skills for 21st-century workforce.
    Under the project, MPGCHS will be provided with a total of ₱234,426.74 to include ₱174,426.74 from DOST-CAR, ₱10,000.00 from MPGCHS as its counterpart, and ₱50,000.00 from the Bontoc LGU under Special Education Fund.
    The project aims to equip science teachers and students with 21st-century learning styles.
    Mayor Tudlong the collaboration will enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
    "This project represents our commitment to investing in the future of our youth. By providing them with access to robotics education, we are empowering them to become future innovators, problem solvers, and contributors to the advancement of our society," he added.
 
 
 
 
 

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DoST holds Smart Tabuk projects gab

TECH IN EDUCATION 

Vice Jacob Visaya

TABUK CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with the Isabela State University (ISU), initiated the Smart Tabuk City Roadmap Formulation workshop as they drumbeat innovation and transformation here on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
    The roadmap will serve as a guide to develop priority research programs, projects and activities that are aligned under the Smarter City Framework. "It contains vital steps and milestones to achieve the city's goals and bring research ideas into realization," Raquel Santos, DoST Smart City focal person.
    She discussed the DoST Smart City Framework and the Smart City Roadmap formulated by the Philippine Council for Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.
    Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo, ISU program director of the Business Intelligence Development Center, shared the center's developed programs and other related technologies under the Smarter City Program.
    She also expounds on identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, challenges, aspirations and results, and Cauayan City's experiences on their smart city journey.
    She added that this activity is also one of the ways the agency can optimize its functions and promote economic growth while improving the quality of life for citizens by using smart technologies and data analysis.
    The DoST Regional Office 2,as an active player in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem, announced that it will continue to support not just Cauayan City but also the whole region in implementing smarter city and community solutions.
    The agency will also remain steadfast in elevating the cities and communities by harnessing the potentials of emerging technologies, expanding technology development and innovation for industry and energy, and developing science and technology interventions and solutions to generate more opportunities and achieve economic sustainability, Dr. Virginia Bilgera, DoST regional director, said.
    The activity was attended by the local government unit of Tabuk City, Provincial Science and Technology Office-Kalinga, Kalinga State University, City Environment and Natural Resources Office-Tabuk City, and Bureau of Fire Protection-Tabuk City, among others.
 

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DOST cites Ilocos Norte tech, science, innovation champion

LAOAG CITY -- The Dept. of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-1) recognized the Province of Ilocos Norte as one of its science, technology, and innovation champions during the "2022 Regional Science and Technology Week," Nov. 9  at Pangasinan Training and Development Center 2 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The celebration of "Science and Technology Week" at the national and regional levels was institutionalized in 1982 through Proclamation No. 2214.
    This year, local government units, agencies, students, stakeholders, and the public celebrated with the theme "Agham at Teknolohiya: Kaakibat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan."
     "Through the Regional Science and Technology Week, we are able to highlight the significant contribution of science and technology to national development and create a platform to herald our post for a science and technology culture in the country," said Romeo M. Javate, chief of Science Research, and Specialist of Technology Application and Promotion Institute.
    The Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium of the Province of Ilocos Norte was awarded a plaque of recognition for its efforts in advancing science, technology, and innovation and for its contributions towards the accomplishment of DOST’s goals.
     The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte under Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc supports and partners with DOST-Ilocos Norte and its regional office in developing science and technology in the province for the Ilokano community.
    The construction of the "One Store Hub" at the Paseo de Paoay was a collaboration of PGIN and DOST-Ilocos Norte to help homegrown micro, small, and medium enterprises market their products, increase their sales, prepare their products for export, and jump-start their overall operations.
    Along with this project, the DOST gifted four units of the RxBox Telemedicine Device, and the first-ever vending machine for local products in the province to the provincial government.
     The province, through the Sustainable Development Center, was given 15 units of portable solar dryers, or "portasols," for the drying of high-value crops. This greatly improved the province’s agricultural technology, especially in the production, drying, and transporting of crops.
     "With the established and continuing programs of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Department of Science and Technology, we have truly proven that Ilokano is more than equipped to take on greater challenges," Gov. Manotoc said.
    The Science and Technology Week celebration also featured applied research, technology transfer, technology commercialization, and science and technology promotion, as well as the conduct of the scientific meeting, a technical investment forum, interactive exhibits, a mobile planetarium, technology demonstrations, and technical tours.－Allyssa Charisse G. Magno, Geraldine R. Ulep, and Kenneth Dhovan Natividad, PGIN-CMO interns
 
 
 

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Gab held on pandemic, crisis in Ilocos Region

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Sec. Renato Solidum Jr. said Wednesday, Nov. 9, that it was science that played a key role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented socioeconomic crisis in the past two years.
    "We may still be reeling from the effects of the pandemic now but the world is slowly recovering. Thanks to science, which played a key role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented socioeconomic crisis," said Solidum in a video message at the opening of the three-day Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in Ilocos Region here.
    He said that science provided vaccines, equipment and innovative solutions to address the crisis.
    "The importance of science and technology cannot be understated. This is why the DoST has been at the forefront of the country's battle against the pandemic since it began," Solidum said.

    Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd, who was represented by former board member Von Mark Mendoza, thanked the DoST for holding the RSTW celebration in this capital town.

    "All the challenges that we are facing as a country and people, science always has the answer," said Mendoza.

    He also said that although Pangasinan is the biggest province in Region 1, it has yet to fully harness science and technology.

    DoST Region 1 Director Armando Ganal said that Ilocos is just one of the 16 regions in the country celebrating RSTW but on different dates. The celebrations, he said, will culminate in a national celebration on November 23 to 27 at the World Trade Center.

    "Here in the region, it will be three days, no entrance fee. We have a technology exhibit and we have a technology bazaar in two separate buildings," Ganal said.

    The reason for this, he said, was to enable them to attract more people and bring back the way they promoted science and technology advocacies before the pandemic.

    "We also have a technology forum, where we will have discussions about different technologies. We also have a gathering of business establishment owners and a stakeholders' forum," Ganal said.

    Aside from the RSTW, Ganal said the DoST provincial offices had been also conducting science technology caravans to bring its programs, projects and services to the countryside 

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Launching program to up innovation in Cordillera

Research and Development

Virginia Anceno

BAGUIO CITY -- The regional research, development, and innovation committee (RRDIC) with Science and Technology regional director Nancy Bantog as chairperson in collaboration with Dept. of Trade and Industry Cordillera launched ATTRACT (Accelerators towards transformative regional advancement, competitiveness, and transcendence) Nov. 4 here at the University of the Cordilleras (UC).
    “The launching aims to promote ATTRACT as a marketing brand of the region’s regional inclusive innovation center (RIIC)”, DTI assistant regional director Samuel Gallardo said.
    RDC Secretary and NEDA ARD Stephanie F. Christiansen bared enabling mechanisms for innovation and related RDC initiatives such as the creation of the RRDIC with RIIC as its banner program.
    She cited need to establish a sub-national innovation database guided by innovation ecosystem framework to allow for a better innovation narrative and clear entry points for improvement.
    “Innovation is an emerging priority of the current administration as contained in the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand E. Marcos,” she added. 
    Christiansen mentioned the Innovation Fund under Republic Act 11293 and criteria to assess proposals.      
 “There are about 22,540 establishments in the region with a 10.1 percent growth rate.  However, total employment in the region decreased by 12.3 percent or 14,963 fewer employed individuals from 2018 to 2021,” Bantog said. “For them to seize these opportunities, they need guidance and assistance to better anticipate, adjust and prepare for bigger demands and competition.”
    “With the current market behaviors and widened opportunities through digitalization, we need to infuse new technologies that introduce new and relevant goods that are efficiently produced at optimized capacity and sold at reasonable prices.  Our MSMEs need to cope with innovation that will match the fast and shifting behaviors of consumers that demand for essentials and goods ,”Dept. of Trade and Industry  Juliet Lucas said.
    DICT Regional Dir. Rey Parnacio presented ICT programs and projects supporting the start-ups, while Rene B. Misa of Cordillera School of Digital Arts talked on prospect and role of digital arts on innovation.
    Dr. Thelma Palaoag of UC and project leader of the TARAKI innovation hub committed to strengthen the start-up ecosystem of the RIIC through the ATTRACT.
    The TARAKI is a consortium composed of technology business incubators housed at the UC with Saint Louis University and Benguet State University as members.
    The RIIC intends to establish, mobilize and strengthen an innovation ecosystem in the Cordillera aligned with the Philippine Innovation Act and the Innovative Start-up Act or RA 11337.
    RDC vice-chairperson and National Economic  Development Authority regional director Susan A. Sumbeling is vice chairperson of the RDC’s committee on economic development under which the RRDIC operates.
 

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Gab held on pandemic, crisis in Ilocos Region

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Sec. Renato Solidum Jr. said Wednesday, Nov. 9, that it was science that played a key role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented socioeconomic crisis in the past two years.
    "We may still be reeling from the effects of the pandemic now but the world is slowly recovering. Thanks to science, which played a key role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented socioeconomic crisis," said Solidum in a video message at the opening of the three-day Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in Ilocos Region here.
    He said that science provided vaccines, equipment and innovative solutions to address the crisis.
    "The importance of science and technology cannot be understated. This is why the DoST has been at the forefront of the country's battle against the pandemic since it began," Solidum said.
Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd, who was represented by former board member Von Mark Mendoza, thanked the DoST for holding the RSTW celebration in this capital town.
    "All the challenges that we are facing as a country and people, science always has the answer," said Mendoza.
    He also said that although Pangasinan is the biggest province in Region 1, it has yet to fully harness science and technology.
    DoST Region 1 Director Armando Ganal said that Ilocos is just one of the 16 regions in the country celebrating RSTW but on different dates. The celebrations, he said, will culminate in a national celebration on November 23 to 27 at the World Trade Center.
    "Here in the region, it will be three days, no entrance fee. We have a technology exhibit and we have a technology bazaar in two separate buildings," Ganal said.

    The reason for this, he said, was to enable them to attract more people and bring back the way they promoted science and technology advocacies before the pandemic.

    "We also have a technology forum, where we will have discussions about different technologies. We also have a gathering of business establishment owners and a stakeholders' forum," Ganal said.

    Aside from the RSTW, Ganal said the DoST provincial offices had been also conducting science technology caravans to bring its programs, projects and services to the countryside

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DELTA variant and other mutants

Victor RG Dumaguing

The Delta variant apparently is the “anointed ambassador of illwell” of the microbes particularly the viruses bringing to almost all countries in planet Earth its dubious credentials- increased transmissibility, faster development of the signs and symptom of Covid 19 and the feared significant reduction of efficacy and strength of available vaccines in preventing full-blown disease and death from infection of SARs Co-V 2 _corona virus.
    The World Health Organization has classified viruses either as “virus of interest”- which include the once-touted Philippine and Hongkong virus- and “virus of concern,” the ones which have caused alarming rise in morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) especially among the so-called low/middle income countries which challenged their health systems in terms of medical equipment as well as professional health care, not to mention the problem of decent respectable disposal of their beloved dead.
    At the moment, the world is dealing with the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants, with the possible inclusion of the Lambda discovered lately in Peru, with a collective global prayer that these pesky variants would not reach Omega for their identification.
    A change in the characteristic of a cell- humans, animals, plants-caused by a change in the DNA molecule which is the core of the genome or genetic endowments of the organism-human, animal, plant- that is transmissible to the offspring/children is called MUTATION. The genetic endowments of a particular organism example humans can be divided into Phenotype, which are the physical manifestations of the genes of the person like the color of the eyes, dimples, bridge of the nose, even flat footedness. The Genotype is the non-physical aspects of heredity like IQ, aptitude in math, talent in music and the arts.
    There are three categories of mutation. Scientists and experts in microbiology agree that in all likelihood, most mutations are silent or neutral mutations meaning, they have no effect on the cell of the microbe.. There is also harmful mutation that involves the production of a non-functional enzyme, an enzyme crucial to the different metabolic reactions that are essential to the continuity of life and survival of the microbe. This is also called lethal mutation. Beneficial mutations as the name implies are of benefit to the microbe,. An example would be a mutation that enables the microbe or the virus to survive in an environment where organisms without that mutation would die. As a result this mutation enables the organism or the virus to be resistant to anti-microbial drugs, example antibiotics if the microbe in question is a bacteria. It is reasonable to assume that the more vicious variants of microbes especially viruses, are more likely to develop in places where there are many infected persons who mutually continue to spread the virus among themselves.
    The Delta variant is unanimously considered by both epidemiologists and clinicians as the most dangerous Covid 19 virus. Compared to patients who contract the other earlier variants-UK, South Africa, Brazil- who can transmit to 3-5 other persons, one Delta variant patient can spread the virus to 8 persons in a much shorter time exposure of even just five minutes within an enclosed space, compared to the usual 15-30 minutes observed with the other variants.
    Statistics of health professionals in the United States and Europe show that most deaths arising from Covid 19 infections, particularly by the Delta variant, are unvaccinated persons, a fact noted by our Filipino doctors who together with IATF , continue to pursue widespread dissemination of health information and promotion of roll out of vaccines for our desired population protection of the entire Filipino nation.                                                                                           

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DOST, groups set program to protect Cordillera mountains

By Christian Robert Sandoval

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region launched two programs to aid in preservation of Cordillera mountains amidst natural disasters and urbanization through innovative engineering solutions and ensure water security and climate resilience for mountain communities.

 The launching of the two DOST research and development programs in CAR was held here June 8 with a press conference.
    The event was attended by regional Philippine Information Agency, media, academe, line agencies, provincial government units of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and municipal governments of Sallapadan, Abra; Itogon, Tuba, Tublay; La Trinidad, Benguet; Baguio City; Banaue, Ifugao; Tabuk City, Tinglayan, Kalinga; Bontoc and Bauko, Mountain Province. 

The first program, namely, “Program boondock: A mountain engineering center towards sustainable infrastructure and upland water security,” is a collaborative effort of the DOST-CAR with the University of the Cordilleras, Kalinga State University, Saint Louis University and Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center — one of Research Centers of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.

The program seeks to enhance industrial competitiveness of the Cordillera in agriculture, tourism and mobility through mountain engineering solutions and promote social and human development through upland water security, and environmental sustainability.

Funded by the DOST science for change program (S4CP) niche centers in regions, Program Boondock aims an estimated P1-billion savings in infrastructure damage due to landslides and extreme flooding in a span of three to five years while safeguarding lives.

The R&D center, which is the second NICER program in CAR (the first being the Potato Research and Development Center of Benguet State University in 2019), will have a total funding of P62 million and will target to increase agriculture production by 20% and provide sustainable water resources management solutions.

Since 2017, 35 NICER centers have been established in 17 regions across the country, amounting to P1.7 billion devoted to support the country’s R&D initiatives.

The second program, titled “Ensuring water security and climate-resilience for mountain indigenous communities of the Cordillera through technology-enhanced decision support tools” is expected to bring about sufficient, clean and safe domestic water supply in mountain communities especially during the dry season.

The program, which is a partnership of DOST-CAR with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College and University of the Cordilleras  and funded by the DOST- National Research Council of the Philippines, will provide the necessary data and information to support decisions on water resources development for water supply more resilient to climate change and technology-enhanced information and decision support system for  conservation of rivers and watersheds of the Cordillera.  

The “program boondock” and “water security program” aim to enhance research and development in addressing calamities and protecting  lives, livelihood and natural resources in Cordillera.

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DOST projects set for 3 Bontoc ELCAC villages

By Carlito C. Dar

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Dept. of Science and Technology Cordillera through its Provincial S&T Center here has partnered with local government and community stakeholders for Community Empowerment through Science and Technology(CEST)   program in three identified End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC ) barangays in this municipality.
    DOST Provincial S&T Center director Alfonso Berto and Mayor Franklin Odsey led other stakeholders in signing memorandum of agreement at municipal hall on May 10 for the project dubbed  “S&T Intervention for CTG–affected areas in Bontoc, Mountain Province” which will  benefit  barangays  Dalican, Guina-ang and Mainit.
    The DOST-CEST project   aims to develop sustainable livelihood bring in human resource development, help  in water and sanitation and enhance  access to S&T information to  three remote  barangay beneficiaries mostly dependent on farming and agri-business and also dependent on wells and springs for their water supply.
    DOST will help establish Muscovado (sugarcane sugar) processing center for Darlic Irrigators Association of Dalican and meat processing venter for Vinnachang Mainit PWD Organization.
    Technical, entrepreneurship, value adding and marketing trainings are also set under the program. 
    To improve access to S&T information for children and youth in the barangays, the project also includes a DOST Starbooks digital library for elementary schools in each of the barangay beneficiaries including training for its operation.
    To help in water and sanitation, DOST ceramic water filters   will be distributed through the Dept, of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries -52 in Mainit, 43 in Dalican and 65 in Guina-ang.
DOST regional director Nancy Bantog said in a statement. She affirmed their agency’s commitment in joining the other government agencies in espousing ELCAC. -- PIA

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DOST: P15.4M for Cordi rebel- influenced towns

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Science and Technology has allocated P9 million funds for its community empowerment through science and technology (CEST) project for insurgency– affected and isolated areas in Cordillera   this 2021.
    This is in line with the government’s goal to bring inclusive and sustainable growth to every community in the country even as Grade 12 students in the region were urged to apply for DOST scholarship program. 
    DOST Cordillera will also bring in around 3.96 million from its regional grant-in-aid program while involved local government units will have their counterpart of P2.46 million.
    DOST Cordillera director Nancy Bantog said under the CEST program, 59 barangays in 14 municipalities in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province are set to benefit from science and technology programs that focus on economic development, health and nutrition, human resource development, environmental protection and conservation; and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
    The 2021 CEST program will commence this March and will be implemented up to December of this year.
    It aims to achieve a sustained and improved livelihood conditions, developed science culture in schools, improved health and nutrition, disaster resilient and environment - friendly community, in all the target areas.
     Aside from bringing in sustainable livelihood programs for the residents of identified barangays, DOST Cordillera will also bring in the Starbooks for enhanced access to S&T information to priority public schools, the ceramic water filter technology for potable drinking water, food for nutritional school feeding program and other DOST-developed technologies that will help in environmental protection and DRR-CCA, among others, Bantog said.
    DOST Cordillera has  scholars from every municipality in Cordillera but  it is looking on how to  bring more scholarship grantees from barangay beneficiaries as DOST.– PIA Cordillera

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DOST gives specimen collection booth for COVID-19 in Region 1

By Erwin Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1 has provided seven units of Specimen Collection Booth (SCB) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to four medical centers in the region on May 7.

The SCB units were given to Medical Center in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Ilocos Training and Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union, and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, and to the Department of Health Region 1 Center for Health and Development in La Union.

The booths were designed and made by Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise, Inc. (FAME), a DOST-PCIEERD Start-up Grant-awardee, and has passed initial performance assessment from the Regional Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. The design was based on testing booths used in other Asian countries.

Each SCB is provided with proper ventilation and a protective barrier, as well as seats, ensuring safety and comfort for both front-liner and suspected COVID-19 patient. Its window has nitrile gloves that are constantly disinfected after every use. Disposable gloves can also be worn before wearing the SCB’s gloves.

The booth has a pressure sensor that will alert the front-liner if the door was not properly closed or if there is air from the outside coming in. It also has a thermal scanner that will record the temperature of the patient.

The test will be administered by swabbing the patient’s nose and throat. The sample will then be given to accredited laboratories for diagnosis.

Aside from the DOST, partners and combined efforts of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) committed to elevate the Filipino’s quality of life through science and technology in meeting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

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DOST Sec: Mountain engineering tourism can boost tourism

Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- For a mountainous terrain as the host province here in during observance of regional science and technology week (RSTW), mountain engineering can spur economic development.

Dept. of Science and Technology Sec. Fortunato de la Pena in his speech during said RSTW said mountain engineering can be geared towards a bigger objective -- sustainable tourism.

The RSTW celebration held Nov. 19-22, highlighted an exhibit showcasing DOST products of DOST beneficiaries, fora on topics on science and technology, a science workshop for elementary and high school students and a disaster resilience summit for kids.

In his message, de la Pena said the RSTW “seeks to draw attention to scientific knowledge and technological applications impacting on the lives of Filipinos through the kind of development that can bring about positive, meaningful, and sustainable change.”  

De la Pena in a separate press conference said mountain engineering can be applied within the context of protecting biodiversity.

Mountain Province like the rest of the Cordillera regional provinces is characterized by a landlocked terrain with most of the land area being forested and a few locations such as Tabuk, Kalinga and Paracelis Moutnain Province composed of vast plains. The main form of livelihood is farming and some areas on tourism.

A favorite destination for eco-tourism, the Cordillera is endowed with attractive sites for trekking, sightseeing and spelunking aside from tourists getting a feel of the cultural richness of the people.   

Mountain engineering as a masteral course was first offered in 2002-2003 by a consortium of three universities- Benguet State University (BSU), Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of the Cordilleras (UC)  then called Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF).

The 45-unit MSMtE program “aims to train and develop a pool of highly trained and globally competitive engineers to help boost the mountain engineering field, ensure the preservation of the environment and improve the people’s environmental consciousness.”
The program addresses the needs of the mountain ranges, water and watershed management, soil mechanics and infrastructure.

Here at Mountain Province State Polytechnique College (MPSPC) responded to the call by the National Research Council of the Philippines of the DOST for the establishment of a center for indigenous/mountain engineering in the region.

The invitation called on MPSPC to take part in the government’s efforts to promote inclusiveness and development for all, through research by sharing ‘your’ expertise and mentoring future researchers, scientists, and engineers in the country.

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Solar rice insect trap tops 2019 Cordi invention

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- A solar-powered light trap for rice insect created by three students from Camalog National High School of Pinukpuk, Kalinga wins the SIBOL Award – Student Creative Research for High School category of the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) held  on November 19 – 20 here.

The entry of Alice Bayle, Brent Altero and Emmanuel Benzon, the eco - friendly physical light trap is cheap, easy to fabricate, portable, durable and easy to operate. Two solar powered light traps attract the rice insects then a blower strike them down into a collection chamber where they will remain trapped.

Bayle, Altero and Benzon were awarded with a certificate of recognition, P20, 000 cash prize and the right to represent the Cordillera region in the 2020 National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) SIBOL Award - High School category.

 For the  SIBOL Award -Student Creative Research for College,  the “Cognitime: Microcontroller-based Reaction and Movement Time Measuring Device for the Qualitative Assessment of Human Cognitive Function” entry   of Saint Louis University students  Sundee Aniver P. Marquez, Charles Rex S. Tamayo, Jayves DJ Macuha, Harold Jim Bugtong and Kurt Estocada was adjudged the regional winner.

For LIKHA Award (Creative Research) – Government Funded category, regional winner is the Cocoon Deflossing Machine invention of Norma Ramos, Espino Tiw – An and Leonardo Dumalhin of the Benguet State University.

For the LIKHA Award – Private Funded category, the “Double Load Radial Roller Bearing” by Inoc Broncano of the University of Baguio won.

For the Outstanding Utility Model category, regional winner is the Calamansi Peepling Cookies by Lynlyn Bawagan, Leah Bartolome and Arsenia Bayongan of Kalinga State University.

Regional winners from each category will qualify as finalists for the NICE in 2020.

Member of the Board of judges for the 2019 RICE are Virginia Aumentado and Maria Concepcion Zabala of Intellectual Property Office – Philippines, Norberto Ambaga of DOST – ITDA, Rolando Hipol of University of the Philippines – Baguio, Vhander Ramos of DOST – ASTI and Leonardo Caligtan of PLGU Mountain Province.

DOST – CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, in her keynote message during the closing and awarding ceremony expressed their deepest appreciation to provincial government of Mountain Province, the host school, their other partner agencies/institutions and all the participating entries for the successful staging of RICE 2019. Despite being conducted outside of Baguio City, it got overwhelming support with 105 entries, more than double the 51 entries in 2017.

“I believe that appreciation to science, technology and innovation activities among the students, researchers and inventors is increasing thus harnessing your creativity, inventiveness and science enthusiasm in coming up with these outputs… better products, better processes and innovative ideas,” she said.

Bantog also called for a continuing partnership in bringing science for the people as a driver of inclusive development.

“Inventions should always be solutions to problems of the general public or for the industry among others and while there is a need there must be inventions. While there are users, you still have lots to do in coming up with new and improved things,” Bantog added.

The RICE/NICE is an every two– year event of DOST and  its  attached agency, Technology Application and Promotion Institute(TAPI), to give recognition to the indispensable talent of Filipino inventors and to encourage others to venture into science and technology and innovations. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

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Saint Louis produces new breed of inventors

BAGUIO CITY-- The trend for future engineers is changing and Baguio’s biggest and oldest university, Saint Louis University (SLU), is adapting as it geared towards producing more scientists from the field of engineering.

“It is a high breed subject. A mixture of technology plus entrepreneurship. We aim to produce a new breed of engineers come 2024 who are not just thinking of their own technical expertise but what can the technology do to the community and earn from it,” said Architect Donna Tabangin, professor at SLU School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), the innovator of the SLU Incubator for Research Innovation and Business (SIRIB) Center during a press conference on Wednesday.

SIRIB is an Ilocano word which means “intellect”.

The press conference on Wednesday was also a venue to show the prototype of functional technologies developed by SEA students through the SIRIB center.

Tabangin said she got the idea of putting up a SIRIB center when she was on a scholarship at Berkeley University in California in 2016.

The concept of the SIRIB center is for students to come up with ideas on technology that will address actual problems of the community and make a functional prototype at the Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) that can be marketed.

The setting up of the SIRIB center was made possible through a PHP31 million partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Cynthia Posadas, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) of SLU, said the subject “Technopreneurship 101” is a mandate of the CHED, mandating a transition to the K-12 curriculum lowering from five to four years the Engineering program, and offering the said subject.

“All engineers who will graduate will have a technopreneurship mindset. While it does not mean they will all go to the track but as much as possible, that’s what we're supposed to believe ourselves to the mindset of technopreneurship, another direction of the career of engineers and architects,” Posadas said.

She added that all students under the SEA are required to get the three-unit subject composed of two units lecture, where students will come up with ideas, and one unit laboratory, where students will make a functional prototype of the idea at the FabLab.

                "It's part of curricula across all disciplines under the SEA," she said.

By 2024, around 2,000 engineering graduates of SLU are potential scientists and technopreneurs.

There were six prototypes of technologies that are ready for patenting and marketing--one of which is the "modified wheelchair”, which has been developed by Mechatronics Engineering students.

Prince William Lim, a 5th-year Mechatronics Engineering and one of the creators of the modified wheelchair, said their aim is to make the work of doctors and nurses handling patients easier.

It is like a wheelchair that can lift itself to the level of a medical bed to make it easier for a patient to be transferred.

Lim said the chair can flatten itself to become a bed, similar to that of a recliner or a foldable sofa bed.

Lim added that the prototype would remove the need for carrying patients to either the chair or their bed.

He said in collaboration with the Nursing Department of the university, the prototype is still undergoing further testing.

Another prototype that is ready for marketing is the “Dupli-Carving machine”.

JC Vincent Aquino, one of the inventors, said the machine is a collaboration with fellow students the machine is still manually operated but it helps with increasing the speed, by which sculptures are made.

It can help mass produce sculptures and wood-carved items, duplicating or copying an existing, making an exact copy of the original.

Another prototype is a technology that can be used in agricultural greenhouses where sensors are placed and self-assessment of the machine of the dryness of the soil will in itself water the plants.

The “Modular Drone” was adapted by Aboitiz company to be used in surveying an area without the need to deploy personnel to a site, reducing the chance of endangering the safety of the workers.

Compared to the regular drone already sold in the market, the students’ prototype is capable of showing a three-dimensional view of an area, complete with the height of an object, distance and the geography of the location.

As the drone is modular, the parts can be replaced easily with updated technology. The equipment can also be replaced without the need to return it to the manufacturer. (With a report from Michael Jerome de Guzman/ PNA)

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A story of culture and science: Bauko’s ceramic water filter

COMMUNITY FEATURE

BAUKO, Mountain Province -- Old and new, traditional and modern — these pair of words contradict each other but just as east meets west, one barangay in Bauko has found a way to bring culture and science together to benefit communities.

Looking back at tradition, pottery in Bila, Bauko traces way back before the Spanish came looking for the Igorot gold.

“Bila is one of the early villages in the Cordillera that the Spanish recorded and pottery was already an economic activity,” said Bauko Tourism Officer Arsenia Addon.

Through the barter system, pottery products from Bila have reached the lowlands in exchange of tobacco and salt.

Addon added the pots originally used as “pananuman” (water storage) and “panengdengan” (for cooking), are  in some ways, a reflection of the way of life of the Kankanaey in Bila during the olden times.

Responding to modern-day challenges

Climate change, water shortage, and various health concerns – these are some realities of the modern world that the innovation inspired by the traditional pottery of Bila addresses.

Engr. Namar Gawaban of the Municipal Planning Development Office explained that waterborne diseases are among the top morbidities in the municipality.

Tests done in the 22 barangays of Bauko showed “water sources already contain coliform and is positive of E. coli bacteria,” Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer Jake Oyang-o said.

The presence of E.coli bacteria in the town’s water sources poses risks especially on the health of residents.

Recognizing the issue, the Bauko local government and Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) came up with the ceramic water filter in 2013.

Minirva Songaben of DOST Mountain Province said the project was in line with DOST’s thrust on water sanitation, one of the five entry points of science and technology.

Having been tested before, Bila’s clay passed the requirements for the Ceramic Water Filter technology patented by the Industrial Development Institution of DOST.

The ceramic water filtration system is made up of six parts – the cover, ceramic water filter, upper bucket, plastic hook, and the lower bucket.

Tap water is first put into the upper bucket. The water then trickles down and passes through the ceramic water filter which is infused with Nanosilver.

Nanosilveris an antibacterial technology that kills microorganisms making the water safe for drinking.

With a capacity of two liters and filtration rate at two liters per hour, the ceramic water filter is easy to carry especially for those who work in gardens and farms.

The portable ceramic water filter is also useful during emergencies.

“This is very good for LGUs during disasters because our community will have potable water to drink,” Oyang-o recommended.

Towards healthier and wealthier communities

Not only bringing healthier options for the community, the Ceramic Water Filter technology also provides livelihood for the locals.

 “Uray haan kami mapan nga agbirok ti trabaho mi iti sabali nga ili ket adda met ditoy Bila mismo,” said Maribeth Popoten who is an employee of the ceramic water filter project.

A fourth class municipality, Bauko sees great potential in the project which is receiving orders not only around the region but from other parts of the country as well.

Oyang-o said DOST has recently purchased and distributed 990 pieces of ceramic water filter for their Empowering Communities Through Science and Technology Program in Paracelis, Mountain Province.

With orders in the pipeline, the municipality hopes for the sustainability of the ceramic water filter which helps create healthier and wealthier communities. (JDP/JJM-PIA CAR)

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Baguio’s summer events / National science tilt winners

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Baguio City gears up for this year’s “Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) in Baguio,” its annual calendar of activities for residents and tourists expected to flock to the city for the long vacation.   

For the first time since the annual summer offering was introduced in the early 1990s, the event will include a working committee devoted to activities on Creative Cities.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan who ordered the reorganization of the SUMVAC working bodies last week said this is in keeping with the city’s commitment as a Creative City under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Creative Cities Network (UCCN) to pursue creative endeavors towards productivity and sustainable development.

He tasked Coun. Elmer Datuin and Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo to chair the committee with City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente and UP Baguio Chancellor Raymund Rovillos as members.

The committees are tasked to begin ground preparations for the events including the traditional activities and the new ones in partnership with the different government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector. 

In his Administrative Order No. 29 series of 2019, the mayor tasked himself as chair of the executive committee with Rep. Marquez Go as honorary chair and Vice Mayor Edison Bilog as vice chair of the execom which will spearhead the activities and provide various attractions from April to May.

Council committee on tourism and special events chair Councilor Elmer Datuin and City Administrator Carlos Canilao will serve as action officers. 

As in the past years, the calendar is expected to offer an array of religious, cultural, historical, environmental, sports and medical activities.

 The mayor also named the composition of the various working committees:

*Araw ng Kagitingan, Liberation Day and Kafagway to be chaired by Councilor Peter Fianza with City Social Welfare and Development Officer Better Fangasan;

*Summer Arts Expo, Cultural and Baguio Musical Festival, Summer Tourism and Sports Activities by Coun. Elmer Datuin with Mapalo, City Planning and Dev’t Officer Evelyn Cayat and Sports Dev’t Officer III Gaudencio Gonzales;

*Summer Health and Environmental Programs by City Health Officer Rowena Galpo, former City Environment and Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana and City Veterinarian Brigit Piok;

*Jobs Fair/Labor Day activities by Executive Assistant V George Fortea;

*Communications Groups, Peace, Security and Traffic Assistance  by Canilao with City Police Chief Eliseo Tanding, Coun. Francisco Roberto Ortega and Neftali Marilla;

*Media Relations and Search for Lucky Summer Visitors -- Philippine Information Agency Cordillera Regional Director Helen Tibaldo, Public information Office and Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club members;

Wholesome Activities by City Human Resource Management Officer Augustin Laban III with the Baguio Character Council and various religious institutions;

Barangay Fiesta by Coun. Michael Lawana with Barangay Affairs Office under Noel Mabutas;

Streamer Road Signs Maintenance and Physical Arrangements and Logistics by City Buildings and Architecture Officer Nazita Banez and General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan.

***

BAGUIO CITY – The city council on Monday cited four grade school students in the city for their victories in the 16th National Science Quest held last February 8-10 at the Baguio Teachers Camp and Skyrise Hotel.

The body approved a resolution authored by Coun. Peter Fianza congratulating and commending Maria Jillian Calub, Grade IV at Quezon Hill Elementary School, Jaren Aowes, Andre Stefan Moynihan and Karissa Isabel Patriarca, all of Phases Learning Center for topping their respective events in the prestigious competition.

Calub, a resident of Quezon Hill Proper won first place in the category of Sci-Photojournalism where she showcased her knowledge, talents and skills in documenting events relevant to the theme of the competition, ““Technology Advancement through Research Inventions and Innovations in Sustaining Quality of Life.”

  Aowes, also of Quezon Hill barangay used his mastery of Science and chess to strategize his way to rulling the Sci-Chess event.

Moynihan also of Quezon Hill was crowned as “Ginoong Kalikasan 2019” while schoolmate Patriarca of San Luis was adjudged as “Binibining Kalikasan 2019” third best with both showing that “through looks, charm and knowledge, they can be the face of the youth in their advocacy towards a sustainable and healthy environment.”

Fianza said the triumph of the kids “is another testament that Baguio City is the ‘land of Champions,’  a continuing demonstration of what loving families, supportive teachers and nurturing schools can achieve.”

“Truly, the contestants of the city have earned the adulation and respect of other participants that have inspired our youths to believe in their capabilities and strive for excellence (thus) it is but proper that the City Government of Baguio recognizes the achievements of its youths,” he said.

The National Science Quest is a yearly event hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Association of Science Educators in the Philippines to bring the best students from all over the country to showcase their knowledge, creativity and innovative ideas besides the development of sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among science teachers and students.

The competitions which featured several categories aim to promote academic excellence in Science and Mathematics through exposing their talent, skills and potential in Science Research.

The categories were Science, Mathematics, Techno and Environmental Quiz  for nursery, kindergarten and preschool (NKP), elementary, junior and senior high school; Sci-Doku for elementary, junior and senior high school; Sci-Math Chess; Sci-Spotlight Competition; Sci-Art Coloring; Sci-Poster- Making Contest; Sci On-the-Spot Painting; Sci-Collage Making Science and Math History Competition; Sci-Essay Writing Competition; Sci-Impromptu Speaking (English and Filipino); Sci-PhotoJournalism; Sci-Spelling Bee; and Binibini at Ginoong Kalikasan.

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RDC committee pushes more science innovation

By Marlo T. Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Only in its third meeting after its creation by the Regional Development Council in February, the regional research, development and innovation committee (RRDIC) chaired by Det. Of Science and Technology listed its accomplishments and prospects for 2019.

Accomplishments include the resolution endorsing the proposal “Precision agriculture for seed potato production research and development center,” the conduct of the first landslide forum on Dec. 5, 2018, and the ongoing crafting of the Cordillera regional weaving development plan.

Bantog also presented research prospects of the committee which involve various research and development centers such as the Regional Textile Research and Development Center, Mining Research and Development Center, Tuklas Lunas Development Center, and the Indigenous People Research and Development Center.

Continuing partnerships with private institutions were also highlighted with the presentations of Saint Louis University and the University of the Cordilleras. Saint Louis University presented the convergence resilience program under the SLU incubator for research innovation and business (SIRIB) which nurtures entrepreneurship among engineering students of SLU. UC later presented the Geographic Information System Innovation Lab (GIS InnoLab), a DOST-funded project focused on formulating maps for use in various planning and development by private and public agencies and institutions in the region.

The committee commended the projects and urged them to focus on the most pressing needs of the region such as disaster response and mitigation.

Later, NEDA-CAR economic development specialist Jose Dado presented the proposed coverage of CAR in the Philippine LiDAR (light detection and ranging) program of DOST-UP Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (TCAGD) in UP Diliman.

 The LiDAR can provide hazard mapping resources for use in the region’s disaster vulnerability assessment and risk mitigation efforts. This was first proposed during the first landslide forum. However, the LiDAR covers only one-third of the Philippines and CAR is not yet included.

National Economic Development Authority research division chief Carmel Matabang noted that the committee must identify a government agency to act as the implementing body for the proposal to access the funding for the project.

Created Feb. 23, 2018 by the Regional Development Council, the RRDIC aims to harmonize and prioritize research and development activities in the region towards regional development. -- NEDA-SPCAR 

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