3rd Quarter Cordillera S&T Gazette

DOST-CAR stages NSTW in CAR, Highlights S&T Role in Achieving Admin’s Economic Agenda

■ MARY JOY FERRER

To celebrate Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI) in the region, the Department of Science and Technology- CAR (DOST-CAR) staged the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in CAR at the Benguet State University Gymnasium from September 20-22, 2022.

DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog said, “NSTW regional celebration is the biggest crowddrawing event that DOST-CAR and all other regional offices conduct every year and is recognized as a platform of informed exchanges on important S&T issues, development, and locally

WHAT’S INSIDE

Page 2.

DOST Assesses Earthquake Impacts in Abra, Other CAR Provinces

Page 3.

DOST, Partners Launch Baguio City Ground Shaking Hazard Maps

Page 4.

DOST-CAR Enhances Disaster Risk Assess ment In CAR Thru Training-Workshop On Basic GIS

developed technologies.”

This year’s theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” highlights the importance of STI and how it works for regional development and the people.

Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., in his keynote address during the program, said that the Department is realigning its major programs to the priorities set by the current administration.

“We shall refocus some of our major programs to align research and development (R&D) on agriculture and food security, transportation, health, renewable energy, and job creation

with the economic agenda of the Marcos administration. Programs on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation shall continue to be at the fore. Meanwhile, job security, countryside development, digital transformation, and smart, sustainable cities and communities will continue to be a priority for 2022-2028,” Secretary Solidum said, keynoting the opening ceremonies of the NSTW in CAR.

Further, the three-day celebration highlighted programs, projects and initiatives of the DOST on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), research and development (R&D), and Cordilleran textiles through S&T exhibit, S&T Bazaar, webinars, forum, SETUP and CEST Summit, and Cordillera weaves fashion and talk show. continued on pg 6

Page 5.

DOST-CAR, Partners Continue to Boost Weaving Industry in the Cordillera

Page 9.

DOST-CAR, Partners Promote Startups And Innovation In The Cordillera

Page 10.

DOST-CAR Prepares Benguet In The Im plementation Of iSTART

Page 11.

3rd DOST Regional Directors’ Meeting Solidifies S&T Development Programs

Page 12.

14 DOST-SEI Scholars Studying In CAR Joined The North Luzon Cluster Scholars Leadership Boot Camp

Page 13.

DOST-CAR CY 2022 Accomplishments from January to September 2022

The S&T Exhibit opens at the Benguet State University Gymnasium from September 20-22 to showcase all research-and-development output as well as innovative products and services developed and offered by DOST.

DOST Assesses Earthquake Impacts in Abra, Other CAR Provinces

■ MARY JOY FERRER

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the DOST (DOST-PHIVOLCS) deployed their Quick Response Team (QRT) in Abra to conduct Earthquake-Induced Geologic Hazards and Impacts Assessment following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck the province on July 27, 2022 in the morning.

With the assistance from the DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) through Provincial S&T Office-Abra (PSTO-Abra), the team was also able to conduct assessments particularly on Fault Movement Analysis, Intensity Report Validation, Aftershocks Monitoring, Geologic Impacts Assessment, and Building Damage Survey. Earthquake information, education, and communication (IEC) activities were also conducted for Local Government Units (LGUs) and local residents in the affected areas and eight (8) temporary seismic stations were deployed for the aftershocks monitoring. The team was also able to assist the LGUs in assessing selected evacuation/ relocation sites in terms of earthquake hazards. The said post-disaster and quick response activities in Abra were conducted on July 27 to August 8, 2022 with daily presentation of assessment reports to the PRDDM Council.

In an exit conference with the Abra Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), DOST-PHIVOLCS Supervising Science

Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez presented that there were documented earthquake-induced landslides and tension cracks in the mountainous areas and liquefaction occurred along the river channels in Abra. In addition, six (6) areas were recommended for evacuation and another six (6) for relocation to the identified evacuation and relocation sites. Other recommendations in case of another felt earthquake were also presented by Mr. Perez.

On the other hand, similar activities on impacts assessment and earthquake information dissemination in Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Ifugao were also conducted by other DOST-PHIVOLCS QRT, together with the respective DOST-CAR PSTOs and the Provincial & Municipal DRRM Offices.

Moreover, DOST-CAR was able to deliver 720 packs of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken corn soup and potato-carrot soup from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and 5000 packs of Enhanced Nutribun to the Provincial Government of Abra. Radio equipment sets were also deployed to the Abra PDRRM Operation Center under the Radio networks Establishment for Allweather Communications in the Highlands (REACH) project to enhance the communication network for early warning and monitoring of hazards and incidents in the province.

DOST-PHIVOLCS QRT investigates the crown or topmost part of earthquakeinduced landslides in Sitio Amianan (Cagaban), Brgy. Talogtog, Dolores, Abra.

DOST-CAR turns over Ready-to-Eat (RTE) emergency foods to the PDRRM Office.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

QRT conducts Geologic Impact Assessment in Sagada, Mt. Province

DOST-PHIVOLCS QRT together with DOST-CAR conduct an earthquake information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign and interview to the households in Kibungan, Benguet.

DOST, Partners Launch Baguio City Ground Shaking Hazard Maps

■ DAISY LOU QUINIO

The DOST-PHIVOLCS together with DOST-CAR and City Government of Baguio launched today, 08 September 2022, the Baguio City Ground Shaking Hazard Maps (BCGSHM) , a series of seismic maps that details the earthquake risk reduction efforts with consideration to the mountainous terrain of the City.

The hazard map shows how an earthquake might affect certain areas, said DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog. As such, this can be a tool for the LGU to improve its development plan towards a smart and resilient Baguio.

“Considering further the impact of the July 16, 1990 earthquake, these maps, as a result of the research, can also help the city government to gain additional information on how to deal with and mitigate the risk of future earthquakes as well as advise stakeholders on the parameters to consider in building designs, making them more prepared at least in terms of early warning, land use planning, risk assessment and constructing earthquake-resilient buildings and infrastructure in the city,” Dir. Bantog added.

She also encouraged the participants to participate in the Technical-Workshop as this will enable them to identify important action points and ways forward. She further added that these hazard maps are hoped to be used or translated into

City’s policies and integrated in the City’s Land Use Plan, Development Plan, and all other plans where it is needed.

Meanwhile, the same study on site-specific investigation and mapping of seismic site effects is currently being implemented in La Trinidad, Benguet and is expected to be turned over to LGU La Trinidad in October 2022.

The seismic maps are the result of the DOST PHIVOLPH-led project, “Passive Seismic Stratigraphy of Irregular Topography Applicable to Mountainous Areas of Baguio City.”

Further, the launching event was followed by a press conference dubbed as “InfoSenfro sa PHIVOLCS” with Provincial S&T Director of DOST PSTC- Benguet, Dr. Sheila Marie Singa-Claver, as one of the panelists.

Said hazard map can also be accessed and downloaded at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph .

DOST-CAR Enhances Disaster Risk Assessment In CAR Thru Training-Workshop On Basic GIS

■ HANSI DINUMLA

The Department of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), thru its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Unit and the Cordillera Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CIEERDeC), in partnership with the Provincial DRRM Offices in CAR, continue to conduct a series of provincial training-workshop on Basic Geographic Information System (GIS) for Mapping and Risk Assessment.

For the 1st half of the year, the activity was conducted in Lagawe, Ifugao on April 19-21 with 31 participants. Further, a total of 43 participants completed the same activity in Bontoc, Mountain Province on May 4-6, 2022 and in Luna, Apayao on June 14-16, 2022 with 35 participants. The other provinces are scheduled on the second half of the year.

Among the participants were members of the Provincial and Municipal DRRM Offices and Councils, and researchers from the CIEERDEC member State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the provinces. Likewise, experts from the Benguet State University’s Center for Geoinformatics headed by Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, an Outstanding Young Scientist 2022 awardee by the National Academy of Science and Technology, served as Resource Persons and Facilitators for this capacity-building activity.

The training-workshop aims to enhance the capacity of local DRRM offices in disaster prevention and mitigation particularly in understanding risk through mapping and risk assessment.

Further, strengthening collaborative Research and Development (R&D) in the local level, in partnership with the academe was also introduced as one of the strategies in the implementation of disaster prevention and mitigation projects that require various expertise.

of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region

Participants from the Provincial and Municipal DRRMO of Ifugao pose for a photo together with Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Director for Center for Geoinformatics (1st row, middle) and his staff and DOST-CAR personnel.

(1st row; 5th from left to right) Dr. Nancy Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director; Atty. Edward F. Chumawar, Jr, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) OfficerMountain Province; Jose Tombali from the Office of the Provincial Governor; Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Director for Center for Geoinformatics; and Dr. Lynn J. Talkasen, Agriculturist and a member of Center for Geoinformatic, pose for a photo with the participants from PDRRM & MDRRM offices, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), and Local Govern ment Units-Mountain Province.

Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, Director for Center for Geoinformatics discusses the Geographic Information System to the members of Provincial and Municipal DRRM in Apayao.

DOST-CAR, Partners Continue to Boost Weaving Industry in the Cordillera

■ MARY JOY FERRER

The Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) together with the Cordillera Weaving Industry Council (CWIC) and other partners sustained support in the promotion and innovation of weaving industry in CAR..

The Cordillera Weaving Industry Summit was conceptualized by the CWIC and will be conducted annually to coincide with the celebration of Cordillera Month. The summit serves as an avenue among agencies, higher education institutions, local government units, weavers, and other stakeholders to showcase their support in strengthening the weaving industry in the region.

For this year’s weaving summit, a Webinar on Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Weaving Industry on July 26, 2022 was conducted in partnership with the DOST - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Indigenous Peoples Education for Arts, Culture and Empowerment (IPEACE), and National Commission on Indigenous People-CAR (NCIP-CAR).

The 2nd day of the webinar was supposed to be concluded on July 27, 2022 however, due to the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, the 2nd part of the webinar and other activities for the summit including Cordillera Weave Fashion Show, Talk Show, and Exhibit were postponed but were conducted on September 21, 2022, simultaneous with the celebration of National Science

and Technology Week in CAR.

Moreover, to further strengthen the weaving industry in the region, the DOST-CAR had already funded 32 projects under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and community-based projects, and three (3) projects of the SUCs in the natural dye, sericulture and weaving sectors in the region.

Through a partnership with DOST- PTRI, one (1) Silk Innovation Center at the Kalinga State University, three (3) sericulture projects in Kalinga, Apayao and Benguet, one (1) Natural Fiber Textile Innovation Hub at Apayao State College, and one (1) Germplasm Center in Benguet were established in the region to provide access to ensure availability of local inputs used in woven products. Various capacity-building opportunities for the local weavers and seri-farmers were also provided.

During the opening program of CWIS, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog said that “DOSTCAR together with its partner agencies will continue to provide holistic STI interventions from the production of local inputs (fiber and natural dyes) to processing and weaving, capacity-building programs, technical consultancies, and marketing support. Moreover, the Cordillera weavers will continue to get the utmost support from the DOST to significantly empower them as artists and entrepreneurs in the commercialization of textile technologies.”

DOST-CAR together with its partner agencies will continue to provide holistic STI interventions from the production of local inputs (fiber and natural dyes) to processing and weaving, capacitybuilding programs, technical consultancies, and marketing support. Moreover, the Cordillera weavers will continue to get the utmost support from the DOST to significantly empower them as artists and entrepreneurs in the commercialization of textile technologies.

Official

and TechnologyCordillera Administrative

A screenshot of participants and resource speakers from DOST-PTRI during the Webinar on Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Weaving Industry.

“

DOST-CAR stages NSTW in CAR.......

Staging physical S&T Exhibit and S&T Bazaar

After being conducted virtually for two years (2020-2021) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DOST-CAR physically hosted the S&T Exhibits and S&T Bazaar at the Benguet State University Gymnasium on September 20-22, 2022.

Various DOST Institutes, Apayao State College, Cordillera’s Research Consortia, Innovation and Incubation Hubs, and government R&D Institutions, including the Design Center of the Philippines, participated in the S&T Exhibits to feature their research breakthroughs and latest innovations that were developed through scientific initiatives.

Some of the products of MSMEs assisted by DOSTCAR were also displayed for sale in the S&T Bazaar. S&T Bazaar is a venue where DOST supports MSMEs in promoting and marketing their products.

Strengthening DRRM initiatives in the region

With the aim to build disaster-resilient communities in the region, the DOST-CAR and partners unveiled two (2) Disaster Risk Reduction projects, “Establishment of a Landslide Knowledge Management Center for CAR” and “Modelling and Understanding Landslide Events in Baguio City-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay” during the opening ceremonies of the NSTW.

The projects were the offshoot of the 1st Regional Landslide Forum spearheaded by the DOST-CAR in 2018.

Further, to complement the launching, a forum on “The BIG One in CAR: The 2022 Magnitude 7.0 Northwestern Luzon Earthquake and Other Earthquake Scenarios in the Region” was conducted in partnership with the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC). The forum discussed the Magnitude7.0 earthquake on July 27, 2022 and other possible earthquake scenarios in the region.

Transforming local MSMEs to Industry 4.0

DOST-CAR encouraged MSMEs to use smart manufacturing technologies to reduce cost, improve productivity and business agility through a webinar, “Smart Manufacturing Solutions for MSMEs”.

Through the webinar, various DOST programs and services such as the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL) and Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) of DOST-

Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) that drive local industries to higher levels of productivity using cutting-edge technologies were discussed. Likewise, Green Packaging Technologies of DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) that lengthen food shelf life and address the reduction of packaging waste was introduced.

In her message, Dir. Bantog said, “These DOST programs and services are very fitting to the new administration’s eight-point economic agenda, particularly in helping our local MSMEs improve their operations, boost their productivity, and competitiveness. Through these, our MSMEs will hopefully contribute greatly to job creation and overall economic growth.”

On the other hand, a webinar on Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Weaving Industry was conducted in partnership with the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). Among the topics discussed was Digitization of Weave Patterns and Textiles which highlights the available applications and software for weave pattern drafting. Weave software that allows participants to visualize how designs are expressed into digital patterns that are retrievable and repeatable was discussed.

“

These DOST programs and services are very fitting to the new administration’s eight-point economic agenda, particularly in helping our local MSMEs improve their operations, boost their productivity, and competitiveness. Through these, our MSMEs will hopefully contribute greatly to job creation and overall economic growth.

Capacitating R&D personnel in the region

Dir. Bantog stressed that the outcome of solving societal problems through STI starts with competent human resources. Hence, a webinar on Capabilitybuilding Activities for Research and Development was conducted as part of the NSTW celebration in CAR.

In this webinar, topics on “Writing Scientific Publications and High Impact Journals” and “Use of SETI (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation) Scorecards for Monitoring and Evaluating Researches Towards Achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals” were discussed by the experts from the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

“DOST-CAR is relentless in conducting capabilityactivities for the researchers and potential researchers who will usher the institutions to increase their share in the R&D”, Dir. Bantog added.

Adoptors and CEST Communities.

The Benguet Best Provincial SETUP Adoptor, JLM Farms of Mr. Johnny I. Marcos won the Regional Award and will represent the region in the National SETUP competition in November 2022 alongside the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration. Meanwhile, the following firms held the respective provincial titles: D&C Enterprise (Abra), Rebiajos Food Products (Apayao), Balubal Sash & Furniture (Ifugao), Mt. Zion Bakery (Kalinga), and Mountain Welds and Design Metal Fabworks (Mountain Province).

The DOST-CAR also recognized the Productivity, Resilience, Agility, Innovativeness, Sustainability, and Excellence (PRAISE) of the best SETUP Adoptors with the Balubal Sash and Furniture Shop getting the Productivity and Agility Awards while the JLM Farms successfully won the Resilience, Agility, Innovativeness, Sustainability, and Excellence Awards.

Meanwhile, graduating SETUP cooperators were given their Certificates of Ownership to a total of 32 MSMEs from Abra (2), Apayao (2), Baguio-Benguet (9), Ifugao (5), Kalinga (5), and Mountain Province (9).

Further, the CEST is the DOST’s program to provide STI to vulnerable and priority communities in the country. For CAR, the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in Abra and municipalities of Pasil, Kalinga; Tublay, Benguet; and Asipulao, Ifugao were the winners in the provincial level.

Promotion and Innovation of Cordillera Weaving Industry

A fashion show was organized by the DOST-CAR in collaboration with the Cordillera Weaving Industry Council (CWIC) and the Benguet State University (BSU) to showcase the innovative, creative, modernized, and authentic woven creations of Namarabar Indigo Natural Dye Producers Cooperative (NINDPC), Kalinga Indigenous Weaver’s Association (KINWA) Etnika, Rose Ann Fabric’s Gallery, The Conquerors Association in Middle Quirino Hill, Luna Weaver’s Association, and Lugo-Amganad-Banaue Tie Dye Weavers (LABTDWA).

Representatives from the associations shared their stories behind the threads meticulously woven through a talk show. Products of the weavers-exhibitors were also displayed for sale in the exhibit area.

This activity aimed to help local weavers to promote their woven products, widen their market reach, generate income, and sustain the livelihood of the region’s weaving communities.

Recognizing its partners and assisted MSMEs and communities

DOST-CAR never fails to underscore the roles of MSMEs through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Enhancement through Science and Technology (CEST) Summit, which serves as a venue to recognize the Best SETUP

Among the provincial winners, the CEST Tublay bagged the Regional Award and will represent the Cordillera in the national competition, also in November 2022.

The summit was graced virtually by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang who congratulated all the winners. He also highlighted how the programs address the needs and requirements of the enterprises.

To give due recognition and appreciation to agencies who supported STI as well as the agency’s programs, projects and activities, a certificates of appreciation were awarded to the DOST-CAR major partners in 2021.

Further, the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) and District Representatives of CAR of the 18th Congress were conferred as S&T Champions as recognition for their unwavering support in various STI legislations and invaluable contributions in passing the Republic Act No. 11914 or “An Act Converting the Provincial Science and Technology Center into Provincial Science and Technology Office” into law.

Finally, certificates of appreciation were awarded to this year’s exhibitors during the NSTW in CAR S&T Exhibits and S&T Bazaar. The awarding was done as the final activity that effectively closed the 2022 NSTW in CAR.

Cordillera

“

“

DOST-CAR is relentless in conducting capability-activities for the researchers and potential researchers who will usher the institutions to increase their share in the R&D.

DOST-CAR, Partners Promote Startups and Innovation in the Cordillera

■ MEYA BANGNAN

The Department of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-CAR, and the Department of Information and Communications (DICT)CAR, in collaboration with the Technological Consortium for Awareness, Readiness, and Advancement of Knowledge in InnovationCordillera (TARAKI-CAR) concluded its first leg of Regional Startup Caravan with the theme “Traveling towards an Innovative Cordillera” held at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) on September 28, 2022 and at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) on September 29, 2022.

The activity aimed to promote startups and innovation among the faculty and students of IFSU and MPSPC; Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and startup enthusiasts. This also served as a venue to map out the needs of the participants through an open forum.

On September 28, 2022, the team had its first stop at the MPSPC in Bontoc, Mt. Province to visit the newly elected President, Dr. Edgar G. Cue, together with the Vice President for Research Development and Extension, Engr. Epiphania B. Magwilang. The team

also presented the different government funding opportunities for businesses and innovative startups to the participants, including students taking BS in Business Administration and BS in Accountancy and MSMEs.

Ifugao State University was visited by the team on September 29, 2022. With the same goal, the University convened the students taking up BS in Information and Technology, staff from the offices of Intellectual Property and Technology Business Incubation Office and Research, Development, Extension, and Training.

Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, University President, expressed their support for the activity as they always encouraged their students as their future employers by putting up businesses to help spur economic development in the local communities.

Along with Dr. Codamon-Dugyon were Dr. Marissa Bulong, the Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, and Training and the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) office headed by Dr. Moses Appoy.

DOST-CAR Prepares Benguet in the Implementation of iSTART ■ MARY JOY FERRER

The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOSTCAR) conducted an orientation on the Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) Program to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Benguet on 02 September 2022 at the Benguet Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Among the participants are the Provincial and Municipal Planning and Development Officers and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers in Benguet. Board member Joel Tingbaoen, Jr., Chairperson on the Committee of Public Utilities, Transportation, Communication and Science and Technology, was also present in the orientation.

The activity is in preparation for the iSTART Program implementation in the province. The iSTART program supports balanced development geographically by accelerating regional growth through science, technology and innovation (STI).

DOST-CAR Science Research Specialist Banny Lyn D. Andres explained that through iSTART and other interventions, individuals currently residing in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas will return to their provinces of origin. She also discussed on how the program will assist LGUs in developing a technology-based development plan for the agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors; attract new technology-based investments; and engage researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) to support technology-based investments and projects in the region.

Meanwhile, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between DOST and LGUs in the implementation of STI projects in Benguet. Specifically, in the identification of priority projects as well as subsequent monitoring of these projects.

“With the implementation of the Mandana’s Ruling where some services will be transferred to the LGUs, particularly livelihood programs, I hope that the LGUs will continue to support the strategy of identifying problems that can be solved through STI-based solutions,” Dir. Bantog added.

Further, the DOST-CAR’s Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) particularly Technology Transfer and Commercialization; Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL); Packaging and Labeling Services; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM); and Science and Technology Scholarship were also discussed by the respective focal person.

In closing, Ms. Fidela C. Luis, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of PLGU Benguet, expressed her gratitude to DOST-CAR for being their constant partner in bringing STI development in the region.

Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region

DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog in her opening message highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between DOST and LGUs in the implementation of STI projects in the region.

DOST-CAR Science Research Specialist Banny Lyn Andres discusses DOST’s iSTART program.

3rd DOST Regional Directors’ Meeting Solidifies S&T Development Programs

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSEC-RO) organized the 3rd Quarterly Regional Directors’ Meeting last 30 September 2022 at Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay, Laurel, Batangas. The meeting centered on the alignment of DOST Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPA) to the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The DOST aims to refocus PPAs and deliver agency-wide goals in accordance with the directives of the DOST-Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., as embodied in the newly launched campaign, #OneDOST4U. The particular areas include wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability; interpreted through the 4 U’s namely, Unifying S&T efforts toward countryside development and wealth creation, Upgrading human capital to create a pool of globally competent STI champions to support the national innovation agenda, Ushering the transformation of municipalities and cities into smart, resilient, and sustainable communities, Undertaking collaborative science, technology, and innovation initiatives and strategies for socio-economic development and welfare of the public.

During the meeting, one of the cited DOST Programs was the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading

Program (SETUP) which capacitates Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through funding technological adoption. SETUP alone has over 8,732 assisted MSMEs as of June 2022.

Another significant contributor to the achievement of DOST goals is the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program. CEST interventions in the regions aim to enhance the quality of living in remote communities in the country as it addresses difficulties in accessing jobs, health and nutrition, disaster risk reduction activities, and environmental conservation. The program has assisted 1,113 communities from 2016 to the 3rd quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, the budget-cut on the DOST for CY 2023 limits the execution of the planned PPAs and affects the intentions to scale up programs. The Assistant Secretary for Finance and Strategic Planning, Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun, joined the discussions on the enhancement of financial management and the strategic plans on how to increase the budget.

In support of this, Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, is looking to accumulate additional resources for pilot-tested programs for nationwide rollout such as the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND), the Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-

Based Development (iSTART), and the Smart Sustainable Communities and Cities (Smart City). The GRIND program will gear towards identifying grassroot innovations for jumpstarting community-based livelihood through processing intellectual properties resulting in commercialization of technological transformation. The iSTART program, on the other hand, impels local government units (LGU) to advance regional development through investment direction, recommendation formulation on policies, accreditation and deployment of Researchers, Scientists, and Engineers, to name a few of its interventions.

Lastly, the Smart City program by definition is the maximizing of scientific and technological advancements to produce high-performing communities in aspects of human capital, human well-being, environmental quality, governance, and urban planning. All these programs in its entirety ultimately coincides with the socio-economic agenda of the DOST.

The DOST and its regional offices, all of which were represented during the meeting, assures the strengthening of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the country. The DOST aligns its priorities in support of the agenda set by the current administration to contribute not only to countryside development but to national growth essentially personifying #OneDOST4U.

■ PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF DOST UNDERSECRETARY FOR REGIONAL OPERATIONS SERVICES

14 DOST-SEI Scholars Studying in CAR Joined the North Luzon Cluster Scholars Leadership Boot Camp

■ NOVEME-AN A-AYO

The Department of Science and Technology –Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) through the Filipino Patriot Scholars Project conducted the Scholars Leadership Boot Camp for the 60 scholars from DOST- North Luzon Cluster composed of Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Fourteen (14) DOST-SEI scholars studying in CAR participated in the Scholars Leadership Boot Camp held at Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort on August 31 to September 4, 2022.

The activity aimed to capacitate the scholars with leadership and organizational skills; foster

camaraderie and solidarity among science scholars; and formalize scholars’ association from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The training was composed of workshops on selfawareness, core values of a Filipino Patriot Scholar, leadership skills, community organization, project management, formalizing of scholars’ association, crafting of the manifesto, and interactive teambuilding activities.

From the recently conducted leadership boot camp, the scholars are now crafting the Regional Organization of DOST-SEI Scholars in CAR.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Contributors

Hansi Dinumla

Meya Bangnan

Daisy Lou Quinio

Noveme-an A-ayo

Mary Joy Ferrer

Layout and Design Mary Joy Ferrer

Editor

Sheila Marie Singa-Claver

Editorial Consultants

Nancy Bantog

Pepita Picpican

Maria Rowena Madarang

Cordillera

REACH US AT