Science and Technology Gazzette 2nd Quarter Issue

April - June 2020

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

Binnadang to Heal as One; DOST-CAR Supports COVID-19 Frontliners

Binnadang, a culture that was embedded in the hearts of every Cordilleran has come to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the frontliners risk their lives in the battleground, other brave men and women have chosen to work as one to ensure that each frontliner will never be left unarmed.

DOST-CAR, the backliner

Staging the #WeWorkAsOne and #WeHealAsOne social media campaigns, the Department of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) and its Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) are zealous in providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) to frontliners. It was able to provide a total of 2,960 pcs. face masks, one (1) pack nonwoven mob cap, 838 DIY face shields & face shield with 3D-printed brackets/reusable frames, and 121 liters disinfectant to various frontliners in the Cordillera region. Further, a total of 215 hygiene kits containing 70% alcohol, face mask, disposable gloves, wet wipes, antibacterial soap, mouthwash, and bleach; and 25 boxes (100 capsules per box) of Vitamin C were given to frontliners in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet.

In support to relief operations, a total of 3,041 food items and several beverages were also donated to frontliners and some less privileged residents affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the PSTC-Benguet also raised funds from personal donations to purchase 25 cavans rice which were donated to garbage collectors and bantay-basura volunteers in La Trinidad, Benguet. This is in recognition to their efforts in safeguarding cleanliness in the society despite COVID-19 threats.

PSTC-Kalinga also led the establishment of alcohol production project in partnership with Alvendo’s Food Products and Kalinga State University. This project aimed to augment

the increased demand. The proposal for mass production has been prepared by KSU, endorsed by the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) to CHED-CAR for funding.

Partners join the #WorkAsOne

The DOST-CAR is also proud to report that MSMEs supported by the agency have risen to this health emergency to help in the current health and economic crisis.

A total of 63 Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) cooperators in Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga provinces were able to provide free meals, snacks, coffee, other food items, and PPEs to frontliners in their respective municipalities. Other cooperators also provided food supplies, cash, and other assistance to their employees.

The DOST-CAR also highlights the establishment of the Community Kitchen which was managed by Mr. Elmer Macalingay, owner of Health 100 Restoreant.

Mr. Macalingay’s vegan restaurant in La Trinidad branch was converted into Community Kitchen which has been providing free healthy meals for 51 days to frontliners since the implementation of Luzonwide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

In the end, the spirit of unity and generosity will go a long way as we work together in supporting frontliners as well as the vulnerable sectors of society. As the adage goes, “Where there is unity, there is always victory!”.// FAA

editorial board

Editor/Writer SHEILA MARIE SINGA-CLAVER Senior Science Research Specialist/Provincial S&T Director PSTC-Benguet Editor/Writer FLORDE LIZA A. AFIDCHAO Project Assistant I Layout and Design REYNALDO B. TEOFILO Project Assistant I Contributors CARLITO DAR Philippine Information Agency-CAR DEBBIE GLYNN V. MANANGKIL Senior Science Research Specialist/ Provincial S&T Director PSTC-Apayao GENNA B. JALLORINA Senior Science Research Specialist/ Provincial S&T Director PSTC-Ifugao CECIL G. DIONISIO Science Research Specialist II PSTC-Benguet

What’s inside

News Stories:

Binnadang to Heal As One; DOST-CAR Supports Covid-19 Frontliners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 DOST-CAR To Sync-In LGUs to FASSSTER and TanodCOVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Succulent Plant Producers in Atok Get Technology Boost from DOST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 DOST Scholars in CAR Join the #WeWorkAsOne to Back Covid-19 Frontliners and Affected Individuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Baguio City’s Silvercraft Unmasks Silver Linings For Small Businesses; Eyes New Markets in the ‘New Normal’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From Seeds of Love; Couple Builds Cacao Business in Ifugao. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 DOST-CAR Conducts Online Orientation for New Scholarship Qualifiers in CAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 DOST in Apayao Designs Foot Operated Washing Kiosk in Response to Covid -19 Pandemic . . . . . . . 10 DOST Funds Rice Mill Technology to Augment Rice Supplies in Apayao. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 OFW Invests Income in Tailoring Shop; Gets Technology Support from DOST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

NOVEME-AN M. A-AYO Science Research Specialist 1 Editorial Consultant PEPITA S. PICPICAN ARD for Technical Services MARIA ROWENA C. MADARANG ARD for Finance and Administrative Services NANCY A. BANTOG Regional Director

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Covid-19 Update DOST-CAR to Sync-in LGUs to FASSSTER and TanodCOVID

One day, Mang Mario suffered from fever and sore throat for a week. He was worried that he might have been infected with COVID-19 so he got his phone and reported himself immediately to their municipality through the DOST’s FASSSTER and TanodCOVID. Because of this, the authorities were able to conduct immediate surveillance in Mang Mario’s neighborhood to save them from possible COVID-19 threats while they await his test results. Mang Mario works as security guard in one of the big grocery stores. Since the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was implemented, he reports to duty every day to assist customers.

The Department of Science and TechnologyCordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) is keen on deploying the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler (FASSSTER) and TanodCOVID to help LGUs fast track possible interventions and contact tracing whenever COVID-19 symptoms occurred in a community.

FASSSTER is a web application designed for use by disease modellers, disease surveillance units, planners, and researchers. In partnership with the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and the Ateneo de Manila University, FASSSTER aims to provide a user-friendly tool for modeling disease spreads in the Philippines to aid in the DOH’s disease surveillance efforts. FASSSTER takes a multi-dimensional approach in modeling disease spreads by using localized indices from Philippine health records and by integrating other data sources including but not limited to: disease and event surveillance systems and electronic medical records.

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Meanwhile, TanodCOVID, a component of FASSSTER is for the reporting of COVID-19 related symptoms that the individual is experiencing thru free text messaging which the LGUs can validate thru the TanodCOVID system. Map visualizations and report generation are some of the features of the system to aid LGUs in monitoring and decision making.

The TanodCOVID system is one of the sources of data for the DOH systems and the FASSSTER system.

On May 13, 2020, the use of FASSSTER was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFMEID) through the Resolution No. 36, items H and I. It also endorsed TanodCOVID to LGUs as one of the tools for contact tracing and monitoring through the Omnibus Guidelines, Section 8, item 5, which was approved on May 22, 2020.

As of June 2, 2020, there are forty (40) registered users of FASSSTER in the region. Likewise, LGUs La Trinidad and Mankayan of the Benguet Province have started the operationalization of TanodCOVID in their municipalities. Technical assistance in project deployment may also be provided to users.

Interested LGUs and agencies may request for accounts to be able to use these two (2) systems.

They may contact Hansi Dinumla, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-CAR and FASSSTER contact person at (074) 422-2214 or 09176590966, or email at dostcar.mis@gmail.com.

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Succulent Plant Producers in Atok Get Technology Boost from DOST

By Carlito C. Dar

ATOK, Benguet, June 5 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology, the local government unit of Atok and the Jade Livelihood Association of barangay Calasipan Cattubo, have signed a memorandum of agreement for a Technology Intervention for Compost Production project to boost the productivity of succulent plant producers.

DOST Benguet Provincial Science and Technology Director Sheila Marie Singa – Claver, Mayor Raymundo Sarac and Jade Livelihood Association President Mary Grace Kismod, led the signing of the MOA at the barangay’s multi-purpose here on Wednesday (June 3).

Through the project, DOST will provide science and technology interventions that include provision of one unit of heavy duty shredder equipment, product laboratory analysis, conceptualization of product label and design, and training on compost fertilizer production.

Kismod expressed gratitude to DOST for the project. This will surely help boost the production of their succulents and at the same time they can also earn more by selling compost fertilizers which have a big market with Benguet being a vegetable, cut flowers and other agriculture products- producing province.

Kismod said the community quarantine has affected their livelihood. With the restricted movement of people and transportation, they are having a hard time in selling and in delivering their products.

During the community quarantine, no tourists are passing by the Halsema Highway where their production and display/selling areas are strategically located, she added. (JDP/CCD-PIACAR)

This will help the association produce at least 40,000 kilograms of compost fertilizers a year, which aside from its use to improve the production of their succulent plants and other potted cut flower products, will also provide additional income by selling the fertilizers to other farmers and plant growers.

Boosting the association’s succulent production with the compost fertilizer and providing additional income thru selling compost will be a big help to them since their livelihood undertakings were also affected by the COVID pandemic, Claver said.

The Jade Livelihood Association composed of 15 women members started their business in 2017 through a P180,000 livelihood grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

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Succulents being produced by the Jade Livelihood Association. (DOST Benguet)

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DOST Scholars in CAR Join the #WeWorkAsOne to Back COVID-19 Frontliners and Affected Individuals

Despite the threats from the COVID-19, 29 DOST scholars in CAR volunteered their services to front line offices, frontliners, and to communities affected most by the pandemic.

Lobbying the #WeWorkAsOne, the 29 scholars conducted voluntary activities in their respective municipalities/provinces through their own initiative and resources. In Baguio City and Benguet, 20 scholars rendered services in several agencies and checkpoints. Among their volunteer tasks is assisting in the implementation of the DSWD’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) particularly in data validation, data cross matching, and encoding. Other scholars organized and contributed to fund raising activities to purchase additional relief packs for affected families. Meanwhile, others joined in repacking and distribution of relief goods and snacks for frontliners in their respective communities.

Two (2) DOST scholars in Ifugao also funded and distributed relief packs and multivitamins for front liners and other affected individuals in their respective barangays. Further, three (3) scholars in Laguna, Cagayan, and Pangasinan also helped in the distribution of donations, assisted in the Organization Banatao Scholars Donation Drive, and supported the Project SIBOL donation drive that provides food packs to underprivileged families and individuals, respectively.

Further, two (4) graduate-scholars joined the Bayanihan as they helped in repacking and distributing relief goods and meals to stranded students and acted as security officers in various checkpoints in their barangays. Face shields were also distributed to drivers and vendors while others assisted in the production of ethyl alcohol which were donated in several universities.

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Indeed, the sense of patriotism instilled to the DOST scholars all over the country has come to the fore when the pandemic hit the Philippines. The ripple effect of these brave and selfless efforts by young students is what the country needs now as we all work together so that #WeHealAsOne.// DOST-CAR S&T Promotion Unit

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Baguio City’s Silvercraft Unmasks Silver Linings for Small Businesses; Eyes New Markets in the ‘New Normal’

Domestic trading for small manufacturing businesses, especially those under non-essential industries have been greatly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. While majority await the discovery of COVID-19 vaccine, workers under these industries were left in a quandary on whether they should shift their business to another industry, hold on and wait for things to stabilize or give up altogether. Among these non-essential businesses is the jewelry industry which is responsible in providing employment to more than 100,000 workers nationwide, according to Board of Investments (BOI).

In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) particularly Baguio City, the Silver Jewelry Industry was a thriving industry sustained by various handicraft shops specializing in silver jewelry and other filigree products.

Notwithstanding its problems, the silver craft industry still generates revenue for the region, making Baguio City famous not only for its cool climate and temperate fruits and vegetables but also for the abundance of silver jewelry products.

TAWIDCRAFT Corporation; the journey of a silvercraft

An epitome of one such thriving industry is the TAWIDCRAFT Corporation, an enterprise that specializes in the production of fine quality silver jewelry products.

Tawid, an Igorot term which means inheritance, was a term explicitly chosen by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Rimando, to convey to its customers the fact that indeed their products are worth handing down from generation to generation.

TAWIDCRAFT joined the silvercraft industry in 1992 and was registered with the Department of Trade and Industry in the same year. The enterprise, which is blessed with artistic and creative owners has since then joined various productivity missions here and April - June 2020

abroad to enhance their skills, widen their perspectives and update the corporation on the existing trends in the silver craft industry.

The company started from a basic manomano processes in producing jewelry which is still being practiced at present for some products, since it can only be produced by hand. With a meager initial capitalization of Php10,000.00, the TAWIDCRAFT has grown into one of the bigger businesses in the industry, which is now supplying SM Boutiques, in addition to trade fairs and exhibits where TAWIDCRAFT showcases its fine quality silver jewelry products. In fact, the corporation started producing its silver jewelry in a shed at the back of the proprietors’ residence. Now, a 3-storey building is being used for production with the top floor as a showcase room of their silver jewelry products.

DOST upgrades TAWIDCRAFT; the silver lining

In 1999, the Department of Science and Technology-CAR provided technological support with the provision of two equipment i.e. electric wax injector and steam dewaxer, through its Regional Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program. In 2001, the TAWIDCRAFT Corporation was once again assisted by DOST-CAR through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The program invested Php200,000.00 for the acquisition of several equipment such as M Rotary Tumbler, Vulcanizer, Foredom CC-FCT-30 Motor and Automatic Vacuum Wax Injector. Aside from these, Mrs. Rimando joined DOST-CAR sponsored seminars on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Packaging and Labeling.

DOST-CAR also provided technical consultancy services in 2007 through DOST’s Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program. Through the MPEX, the 6

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enterprise was able to reinforce its strengths, resolve its weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Further, a strategic planning workshop was conducted on May 23, 2008 with the Calzado Management Consultancy to come up with a draft vision, mission and growth strategy that reflects the TAWIDCRAFT’s legacy of fine quality work and unique designs, excellent management skills and commitment to customer satisfaction.

In 2010, the company availed of another SETUP assistance with the project entitled “Sterling Tableware: A New Direction in Silvercrafts Manufacturing for Tawid Crafts.”

This project focused on the provision of technology interventions to enable the firm to diversify products to include sterling silver tableware, increase production

COVID-19 may be the invisible enemy that is slowly tearing down and burying the dreams of non-essential business workers but this did not deter TAWIDCRAFT. Instead, it is now more determined to find ways to gain back the demand for the industry and in turn maintain the jobs of its workers.

TAWIDCRAFT continues to advertise its products in several local bazaars and is looking into various options on marketing strategies to reach a wider set of customers. At present, it is strengthening its online marketing platforms during the ‘new normal’. For now, the company can be reached through their social media accounts but it will be launching its own website, tawidsilver.com soon. // DOST-CAR S&T Promotion Unit

From Seeds of Love; Couple Builds Cacao Business in Ifugao

By: DOST PSTC-Ifugao

Agriculture and the love of nature brings much wonder since it is a natural therapy that saves us from stress in our daily lives. Thus, love of nature and farming should not start when one is about to retire because anyone could enjoy the fruits of farming and backyard gardening, even more so, in the new normal.

The Love Nature Farm; A cacao seedling booms into business

The Love Nature Farm in Mabatobato, Lamut, Ifugao was built out of Mr. Lemuel and Edna Norial’s love for nature and farming and have long made agriculture their way of life.

It started when the couple was able to successfully grow cacao.

They realized the business opportunities in growing cacao and decided to produce seedlings out of their harvest. With their passion and determination in farming, they were able to increase and nurture more seedlings, despite experiencing setbacks, such as forest fires. Their seedling production has become part of their farm activities and they eventually succeeded in reforesting the barren portions of their farm to include 600 various fruit bearing trees.

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and expand market outlets.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) thru its Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Ifugao, upon learning of their initiatives and their passion in agriculture, encouraged them to go full blast into cacao farming.

This project PSTC-Ifugao since development of PSTC–Ifugao had activities in Ifugao

was a “dream come true” for it had been pushing for the the cacao industry in Ifugao. earlier implemented support to promote cacao development.

The firm was then enrolled as a beneficiary under the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) in 2015 to help fully develop their four (4) hectare farm. Different varieties of cacao seeds from Davao for seedling propagation were provided by the DOST consultant aside from the technical assistance that include suggestions and recommendations for improvement. Among these are: (a) Intercropping of cacao between existing crops; (b) establishment of cacao nursery; (c) intercropping of different vegetables and early maturing crops in the open areas of the farm; and (d) vegetating the area that will serve as temporary and as well as permanent shades.

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For a more effective knowledge transfer to CAPE beneficiaries, the consultant jointly implemented with DOST a techno-demo/training on Proper Soil Sampling and Analysis on June 11, 2016 and on Asexual Propagation on November 2829, 2016. Both trainings were supported by the firm.

The sweet taste of the fruit of their labor and passion came when the volume of their harvest started to grow. As a gratification of being the “early birds” in the cacao industry, the couple’s farm is continuously being promoted in the locality. Social media is also helping much in the promotion.

Being passionate in farming and to help promote investments in agriculture, the couple accepts activities in their farm and willingly share their success stories.

PSTC-Ifugao, as part of the implementation of the CAPE program, then conducted a seminar on “Cacao Farm Management cum Cacao Farmers Field Day” in the farm on July 16, 2018 for the 2018 CAPE beneficiaries.

Another activity was also conducted for the 2019 CAPE beneficiaries entitled “Training on Asexual Propagation cum Field Visit” on December 13, 2019.

Feeling fulfilled and encouraged especially with the positive feedback of people, the couple continues to develop their farm. Proudly, Edna says she counted more than 5,000 cacao trees in their farm and cacao seedlings are now available for sale in the farm for cacao enthusiasts. Also available are other fruit crops such as jack fruit, coconut, guyabano, banana and others.

One ingredient for the farm’s success is also the combination of Lemuel’s love for farming that is complemented by Edna’s love in taking care of the harvest, processing activities as well as promotion activities.

“Do – it – Yourself” is never new to the firm. Applicable knowledge acquired is properly laid out in their processing table to help perfect their products.

Taste tests are made to get the crucial remarks and feedbacks from people that help improve the product. Others firms may have come out earlier with their products through the encouragement of cocoa producers outside the province but Love Nature Farm has their edge since they are assured of sustainable and ready supply from their farm.

With the firm in its product launching stage, DOST will once again assist them, this time in the label design of their Cacao Tablea Puro. The developed design would surely boost their market promotion and the trust and confidence of consumers in the product.

Further, other products are now being conceptualized where the new addition to the Cacao Tablea Puro is the “Chocoffee”, a blend of cacao-pure chocolate and robusta coffee.

Meanwhile, PSTC–Ifugao continues its advocacy in developing the cacao industry in Ifugao and brought the Ifugao Cocoa Association members to Tabuk, Kalinga to attend the “Technology Forum on Chocolate Processing” and “Technology Forum on Coffee and Cacao Organic Production and Postharvest Facilities” during the 2017 Regional Science and Technology Fair on October 12-13, 2017. Success stories during a testimonial shared by Mr. Grover Rosit of Rosit Cacao Farms in Davao during his visit to PSTC– Ifugao on November 12, 2018 was attended as well. //

To expand from production to processing, there is a need for cocoa product development. The couple’s initiative in getting ideas from trainings and lectures, advocacies and testimonies, networking, on – line research and other outputs has so far, been rewarded.

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news DOST-CAR Conducts Online Orientation for New Scholarship Qualifiers in CAR

The Department of Science and Technology– CAR is indeed shifting to the new normal as it conducts its first online orientation for new scholarship qualifiers through Google Meet application and Facebook Live.

The online orientation was held in four (4) batches, catering to qualifiers from Baguio City on June 16, 2020; Benguet on June 17, 2020; Apayao, Kalinga and Mountain Province on June 18, 2020; and finally, Ifugao on June 22, 2020. A total of 201 qualifiers with their parent/legal guardian attended the said orientation.

Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director, congratulated and encouraged the qualifiers as well as their parents citing John C. Maxwell when he wrote, “Our lives are to be a river, not a reservoir.

What we have should flow through us to others.”

The scholarship unit spearheaded the orientation on policies including financial privileges and obligations of DOST scholars. DOST scholars enjoy privileges such as tuition fee of Php 40,000.00 per academic year, monthly allowance of Php 7,000.00, book allowance of Php 10,000.00 per academic year, P.E. uniform allowance of Php 1,000.00, thesis allowance of Php 10,000.00, transportation allowance, group insurance, and PE/MS Uniform allowance.

Qualifiers who decided to avail of the scholarship were then instructed to download the scholarship agreement and submit signed documents to the Provincial S&T Centers in their respective provinces or at the DOST-CAR Regional Office.

Meanwhile, the DOST–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has opened its online application for the 2021 DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarships for incoming Grade 12 students of AY 2020-2021.

This is open to students who intend to pursue STEM courses when they enroll in college next school year.

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Eligible applicants for the scholarship must be a natural-born Filipinos with good moral character and in good health. The application is open to all STEM students who belong to the graduating class and to non-STEM students who belong to the upper top five percent (5%) of the graduating class.

Interested and qualified applicants may apply online through https://www.science-scholarships.ph/.

The deadline for the application is on August 28, 2020 while the examination is set on October 25, 2020.//

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DOST in Apayao Designs Foot-Operated Washing Kiosk in Response to CoVID -19 Pandemic

By Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil

In response to the mandatory sanitation in each office mandated by Civil Service Commission (CSC) under Section 5.5 of the Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2020, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-CAR) Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Apayao devised its own Foot-Operated Washing Kiosk led by its Provincial S&T Director, Engr. Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil and staff, Engr. Franklin Madriaga, Jr.

Further, Mr. Delfino is also fabricating five (5) units of Specimen Collection Booth (SCB) for the Provincial Health Office of Apayao following the design of FAME, which was assisted by DOST–PCIEERD. The ongoing fabrication is expected to be completed in July 2020.

The Foot-Operated Washing Kiosk is a standalone washing and sanitation station with foot operated liquid soap dispenser, foot-operated faucet for chlorinated water dispensing, and foot operated alcohol dispenser. The first prototype was fabricated on May 18, 2020 and was later on commercialized after receiving orders from other government offices.

Mr. Jhon Jun Delfino, owner of Delfino’s Welding Shop and SETUP cooperator in San Antonio, Sta. Marcela, Apayao started the fabrication for commercialization after some enhancements in the equipment were done, such as the installation of spring under the foot control for the dispersing of liquids. Four (4) units were ordered by the DENR while the PLGU – Apayao ordered a total of 30 units with shade. Other agencies such as Far North General Hospital and Training Center, Apayao State College, and Civil Service Commission have also posted interest with the equipment. The LGU-Conner also ordered 65 units to be distributed for all the schools and barangays of Conner, Apayao during the CoVID update meeting on June 23, 2020.

April - June 2020

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DOST Funds Rice Mill Technology to Augment Rice Supplies in Apayao

By: Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil

With the continuous demand of rice for relief packs during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Apayao province, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Apayao installed on March 25, 2020 the impeller type rice mill of Guillermo’s Palay Trading and Rice Milling to produce more rice in addition to NFA rice supplies in PLGU-Apayao.

Aside from Mr. Guillermo, Mr. Rolando Aloag of San Francisco, Luna, Apayao through the coordination of DOST PSTC-Apayao was also tapped by PLGU to provide rice for relief assistance to PLGU-Apayao for the municipalities of Luna and Pudtol, Apayao. His impeller type rice mill was also funded by SETUP thru his project titled “Upgrading of Equipment of Aloag Rice Mill for the Production of Brown Rice”. This rice mill is capable of processing unpolished and polished rice.

The impeller type rice mill, which is capable of processing brown rice, and polished rice was funded through the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) under the project, “Upgrading of Equipment for the Production of Brown Rice and Polished Rice and Improvement of Packaging Material with Product Label for Guillermo’s Palay Trading and Rice Milling”. The firm is currently owned by Mr. Pedro H. Guillermo, the proprietor in Malekkeg, Sta. Marcela, Apayao.

As a way of showing their cooperation to their respective communities, the cooperators have also shared some of their earnings as part of their social corporate responsibility in their respective communities.

After the installation, test run, commissioning, and training of workers, its initial operation started during the ECQ, thus producing a total of 225 sacks of rice, which were later purchased by the PLGU-Apayao for relief packs in the municipalities of Sta. Marcela and Flora. He had also offered rice mill services for the farmers who are selling their products to the PLGU –Apayao. The rice mill is also capable of producing brown rice/unpolished rice and polished rice. Product label is also being designed so that the products will be easier to market.

The Hopper of the Impeller Rice Mill.

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Black rice processed by the Impeller Rice Mill.

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OFW Invests Income in Tailoring Shop; Gets Technology Support from DOST

By: Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil

Madeline Palustre, a domestic helper in different countries for the past 30 years had turned into an entrepreneur. While she was still in Abu Dhabi, she invested in a sewing business in Metro Manila that specializes in school uniforms and managed by her son – in – law. She saw this as a business opportunity in the Province of Apayao in as much as the sewing of school uniforms, sportswear, corporate uniforms and others are still outsourced from other provinces.

Thus, she established the Maddie’s Fashion Design and Services in San Carlos, Sta. Marcela, Apayao.

Mrs. Palustre learned about the DOST SETUP when she was invited by her “balae” to attend the Training on the Operation and Maintenance of the Biomass Furnace for Drying Grains in Flora, Apayao, a SETUP project. The PSTC-Apayao staff discussed the SETUP and as a result, she visited the PSTC-Apayao after the training to further inquire about the program. All the requirements for SETUP were submitted and the proposal was approved on May 24, 2019 in the amount of P1,025,500.00. Likewise, the Memorandum of Agreement was signed on June 7, 2019

The Dye Sublimation Wide Format Printer Machine with accessories and High Speed Sewing Machine for the project were delivered, inspected and tested on July 9, 2019. Further, the training on the operation and maintenance of the equipment was conducted by the supplier after the installation.

Currently, the firm is commercially producing school uniforms, sublimated sportswear, corporate uniforms, jackets, jogging pants, casual wears, as well as the customized designs of customers, and other products.

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Because of the DOST SETUP intervention coupled with her passion in business, her production had boomed in a short period. Her continuous advertising strategies thru social media and wordof-mouth aside from visiting offices and LGUs to offer her products have enabled her production and sales to reach a 216% increase for five (5) months operation despite the CoVID–19 pandemic. As of now, employment generated also increased from seven direct employees to 12 and three (3) indirect employees.

Products include sublimated sportswear, athletic uniforms and corporate uniforms. During this CoVID pandemic, she produces face masks, face shields, and jackets which can serve as personal protective equipment for the frontliners and the people in the locality.

As her corporate social responsibility, she donated face masks to various LGUs in Apayao and linked her workers to the Social Amelioration Program from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). She also provides lunch and snacks to her workers and gives away cloth trimmings to those who want it and make it as stuffing for pillows.

With the current success of her present business, she has now lost interest in going back abroad to work as an OFW. Ms. Palustre realized that opportunities abound in the country and the key is to take advantage of these and persevere in order to succeed. //

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