Davao de Oro partners with UP-Mindanao, DOST XI to build COVID test lab

DAVAO DE ORO --- Ramping up the efforts to curb the COVID-19 threat, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has partnered with the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI for the planned construction of a COVID-19 testing laboratory at the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Montevista (DdOPH).

The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was recently signed yesterday, June 22, 2020 (Monday), at the PGO Conference Room, Capitol Complex. Under the agreement, PGC UP-Mindanao and DOST XI obliged to capacitate the facility in accordance with the guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH). They are also to provide bio safety and molecular diagnostics training for its future facility personnel.

“We would like to thank everyone for being part of this project and I’m very proud to hold the province as one of our partners who came early in initiating this project. I hope this will be the beginning of a partnership that we’re going to strengthen further,” UP Mindanao Chancellor Larry N. Digal said.

“Kinahanglan jud ta mag establish ug atung kaugalingong testing laboratory aron magsilbi natu kining weapon to fight this unseen enemy because we cannot see them unless we test them, ug dili kita angay mabalaka kay aduna’y plano ang probinsya inubanan sa dakong tabang ug suporta sa atuang partners aron masuta ang risgadong dala sa COVID19,” Governor Tyron Uy in his statement.
To date, the province has eleven cumulative COVID19 cases--eight being current active cases, plus three recoveries.

There are only two accredited COVID-19 testing labs in Mindanao, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City. PLGU Davao de Oro aims to operationalize the testing lab by August, with its budget drawn from the Bayanihan Grant to the Provinces.

(Rheafe Hortizano, ID Davao de Oro)

National Science and Technology Week in Davao

DOST XI to celebrate National Science and Technology Week on July 3-5

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region is set to conduct its annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 3-5, 2017 at the NCCC Mall of Davao. In line with the directives of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to bring science and technology services to the region, this year’s theme would be “Science for the People”.

The three-day celebration will also coincide with the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) 2017. This nationwide activity is conducted in every region to recognize the ingenuity of local researchers and inventors. There are six (6) categories for the competition, namely: Invention (Tuklas Award), Utility Model, Industrial Design, Creative Research (Likha Award), Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for High School and College. Winners will receive cash prizes and will have the chance to represent Davao Region in the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) in 2018.

As initiated by DOST Region XI, a new category will be added, the Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for Elementary Students. This is to encourage young students to create innovative researches and models. In this category, however, students will be competing only here in the region.

Meanwhile, all projects and programs of the DOST in the region will be featured and will have a space during the NSTW. The Scholarship programs, Davao Food Safety Team, OneLab, Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC), and Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) among others will be showcased. There would also be a scientific fora and lectures on topics that are related to science and technology.

To submit entries to the RICE 2017, you may download the contest rules, criteria, and entry forms at region11.dost.gov.ph/downloads. Deadline of submission is on June 26, 2017, 5:00 PM For more information regarding the NSTW 2017 celebration, you may visit region11.dost.gov.ph and or contact us at (082) 227-1313 or info.dost11@gmail.com.

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DOST to Strengthen Teachers on Disaster Management

As we are experiencing climate change, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) deemed it necessary to increase awareness and strengthen the capability of Science and Mathematics teachers on disaster risk reduction and management. Although one seldom experience strong earthquakes in Southern Mindanao, the disaster risk reduction and management awareness will guide teachers as well as students on how to effectively respond when such phenomenon occurs.

Fifty Science and Mathematics teachers from elementary and secondary schools as well as State Universities and Colleges in the region will gather on April 24-27, 2012 for the seminar workshop on "Strengthen the Capacity of Science and Mathematics Teachers on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management". The Science Education Insitute (SEI) of DOST recognizes that it is one of the fundamental functions of teachers to take part in educating students spend more hours in school, it is crucial for the teachers to understand the concepts on disasters and climate change to effectively and accurately transfer information to students. Students can then transfer the information to their family members causing a multiplier effect.

Experts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geogrpahical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB), and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) will be invited as resource speakers during the said seminar workshop.

Participants, aside from being trained and capacitated to teach disaster risk reduction and management to students, are expected to come up with a disaster risk reduction and management plan for their respective schools.

 

Science Information Officers Trained on Basic Communication Research

Information Officers of the Department of Science and Technology from different regional offices gathered in Davao City for a 3-day Basic Communication Research Workshop for the DOST Regional Information and Promotions Managers held at Crown Regency Residences on February 28 to March 1, 2012. The training workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI, Science and Technology Information Insitute and Technlogy Application and promotion Institute.

The theories and basic concepts of communication research were presented by Ms. Ruby R. Cristobal of the S&T Manpower education Research and Promotion division of DOST's Science and Education Institute. One of the major outputs of the seminar workshop was a draft proposal o participants on how to improve the visibility of the department. The proposals will be incorporated in the Strategic Communication Plan of DOST Regional Office.

Dr. Anthony C. Sales, DOST Regional Director, presented the Strategic Communication Plan of the DOST Regional Offices as well as the DOST Corporate Identity Manual. The Strategic Communication Plan will guide and provide a framework to all DOST Regional Offices in creating a culture of science and advancing the S&T agenda for national development.

Davao del Sur's Coco-Sugar Business Epitomizes Countryside Development

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo commended the Lao Integrated Farms Inc. based in Barangay Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, for bringing in improvements at the rural areas in the part of this province, using appropraite technology innovations - as one could learn in an article by carina L. Cayon of the PIA 11.

Montejo said that the inventor and producer of the Donnabelle coconut sugar and syrup products made from coconut sap. epitomizes DOST's countryside development program as an effective and equitable strategy in realizing President Benigno Aquino's goal for an inclusive economic growth.

he explained that the countryside development covers the program of developing appropriate technology, improving existing products to be world-class products and generating jobs around the area. 

He said that the enterprise "clearly exemplifies' this, citing particularly the present employment that the firm has provided for the rural folks in its surroundings.

"We hope that the company would permit to become a model of the program," the dost official said during his visit at the farm recently to see the impact of the DOST-assisted projects under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Prpgram (SETUP). The DOST-SETUP provided the Lao Integrated Farms a financial assistance of 660,000 Pesos with no interest and payable for three years.

During the visit, Lao Integrated Farms owner and chei executive officer Benjamin Lao informed the DOST Secretary of how the business has improved a lot starting ten years ago from a barren land in Barangay Eman.

Lao recalled that he started developing about one-hectare coconut farm and introduced organic farming, until currently its Donnabelle coco sugar and syrup products are being exported to Australia, Germany and Japan. The business  has also expanded to other coco sugar-based products such as ginger tea, moringa, lemon grass and seasoning.

Lao (right) is a national awardee as Outstanding Farmer and Magsasakang Syentista.

Food Safety in The Philippines

Since living in the Philippines for good, I have tried many times food also offered by street vendors. No problems at all!

Since the last study of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST Regional Office XI) and its director Dr. Anthony Sales, street vendors seem to remain unaffected by this study. Several street vendors here in Davao said they are still enjoying the patronage of the locals. 

Meanwhile Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said banning in any parts of the city is not an option. Of course, go slow on street food, experts said after tests show germ traces. Authorities here cautioned the public against consuming street food in te wake of the results. People were told to wait until efforts to make street safe have been completed.

Already on January 12, 2012 food safety practitioners gathered for the multi-stakeholders forum of Promoting Food Industry Competitiveness Training  Program held at the Mariott Hotel in Pasay City.

During the forum, DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales was given the opportunity to discuss food safety initiatives in the region. Dr. Sales emphasized that there are three steps that must be pursued in dealing with food safety :

1. To have a Good Manufacturing Practices. The main issue here is that quality must be built in to a product not just tested in a product.

2. To conduct Hazard Analysis Critical Control points. This step deals with the safety of each product.

3. To have a food Safety Management System. This step is creating a food safety culture. 

After the forum Dr. Sales was optimistic, that the inputs of the stakeholders would be o great help in harmonizing initiatives towards achieving food safety in the whole Philippines. 

Dr. Sales also said, DOST would also lobby for the passage of an ordinance that would require vendors to submit samples of their food products before there are sold. He said a draft ordinance had been crafted with Davao councilor Pilar Praga, chair of the city's council's committee on trade, commerce and industry.]

Vendors, Sales said, should also be provided carts to keep their food safe. Each cart would cost from 10,000 till 20,000 Pesos and would be part of the DOST's assistancew program for street vendors.

German Consul Klaus Muller Visits DOST Regional Office XI

First Secretary and Consul Mr. Klaus Muller  from the German Embassy in Manila visited again Davao City during the  annual  German Consulars Day, held again in the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Consul Klaus Muller (Photo above extreme left) followed also an invitation of DOST (Department of Science and Technology) Regional Office XI Director Dr. Sales (second from right) together with Benjamin V.D. Estrelladao, Jr., Metrology and Metals Testing Lab-in-Charge and this writer.

"Certificate of Appreciation" (in this photo together with Ms. Elsie Mae A. Solidum, Assistant Regional Director Technical Services Division).

DOST XI Energy Audit Team Now Ready to Serve the Region

People get excited about their savings account earning interests. But, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office XI (Mindanao) has seen a better idea to invest into something that earns three or five times that of bank interests. An "energy audit" is a good first step toward realizing those money savings by making your place more energy efficient.

With today's increasing production cost, it is important to identify areas by which production cost can be significantly reduced. One area identified by DOST is to improve the efficiency of energy utilization among industries. Many industrial establishments are now becoming conscious of their energy usage due to increased energy costs. In response to these needs, the DOST Regional Office XI has a Davao Region Energy Audit & Management (DREAM) Team, which can help the industries in the region.

DREAM Team is a multi-agency group with members from the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), the University of Mindanao (UM), and DOST XI. The team is now ready to provide energy audit services to all interested industries in the region. DREAM team will help industries in setting energy conservation goals, identify areas where energy wastes can occur, relate energy consumption to production, improve the process/equipment efficiencies, and recommend energy saving opportunities.

Put simply, an energy audit determines how much energy your company uses and figures out ways to slash consumption. An audit can show how to save electricity, such as by switching to less-energy-hungry bulbs and appliances. An audit can determine the efficiency of your air condition system. You may notice, for the first time, costly gaps around windows and doors, thanks to the audit.

Interested companies may inquire on how to avail of the DREAM Team services and fees at telephone number 082 - 221-5428 and look for Engr. Benjamin V. D. Estrelladao, Jr., the DREAM Team Focal Person. Happy savings!

Strategic Response to the Panama Disease in Davao City

DOST officials led by Secretary Mario G. Montejo, met on December 9, 2011 with banana growers and exporters, researchers and heads of local line agencies to discuss the next steps in the ongoing united response against the Panama Disease or Fusarium Wilt (FW) of banana.

"We acknowledge the urgency of the issue", said Sec. Montejo as he assured the body of department's moves to come up with immediate and long-term S&T-based solutions for the management of the disease. He further shared that the Department is streamlining its process to shorten its response time. For instance, approval for a full project proposal may not be needed for release of funds, as long as the proposed concept is sound. Also, appropriate S&T-based interventions will be implemented simultaneously in affected areas while the more-in-depth R&D will be on-going.

Specifically, the Secretary pushed for the "S&T Intervention in Managing the Fursarium Wilt in Davao". This R&D Program is slated to come up with disease management measures and develop a resistant variety. DOST and the Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development  will fund and coordinate the conduct of this program.

First among the proposed projects is the use of biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the fungus which causes FW. The physico-chemical characteristics of soils will be studied to determine why some soils seem to suppress the disease.

The project will also work on developing varieties that are resistant, locally-adapted and approximate the fruit quality of the prevailing Cavendish varieties. The Secretary hoped to enlist the assistance of the Taiwanese government in obtaining germ plasma for this purpose. 

For its part, the Department of Agriculture XI organized Task Force Fusarium to push local quarantine ordinances and promote the disease management protocol. Currently several towns have adopted policies to restrict the movement of planting material in infected areas. Together with the Filipino Banana Growers and Exporter Association, they are promoting the disease management protocol through development and distribution of information materials, and through protocol briefings.

NEDA XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who chairs the Regional R&D Coordinating Council of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources R&D Consortium, welcomed the DOST's proposed moves. As Vice Chair also of the Regional Development Council, she put the full force of the various members behind the common initiative. 

Before 2002, Philippine bananas were largely resistant to the disease. While other countries were reeling from the effects of FW infestation, the country was ex-industry and eventually became the world's second largest banana  exporter.   

DOST brought STARBOOKS to Davao City

A humble contribution of the Department of Science and Technology to the world of education was introduced by its Davao Regional Office on November 17, 2011 at NCCC Mall, Davao City called STARBOOKS.

STARBOOKS or the S&T Academic and Research=Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Station is a new academic resource for students and researchers. STARBOOKS contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio). STARBOOKS aims to create interest of students to enroll in the field of Science and Technology; encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas, such as inventions and innovations; and inspire one's capacity for entrepreneurship and research.

DOST XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony Sales, said that the STARBOOKS will support the students and teachers alike while undertaking research. Dr. Sales added that STARBOOKS complements the scholarship program of the DOST as it enhances the science capabilities of students from all levels in the region.

Likewise, STARBOOKS is helpful to our entrepreneuring kababayans in the countryside as it provides technology videos ranging from food processing to laundry soap making and other livlehood materials.

DOST is looking forward to the availment of the STARBOOKS by Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations, Educational Institutions and Private Institutions to make Science and Technology Information accessible to every Filipino. In fact, Councilor Jose Louie Villafuerte representing Mayor Sara Duterte during the RICE 2011, is optimistic of getting one for the City of Davao.

DOST XI welcomes stakeholders who are interesting in putting up a STARBOOKS in their area. All that is required are computer, pod, space measuring 3m x 4m (with specifications for physical set up of the kiosk), mandatory training, and a focal person. 

For more information please contact Mr. Eric C. Colmenares at telephone 082 - 22154 28.

DOST Secretary Visits UP Mindanao Sago Palm Biotech

(DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales with this author)

(DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo)

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo together with the Undersecretary for Regional Operations Carol M. Yorobe and the Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales visited the University of the Philippines Mindanao Sago Palm Biotechnology Laboratory Facilities and Research Program in Tugbok District, Mintal, Davao City.

The DOST Central Office provided funds in the amount of about PHP 23 million for the UP Mindanao Biotechnolgy Program. 

Sago palm is the current focus of the UP Mindanao program and is indigenous to Mindanao and some of the Visayan islands and the harvestable logs are unutilized. 

The Secretary is affirmative of the programs and initiatives of UP Mindanao.

Launching of "Juan Time" during "RICE"

What time is it? Is your time the right one? Is it the standard time?

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI will launch the Philippine Standard Time (PST) dubbed as "Juan Time" during the opening of the 1st Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) today, November 17, 2011 at the Ground Floor Activity Area of NCCC Mall, Matina, Davao City.

DOST XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales said that the regional launching of "Juan Time" will change the "Filipino Time" mindset of the people. With "Juan Time", Filipino time will come to mean on time" and nobody will be late, "Dr. Sales added. The promotion of the use of the PST will set one common time among Filipinos across the archipelago's more than 7,100 islands.

On the other hand, 67 entries from the local inventors, researchers, and students will vie for the six invention contest categories:

1. Invention Category (Tuklas Award)

2. Utility Model Category

3. Industrial Design Category

4. Creative Research Category (Likha Award)

5. Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award for High School) and

6. Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award for College).

A cash prize ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Pesos awaits the winners in each category. First prize winners of each category will represent the region to the National Invention Contest and Exhibits in July 2012.

Today's program: Opening Ceremony with "Acknowledgement of Participants" by Dr. Randell Espina, President of Davao Inventors Association followed by Welcome/Opening Remarks by Dr. Anthony Sales, DOST XI Regional Director followed by a message by Hon. Sara Z. Duterte, City Mayor Davao City as well the introduction of the guest speaker by Engr. Edgar I. Garcia, Director of TAPI. The Keynote Speech will be hold by Hon. Mario G. Montejo, DOST Secretary.

After the launching of JUAN TIME by. Hon. Mario G. Montejo Part, III will see the Ribbon Cutting" to be assisted by Hon. Sara Z. Duterte, Dr. Anthony Sales, Engr. Edgar I. Garcia, Dr. Randell Espina, Mr. Virgilio M. Sangutan, and Mr. Samuel M. Abrenilla.

Viewing of Exhibits and a Press Conference will be following.

Strawberries in Davao City? Sure! Why not!

Growing strawberries in Davao City? Is it possible? I love strawberries since my childhood. I missed them many times during my expatriate life here in Davao City. 

Growing strawberries in Davao City, is it really possible? We all know that strawberries in the Philippines come from its summer capital Baguio City. But , since connected with the DOST I learned, that with the Department of Science and Technology's assistance, it is now possible to grow strawberries in Davao City.

The DOST XI brought two experts on strawberry production technologies from La Trinidad, Benguet to New Calinan, Baganihan, Marilog  District, Davao City. The experts, namely, Mr. Sergio Gayao and Mr. Peter Bulangen, conducted a short lecture on strawberry production technologies, which includes different varieties and different characterics of the crop. The experts and the farmer members of Baganihan Agri-Eco Ventures Cooperative had a three-day encounter discussing the major requirements for a successful production of strawberries. 

The farmer-members of the Baganihan Agri-Eco Ventures Cooperative were grateful of the knowledge and skill they have gained during the said training. The members vowed to start and ensure the success of the project.

Of course, very important, there were also inputs on pest and disease control, which is the number one problem of the farmers. With the said training, they already understood the seasonality of strawberry production, the peak and low season.

So, the next time, we'll be visiting our supermarket, we should be proud to see that strawberries on the shelves are actually home-grown from Marilog, Davao City.

The DOST Regional Office XI and Its Director Anthony Sales

Since August 2011 I am also working as DOST consultant here in Bajada, Davao City. I learned that DOST Region XI Director Dr. Anthony Sales is really an active director with an outstanding staff. Dr. Sales, before working on the private sector (food business, tuna cans, frozen coconut milk) became DOST XI director in 2009.

The Mandate/Mission is very clear: Provide direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that results are geared and utilized in area of maximum economic and social benefits for the people and being in service for the people in this region.

By 2020, the Philippines shall have developed a wide range of globally competitive products and services of high  technology content.

I learned from Director Sales, that the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is the department's umbrella program  which has been strongly implemented in the region since 2002. SETUP has been assisting MSME's (Medium and Small Enterprises) through technical assistance/consultancy, infusion of new technologies, provision  of funds for technology acquisition, manpower training, packaging and labeling designs as well as product testing.

DOST Services are there to contribute to the socio-economic development of Mindanao. DOST XI offers a wide range of innovative services that include technology upgrading, laboratory analysis, testing and calibration, shelf-life testing of food samples, advisory services, technology trainings, and scholarships programs. Furthermore, the DOST-RSTL (Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory) - Davao is also an accredited water testing laboratory by the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services of the Department of Health as well as one of the recognized laboratories for fish and fishery products by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region XI.

One of several future ideas is the national project "Own technology and solar".

Dr. Anthony Sales, who likes reading novels and detective stories and enjoys relaxing at the beach or on his own farm with goats, pigs, chickens and ducks somewhere in Marilog voiced out this: We will continue to value honesty in public service, because our mission IS honesty and NOT corruption.

Again: You Like to Study in Germany?

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement after the orientation of German Scholarship and Grant Opportunities at the Social Hall, University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City on July 25, 2011 hosted by DOST (Department of Science and technology) assistant regional director Miss Elsie Mae Solidum.

Signatories: Dr. Anthony Sales (DOST regional director Region XI) and new appointed DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, German Academic Exchange Service) representative and consultant "yours truly" Klaus Doring,

witnessed by Mr. Shadin Paulo Kitma, Project coordinator Goethe Institut (German Cultural Center), Manila, Mrs. Natalie Lange, DAAD main office Philippines, UP Diliman and Mr. Elmo Dela Cruz, DAAD Alumnus, present city planning officer in Davao City.