Department of Science & Technology-X

Department of Science & Technology-X

Jesus V. Seriña St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City

Tele/Fax No. (088) 858 3931-33; (088) 850 2653

Introduction

DOST X 2014 Development Accomplishment Report

On increasing productivity and enhancing

competitiveness of regional products and

services

On enhancing the critical mass of STI human

resource in terms of quantity and quality

On improving good governance through ICT

(Information and Communications

Technology)

Accomplishment Highlights

On improving socio-economic condition of

the vulnerable and other marginalized group

On reducing risks due to natural hazards

during disasters and enhancing resiliency of

the region

Table of Contents

Facilitating and hindering factors

Recent developments and Development

Prospects of STI

1 DOST-X 2014 Development Accomplishment Report

INTRODUCTION

In recent years the Philippines has emerged strong and resilient in meeting the great

challenges the country experienced. Effects of climate change, local socio-economic and

industrial economic globalization, and fast-paced high technology breakthroughs are among

the many issues confronting the nation. The government has vigorously addressed these

together with the private stakeholders. Region X has its own share of challenges and has

equally stepped up in finding ways to ensure recovery, development and progress down to

its smallest community. It is in this context that the Department of Science and Technology

(DOST) had the year’s theme “The Philippines: A Science Nation Meeting Global

Challenges” during its 2014 National Science and Technology Week Celebration (NSTW) on

July 8, 2014 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

NSTW is an annual event that was aptly staged to promote the role of Science and

Technology in nation building. To carry out the work, DOST X continuously address these

challenges by providing services, mitigation strategies and adequate technologies carried

through its banner program the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

DOST X undertook the installation of Early Warning Systems, among others, to benefit its

valued customers and the whole constituents across the region. Indeed, Science,

Technology and Innovation are the key to help address these challenges.

ACCOMPLISHMENT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Assessment of accomplishments against the corresponding targets stipulated

in the “RDP Midterm Updated (2013-2016) Results Matrix”, and sector plans

2. Highlights of the accomplishments in the priority programs, projects, activities

and initiatives/innovations indicated in the “Updated Regional Development

and Investment Program (RDIP) 2011-2016” (including those undertaken

through Public-Private Partnership and those in support to the Millennium

Development Goals and other sectoral commitments)


ON IMPROVING GOOD GOVERNANCE THROUGH ICT (Information and

Communications Technology)

One Stop Shop Laboratory Services for Global Competitiveness (OneLab)

2014 was the start of the building of ICT infrastructure to support the operations of

the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTLs) of DOST in the entire country.

Emerging from this endeavour was the establishment of the OneLab project. The project

focuses on solutions that provide automation and efficiency in laboratory operations as well

as eliminate the problem of customers on shuttling from one testing laboratory to another to

complete their testing requirements. It is a project supportive of the Medium Term

Information and Communication Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI), a program

under the Aquino administration as laid out in Executive Order No. 43 and the Philippine

Development Plan 2011-2016. It is also a component of the efforts of DOST alongside ICTO

(Information and Communications Technology Office) that ensures the provision of efficient

information and communications infrastructure to support effective, transparent and

accountable governance, and in particular, support accessible and speedy delivery of public

services.

OneLab represents our government’s endeavour to support improvement in the

global competitiveness of our economy as laid out in Executive Order No. 47. The project

also supports ASEAN integration on standards and conformance. One objective of the

project is to develop and establish a

DOST-wide Unified Laboratory

Information Management System

(ULIMS). The ULIMS links and

manages all DOST testing laboratories

and it would contain all comprehensive

databases of each. The system can

provide real time exchange or sharing

of laboratory data from and among

them. Since some testing procedures

may not be available to all, linkage

through ULIMS would enable

subcontracting or assigning different

testing requirements to one or more appropriate laboratories to complete transaction while

the customer walks in to only one.

The agency has purchased one (1) unit server dedicated for the ULIMS. The ULIMS

Referral System and Database Optimization meeting held in DOST IX, Zamboanga City at

the last quarter of the year concluded that the DOST X IT staff shall take charge in the

database optimization and planning for the Referral System. The task includes 1) table

normalizations during the Entity-Relationships to the Relational Mapping step, 2) building

database constraints and 3) setting up and creating relationships among entities in the

database to ensure a hack-free ULIMS.


DOST Scholarship Examination

DOST X also participated in the training-workshop in Cebu City at the end of the year

for Customer Relations Officers. The training included handling of different types of

samples, sample preparations and new available parameters as presented by DOST

Research and Development Institutes (RDIs). Brainstorming on how to simplify sample

preparations was undertaken.

There are further opportunities to maximize the system within this OneLab project

vital to the needs of the various industries in the region as it awaits the influx of changes

during the ASEAN integration in 2015.

ON ENHANCING THE CRITICAL MASS OF STI HUMAN RESOURCE IN TERMS OF

QUANTITY AND QUALITY

Undergraduate Scholarships

In 2014, DOST X facilitated the conduct of DOST-SEI’s (Science Education Institute)

Project “Push for Science Campaign”. This is to carry out the awareness campaign through

multi-media as well as school to school caravan and urging students to take both DOST-SEI

Undergraduate and Philippine

Science High School National

Competitive Scholarship

Examinations.

The massive campaign for

the Undergraduate Scholarship

Program reached out even to local

government units and the private

sectors targeting specially

municipalities which do not have

passers yet. This year’s campaign

has sent SEI and DOST X staff to

three (3) municipalities in Lanao del

Norte and two (2) municipalities in

Misamis Oriental for this purpose.

As of 2014, the number of municipalities that do not have scholars yet in Region-X is

down to 7 municipalities, from 13 municipalities last year.


.

Figure 1. Number of Examinees

The number of examinees to the DOST-SEI Science Scholarships increased

continually in the last three years; 1,459 students in 2012, 2,156 students in 2013 and 2,222

students in 2014.

In 2014, DOST-X monitored a total of 740 scholars enrolled in different schools in the

region, assisted 169 qualifiers as new entrants to the program, and supported 97 new

graduates to become part of the highly skilled and globally competitive human resource

under the national S&T programs.

Figure 2. Number of Qualifiers

1,548 1,459

2,156 2,222

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of Examinees

2011

2012

2013

2014

39

141 155

169

0

50

100

150

200

2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of Qualifiers

2011

2012

2013

2014


Picture taken during the “Push for Science Campaign” conducted in Libertad, Misamis Oriental.

As shown in Table 1, the number of qualifiers increased this year from 169 compared

to 155 of last year. Highly notable are two (2) qualifiers from Malitbog, Bukidnon, one

municipality that had no Science-scholar before.

Table 1. DOST Scholarship Programs, Region X: 2011-2014.

Year Number of

Examinees

Number of

Qualifiers

Percent share of

Qualifiers to

Examinees

2011 1,548 39 2.5%

2012 1,459 141 9.66%

2013 2,156 155 7.19%

2014 2,222 169 7.6%

Total 7,385 504 6.8%

As of December 2014, 740 on-going scholars are sustained, an apparent increase of

about 23% from last year with 569 on-going scholars. They are enrolled in DOST-accredited

universities in Region X. DOST scholars continue to graduate with high honors and as class

valedictorians from their respective universities. They will be given due recognition for their

achievements during the conduct of the Science Nation Tour in August 2015.


Dennis T. Dominguez, JodelCris V. Libarios, Christine S. Maybuena, and Jahre El Leonardo B. Tañedo (group is represented here by JodelCris V. Libarios) - Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award), College Level (Bioethanol Production from Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of Nipafructicosa after Microwave-assisted Acid Hydrolysis.

Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE)

DOST X, through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI),

conducted the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) in the first quarter of the year.

The contest brought about regional inventors, researchers and students with innovative

creativity and ability to generate functional products/processes. The contest also recognized

their hard work and efforts and made them heroes in their own right in helping spur the

country’s economic development.

Regional winners from the six categories vied for the Presidential Awards for

Inventions (Section 4, Article II of the Republic Act No. 7459) during the National Invention

Contest and Exhibits (NICE) last July 27, 2014 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia,

Pasay City. Region X contestant emerged as the First Prize Winner under the category for

Outstanding Student Creative Research for high school and college students. The names of

the student-researchers from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan are Dennis T.

Dominguez, Jodel Cris V. Libarios, Christine S. Maybuena and Jahre El Leonardo B. Tanedo

who received the coveted Sibol Award. The title of the student research was Bioethanol

Production from Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of Nipa fructicosa

after Microwave-assisted Acid Hydrolysis. The group received a Fifty Thousand Pesos

(PHP 50,000) cash award and a plaque from NICE and the World Intellectual Property

Organization which recognizes the achievements of inventors, creators and innovative

companies around the globe.


Graduate Scholarships

DOST-SEI, the funding agency for graduate scholarship programs, delivers high

impact researches aligned with the National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP) and

Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). It is aimed to attain a critical mass of MS and

PhD graduates, upgrade the qualifications of practicing engineers, and develop a culture of

Research and Development (R&D).

There are two (2) graduate scholarship programs; namely: the Engineering Research

and Development for Technology (ERDT) and Accelerated Science and Technology Human

Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP). ERDT is a consortium of eight prestigious

universities throughout the country that offers Masteral and Doctoral Degrees in various

fields of engineering. On the other hand, ASTHRDP is a consortium in Graduate Science

and Mathematics Education (NCGSME) among ten (10) universities that establishes a

common quality graduate program. The Capacity Building Program in Science Education

(ASTHRDP-CBPSE), another component program of ASTHRDP, is granted to qualified

science and mathematics faculty of Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) to let them pursue a

PhD in Science/Mathematics Education degree with major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics

and Mathematics.

In 2014, Region X has produced a number of ERDT scholars; one of them is Mr. Karl

Adrian Gandianco, a product of Xavier University who graduated as ERDT Scholar in UP-

Diliman.

Research Consortia

The Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development

(NorMinCoHRD) is composed of major stakeholders in health research in Northern

Mindanao. In 2014, the consortium has

agreed to implement health and

environment R&D programs and

projects in the area and it has

organized five different committees;

namely: Executive Committee,

Research Management Committee,

Ethics Review Committee, Capacity

Building Committee and Research and

Information Communication and

Utilization Committee. A new set of

officers in CY 2014 was also elected.

Department of Health Region 10 (DOH-

10) Regional Director Aristides Tan was elected as chairperson of the Advisory Board with

MSU-IIT Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol as the vice chairperson.

Significant activities were conducted by the consortium during the year including

committee meetings, first and second levels en banc evaluation of research proposals

endorsed to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) for

funding and other trainings.


Dir. Alfonso P. Alamban looks on the some display of research

abstracts

NorMinCoHRD also conducted the First Regional Health Research Contest on June

13, 2014 with the theme “Research and Innovation in Health for Disaster and Emergency

Health Management”. The Department of Health Region X (DOH-X) and Liceo de Cagayan

University (LDCU) were the co-sponsors of the activity. NorMinCoHRD members, private

academic institutions and State

Universities participated in the event.

Region X winners represented

NorMinCoHRD during the 8th Philippine

National Health Research System

(PNHRS) Week Celebration last August

10-12, 2014 at Radisson Blu Hotel,

Cebu City. The celebration provided a

platform for different stakeholders in

health research to interact and learn

from each other.

NorMinCoHRD had two (2) national entries for the PNHRS, namely; “Innovations for

the Anti-microbial Therapeutic: Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Allium sativum (Garlic),

Capsicum frutescans (Chili) and Zingiberofficinale (Ginger) against Staphylococcus aureus,

Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa including drug-resistant strains” which won

First Prize and the research on “Metals in the Sediments and Waters of Cagayan de Oro

river: Baseline Data for Metal Determination” which made it to the finals for Oral-Professional

Category.


Turn-over of STARBOOKS in the province of Lanao del Norte.

The consortium operates and implements its activities and projects under the

“Institutional Development Activities for Regional Health Research and Development in

Region X”. For 2014, the consortium has an approved budget of PHP 1,540,512.00.

On the other hand, the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry Energy and

Emerging Technology Research and Development (NORMINCIEERD), a regional

consortium for the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology

Research and Development (PCIEERD), has conducted several meetings to fully organize

its operations. In 2014, the consortium held series of meetings with representatives from

member-institutions. These meetings were conducted in June, July, September and

November of 2014 hosted by the different members of the consortium.

In December 10-12, 2014 NorMinCIEERD Proposal Writeshop was conducted

primarily to come up with proposals related to industries, energy and emerging technologies.

Bukidnon State University, Central Mindanao University, LaSalle University, Ozamis City,

Liceo de Cagayan University, MORESCO-I, Misamis University, Ozamis City, Mountain View

College, St. Peter’s College, Iligan City, Xavier University were amongst the participants that

have produced twenty-four (24) R & D project proposals for finalization and further review

during the writeshop. Moreover, 11 Developmental Projects and another eleven 11 Human

Resource Development Projects were generated by the consortium in 2014.

STARBOOKS and Other S&T Information Projects

The Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated

Kiosk Station, dubbed as STARBOOKS, is the first Philippine Science Digital Library and

standalone Information Kiosk.

Twenty-four (24) school,

municipal, and provincial libraries

have set up STARBOOKS in their

areas. A total of 16 computer sets

were distributed and eight (8) hard

drives were given for installation

amounting to approximately PHP

500,000. In addition, DOST X has

generated resources from the said

institutions through their

counterparts at an estimated

amount of PHP 240,000.00 in the

form of computer sets hard ware

and accessories for the

installation of the STARBOOKS kiosks.


BAFF’s plantation of Organic Carrots

Ceremonial turn- over of STARBOOKS in Misamis Oriental, L-R: Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, Mayor Oscar Moreno and DOST

Provincial Science and Technology Director of Misamis Oriental, Ms. Cecilia A. Aca-ac.

Techno Gabay Program

For years now, the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Bukidnon

has been aggressively involved in the Techno Gabay (TGP) Program of DOST-PCARRD

(Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources Research and

Development). The program aims to bring science-based information and technology

services to farmers and entrepreneurs.

During the year, with the

PSTC Director of Bukidnon

standing as the Regional Techno

Gabay Coordinator, 33 FITS

centres were turned-over to the

Department of Agriculture-

Agricultural Training Institute

(DA-ATI X) and three (3) FITS

Centers were established under

the new program of PCAARRD-

DOST, “Strengthening FITS &

TGP”. These centres serve as one-stop service facilities to the nearest farmers,

entrepreneurs and other clients. For Techno Mart, the project on Upgrading of Carrot

Concentrate Production Facility-Value Adding and Product Development of Mr. Henry

Binahon was approved in the amount of PHP 619,200.00. Additionally, one (1) Community-,

S&T-based Farm was approved for fund release of PHP 1,114, 200.00. This project was

named Carrot Farming: Improving Productivity through Chemical-free Production Protocol.


6th Medical Writing Workshop, Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City

STI Human Resource Development Training

NorMinCoHRD conducted more significant

trainings such as the Intellectual Property Rights

Protection attended by 40 participants composed of

researchers, entrepreneurs and students aimed to secure

their intellectual property rights; HERDIN and

NorMinCoHRD Website Content Uploading Training

aimed to revive the NorMinCoHRD website and

populate HERDIN database; 6th National Medical

Writing and Peer Review Workshop aimed to

guide researchers in writing scientific articles for

health journals with a budget of PHP 676,175;

Strategic Planning and Committee Meeting

based on Balanced-Score Card management

tool where the 2014-2016.

NorMinCoHRD Strategic Plan was

completed. During the strategic planning the

National Survey on the Assessment of Health Research Capacity of Researchers, Research

Institutions and Regional Research Consortia was discussed by Dr. Jesus N. Sarol, Jr.,

Consultant of PCHRD; Training on Research-based Policy Formulation whose goal was to

capacitate researchers in writing their policy briefs/papers based on their research results;

Training on Statistical Data Analysis with Computer Application (Qualitative and Quantitative

Research) conducted last November 5-7, 2014 at MSU-IIT and attended by 80 participants.

The training was composed of two (2) groups, Qualitative and Quantitative Research.

Researchers with on-going funded researches were given priority to start their data analysis.

The Training on Technical Report Writing which was also conducted last December 9-10,

2014 at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City which was attended by researchers with on-

going funded research papers under the Regional Research Fund.


Participants during the Training-Workshop on Chemical Safety and Security.

DOST X also spearheaded the creation of Northern Mindanao Laboratory

Consortium (NorMin LABCON) Foundation, Inc. in 1996. Since then it has sponsored a

number of training-workshops, seminars and various activities for the benefit of member-

laboratory analysts.

For the year 2014, in collaboration with DOST-X and Rio Verde Water Consortium,

Inc., NorMin LABCON organized a training-workshop on Chemical Safety and Security on

12-14 May 2014 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. This was a very

productive training-workshop as participants were able to learn from resource persons who

completed the Chemical Safety and Security Officer (CSSO) training facilitated by Sandia

National Laboratories under the United States of America Department of State, held in

Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. They were professors and Chemical Safety Officers

from the Chemistry Department of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and San Carlos

University in Cebu City.


Dr. Patrick Lim, resource speaker from San Carlos University shows air flow velocity of the

fumehood while Ms. Magto demonstrates correct measures during chemical spillage.

Ms. Joanah S. Magto, chemist of DOST X Chemical Testing

Laboratory demonstrates safety procedures as participants

look on.

The three-day workshop was aimed at increasing safety and security awareness of

laboratories handling chemicals. This training was designed for safety and security officers

and laboratory personnel.

Participants appreciated the productivities borne out of the training-workshop

because these learning have practical

upshot in the improvement of their

laboratories and in the assessment of the

hazards involved with handling chemicals

and chemical wastes.

Participants similarly visited the

Regional Standards and Testing

Laboratories of the DOST-X where a

laboratory inspection and chemical safety

and security audit were conducted. They

noted some good features and practices of

DOST-X laboratories which they may adopt

in their own laboratories.

There were four (4) other training-workshops conducted which were co-sponsored by

DOST-X and NorMin LABCON in September and November 2014. These were the

Training-Workshops on Internal Quality Audit for ISO 9001:2008 and Internal Quality Audit

for ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Measurement Uncertainty of Microbiological Results and Validation

of Chemical Methods of Analysis. These four (4) training-workshops were made possible

through the DOST X Grants-in-Aid funds.


Mr. Lorens Peter Sibbesen, author, Fitness for Purpose Guide, Eurachem

Participants during the Training-Workshops on ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Audit.

The first two training-workshops were attended by a total of 76 participants held at N

Hotel, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City on 1-4 September 2014. They were made aware

that whatever is documented in the ISO systems (both 9001 and 17025) were known,

agreed upon and approved. They were provided with audit mechanisms and techniques

along with resource persons who taught them that the quality management systems are

focused on error prevention through quality assurance and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

cycle. It was emphasized during the workshops that it is only through conducting audits that

the organization or laboratory can be

sure that the system is working

properly.

Furthermore, the same

resource speaker from LabQuality

International, Eurolab in Denmark

and the Danish Representative to

Eurachem, Mr. Lorens Peter

Sibbesen came back this year and

gave the training-workshops on

Measurement Uncertainty of

Microbiological Results and

Validation of Chemical Methods of

Analysis last 11-12 and 13-14

November 2014. The training-workshop on “Validation of Chemical Methods of Analysis

was very timely because in October 2014, Eurachem released its second edition of the

“Fitness for Purpose Guide” wherein the Resource Speaker is one of the main authors.

Participants to this training-workshop had the first-hand knowledge of the updates to the

guide since the publication of its first edition in 1998.


ON INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS OF

REGIONAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

‘Smarter Philippines’ turned a year old in 2014. The program was sustained to boost

the country’s global competitiveness by developing smarter technologies following the

analyses that the Philippines now is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In

particular, ‘Smarter Philippines’ enhances capabilities and gives investors more options to do

business in agriculture, industries, governance, climate change adaptation, human

capability, jobs creation, healthcare, and in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Some of these projects were deployed in Region-X starting 2013.

SETUP and Local GIA Programs

DOST X, guided by the vision “An effective and competent catalyst of inclusive

development by providing world class and

innovative Science and Technology

services in Region X”, has been at the

forefront of the diffusion of technological

innovation and scientific services to

various Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region

through SETUP.

In 2014, DOST’s brand of process and product innovation enhanced the efficiency

and product competitiveness of the enterprises enrolled in SETUP. The SETUP strategy of

synergy with its analytical testing,

calibration, and consultancy services

perked up these MSMEs enhancements.

Thus, SETUP has contributed to the rapid

economic growth and product

competitiveness in the region.

In the same year, there were 224 firms and other entities in the DOST identified priority sectors that benefited from the PHP 37million worth of GIA and SETUP Program technology assistance. Subsequently, 3910 persons were given employment.

Technology Upgrading for Calamansi Juice Processing Facility of Sweet Honey Man-C

Improvement of Chicken Dressing Facility of Romikafrans Chicken through provision of various S & T Interventions, e.g. conveyor, scalding, plucking machines and its auxiliaries.


A total of 279 technological interventions were provided to 224 existing firms and 87 start-up firms in the region resulting to the generation of accumulated gross sales of PHP 269 million. This resulted to an 18% average increase in productivity in all current projects.

The technology interventions to MSMEs

came in various equipment upgrades and scientific

consultancies, such as technology needs

assessment, project concepts and proposal

preparation, design of good manufacturing

practices (GMP)-compliant production-process

layout, equipment specifications, process

improvement, product development, quality

assurance, food product shelf-life analysis,

nutrition analysis and labeling. Completing the

innovation packages was the conduct of

training-workshops on relevant International

Standards and systems such as on Food

Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

and the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control

Point (HACCP).

Another appropriate intervention that

helped the MSME’s improve the

competitiveness of their products is the Packaging and Labeling Services. Local designers,

especially those with print shops or printing presses, were trained by DOST X and R & D

Packaging Center to provide attractive label designs and appropriate packaging materials for

improved shelf-life. Thus, they were able to provide label designs to food processors

throughout the region.

Moreover, to expand and institutionalize the packaging and labeling support for the

MSMEs in Northern Mindanao, DOST-X initiated the Establishment of the Packaging and

Labeling Services Center in the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) in

Cagayan de Oro City.


Technology upgrading on GreenPastures Corporation-Food Supplement Production

Table 2. Technology Transfer and Commercialization Program, Region X: 2010-2014

Indicators

(Baseline

from CY

2010)

2011 2012 2013 2014 Cumulative

Total

Number of technology

interventions 104 247 435 273 279 1,338

Existing firms assisted 63 60 173 99 224 619

New firms assisted 23 50 70 15 87 245

Gross sales (in million

PhP) 193.1 178.9 193.4 222.7 269.113 1,057.21

Employment generated

(man-months) 7,211 4,434 7,675 3,267* 3,910* 26,497

*Persons


Table 3. Targets and Accomplishments on Subsector Outcome 2

Outcome Sector Targets by

end of 2016

DOST-X

2013 Plan

Targets

DOST-X

2014

Accompl

ishment

Cumulative

Accomplis

hment

(2010-2014)

Percent

Accomplis

hment

Improved

competitiveness of

MSMEs

2,832 MSMEs

developed and

assisted

883

MSMEs

developed

224 619 70.10%

Improved

productivity and

competitiveness of

the exports sector

PHP 188.92 million

domestic sales of

various products of

MSMEs participating

in national trade fairs

PHP 421M

PHP

269.113

M

P1,057.21M 251.11%

DOST X through the SETUP program has introduced innovations to various MSMEs

under the 6 priority industry sectors, namely: Furniture; Food Processing; Aquamarine;

Horticulture; Gifts and Decors and Handicrafts (GDH); Metals and Engineering and Health

and Wellness/Pharmaceuticals.


DOST-X SETUP Interventions in CY 2014


Testing and Calibration Services

The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL) consistently provide

quality and efficient analytical testing services catering to an increasing number of customers

since its operation in early 2000.

For the year 2014, as shown in Table 4 a total of 5,349 testing and calibration

services were provided to 1,189 clients comprising 809 firms. Overall, the services

generated an income of PHP 3.027 million which is 132% more than the previous year.

Customers are guaranteed of accurate and reliable test and calibration results as the

laboratories have sustained its ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, two (2) laboratories of which

have accreditation valid until March 2018 and one (1) with validity until May 2018. These

three (3) laboratories have obtained another certificate of accreditation from the Food and

Drug Administration after having been assessed and found in compliance with FDA

requirements and conditions for Laboratory Accreditation in accordance with the provisions

of RA 9711, also known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 valid until May

2018. RSTL even sustained one certificate of accreditation on Laboratory for Drinking Water

Analysis from the Department of Health valid until December 31, 2017.

Table 4. Science & Technology Services, Region X: 2010-2014

S&T Services

(Baseline

from CY

2010)

2011 2012 2013 2014

Cumulative

Total

Testing and Calibration

Number of services 5,718 5,548 4,163 3,948 5,349 24,726

Number of firms assisted - 769 742 940 809 3,260

Income Generated

(in million PhP) 2.00 2.68 2.10 2.30 3.027 12.107

Packaging and Labeling

Number of services

Extended - 7 16 11 18 52

Number of firms assisted 18 14 17 11 17 77

Consultancy

Number of clients served 192 64 50 66 55 427


Packaging and Labeling

Packaging and Labeling assistance were made available to 17 firms providing 18 packaging designs. There were 14 other designs also printed through partner printing shops. These were clients referred to DOST-trained designers in the Region.

Food Innovation Center

In 2014, the Food Innovation Center (FIC) housed in MUST received deliveries of

three (3) auxiliary equipments; namely: freezer,

water purifier and band sealer from DOST-ITDI

(Industrial Technology Development Institute)

facilitated by DOST X. Other five (5) items of

major equipment will be delivered by February

2015.

The center was a recipient of a grant

amounting to One Million Pesos (PHP

1,000,000) from the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) and the Office of Congressman

Rufus B. Rodriguez.

Consultancy

A total of 47 MSMEs were provided with a total of 64 consultancy services through

Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard

Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Safety Assessment. These were

carried out by members of the Northern Mindanao Food Safety Team (NMFST). RSTL staff

Forum on Packaging Technology for Pork Lechon on November 27, 2014 at Country Village Hotel.

The Food Innovation Center at MUST, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City


also conducted its laboratory outreach project where customers whose samples have

adverse test results were visited and given advice on principles of GMP.

Technology and Investors Fora

DOST X facilitated the conduct of a total of 16 technology and investors fora to help

address the needs of industries for skills and capability enhancement. It has also

participated the Technology and Trade Fairs in Davao City, Manila and Cagayan de Oro City

that gathered 283 firms and 822 active participants. A total of 20 technology trainings were

also conducted for 104 firms with a total of 945 participants.

ON REDUCING RISKS DUE TO NATURAL HAZARDS DURING DISASTERS AND

ENHANCING RESILIENCY OF THE REGION AGAINST NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

To tackle issues on climate change that affect wide sectors in the Philippines, DOST

X continuously supported the implementation of Project NOAH through the installation of

Early Warning Systems.

Adjusting the Ultrasonic sensor of the Water Level Monitoring Station in Dubdub Dike, Gingoog City to ensure proper beaming of the sensor to the river water surface. This is one of the four Non-bridge WLMS installed and

constructed by a private contractor.


In 2014, three (3) more EWS were installed under the Hydromet Project and four (4)

more WLS were installed under the DEWS project. In the second semester of the year, a

new project entitled “Deployment of Early Warning Systems” (DEWS) was implemented.

This had increased the total to 72 EWS installed in strategic locations throughout the region

for the past four (4) years, 2011 to 2014. All

these equipment were checked and

maintained by DOST-X regularly all year

round to ensure accurate data transmission to

Project NOAH.

Furthermore, DOST-X continued to

actively participate in DRRM capacity building

activities for local governments with the

holding of DRRM Summit in the five (5)

provinces of Northern Mindanao. It also

facilitated the conduct of the S4SC “Iba na

ang Panahon” Roadshow in March 2014 at

Pryce Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. The focus

of these activities is to enhance disaster

preparedness among the local governments

and the citizenry with the aid of science-based

weather information from hydrologic

disturbances.

The residents of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities, who experienced the TS

Sendong disaster, are now alert and rely on Project Noah for information - rainfall intensities

and water levels in their rivers and localities. The information guided them in their disaster

response and risk reduction effort. DOST-X had been aggressive in implementing this

project with the sufficient financial support of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute

(ASTI) under the Hydromet Project and PCIEERD for the DEWS project.

Cleaning and troubleshooting of the Automated Rain Gauge mounted on top of an abandoned concrete water reservoir in Sto. Nino, Talakag, Bukidnon. The rain collector was filled with bird’s waste which clogs the collector’s spout resulting to no data recorded even during heavy rainfall.


Table 5. Targets and Accomplishments on Subsector Outcome 3

Outcome Sector Targets by end of

2016

DOST-X Yearly Accomplishment

since TS Sendong

Percent

Accompli

shment

from 2013 2011 2012 2013 2014 TOTAL

Reduced disaster

risk due to natural

hazards and

strengthened

resiliency of the

region against

negative impacts of

climate change

100% increase in the

number of Automatic Rain

Gauges (ARGs) installed

5 6 23 35

69 102%

134% increase in the

number of Water level

Monitoring Sensors

(WLMSs) Installed

- 3 10 14

27 -

50% increase in the

number of Automated

Weather Station (AWSs)

installed

2 - - 2 4 -

Number of tandem

sensors installed

- 3 6 10 19

Total number of sensors 119


ON IMPROVING SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE VULNERABLE AND OTHER

MARGINALIZED GROUP

Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) Trap

DOST-X continued its aim to increase dengue awareness and eventually reduce the population of mosquitoes carrying the deadly dengue virus. DOST, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – Region 10 deployed Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) Traps in public schools region wide under the National Dengue Vector Surveillance (NDVS) Project.

In 2014, a total of 40 schools from the five (5) provinces in the region had OL trap kits installed on site. A total of 30 school coordinators were trained by DOST-10 on the proper use of the OL trap, and on the procedure in sending weekly OL surveillance data via SMS to the NDVS. As a result, 21 schools were mapped in the NDVS website to serve as dengue warning sites. Density of dengue mosquitoes can be determined using OL trap kits at the identified sites. Those schools with at least 20 % OL indices for three (3) consecutive weeks are considered as vulnerable to dengue outbreak. Schools with high mosquito

density were encouraged to conduct intervention such as clean-up drive and other activities that will help lessen if not eradicate the mosquito population in their respective areas.

Complementary Food

The technology for the manufacture of Complementary Food, which is a nutritional

food blend developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), was adopted by

Xavier University (XU) and MUST. Production facilities and equipment were installed in 2012

and 2013. XU produced Complementary Food packs that were consumed in the feeding

programs of Congressman Rufus Rodriguez in TS Sendong relocation sites and some areas

in the barangays of Cagayan de Oro City in 2012.

OL Trap Orientations and Mapping in the NDVS Website to indicate dengue warning sites.


This year, XU Department of Food Technology sustained and expanded the

production to a total of 7,313 packs of BIGMO blends. Of these, 5,424 packs were sold and

the rest were consumed for promotional activities. The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of

Talisayan, Misamis Oriental took 4,760 packs of BIGMO for their feeding programs.

According to Dr. Gay B. Ardanas of RHU Talisayan, they have observed promising and

inspiring result within the two (2) months of implementation. Extension of the project was

planned to other areas until the 4th month with encouraging results.

Complementary food blends were also used in the feeding programs in the different

barangays of Cagayan de Oro City. According to Ms. Sylvia Aguhob, project leader in XU,

“mothers from Barangay Carmen (where Region X office is located) gave positive feedback

even if they are still on their 2nd week”. Xavier University had been a reliable partner in

promoting DOST technologies, especially with FNRI’s complementary food.

Dr. Capanzana of DOST-FNRI visits XU Complementary Food Facility


Clay Water Filter

In an effort to roll out the local technology on low cost water purification system

nationwide, DOST X strengthened its agreement with DARS Ceramics in Bulua, Cagayan de

Oro City. With the assistance from ITDI, the “Training cum Production with

Commercialization” was conducted for 15 participants, to demonstrate the production of 1.5L

Ceramic Pot-typed Water Filters. The filter proved to improve the quality of drinking water,

ideal in areas where access to potable water is difficult.

FACILITATING AND HINDERING FACTORS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

3. Analysis of the factors that facilitated or hindered the achievement of the

targets and/or implementation of the priority programs and projects

Northern Mindanao is still unable to spur significant leap in economic growth due to

many factors. One factor observed is the region not able to produce enough number of

well trained, highly skilled, expert individuals from its human resource base nor has it

attracted the same from outside. Local graduates and even nationwide are lacking the

necessary level of formal scientific knowledge, discipline, training and competencies to

enable them to become valuable human resource assets for S&T R&D. This is evident in

the low share in the number of Internationally Recognized Research Publications listed

in the International Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Knowledge (UNESCO Science

Report 2010). Further, the Philippines’ 78.5 researchers per million people were very low

compared to Singapore’s 5,834.0, Thailand’s 315.5 and Vietnam’s 115.9 (Source, Malik,

ed. 2013).

The issues of ‘brain drain’ remain factual and gravely affect our S&T development for

one. Low compensation, incentives or benefits and overall employment and financial

security is another real problem. On the other hand, quality of education in the country

may also need critical review – quality of schools, courses and curriculum, quality

learning materials and facilities, quality of teachers and educators. Based on data, the

DOST’s graduate scholarship program, which is aimed to attain a critical mass of MS

and PhD graduates, has had very few takers. DOST’s undergraduate scholarship

program has also registered a low percentage of examination passer/qualifier and the

percentage figure would be insignificant if based from the total enrollees in the region for


a given year. The quality of High Scholl graduates, especially in the countryside, may

have to be enhanced.

Second, unlike in developed countries the Philippine Government has been

chronically under investing in Science, Technology and Innovation. Its GDP expenditure

for R&D which at present is only 0.14%, far from the 2% minimum level (source: USAID).

For years, R&D activities are largely private industry sector led covering 70% in terms of

nationwide investment, while 30% come from public funds and universities or learning

institutions. The higher educational institutions where major STI entities come from,

R&D investments are less attributed to private universities. Even then, the 70% cover

from the private sector is critically very low in terms of actual capital outlay compared to

what the country really need to rally and sustain S&T development. Private sector

stakeholders remain slow in putting up serious scale of R&D effort and financial outlay in

order to keep pace with global leaps in science and technology advancement that

impacts their respective industry. There remain the lack of R&D infrastructure and

manpower as a result. As such, there is a need for academe to partner with industries

so that its research results are translated into useful products, services and employment.

The greater challenge with MSMEs in the region is in improving productivity of

processes and quality of products. Despite the different programs for support to MSMEs

such as the SETUP of DOST, there is still limited number of takers and less than

expected success stories. The problem on financial management still remains and

affects the success of SETUP. Project management and technology needs assessment

capacity for front-line workers must be improved as well as the program itself needs to

be reviewed for greater impact. Moreover, the move to pursue an industry level for

SETUP can be aligned with road maps and Value Chain Analysis (VCA) already

prepared for various industry groups in the regions as given in the RDP Annexes.

There is also a challenge posed by lack of skills in equipment technical design and

engineering vis-à-vis the functional and operational requirement of SETUP

proponent/end-user. Equipment manufacturers/fabricators in the region oftentimes also

lack the capacity and skills to produce with accuracy and quality as designed.

Enhancing these, can lead to a more seamless implementation and broader outcomes

for SETUP.

DOST’s Technology Business Incubator (TBI) has continued to gain interest and

cooperation from the academe and private sector in the region. MUST and MSU-IIT are

now engaged in TBI concept by hosting the program and including it in their school

development plans. Metro Iligan Regional Agri-Industrial Center (MIRAIC) may also

absorb one as proposed during their strategic planning workshop.

The recent directive on coming up with results or outcome based performance

management in the instrumentalities of government is a welcome development to

improve investment and utilization of R&D funds. Outcome-based education (OBE) that

is advanced by the Commission on Higher Education is a welcome trend for the

prospects of the STI sector. There is optimism in the sector especially with CHEDs

directive for HEIs to now give equal emphasis to the three (3) pillars of education;

instruction, research and extension and the availability of research funds to SUCs as well

as private universities. Moreover, there could be some opportunities in CHED’s program


of enhancing science laboratories in the 6 SUCs in the Region with costs ranging from

PHP 2 million in smaller SUCs to PHP 400 million in MUST. These facilities shall be

tapped for STI services.

The Project NOAH team of DOST X has increased the number of installed ARGs in

strategic locations region wide by more than 100% in 2014. This has increased the

capacity of the region to provide accurate and real time weather data to Project NOAH.

This capacity has ensured availability of accurate information for Regional Risk

Reduction Management Council in their effort to maintain disaster preparedness.

4. Recent Development and Development prospects of the sector for 2015-2016.

Science, Technology and Innovation are some of the tools of Philippine Government

to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in all parts of the country. Great

prospect is seen on ICT development particularly in internet connectivity and other

spreading communication platforms. Local firms and enterprises are able to access new

science and technology information, global trends in industries, global market, consumer

situation, to provide better quality products and service the kind that promotes growth

and competitiveness. Access of these technologies is even extended to broader users

led by DOST-ICTO such as information, communication, education, government, etc. to

support accessibility, speedy and efficient delivery of public services even to the

remotest barangay. DOST recognizes its importance by undertaking the OneLab project

to connect all testing laboratories of the agency and will be extended to cover other

government testing laboratories as well as of the private sector.

Another reassuring prospect is in the area of R&D activities. In 1990, the Philippine

Government has enforced the granting of R&D incentives to persons or industries

engaged in R&D activities. Today, it has reinvented the offer and more R&D

investments are being encouraged. DOST is the leading agency that gives endorsement

to enterprises engaged in R&D activities and then apply for registration with either the

Bureau of Investment (BOI) or Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Documents

Department of Science & Technology-X