GOVPH

DOST V conducts on-site accomplishment monitoring of eight firms enrolled in MPEX

On 10–11 November 2022, the Department of Science and Technology Region V (DOST-V) monitored the accomplishments of the eight beneficiary firms enrolled in the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program and their identified areas for improvement from the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte. The recommendations by the consultant during the progress reporting session in August 2022 served as the basis for monitoring accomplishments.

Engr. Baby R. Lim, Summit Consultancy and Research Services, led the on-site MPEX accomplishment monitoring with DOST-V OneExpert staff, Ms. Jonnahmelle Delantar; Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Masbate staff, Mr. Michael V. Pablo; and PSTO Camarines Sur staff, Mr. Moisha M. Dacara. Engr. Lim also discussed the preliminary result of this undertaking with Engr. Domingo A. Peña, Jr., Provincial S&T Director of Albay and OneExpert Coordinator.

The MPEX Program is a technical consultancy service of DOST intended to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector. It aims to provide recommendations and working solutions to improve the firm’s overall operations and productivity.

First published in the DOST Region V Facebook page on November 15, 2022 | Original post

PSTO Camarines Norte conducts Technology and Livelihood Training, lecture on GMP at Labo National High School

The DOST V Provincial S&T Office - Camarines Norte conducted a two-day Technology and Livelihood Training on Meat Processing and Lecture on Current Good Manufacturing Practices in partnership with Labo National High School headed by Mr. Ronaldo N. Rafael - School Principal I last 10-11 November 2022.

A total of 20 participants attended the activity which is composed of Labo National High School personnel, volunteer teachers and residents of Barangay Fundado, Labo, Camarines Norte. Ms. Nora A. Lobos was the Resource Person who generously shared her knowledge and expertise to all the participants during the training. They were able to produce chicken ham, chicken nuggets, corned beef, burger patties and meatloaf.

The Current Good Manufacturing Practices were discussed by Ms. Kristal Joy M. Guevarra - PTA I and Ms. Marilou J. Belgado - Science Research Specialist II of the DOST V Provincial S&T Office - Camarines Norte.

First published on the PSTO Camarines Norte Facebook page on November 21, 2022 | Original post

DOST-FNRI conducts Project IMPACT training-workshop at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture

DOST-FNRI and CBSUA’s collaboration was a success!

The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), spearheaded by Mr. Jaypy S. De Juan, Senior Science Research Specialist, together with Ms. Lea B. Landicho, Science Research Specialist II, Mr. John Albert F. Malaki, Project Technical Assistant V, and Ms. Ricamae V. Larrazabal, Project Technical Assistant I, conducted its DOST-FNRI’s Project IMPACT (Intellectual Property Management Program for Academic Institutions Commercializing Technology) —Teamed-Up! with the theme, “Enhancement of Technology Transfer Office Operation Towards a Mutual Mission of Bringing Technologies from Lab to Market”.

The activity was held last November 7-10, 2022 at the Research and Innovation Center, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Compound, Pili, Camarines Sur.

Before formally starting the activity, the Vice-President for Administration and Finance, Mr. Dominador F. Faurillo, greeted the facilitators and participants with a warm welcome message in behalf of the CBSUA President, Dr. Alberto N. Naperi. The Provincial S&T Director, Ms. Patrocinio N. Felizmenio, delivered an opening message as well.

An overview of the DOST-FNRI technology transfer policies and procedures and transferable technologies was given by Mr. De Juan, while Ms. Landicho presented a discussion on Measuring Technology Readiness.

The faculties and research staff from the 4 campuses of CBSUA (Pili, Calabanga, Pasacao, and Sipocot) enjoyed and actively participated in the 4-day training-workshop in which the objective is to help increase the chances of the developed food technologies transfer to prospective adaptors and make these available in the local or international supermarkets. It will likewise open an opportunity for the institute to be able to provide technical assistance to budding Technology Transfer Business Development Offices (TTBDO) of its State Universities and Colleges (SUC) adaptor to jumpstart their own technology transfer journey.

During the last day of the activity, the participants expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation towards the facilitators and hoped that this would not be the last time they conduct this type of workshop.

First published in the PSTO Camarines Sur Facebook page on November 21, 2022 | Original post

DOST V through PSTO Catanduanes releases SETUP funds to Apanti Agri-Industrial Products and Development in Baras

Another beneficiary from Baras received her technology fund/ assistance through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) last November 17, 2022.

Apanti Agri-Industrial Products and Development is a weaving industry originally located at Paniquihan, Baras, Catanduanes. The industry was founded by Mr. Virgilio Apanti and Ms. Anita Apanti in 1996, assisted by Philippine Textile and Research Institute (PTRI) in handloom weaving training. The weaving started with 5 to 10 women trainees. For almost four years of continuous training and research development at Mr. Apanti's own expense, the enterprise was able to modify its weaving looms and other equipment. The business produces handwoven abaca fabrics called BANACA (Banana-Abaca) using high quality abaca fibers.

The weaving industry encountered series of calamities. One of these is the destruction of Typhoon Nina in 2016. The building collapsed and most of the weaving looms were destroyed. These losses affect the emotional and physical health of Mr. Apanti who died eventually in 2018 due to health complications

However, the weaving business continued to operate in 2017 with three weaving looms and three weavers managed by one of his children, Ms. Rebecca Joy Apanti. Eventually, it became fully operational with 13 weavers, sorters, and winders. The production starts to meet the demand of the market.

In 2020, the industry was again affected by the global pandemic and the destructive effect of Typhoon Rolly. Due to COVID19 pandemic, the sales and labor force declined by almost 60%. The production is affected by the health restrictions. In addition, the weaving center did not withstand the destruction caused by typhoon Rolly plus the supply of high quality abaca fibers in the province was affected. Despite this, the weaving industry in Catanduanes is still moving towards its full recovery, thanks to the assistance of some organizations and some government offices

The project entitled “Modernizing the Production of BANACA (Abaca Pinukpok Fazbric) Through Equipment Upgrading” is expected to acquire higher capacity technologies that will enable the firm to upgrade its weaving capabilities such as (Portable weaving looms, Electric warping machine and Rotary Press with Cutter and Presser); increase production capacity by 40%; eliminate 65%- 75% rejects on BANACA (Abaca Pinukpok Fabric); produce other higher value products made of Abaca Pinukpok fabrics that can be used in interior designing and accents to furniture and materials for upholster; and hire three (3) additional employees.