Month: April 2019

DOST-X introduces new partner in robotics

It was just recently that Bumblee of the Transformers’ Autobots ruled the Philippine cinemas. It was evident that movie theaters nationwide have had gathered the younger generation through this type of entertainment genre.

Eventually, the thought of “meeting these awesome robots one day” almost always fill the backs of young Filipino minds. Funny how these movies impart robot-filled imaginations to the young.

Back to the academe sector, the Department of Science and Technology regional office 10 gratefully partners with Robogals Cagayan de Oro in giving free robotics classes to students under grade 10.

Robogals Cagayan de Oro is a student-run, not-for-profit organization, which aims to engage young female school students in engineering-based topics.

It started in 2014 as the first chapter of the Robogals Global Network in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. As of 2018, Robogals CDO remains as the only local chapter in the country. The organization’s 15 active volunteers have reached 500 students in 18 schools through a total of 20 workshops and events.

The organization’s goal is to increase female enrolment in Engineering and Information Technology courses in the country by directly engaging students, from years four to twelve, with FREE school workshops using various kits that are both fun and educational.

The FREE robotics classes will be part of every Science and Technology Caravan (S&T Caravan) in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and Misamis Occidental.

The first leg of the S&T Caravan will happen on February 28, 2019, at the Linamon Municipal Covered Court, Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

Aside from the robotics classes, DOST-X will be giving FREE water testing, calibration services, and information materials of the agency’s programs and services.

DOST-X, Robogals-CDO, and the Local Government Unit of Linamon are encouraging the residents of Linamon and its neighboring towns to take part in this activity for the public.

For more information, contact DOST 10 at (088) 858-3931 or through their facebook page at facebook.com/dostregion10/. (Julie Anne H. Baculio, DOST-X)

About the picture (posterrobotics.png):

Free robotics class for students under grade 10 at the S&T Caravan on Feb 28 at the Municipal Covered Court, Linamon, LDN.

About the picture (poster.png):

S&T Caravan on Feb 28 at the Linamon Municipal Covered Court, Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

About DOST-X

The Department of Science and Technology – Region X (DOST-X) envisions to be an effective and competent catalyst of inclusive development by providing world class and innovative Science & Technology services in Region X.

Contact: Ms. Julie Anne H. Baculio, Science Research Specialist

DOST takes lead in 3D printing research

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to unveil the Philippines’ first Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) which aspires to be the country’s leading research center in innovative 3D printing technologies, processes, and materials.

DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism on the prospects of Additive Manufacturing, more popularly known as 3D printing, in the country as it move towards Industry 4.0.

“Additive manufacturing has limitless potentials–from aircrafts and automobile to medical and fashion applications–it is possible to create products for the same or lower cost without compromising quality. We are hopeful that with the establishment of AMCen we can see more researches geared towards this cutting-edge technology,” he said.

Additive manufacturing, allows rapid fabrication of various three-dimensional objects ranging from small parts and components, to three-dimensional structures such as cars, houses, and bridges. AMCen aims not only to have a user access facility but also to enhance R&D activities with the industry and academia.

This initiative will harness, strengthen, and expand the country’s capabilities in 3D printing and advanced design and manufacturing in the following areas: 1) Aerospace and Defense, 2) Biomedical/Healthcare, 3) Printed Electronics, 4) Agricultural Machinery, and 5) Automotive.

Balik Scientist and Case Western Reserve University professor, Dr. Rigoberto Advincula said that AMCen presents a unique position for the Philippines as it will be one of the first government-led centers in the ASEAN region that aspires to be a game-changer leading to Industry 4.0 goals.

Dr. Advincula will be leading the development of the center together with researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC).

The AMCen will be featuring two state-of-the-art research facilities that are seen to spur interest in Additive Manufacturing Research, namely: Multiple Materials Platform for Additive Manufacturing (MATDEV) and the Research on Advanced Prototyping for Product Innovation and Development using Additive Manufacturing Technologies (RAPPID-ADMATEC).

The MATDEV will be the laboratory-scale facility for design, materials development, and testing for additive manufacturing prototyping wherein materials such as ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials, and any combination of two or more of these materials will be developed and optimized. The facility guarantees reduction in material cost, lead time, importation, and wastage.

Materials development for additive manufacturing application shall be coupled with the recommendation or adoption of applicable standards particularly those critical applications of the technology.

On the other other hand, RAPPID-ADMATEC will provide the technology needed to create more innovative designs and speed up prototyping by reducing fabrication and processing time of components and products. Moreover, it will focus on the development and production of complex metal-based parts and materials using metal powders, cater to the production or localization of obsolete parts or repair and replacement of components to increase availability and reliability of existing equipment, as well as to improve manufacturing strategies and product quality through R&D, product development, consultancy and training services. (30)

DOST-SEI to host 2nd Exit Conference for the NCR-based graduating scholars

DOST-SEI to host 2nd Exit Conference for the NCR-based graduating scholars

In an effort to keep scholars who are expected to graduate at the end of AY 2018-2019 in the loop of their scholarship obligation, the Science Education Institute – Department of Science and Technology will again gather hundreds of NCR-based DOST-SEI scholars for a whole-day exit conference.

Now on its second year of implementation, the 2019 Exit Conference for DOST-SEI NCR Scholars will be held on February 18, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. It aims to re-orient the scholars on the terms and conditions of the Scholarship Agreement specifically on service obligation, and provide them with information about the DOST-SEI graduate scholarship programs and job-related concerns that can help them start their S&T careers.

Notable guest speakers from both government and private sectors, and successful graduate scholars will also be gracing the event to give talks on relevant topics. Similar conference is being held for scholars enrolled in colleges and universities in the regions.

DOST-SEI to host 2nd Exit Conference for the NCR-based graduating scholars

DOST-SEI to host 2nd Exit Conference for the NCR-based graduating scholars

In an effort to keep scholars who are expected to graduate at the end of AY 2018-2019 in the loop of their scholarship obligation, the Science Education Institute – Department of Science and Technology will again gather hundreds of NCR-based DOST-SEI scholars for a whole-day exit conference.

Now on its second year of implementation, the 2019 Exit Conference for DOST-SEI NCR Scholars will be held on February 18, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. It aims to re-orient the scholars on the terms and conditions of the Scholarship Agreement specifically on service obligation, and provide them with information about the DOST-SEI graduate scholarship programs and job-related concerns that can help them start their S&T careers.

Notable guest speakers from both government and private sectors, and successful graduate scholars will also be gracing the event to give talks on relevant topics. Similar conference is being held for scholars enrolled in colleges and universities in the regions.

Rice tariffication to benefit farmers given good implementation

By Melody Mendoza Aguiba

April 10, 2019
PHOTO Dr. William Dar, Roberto Amores, and Dr. Jun Soriano at PAJ forum
Dr. William Dar, Roberto Amores, Dr. Jun Soriano in a PAJ forum

The tariffication of rice will pave the way to farmers’ receiving assistance in growing more profitable, value added crops given the government properly implements the safety nets provided under the law.

The rice tariffication is not at all the end of the rice sector or farming sector as some people think, according Dr. William D. Dar, Inang Lupa Movement chairman in a forum of the Philippine Agricultural Journalists.

Rather, the Rice Tariffication Act (Republic Act 11203) itself has built-in protection for farmers.

First, there is protection from the 35% tariff imposed on imports from ASEAN countries and 50% outside ASEAN.

This is even strengthened by the provision that the president of the Philippines has the authority to raise tariff to the level he deems will aptly protect farmers from collapsing price due to imports.

Likewise, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is anticipated to help farmers shift to planting high value crops (HVC) as they will have a funding source from RCEF.

It may be the opportune time for government to turn sole focus on rice to HVC, Dar said.

Roberto C. Amores, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry agriculture committee chairman said one high value crop that must be produced in the country is the edamame, a kind of soybean.

“This has a very huge demand in Japan,” he said.

Agri-industrialization

The RCEF’s P10 billion fund should also contribute to country’s envisioned agri-industrialization. IN the first place, it will have a fund for mechanization.

However, to effectively implement mechanization, corporate farming should be encouraged along with block farming in order to achieve economies of scale.

Three components of agri-industrialization should be supported: 1 increased productivity. 2. processing or manufacturing 3. marketing.

In mechanization, the country only has a capacity of 3 horsepower per hectare while other neighboring countries’ capacity is at 5-7%, Dar said.

In another development that aligns with agri-industrialization, Pampanga State University has an academic training program that not only will raise the number of agricultural workers in the country but will prepare them to become entrepreneurs.

“Our goal is make them agripreneurs,” said Dr. Jun Soriano, president of Pampanga State University.

Agriculture students are encouraged not only to study agriculture but also take related agriculture technical-vocational courses that allow them to obtain NC2 certification from TESDA (Technical Education & Skills Development Authority).

Irrigation

For irrigation, in order to speed up development of irrigation facilities for one million hectares of farm land, government is urged to partner with the private sector in a build-operate-transfer agreement. Otherwise the provision of water for such 1 million hectares will take 20 years.

The Duterte Administration’s target of 60,000 hectares of new irrigated land this year must be minimal compared to need.

Presently, the water supply in the country is allocated 80% for irrigation and 20% for industry and domestic use. However, over time, the allocation for industry/domestic use will shrink to 15% given the increasing population, said Dar.

A priority water supply source should be rainwater even as there is an existing policy that households should be able to harvest rainwater.

The country has a huge potential to raise water supply from rainwater as the country has 2,200 millimeters of rainfall per year. But it only uses up 4 to 6% of such supply.

On the other hand, India only has 700 millimeters of rainfall per year. Yet, it uses up 60% of this water supply.

Philippines should also rehabilitate its 18 major river basins, 421 other river basins, and 700 lakes as these are sources of fresh water that may be used for irrigation or industry/domestic use. (Growth Publishing)
PHOTO Dr. Jun Soriano, Melody Aguiba, Belle Surara, and Ms. Juvy
Dr. Jun Soriano, Belle Surara, Melody Aguiba, Ms. Juvy. Photo by Maricar Aquino Bou

Koreans support P250M PAGASA flood forecasting center in QC

photo 3
Koreans support P250M PAGASA flood forecasting center in QC
The Korean government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) inaugurated last Friday the Pasig-Marikina-Tullahan River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in Quezon City. The center marks the completion of KOICA and PAGASA’s Automation of Flood Early Warning System for Disaster Mitigation in Greater Metro Manila project.
“Among the priority areas of KOICA Philippine office is disaster preparation and preparedness. KOICA included this section in its Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) from 2016 to 2020,” Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said last Friday. He also added that PAGASA has been a strong partner of KOICA in bringing development projects since 2007.
“The Korean government recognizes the urgent need to address and mitigate the devastation caused by floods, as it is considered to be one of the most damaging natural disasters in the country. We recognize the need to strengthen disaster response capacities to save and protect more lives,” Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man said in his speech during the launch.
photo 4

23RD National Press Congress highlights science and technology

23RD National Press Congress highlights science and technology


DOST Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña holds a token and certification from the Publishers Association of the Phils, Inc. headed by PAPI national president Nelson Santos with Chairman Emeritus Johnny Dayang together with its national officers.
MANILA – The recently concluded 23rd National Press Congress by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), held at the Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila has highlighted community development through enhanced public awareness on science and technology.

The annual event is mandated under Presidential Proclamation 1187 which declared December every year as the Month of the Community Press in the Service of the Nation, and designed PAPI as lead agency for its observance. The 23rd National Press Congress edition was held in collaboration with the National Capital Regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-NCR).
Spearheading the 23rd National Press Congress (from L-R) Sir Davis Pagayon, Bimbo Doran, PTFoMS Exec. Dir. Joel S. Egco , FISPC President Inv. Fransisco “Popoy” Pagayon, FISPC Treasurer Ed Evangelista, NPC President Rolando Gonzalo and Sir Edward Calvario of Healing Galing.

In his message, DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose “Jojo’ Patalinjug, III stressed the value of their partnership with PAPI on the media event which he said will hopefully help bridge the communication gap in their efforts to bring science, technology and innovations to the people. He particularly cited the event’s theme: “Science and Technology as Prime Movers of Developmental Growth.”
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, who keynoted the press congress, also noted the theme’s clear message. “I appreciate that you have chosen the role of science and technology as prime movers of developmental growth for this year overall theme,” he said and emphasisized the importance of Press Freedom and value of communication and connections. “We stand to benefit tremendously from collaboration in sharing knowledge for the greater good,” he added.

The Publishers Association of the Phils, Inc. (PAPI) National President Nelson Santos (center) together with Department of Science and Technology headed by Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña with DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose “Jojo’ Patalinjug III and PAPI Chairman Emeritus Johnny Dayang and its PAPI national officers signed and exchange notes concerning their partnership for the community and national development.

PAPI chairman emeritus Johnny P. Dayang acknowledged previous PAPI president Louie Areola who formally introduced Sec. Dela Pena, and incumbent president Nelson Santos for all their efforts to make their organization responsive to current development demands. “The information service of our people is dependent on our community press; we are the vanguard of press freedom as we deliver the right information to the grassroots,” he said.

Other highlights of the annual PAPI media event were the update by PCOO Undersecretary Joel M. Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on related to the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre and related media killings and security, and the Senatoriables’ Forum.

Eight (8) senatorial bets spearheading the Senatorial Forum conducted by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) during the 23rd National Press Congress seated are from L-R) Atty. Romy Macalintal, Rafael Alunan III, Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Prof. Edmundo “Toti” Casiño, Rizalino David, and Atty. Dan Rolida along with (standing) the PAPI National Officers led by President Nelson Santos.
photo 2

Fashionable couture for DOST employees

Press Release: FASHIONABLE COUTURE FOR DOST EMPLOYEES

Take a look at the uniform designs made for the DOST-Philippines and presented during the Textile Stakeholders Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday.

The TELA Conference brought together the textile stakeholders and advocates from various sectors of the government, academe, private institutions, and social enterprises to focus on the production, utilization, and the challenges encountered in the industry of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF). The uniforms, which were modeled by selected employees from six government agencies, contain natural textile fibers like pineapple and abaca produced, spun, woven, and finished in the country.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST – PTRI) advocates the use of tropical fabrics as mandated by the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law prescribing the use of local tropical fabrics for uniforms of government officials and employees. The event was made possible by DOST – PTRI in celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month.

The event was held @ Philippine International Convention Center ( PICC) last January 31, 2019.
Photos by Gerardo Palad, DOST-STII
PHOTO Filipino designed textile

Philippines strengthens skills of agri workers

Philippines strengthens skills of agricultural workers, sends 17 state colleges to tech-voc training mission in Malaysia
PHOTO agricultural competency workshop SEARCA
April 10, 2019

The Philippines has beefed up effort to strengthen skills of agricultural workers as it sent 17 state universities and colleges (SUC) to a Malaysian regional meeting on technical-vocational educational training (TVET) that can support local farm sector development.

As part of helping enhance skills of agricultural workers, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study & Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has supported sending 36 representatives from 17 SUCs in support of labor exchange in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian ministers are investing in more TVET jobs program, aligning each other’s program for standardization and labor exchange.

SEARCA is also carrying out a research on competency certification for agricultural workers to promote TVET in agriculture.

The Philippine government is supporting technical-vocational (tech-voc) jobs having ratified last month the Tulong Trabaho Act (Republic Act 11230). It establishes a Philippine Labor Force Competencies Competitiveness PRogram. Training fees for tech-voc jobs will be free under the law.

Government is also strengthening capacity development for agricultural workers in TVET as studies have shown that “excellent agricultural vocational schools persist in serving the rural community and strengthen school enterprise cooperation.”

A World Bank study showed that agricultural tech-voc schools in China have popularized new technology in agriculture and production methods and have optimized planting techniques.

“The school has dispatched teachers to train farmers in cultivation, pest control and preservation,” according to the World Bank’s “Case Study of Excellent TVET Institutions.”
TVET agricultural schools also help construct pilot farms.
PHOTO SEAT TVET

TVET participants

The country’s delegates to the TVET meeting come from Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology, Bulacan State University, Camarines Norte State College, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Guimaras State College, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Lyceum Northwestern University, Mariano Marcos State University, Mindoro State College of Agriculture of Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Pangasinan State University, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Saint Louis University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Trimex Colleges Inc., University of Mindanao, and University of the Immaculate Conception.

There are also representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at the conference in Ipoh, Malaysia which was convened by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) last March 26-27.

The TVET program of Southeast Asia aims to enhance the internationalization and partnership of TVET institutions and promote global competitiveness and 21st century skills of TVET students.

SEAMEO is also developing a common regional policy framework for labor,
skills, and learner mobility that will allow competent Filipino farm workers to work in the neighboring countries.
PHOTO Filipino agricultural workers run harvesting machines

World Bank study

The TVET agricultural schools cited in the World Bank study built farms in the rural areas, training centers for seed production, research laboratories on campus and training centers outside the school. These also formulated training courses with programs reflecting efficient production systems in enterprises.

For one, the Heilongjiang Nongken Vocational offered food safety and quality system training to companies and conducted research on the preservation of mashed potato.
PHOTO Farm technicians at IRRI
Tech-voc jobs in agriculture

As there has been a decreasing enrolment in agricultural schools and a decreasing number of farm workers, the World Bank study has recommended the following to enhance training in tech-voc jobs:

1. Promote development of agricultural vocational education.
“Promoting the development of agricultural vocational education is closely linked to the development of regional economies in China. To support the country’s economic development goals, the government must continue to pursue agricultural modernization, which in turn will develop agricultural vocational education.”

2. Promote green and creative agricultural production which is now recognized by trade certification advocates globally.

3. Develop the processing industry of local agricultural products to increase added value.

4. Develop the agricultural cooperative model to support the farmers throughout the production process.

5. Enhance IT resources to provide on-line courses on agricultural on tech-voc training.

6. Develop the online market of agricultural products to promote their production, sales, branding and other related activities.

7. Enhance the attraction of Agriculture-related majors to raise awareness on the developing agriculture sector.

“Currently, the development of the agriculture industry is far beyond the traditional planting, and this new development requires a large number of excellent skilled workers.”

Tech-voc schools also need to integrate new agricultural trends and technology into their curriculum.

“Government also needs to increase public finance to improve learning conditions within agricultural vocational schools and between the schools and enterprises. The increase in teacher welfare and training will also do much to develop agricultural tech-voc education.”

SEA cooperation

Southeast Asian countries are collaborating on putting up policy reforms in tech-voc education even in agriculture, recognizing its unique role in rural development.

“All Southeast Asian countries have placed TVET in mainstream education because of its important role in the socio-economic development of a nation. In addition, TVET has been identified as one of the seven priority areas in education in Southeast Asia as agreed at the Strategic Dialogue of Education Ministers (SDEM).” (Growth Publishing for SEARCA-Melody M. Aguiba)


PHOTO CAPTION:
1 SEARCA agricultural competency working
2 SEA TVET
3 Filipino farm workers run harvesting machine
4 Farm technicians at IRRI