Officially called the “Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children”, DOST’s PINOY program was launched May 11 in this city to beef up the nutrition status of children 6-35 months old in Barangay Cupang particularly. The DOST-PINOY implementation in this barangay is made possible through the sponsorship of Alagad, a partylist that focuses on improving the plight of the Filipino urban poor.

DOST’s PINOY is designed to improve the health status of children under three years old and to give opportunity to entrepreneurs who are interested to produce DOST-developed complementary food.

Breaking the malnutrition cycle

“The first two years of life is a very critical period. When kids are malnourished at this stage, the ill effects of malnutrition to their bodies and brains will be irreversible,” said DOST Sec. Mario Montejo. “Malnourished kids are sickly, do not perform well in school, and have unhealthy worldview. When they grow up, they will become unproductive and raise malnourished families. The cycle will just keep repeating itself.”

“It’s time to break this cycle through DOST’s PINOY program,” he added.

The DOST-PINOY program was launched last year in various parts of the country, including Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Antique, and Taguig City, where positive results were found by the PINOY research team from the DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

The FNRI team rolled out the DOST-PINOY program in Brgy. Cupang by holding first a two-day nutrition education training for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), barangay health workers (BHWs), and barangay volunteers. The trainees will later train the mothers and caregivers on proper nutrition, breastfeeding, meal planning, proper food handling, and others. They will also handle the 120-day feeding of FNRI-developed complementary food to Brgy. Cupang’s young children aged 6-35 months. The feeding will run from May 21 to  Sept. 17.

Clockwise: Asst. Secretary Robert Dizon feeds one kid with DOST PINOY complementary food named "BigMo." DOST officials turns over PINOY manuals, food samples, and others to Alagad representatives who in turn will hand over the PINOY kit to the local governments of Antipolo City and Brgy. Cupang.(L-R) DOST-IVA OIC, DOST STII Director Raymund Liboro, Asec. Dizon, Paolo Marcoleta and Mrs. Edna Marcoleta. An Antipolo child beneficiary savors the flavor of the DOST PINOY complementary food.

What is complementary food?

Studies have shown that malnutrition among younger children is usually caused by inadequate feeding after the baby weans from breastfeeding, which is from six to 24 months after birth.

According to Julieta Dorado, PINOY project leader, babies are usually fed with “am” or the viscous liquid taken from boiling rice which lacks micronutrients that growing babies need. To address this nutrition shortage, DOST-FNRI developed various complementary foods to add more nutrients, particularly energy and protein, to the diet of children who at this age are usually weaned from pure breastfeeding and introduced to other kinds of food.

The DOST-FNRI complementary foods are rice-mongo-sesame blends in 20-gram boxes that come in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook packages. Meanwhile, DOST encourages entrepreneurs interested to produce complementary foods to partner with DOST and FNRI in the PINOY program. (Framelia V. Anonas)

More jobs, more equipped workers, more businesses, and more income—these are the ultimate aims of MakiBayan, the Department of Science and Technology’s solution in raising the productivity of the metals industry in the country. Short for “Makinarya at Teknolohiya para sa Bayan,” MakiBayan is a tripartite program that involves close collaboration among DOST, the metalworks and other allied industries, and the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT), a consortium of topnotch engineering universities across the country.

“The MakiBayan program is essentially an indicative roadmap that outlines the research and development thrusts for the industry in order to achieve more sustained growth and overall development of the industry,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

MakiBayan provides a more enabling environment to spur growth in the metalworks and other related industries by strengthening research and development to provide solutions to industry problems, developing needed machineries and technologies locally, and equipping the industry manpower through higher education and training.

Through MakiBayan, the program partners will be able to work more closely and share their resources to work on common goals. The industry can identify its technology needs and, through collaboration, will be able to produce the technology and machinery locally. This results in more accessible and lower-priced equipment that will minimize the industry’s dependence on imported machineries, and even increase its competitiveness to export products and machinery.

A more vibrant metals industry will create more business opportunities through new products and services, and will result in more job opportunities for Filipinos.

According to Sec. Montejo, a strong and brisk metalworking sector is an important component in increasing the gross domestic product in the local and global economy. Globally, the metals and allied industries employ some 70 million people worldwide and account for nearly half of the goods produced in the manufacturing sector and more than half of all merchandise exported worldwide in terms of value, he said.

Every partner serves as a gear to set the Makibayan program in motion. From left are EIAPI president Victor Gruet, DOST Secretary Mario Montej, STII Director Raymund Liboro who emceed the event, MIAP president Virgilio Lanzuela, PDMA president Antonio Fuster, and: ERDT Chair and UP College of Engineering Dean Ma. Aurora Matias (extreme right). (Photo by Gerardo Palad, S&T Media Service)

Consequently, the metal industry is both a driving force of the world economy and is influenced to a large extent by the overall world economic climate.

“I thank the DOST, through the leadership of Secretary Montejo, for the MakiBayan Program. It has always been our aspiration to upgrade the status of the tool and die sector of the country. Now we can work together to bring this objective into reality,” said Luis Antonio T. Fuster, president of the Philippine Die and Mold Association, one of the industry partners of MakiBayan.

PDMA through MakiBayan aims to establish a common service facility to accommodate small and medium enterprises who cannot afford to purchase costly pieces of equipment.

Other industry partners include the Metalworking Industry Association of the Philippines and the Electronics Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc.“We at MIAP are privileged to be part of this event in crafting the roadmap of the metalworking sector. As a gesture of gratitude we are taking a bold stance by accepting the challenge as one of the government partners in working towards improving productivity in the metal sector,” said Virgilio F. Lanzuela, MIAP president.

To produce more experts to work locally, “the industry can tell us its manpower needs and we will produce them,” assured Dr. Aura C. Matias, ERDT Program Leader. ERDT consists of eight universities with strong engineering curriculum, namely Ateneo de Manila University, Central Luzon State University, De La Salle University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, and University of San Carlos.

The MakiBayan partners will complete a collaborative research and development (R&D) roadmap that will frame plans, projects, and milestones from 2012 to year 2016. The roadmap is expected to propel the metalworks, machinery and allied industries in the country toward greater competitiveness both in the local and global markets.

Transportation, robotics, and machine building for manufacturing processes, disaster mitigation, and food processing for small and big enterprises are the identified beneficiaries of the program. Once realized, MakiBayan will result in earnings and wealth for Filipinos through jobs generated, efficient production, and quality outputs.

“I thank the DOST, through the leadership of Secretary Montejo, for the MakiBayan Program. It has always been our aspiration to upgrade the status of the tool and die sector of the country. Now we can work together to bring this objective into reality,” said PDMA President Luis Antonio T. Fuster.

Also during the MakiBayan launch, PDMA proposed the establishment of the Die and Mold Solution Center that shall serve as a common service facility to accommodate small and medium enterprises who cannot afford to purchase costly pieces of equipment. Its ultimate goal is to increase the country’s production of die and mold and reduce dependence on their importation.

MIAP, who specializes in metalworking, or transformation of the shape and properties of metals to produce tools and components, also thanked the DOST for the opportunity of taking part in the commercialization of mature R & D projects.

“We at MIAP are privileged to be part of this event in crafting the roadmap of the metalworking sector. As a gesture of  gratitude we are taking a bold stance by accepting the challenge as one of the government partners in working towards improving productivity in the metal sector,” said Virgilio F. Lanzuela, MIAP president.

Meanwhile, Dr. Aura C. Matias, ERDT Program Leader, stated that the lack of researchers, scientists and engineers to conduct R&D can be a big reason for the slow growth of the country. UNESCO put the benchmark for a developing country at 360 researchers, scientists and engineers per year in order to . According to her, the country produced 125 researchers, scientists and engineers in 2005, and only five after two years, with a total of 130 in 2007. In addition, Philippine neighbors like Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore produce six, 25 and 200 Master graduates, respectively, for one produced in the country.

With regard to the MakiBayan, Dr. Matias said, “The ERDT consortium is an investment to make the Philippines globally competitive by addressing R&D manpower needs.”

“Through this partnership, the industry can tell us what expertise they need, and we will supply them with what they need,” she added.

Led by DOST-FNRI’s Dr. Trinidad Trinidad, the study team discovered that daily intake of root crops significantly lowers bad cholesterol levels in the body.

“Root crops are able to lower bad cholesterol levels because of their dietary fiber content,” said Dr. Trinidad. Dietary fiber or roughage is that part of the vegetable or fruit that is not digested and not absorbed in a human's digestive tract.

“Dietary fibers come from a family of carbohydrates that ferments in the colon, turning into short-chain fatty acids that release energy,” Trinidad explained. “These fatty acids include butyrate, which prevents the risk of colon cancer, and propionate which helps prevent cholesterol synthesis.”

Aside from dietary fiber, root crops also contain vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

The study involved subjects aged 30-55 years, physically and mentally fit, and with moderately-raised serum cholesterol levels. The subjects were non-smokers and were not under any medication. They were all fed with test food for two weeks.

The team used various root crops such as camote (sweet potato), gabi (taro), tugi (lesser or Chinese yam), ube (purple yam), and cassava.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that the cholesterol level of the subjects remained stable. Trinidad’s team concluded that root crops, due to their cholesterol-lowering effect, would be important in the proper control and management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases.

In individual analysis, the team found that all the root crops used in the study decreased the level of bad cholesterol, especially cassava and camote. The team also discovered that tugi, a root crop abundant in the north, even increased good cholesterol.

In another study, researchers found that corn is good for the heart. It contains folate that lowers the level of homocysteine, a kind of amino acid that damages the lining of arteries and may make blood clot more easily than it should. High homocysteine levels may lead to heart attack.

Corn also has thiamin and pantothenic acid that help in producing energy for the body and in reducing stress.

Root crops and corn are traditional Filipino foods that, in some parts of the country, serve as staple food. For the average Filipino, root crops and corn are best eaten as snacks—tasty, filling, and inexpensive.

So if you want to keep your cholesterol down, junk the grease and go back to eating boiled corn, camote, and cassava. “These foods used to be labeled as ‘pagkain ng mahirap’ (food for the poor) but now it is also for the rich,” quipped Trinidad.

Even that sweet camote que is good, “as long as there’s not much sugar in it and you eat in moderation,” Trinidad advised.

Inventors who wish to avail of the program must meet the following criteria: a Filipino citizen with good moral character; in good health and not more than 60 years old or if more than 60 years old, he/she should assign a co-project implementer with equal responsibility of the project; and must have good credit standing and no outstanding obligation to TAPI. 

The program also requires that the business already started with the invention as the main product line, the company is Filipino-owned and registered in the Philippines, the invention must already be patented, and there should be a working commercial model for the invention as basis for production.

Interested inventors must submit their application letter to DOST-TAPI together with certified true copy of Letters Patent, business plan, plan layout and process flow of production process, business registration and breakdown of budgetary requirements.

The Department of Science and Technology - Information and Communications Technology Office of (DOST-ICTO) presented Balik-Scientist Raul H. Manongdo a certificate of appreciation for his work in ICT under the Balik-Scientist Program of the DOST.  Raul H. Manongdo is an Australian based ICT expert who has 25 years of experience in the field of database development and database administration.

As a Balik Scientist, Mr. Manongdo worked with the DOST-ICTO on developing and conducting  Database Administration (DBA) Course . He also served as consultant  in developing the Government Interoperability Framework (GIF), an essential component of the iGov project which aims to integrate existing government systems to hasten the delivery of services to the public.

Manongdo likewise conducted a three-day workshop to enhance the skills of National Computer Center (NCC) and Advance Science Technological Institute (ASTI) IT practitioners in database development using Oracle 11G. The Oracle Database, commonly referred to as Oracle RDBMS or simply as Oracle, is an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS)[2] produced and marketed by Oracle Corporation.

DOST Balik-Scientist awardee Raul Manongdo (second, left) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) through National Computer Center (NCC) OIC Denis F. Villorente (middle) and NCC Deputy Managing Director Juli Ana E. Sudario (second, right) for his contribution to ICT development in the country. Also in photo are Dr. Felicisimo Ople Jr., Balik Scientist for renewable energy (rightmost) and DOST-Balik Scientist Program staff. (Roy Espiritu, S & T Media Service)

“We are grateful to our countrymen who have accomplished so much in their chosen careers abroad and have taken the time and effort to share their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the country. Mr. Manongdo’s invaluable contribution to the ICTO will go a long way in developing an integrated government,” Denis Villorente,  NCC Officer-in-Charge and project leader of the iGov project said.

Originally established in 1975, The Balik Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology aims to support and strengthen the scientific and technological human resources in the Philippines and reverse the effects of migration of skilled workers by encouraging Filipino scientists and technicians to return to the country and share their expertise and promote scientific, and economic development.  (Roy Espiritu and Allan Ace Aclan, S & T Media Service)

In celebration of its silver anniversary, the Department of Science and Technology’s Science and Technology Information Institute will launch the first Philippine science and technology search engine. Dubbed science.ph, the STII-developed search engine will formally go live  on February 24, 2012 at the Arts in the City located at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila.

science.ph is both a search engine and a comprehensive website that contains Philippine S&T information and databases. The site is geared to provide access to a great variety of science-related news, articles, blogs, photos, and videos, as well as to deliver accurate S&T information for Filipinos. This explains its tagline “Science for every Juan.”

“The science.ph project is a testament to DOST’s commitment in promoting science and technology awareness in the Philippines,” DOST-STII Director Raymund Liboro said. “It is the product of STII’s hard work for many years of compiling specialized information and developing systems to store and update these data, and making them accessible to users.”

“science.ph was developed for the  use of researchers, teachers, students, communicators, or any individual who wants to know more about the latest breakthroughs and developments in the Philippine science scene,” added Aristotle Carandang, leader of  the Changing the Mindset program that includes the development of science.ph.

According to Alfon Narquita, science.ph assistant project leader and head of STII’s IT unit that developed the site, science.ph works by collecting information from different sources like government institutions, academe, NGOs, and private sectors. When it comes to news content, science.ph uses RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, to automatically feed content from DOST websites to science.ph. News from other sites are obtained through crawling or automatic gathering of information from the Web.

Narquita also emphasized that what makes science.ph distinct from popular search engines today is that it sources information through “hidden web.“ Unlike other search engines that skim through the Web, science.ph uses a deep search system that looks into databases. The “hidden web”  contains databases not normally indexed by search engines, unless they have partnership with the content provider.

STII has  indexed a number of Philippine S&T databases over the years and all of these can be accessed through science.ph. Partnership with various institutions also gave access to science.ph to search through their databases.

The search engine has indexed almost 300,000 records from 56 institutions -- academe, government, NGOs, private consortia, and others. “We have collected over 2,000 news articles from government institutes and online sources,” Narquita said.

Aside from news and other articles, science.ph also features photos and videos, press conferences via online streaming, promotional and instructional materials, including technology videos for livelihood.

science.ph is a one-stop shop for science information in the Philippines. Syndication has created a new pipe for disseminating information, thus the science.ph content is expected to expand more as other institutions will be invited to share their S&T information and materials to the site.

“Advertisements or information on science related activities, events, promotions, and programs will also be accommodated in science.ph,” according to Narquita.

The science.ph logo consists of blue and red semi-circles connected to each other, representing a continuing search for knowledge through strong partnership.

The middle eight-ringed yellow atom with a solid nucleus symbolizes the firm core of the Philippine science community; with three electrons moving about symbolizing the action, freedom and dynamism of Filipinos.

“It is also an artistic take on the Philippine flag but does not, in any way, dishonor it as it is one true national symbol of the Filipino pride,” Carandang said.(By Allan Ace MArfal)

A technology business incubator, or TBI, is a program that helps entrepreneurial companies and start-up businesses to take off and develop through the TBI’s array of business support resources and services. Some of TBI services include business space for rent, marketing assistance,   accounting/financial management assistance, links to partners, help with regulatory compliance, and others.

In addition to helping entrepreneurs start up their businesses, the DOST-TRC also helps overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to start over through its free livelihood trainings to displaced OFWs. DOST, in partnership with Duty Free Philippines,  likewise offers livelihood packages such as washing machines for Laundromat business or car tools for automobile service business through DOST’s Kabuhayan Shopping Program.
To celebrate its 35th anniversary this Feb. 23, DOST-TRC vows to continue its legacy of providing opportunities for the people.

“The TRC has been the industry leader in terms of livelihood training and technology resource for nearly 35 years.  In keeping up with its mandate of creating opportunities, TRC will continue improving and innovating its programs to be able to enhance the productivity of more sectors,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said.
This year, TRC will focus on sectors like the youth, women, senior citizens and OFW’s.  According to TRC Director Dennis Cunanan, “Expanding our services will enable us to serve more sectors and, this way, people can identify themselves and find their place in the whole picture.”

“Creating opportunities is a continuous process. We will not stop from now and make sure that the workforce of the center will adapt to the changing times and we will be still relevant and effective as an institution.  The people deserve nothing less,” Cunanan said.

Aside from strengthening its public-private partnerships, TRC’s programs also includes commercialization of DOST mature technologies.  In the pipeline is the commercialization of affordable baby foods developed by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).  (By Maria Luisa Lumioan)

Philippine tropical fabrics seize the limelight in the recent Bagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles fashion show by the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI). Held at the InterContinental Hotel Manila, the fashion show featured DOST-PTRI-developed fabrics, such as water hyacinth, saluyot, maguey, piña, banana and abaca styled into classy and elegant pieces by young and talented Filipino designers. The fabrics were naturally-dyed using native plant sources. They were also enzyme-treated for comfort and a softer drape. (Photo by Henry de Leon, S&T Media Service)

Elegant, trendy and chic—these just some of the adjectives thrown at the Philippine tropical fabric (PTF) outfits modeled at the recently held Bagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles fashion show at the InterContinental Hotel Manila. Among the audience were executives, fashion designers and stakeholders of the textile industry who were dazzled at the seeming metamorphosis of indigenous fabrics into classy, eco-friendly fashion pieces.

Spearheaded by the country’s lead textile research and development agency, the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), Bagong Habi: Salinlahilaunched fabrics made of native Philippine plants such as piña, abaca, and banana. The real revelation, meanwhile, was the introduction of newly-developed fabrics made from water hyacinth,saluyot, and maguey. All garments were dyed using natural plant sources, namely: mayana, guava, mahogany, achuete, indigo, talisay, and coconut husk.

The featured designers showcased a wide array of stylish garments created from tropical fabrics—from cocktail dresses to office uniforms, bridal pieces, and casual to formal wear for men and women. Special ethnic fabrics from different parts of the country were also incorporated in several designs to pay tribute to local craftsmanship and culture, namely inabel of Ilocos, piña and jusi of Aklan, hablonof Iloilo, and inaul of Maguindanao.

Excitement filled the grand ballroom as models flaunted their attires individually on the runway with accompanying Filipino music of various rhythms, beats and genres. Meanwhile, through audio-visual presentations, the audience learned of DOST-PTRI’s step-by-step processes in manufacturing various tropical fibers and natural dyes.

Among the designers of the fashion collection were Bon Gavino-Gautier, chair of the Uniform Manufacturers Organization and Designers Association (UNIMODA), Jamie Espadilla of The Jaime Collection, Curitthy Manzanero of Shelmed Cottage Industries, Emeretha Daniel of Nooks Co Ltd, and  Anthony Cruz Legarda, featured designer based in New York and the fashion show’s creative director.

“Bagong Habi: Salinlahi is all about making new, innovative and world-class textiles and a showcase of designs for different facets of life. It is synergistic—it was made possible through the collaboration of individuals who are passionate about our own culture, natural resources, and great talent in manufacturing,” Legarda said.

“Bagong Habi: Salinlahi aims to iron out all misconstrued perceptions towards indigenous fabrics that they are impractical, itchy, uncomfortable and drab,”  said DOST-PTRI director Dr. Carlos Tomboc.

Meanwhile, according to Ms. Nora Mangalindan, R&D Team Head at DOST-PTRI, the tropical fabrics used by the designers in their collections were enzyme-treated to eliminate their itchiness. The fabrics, in addition, are no longer stiff, have a softer drape, and can easily comply with any design. Washing will be easier, too, as they no longer require dry-cleaning.

“The clothes are surprisingly light and comfortable. I love their feel. I am really not a fan of barong but these (barongs)  are stylish,  unique and perfect for those who want to be fashionistas for a change,” said Miguel Masigan, one of the night’s models.

“They are very comfortable, trendy, and not itchy. I feel good wearing them. It is so like me,” quipped Veronica De Castro, another model. (By George Robert Valencia III)

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo sent a quick response team yesterday to Negros Oriental to assess the damage in earthquake-affected areas. The team, headed by DOST-Phivolcs Chief Mariton Bornas and Senior Science Specialist Mabel Abigania, is composed of geologists, seismologists and information staff from the DOST- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs). They arrived in Dumaguete City yesterday afternoon and will proceed to the Tayasan and Libertad areas in Negros Oriental  to immediately conduct post-earthquake assessment.

The team will evaluate the extent of damage around the Negros-Cebu area, particularly the hazards caused by the earthquake such as landslides, liquefaction, ground rupture, tsunami  and other developments in the areas near the epicenter. The team will also install instruments in gathering intensity reports to determine the strength of ground shaking in various areas.

Also, the team will use portable seismic monitoring equipment to accurately identify the position of the epicenter of the aftershocks, and identify and locate the fault plain that caused the main shock. The experts will likewise document the condition in the areas around the epicenter through pictures and video to help them better understand and study the incident.

Meanwhile, the information team will conduct on-site lectures on what to do during and after an earthquake and distribute information materials on earthquake and other hazards.

“We assure our countrymen, especially those in the earthquake-damaged areas, that DOST-Phivolcs is doing its best to monitor all events related to the Cebu-Negros earthquake,” Sec. Montejo stated. “We are doing this to deepen our own knowledge of what happened and continually provide our people with the relevant information they need to understand this earthquake event and how to cope with its effects.”

Meanwhile, DOST-Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum that yesterday’s earthquake was quite different from the 1990 earthquake in Northern Luzon though they had same magnitude.

“The 1990 earthquake was caused by a horizontal fault,” explained Dr. Solidum. “However, the Negros-Cebu quake was cause by a thrust fault, which is similar to two cars colliding, and the hood of one car is on top of the other.”

Since the 6.9 magnitude earthquake at 11:49 AM on Monday, DOST-Phivolcs has recorded more than a thousand aftershocks, most of which were not felt. (Framelia V. Anonas)

As the cities of Iligan and Cagayan De Oro continue to reel from the huge swath of destruction of lives and property left behind by super typhoon “Sendong,” the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) introduced a locally-developed scientific flood warning system that offers a more responsive disaster preparedness mechanism for the country.

In an interagency meeting held recently, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo presented the National Flood Monitoring, Forecasting, and Mitigation Program-- an integrated, comprehensive system that responds to the urgent need for a reliable flood warning system covering the country’s major river systems and watersheds.

“The National Flood Monitoring Program is government’s commitment toward a more effective and efficient disaster mitigation and monitoring system. Too many lives have already been lost, and it is high time for science to step up to the plate and save lives this time around,” Montejo said.

The project received support from other meeting participants, including Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Ma. Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, including the undersecretaries from the interior and local government and environment departments.   Leading the meeting was Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson.

The flood management program, according to Montejo, has four main components: the DREAM or the Disaster Risk Exposure, Assessment, and Mitigation; FLOODNET; Sensors Development and Weather Media.

These measures were launched after President Benigno Aquino III issued strict directives to concerned government agencies to step up national efforts toward greater and more intensive disaster risk reduction and management procedures in the wake of Typhoon “Sendong.”

“Disaster preparedness will entail a team effort, so that together we will be able to achieve goals and end-results mutually beneficial for all,” Montejo added.

For his part, Singson stressed the vital role of communication so the public will understand the usage and effectiveness of these devices, which are about ready to roll out. (S&T Media Service)

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo likens to  murderers the thieves who stole several meters of cables and five pieces of 12 volts batteries at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) seismic relay stations in Sto. Domingo, Alba.

“These unscrupulous individuals are not only thieves they could also qualify as murderers. By stealing cables of seismic sensors to sell for a measly sum, they jeopardize the safety and put at risk the very  lives of the people of Albay, their properties, as well as the resources of the province in the event of a major volcanic activity,” Sec. Montejo expressed his dismay over the theft in the unmanned Phivolcs relay station near Mayon Volcano in Albay..

According to an official report, the seismic station of the DOST- Phivolcs in Legazpi has not received any data from the two relay stations in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo since December 14 last year. Upon inspection of the team from DOST-Phivolcs, they discovered that meters of cables connected to the seismic sensors from the unmanned relay stations and five pieces of 12 volts batteries were missing.

DOST- Phivolcs’ unmanned relay stations are equipped with seismic sensors and radio transceivers that transmit seismic data to the PHIVOLCS central station in Quezon City. These stations transmit vital information on seismic and volcanic activities in the province.

DOST- Phivolcs Director Renato U. Solidum said that the incident has caused 50 percent loss in data transmission. “It is a good thing that Mayon Volcano is not active as of this time,” he told.

Dir. Solidum added that Mayon Volcano is on Alert Level 1 which, in a scale of 0-5, it is considered abnormal. “There were several volcanic activities that were monitored,” explained Dir. Solidum.

However, Dir. Solidum stressed that the incident, although it caused temporary disruption in seismic data transmission, did not hinder the normal operations of the agency in terms of volcanic and seismic monitoring. “The incident did not cripple Phivolcs because other relay stations in Albay are functioning efficiently,” he revealed.

Sec. Montejo urged the people who live near DOST weather and seismic forecasting and monitoring stations to be vigilant in reporting malicious activities that compromise the safety of the people.

“The safety of the people is our primordial concern, which is why the government is aggressively installing weather forecasting and other monitoring equipment like rain gauges and  water level sensors critical to monitoring flood prone areas,” he added.

This year, the government is set to install  water level sensors and rain gauges in all major river systems in the country as part of the national flood forecasting, monitoring and mitigation program spearheaded by the DOST . Sec. Montejo raised the matter of pilferage of DOST monitoring equipment during yesterday’s interagency meeting on the national flood program convened by the Department of Public Works and Highways and attended by the Departments of Justice, Interior and Local Government, Social Work and Development, and the Environment and Natural Resources. The DILG and the DOJ in particular will look into ways on how to protect these vital monitoring equipment in the local level and immediately prosecute those caught stealing them.

Sec. Montejo also appealed to the community and their leaders to help protect these equipment. “More importantly, people in the areas where monitoring equipment are installed should help safeguard these equipment. After all, their lives, properties, and communities’ safety are all at stake here,” Montejo  said.

President Aquino has certified as urgent the proposed bill in Congress penalizing the stealing of weather and disaster monitoring equipment of the DOST. (Joy Lazcano, S&T Media Service)

Contestants are required to register online at http://sites.science.ph/itm/ and should submit their entries via email to robee.jon@gmail.com on or before January 23. The contest accepts photo entries taken using any type of camera, and a maximum two (2) photo entries are allowed for each contestant. Entries must be in JPEG format, have minimum resolution of 300dpi, and should have been taken within the period Jan. 01 to Dec. 31, 2011.

Interested individuals can visit http://sites.science.ph/itm/ for the complete details and mechanics of the DOST-wide photo contest. The contest is held in the occasion of DOST-STII’s 25th Anniversary celebration on January 27 which also features the Gawad Jose L. Guerrero Media Awards. The awards aims to give due recognition to outstanding communicators of science and technology information. (By George Robert E. Valencia III, S&T Media Service)

The Gawad Jose L. Guerrero (DOST Media Award) is an annual event organized by the information arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) to recognize outstanding Filipino science communicators for their concern and involvement in the promotion of science and technology information either as an individual or as an institution; whether public or private sector.

The DOST Media Award is named in honor of Dr. Jose L. Guerrero, first Director of the DOST-STII, who served from 1990 to 2004. He exemplified a genuine desire to promote S&T information through various means. As a science communicator himself, Dr. Guerrero has actively spearheaded advocacies and projects that helped science and technology reach a wider audience particularly the masses and the grassroots through vigorous information and communication campaigns.

Inspired by the example of Dr. Guerrero as a science communicator, the Gawad Jose L. Guerrero aims to encourage science communicators and their institutions to contribute significantly to the growth of a culture science in the Philippines using the power of S&T information.

The award is given in recognition of the important role of media practitioners (print, radio, television, and cyber), government and private, in the promotion of science and technology information in the country through outstanding science reporting and coverage.

Categories

1. Institutional Award

2. Professional Award (Media Practitioners in Print, Broadcast, and Cyber)

3. Outstanding Information Officer Award

Criteria for Evaluation

The DOST Media Awardee shall be chosen by the Board of Judges composed of experts from the government, private, and academic institutions. No DOST personnel sits in the Board. The Board of Judges shall formulate its own guidelines for selection based on the following criteria:

1. Institutional Award

The Award shall be based on the following:

- Continuous support or commitment to science and technology concerns

- Regularity of promotion and/or dissemination of S&T information

2. Professional Award (Individual)

The award shall be based on the following:

- Message (substance) developed specifically the significance and relevance to the needs of the audience/s

- Style/approach/format of the materials (in popular form)

3. Outstanding Information Officer Award

The Award shall be based on the following:

- Frequency/Regularity and variety of materials prepared/disseminated (last five years)

- Message developed

- Variety of media (channels) used

- Quality of materials

- Creativity

General Guidelines

 Nominees shall be Filipinos/Filipino-owned media companies who/which have aired/published S&T information from December 2010 to November 2011.

 Materials published/aired shall be considered based on quality, substance, and motivational appeal/impact on readers/listeners/viewers.

 The contest is open to all national and regional media including employees of the DOST system.

 Candidates may either apply or be nominated

 Applications/Nominations together with all requirements shall be submitted to on or before 10 December 2011:

The Chairperson

NSTW Publicity and Promotions Committee

STII, DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila

1. Comprehensive Bio-data

2. Copies of published write-ups and articles or programs on S&T; Entries should be submitted in seven (7) copies

- Decisions of the Board of Judges shall be final and non-appealable

Contestants or their representatives shall agree to the immunity of the members of the Board of Judges, DOST and their employees from any legal suit that may arise from or relative to the conduct, results, etc. of the contest.

The Prize

A cash award of P30,000.00 and a plaque of recognition shall be given to the winner/s of the professional category.

A cash award of P10,000.00 and a plaque of recognition shall be given to the winning institution/s.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo, in his address during the launching of the Philippine Genomics Center in Shangri-la Hotel Makati City, last November 28, 2011, said that DOST will focus its genomics program on health, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and biodiversity.

Genomics, a flagship program of DOST, can be a “game-changing tool that could offer enormous rewards to our people,” according to Secretary Montejo.

Genomics is a science concerned with the study of the genomes or the complete set of genes in an organism.  A goal in genomics is the sequencing of the genome of the whole organism which may lead to applications in medicine, agriculture, ecology, and bio-processing.

Sec. Montejo said that DOST will provide funding support on health researches on diseases such as dengue, TB, AH1N1, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and genomic studies on endemic crops, staples, bio-products fisheries and livestock to significantly enhance agricultural production.

Current initiatives in genomics include improving the brood stock for the cultured bangus and tilapia, fighting bunchy top virus affecting abaca, and addressing the dreaded Panama disease now affecting banana growers in Mindanao, Montejo said.

Montejo emphasized in his speech that translating genome-based research into practical solution is trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral responsibility.  It involves intricate collaboration across scientific disciplines and linkages between public research and development institutions, policy makers, academe and industry sectors.

“Putting together a cohesive genomics initiative in a developing country, however, is no easy task. It requires a critical mass of scientists and experts to develop a sustainable program, and appropriate resources to support the operational and infrastructure demands of research and development,“ he said.

To achieve critical mass of scientists and experts, DOST embarks on Balik Scientist Program that will bring home top Filipino scientists, informatics experts and engineers now working outside the Philippines to mentor domestic scholars and supervise genome-related projects.  DOST will also support genomics research projects aligned with development priorities through grants from its councils such as Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, Philippine Council on Health Research and Development, and Philippine Council on Agriculture  Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. (Luisa Lumioan, S&T Media Service)

 Batac City, Ilocos Norte – The agriculture sector in the country still finds opportunities in the rapidly changing food markets in Asia and the fast urbanization and transformation of the supply chain, agricultural economist Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan said during the 48th Convention of the Philippine Agricultural Economics and Development (PAEDA) held in this city.

The convention hosted by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) gathered agricultural economic experts and development practitioners from all over the Philippines to discuss the challenges of enhancing the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture. 

Such opportunities were found amid the current challenges affecting the agriculture sector, such as the economic aspect.

“It will take us 44 years to double our income,” Dr. Balisacan revealed. “Other countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are far more advanced and will be able to double their incomes in much shorter period.” 

Yet another opportunity is the rapidly-diversifying trend in food consumption, which leads to income growth and urbanization, Balisacan added.

In changing food consumption trend, the share of rice consumption declines in favor of rapid diversification into non-rice, high value food products. These include processed food and fresh fruits and vegetables. For Balisacan, changing food consumption offers a big opportunity for farmers to diversify to high value, more profitable crops. 

On the other hand, the sector is currently facing some key policy and governance constraints. According to Balisacan, some of the barriers include the extremely high cost in doing business in the country which is affected by the poor quality of institutions and infrastructure; and corruption.
“Development is hampered by policy and governance constraints,” Balisacan said, pointing out that the country’s economic growth does not always translate to reducing poverty and hunger. 

In the 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report, out of 139 countries the Philippines ranked 125 and 104 in terms of Institutions (governance) and Infrastructure, respectively. Other Asian countries fared much better: Indonesia (61, 82), Thailand (64 and 35), Vietnam (74, 83), China (49, 50), and India (58, 86).

Such sad reality tells that agriculture is no longer the engine to poverty reduction. However, experts expect that agriculture will continue to provide solutions for poverty reduction despite non-farm economy being eyed as engine to poverty reduction. But in many provinces in the country, non-agricultural income growth has been the main engine for poverty reduction, not only in urban but also in rural areas. Dr. Balisacan said that relative response of poverty to sectoral growth varies significantly across rural and urban areas. 

Dr. Albert P. Aquino, convention chair and PAEDA vice president said that this year’s convention is a “milestone for this foremost is a gathering of agricultural and applied economics professionals and practitioners, and it is the first time in many years that we held the convention outside Manila.” He stressed that the strategic shift underlined the association’s relevance and commitment to rural development and signalled it engagement not only in the national arena, but more so, at the grassroots level.

In a written message, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos underscored the importance of the agricultural sector in economic development. “In Ilocos Norte, apart from tourism, the agriculture and fisheries sectors remain to be the province’s engine of growth as they continue employ farm workers and fisher folks that supports the population,” she said. 

The PAEDA was established in 1954 by pioneer Filipino professionals in agricultural and development economics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and various government offices. Its primary objective is to promote small-farmer productivity and profitability in the Philippines.

The 48th Biennial Convention of PAEDA on 20-21 October 2011 was brought to Ilocos Norte through the cooperation of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), WorldFish Center, SEARCA, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, National Economic Development Authority, Millennium Development Goal Fund, Central Luzon State University, and MMSU.

Researchers in the country can now program their research activities in emerging science with the setting up of the sector’s research and development roadmaps.Led by the Department of Science and Technology’s  Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) last October, the crafting of the R&D roadmaps involved stakeholders in the fields of genomics and nanotechnology.

“One important thing that you should consider in crafting the roadmaps is the final outcome of the research activity,” Sec. Mario Montejo advised the stakeholders during the workshop. “In the end, the final product that comes from research should uplift the lives of the Filipino people.”

Genomics refers to the study of genomes, or the complete set of genetic material of organisms. Getting down to gene level leads to a better understanding of living organisms and how they can be improved. In the country, genomics R&D are commonly in the areas of agriculture, health, nutrition, Filipino ethnicity, nutrigenomics, biotechnology, biodiversity, and forensic.

 Meanwhile, nanotechnology, also called the “science of small,” involves the study of things at the atomic level. At this level, there are properties and functions not present in larger dimensions but can be designed and controlled at the level of atoms and molecules.

Nanotechnology researches in the country are in the areas of biotechnology, materials science, and information and communications technology.In the field of health genomics, R&D will focus more on  the development of diagnostic kits for commonly-encountered diseases.  

This effort leads to a “Filipinized personal medicine” that addresses  unique conditions of Filipinos in infectious, lifestyle, and cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Also set in the pipeline are functional and designer foods that  can treat ailments,  molecular marker studiers, deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA fingerprinting, novel enzymes development, sustainable drug discovery, and bio-energy production, among others.  

Another important activity in the country will be the Human Genome Project which will provide important information on the Filipino identity.

Stakeholders also cited the importance of resource-sharing among DOST-assisted research institutions and human resource development to achieve the goals of genomics research in the next seven years.In nanotechnology, research activities will center on addressing the top ten problems of the world in the next 50 years, including energy, water, food, environment, and poverty, among others.

In the field of ICT and semiconductors, nanotechnology research will be geared toward building core facilities for nanometrology, solar cell testing,  and failure analysis.  Also set in the pipeline are nanomaterial samples preparation, chemical analysis and imaging, advanced materials, and high resolution characterization. 

Nanotechnology studies with energy applications will focus on device structures, bulk heterojunction type solar cells, water-splitting photovoltaic system, and hydrogen fuel cells. The stakeholders in this field also laid out plans to develop human resources, linkages, and marketing schemes of potential technologies to the industry. 

A research by the Department of Science and Technology shows that brown rice shelf-life can be extended up to six months.

According to Engr. Marie Garcia of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), her group subjects storage temperature of brown rice to a 10° Celsius higher to achieve a longer shelf-life.

“We are now awaiting the results of our field runs conducted last July to fully verify if brown rice could go beyond six months in storage,” Engr. Garcia said.

Further research though is needed to achieve the desired shelf-life comparable to well-milled rice in the market today, she added.

In their research, the DOST-FNRI team used four varieties good for brown rice production, namely the Philippine Rice Research Institute recommended NSIC Rc160, 42011, the Hybrid Mestizo and an organically grown rice variety from Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

A normal storage temperature of 27°-30°C makes brown rice prone to oxidation resulting in the formation of germs which makes it rancid after sometime.

Early last year, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo challenged DOST-FNRI scientists to working on a technology that would extend the shelf-life of brown rice. Once successful, the technology will make brown rice a good alternative to the commercial white rice.

DOST-FNRI hopes for the eventual acceptance of brown rice by the consumers and cut the country’s dependency on imported rice.

Consumption of brown rice will also help solve the rice shortage, Montejo said.

Montejo likewise told that the production of brown rice “would increase the yields of rice by 10 percent.” 

Brown rice, according to studies, has more minerals and vitamins compared with white or well-milled rice. It is also responsible for triggering the cholecystokinin, a peptide hormone that tells the body that it had enough food for a meal. As a result, one would feel prolonged fullness, resulting in less rice consumption which is good for weight maintenance and reduction. 

New studies show that replacing 50g of white rice with the same amount of brown rice would lower the risk for Type 2 diabetes by 16%. It has a low Glycemic Index of 52, its oil content has a cholesterol lowering effect and it has no significant difference in the iron absorption with white rice.

DOST-FNRI is set to roll out the technology and transfer it to interested private companies. (Joy M. Lazcano, S&T Media Service)

In Region 2, for example, five schools  in Ballesteros and Claveria towns in Cagayan reported “zero case” as of press time, namely the Libag Elementary School, North Central School, Caritan Elementary School, Cataggamman National High School, and University of Cagayan Valley.

Official reports showed that in 2010, there were 210 aggregate cases of dengue among schoolchildren in four barangays where these schools were located.  After the OL Trap rollout in these barangays, no cases have been reported thus far.

Ballesteros and Claveria were declared “hotspots” for dengue cases last year, with the former having 213 cases and the latter, 15 cases. To date, there have been no dengue cases reported since the roll out.

With the decrease in dengue cases reported in the region, Dr. Labasan, municipal health officer of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya said that additional units are needed for other barangays as they found that mosquito eggs and larvae are “killed right there and then.”

“It is the only way to stop the eggs from hatching,” he added.

In the Eastern Visayas where the OL Trap was initially launched, results showed that five barangays in Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte showed zero results after the OL Trap was used in said areas. Brgy. Dalakit in Catarman, for example,  had 44 cases last year while Brgy Airport had 30 cases. Meanwhile, Brgy 109-A in Leyte had 64 cases last year. Its neighbor, Brgy 109, also showed significant result having decreased its dengue cases from 122 last year to three this year.

Similar positive results were also seen in Region 10.  Dr. Josephine Ibalo, Department of Health’s dengue coordinator in Bukidnon noted 36 cases in the whole province this year as of August 10, a significant decrease from  last year’s 1,087 cases and 16 deaths.

The use of the trap has increased the awareness of the communities  on the nature of the dengue carrying Aedis Aegypti mosquito and how to prevent them from breeding any further.
The OL Trap works by attracting the said mosquito, through the trap’s black color and organic solution, to lay its eggs in the trap. The solution then kills the eggs and the larvae, thus eliminating the next generation of mosquitoes.

The OL Trap is one of DOST’s R&D strategies in addressing dengue and is part of the government’s multi-pronged approach in fighting said fatal disease. This month, DOST and the Department of Education are working together in providing OL Traps to elementary and secondary school, both public and private, that are located in hotspot areas in the National Capital Region. (S&T Media Service)

 “The DOST and DepEd partnership to stop dengue among our schoolchildren will start at the National Capital Region and will proceed to the regions most affected with the disease,”  DOST Sec. Mario Montejo announced. “Our priorities will be schools in hotspot areas, communities around the schools, and hotspot barangays.”

 Some 34,910 OL trap kits will be distributed to 17,454 classrooms in public and private elementary and secondary schools in Caloocan, Quezon City, Pasay, Valenzuela, Manila, Muntinlupa, and Pasig. 

 Within the month, DOST and DepEd will extend distribution to schools in Ilocos Sur, Benguet, La Union, and Pangasinan provinces where about 46, 500 OL Trap kits will be distributed in these areas for free.

 Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera, in a memorandum, instructed NCR school division superintendents to distribute the OL Traps to all schools in their respective divisions and assign students to monitor the traps.

The DOST-developed OL Trap has three important parts: a black container, a small strip of wood (lawanit) for mosquitoes to lay their eggs on, and a larvicide solution.  The scent of the larvicide solution attracts female mosquitoes and encourages them to lay eggs on the immersed lawanit strip.  Once exposed to the solution, the eggs and hatched larvae will die.  The OL Trap prevents the next generation of mosquitoes from reaching adulthood and curbs the Aedes Aegypti mosquito population.

The OL Trap is one of the government’s strategies in its multi-pronged approach to fight the dengue menace.

DOST bares industry, energy R&D focus in EV

Valenzuela City Science HS gets S&T quiz bee plum

Full text of Pres. Simeon Aquino's Speech at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2011 NSTW

Photos at the Opening Ceremonies

Dr.  del Mundo’s long and distinguished career was marked by her pioneering work in pediatrics, which won her not only local but global recognition for her research on diseases such as dengue, polio, and measles. She authored the first local textbook on pediatrics and developed an incubator made from bamboo that became a staple in rural health centers without electricity.

As a public health advocate, she was responsible for linking hospitals to communities especially in far-flung areas through the public immersion of physicians and other medical personnel. This innovative approach made possible the greater coordination among doctors and medical workers with the public for common health programs such as immunization and nutrition.

In 1966, Dr. del Mundo received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for Outstanding Service to Mankind from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In 1977, she was cited by the International Pediatric Association as Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian. In 1980, she was named National Scientist of the Philippines, the first woman to be honored. And in 2010, Dr. del Mundo was conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani at Malacanang Palace.

Beyond these accolades, however, Dr. del Mundo shall forever be remembered for according due importance to the medical needs of children and indigents, and to the role of medical professionals in the greater community. She put a human face to the practice of medicine, and opened doors for generations of Filipino women in the medical fields.

Dr. Fe S. del Mundo—doctor, teacher, trailblazer.

Called the Automated Guideway Transit or AGT, the rail-based local mass transit is very similar to the MRT and LRT, except that it is fully automated, driverless, and runs on a single rail which acts as its sole support and guideway.  

According to Sec. Montejo, the first AGT prototype tested on DOST grounds has earned the nod of President Benigno Aquino III.

“We have redesigned this second prototype as an improvement of the first,” Sec. Montejo said. Montejo also informed that the prototype, to initially run on a 500-meter track, will have 50-60 kph speed, but will later increase to 100-120 kph in the next phase. 

UP Pres. Pascual revealed that the benefits of AGT has been proven across the world, such as in Japan, Canada, UK, and US.

“According to DOST studies, local AGT costs just a fraction compared with the imported kind,” Pascual said. “DOST believes that local S&T can work to respond to people’s need,” Pascual told, “and UP is open to be the ‘laboratory’ for such an idea.

The DOST-UP railway transit project is a collaborative study to determine the feasibility of the AGT as a low-cost transportation.

“DOST and UP aim that in the future, the AGT will be included not only in the people’s transportation choices but also in their lifestyle,” Pascual said.

The MOA signing was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony held at Jacinto cor. Lakandula Streets, UP Diliman campus. Montejo and Pascual were joined by DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center Director Arthur Lucas Cruz, UP Diliman Chancellor Caesar Saloma,  DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Director Amelia Guevara, and UP Vice President for Development Elvira Zamora.

DOST Asec. Robert Dizon, project leader, said that President Aquino wants the AGT project to be tested thoroughly. "The President wants quality to be translated to commuter safety and transport reliability, " he said.

The AGT is one of DOST’s major projects that showcase Filipino ingenuity, creativity, and competitiveness.

 “We save so much when we develop technologies locally,” emphasized Sec. Montejo. “These technologies highlight the fact that we Filipinos are very competitive.”  (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service)

Top photo: MOA signing (L-R) UP VP for Development Elvira Zamora, UP Diliman Chancellor Caesar Saloma, UP Pres. Alfredo Pascual, DOSt Sec. Mario Montejo,DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Amelia Guevara, and DOST-MIRDC Arthur Lucas Cruz. (Photo by Gerry Palad)

Bottom photo: DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo and UP President Alfredo E. Pascual led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the first Filipino-made automated guideway transit at the UP Diliman grounds.(Photo by Gerry Palad)

More photos on the AGT Groundbreaking can be viewed at STII's Facebook account.

What is STARBOOKS?

STARBOOKS contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio) placed in specially designed “pods” set in a user-friendly interface. Its special features are:

• It’s a standalone Information kiosk, hence, information access is possible even without internet connection;

• Information available is read-only;

• It is a compendium of S&T information gathered from all over the world --- a one stop S&T information source; and

• It features videos dubbed “Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos” to stimulate every Filipino’s
entrepreneurial capacity;

STARBOOKS aims to:

1. Create interest in the field of Science and Technology which may increase the number of
Filipinos enrolling in S&T courses;

2. Encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas---inventions and innovations; and

3. Inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research

How to avail of STARBOOKS

STII welcomes stakeholders who would like to set up the STARBOOKS in their area. All that is required are the following:

1. Computer
2. POD
3. A space measuring 3m x 4m ( with specifications for physical set up of the Kiosk)
4. Mandatory 1-2 days training
5. Focal person

Minimum hardware requirements include:

2 Computer units (1 server, 1 terminal)
Specifications:
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 2.93Ghz 3MB 1066Mhz;
Asus P5G41T-M LX3 DDR3/A/V/L;
Kingston 2GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 SODIMM;
Samsung 500GB 7200rpm SATA;
Samsung DVDRW SH-223C 22X Sata;
Orion Black Knight ATX 600W PSU;
Keyboard, Mouse, headset and AVR
17" LCD Widescreen
1 STARBOOKS pod with specially designed sticker
1 Windows 7 Starter OEM license
Network HUB and cables
* Installation & courier costs to be incurred shall be borne
by the recipient.

 

WHO SHOULD AVAIL OF STARBOOKS?
 - Local Government Units (LGUs)
 - Non-Government Organizations
 - Educational Institutions
 - Private Corporations

For more information, contact:
Department of Science and Technology
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION INSTITUTE
DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City
Tel.No. 837-2191 / 837-7518
www.stii.dost.gov.ph
e-mail: apcarandang@yahoo.com

President Aquino signed Executive Order No. 47 placing the Commission on Information and Communication Technology and its attached agencies under the Department of Science and Technology.

The decision affirms the President’s commitment to align the government’s ICT infrastructure, program and plans with the strategy for inclusive economic growth and efficient governance  by integrating ICT policies, programs, and resources  with research and continuing innovation led by the DOST. 

Executive Order  47 will result in  a leaner, meaner and more proactive office that will ensure that our ICT industry will remain competitive in the global market, and Filipinos would experience the benefits of ICT through a more efficient and transparent e-government. 

Executive Order 47 signifies a shift to more strategic ICT policies and the immediate implementation of urgent steps needed in ICT development  by tapping into DOST’s direct links with the academe and industry. 

Under the DOST, the former CICT is renamed as the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO). It will continue to put a high priority on e-Governance and the highflying business process outsourcing industry. 

The ICTO under DOST will accelerate the development of a connected government and integrate IT government systems under a unified platform.  

Consolidating all government ICT programs will likewise put an end to inefficient ICT projects that are disjointed or duplication of each other. The ICTO under DOST will ensure the long-term sustainability of the IT-BPO sector.

The ICTO will concentrate on the areas of human resource development through education in order to produce globally competitive ICT manpower and promoting a climate conducive for further growth.It will also streamline research and innovation in ICT to address issues such as cyber hacking, disaster risk management, and environment protection.

The DOST in consultation with the sectors concerned will prepare a rationalization plan  as contained in EO 47 and will submit this to the Office of the President within three (3) months.

Called STARBOOKS, or the S&T Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations, this new academic resource for students and researchers shall be equipped with key access portals in strategic areas in the Philippines. Users can have access to the latest data and information contained at DOST (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases.

“[STARBOOKS] shall serve as our humble contribution to the world of education and science. The fact that time and distance have been neutralized as limiting factors for undertaking research is a big benefit especially for our young, intellectually curious minds,” Secretary Montejo noted.

He added, “We at the Department of Science and Technology shall always support initiatives that encourage our people to develop new ideas because of this kind of knowledge explosion, and even inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research for socio-economic development.”

Since his assumption of the top S&T portfolio in government, Secretary Montejo has aligned the priority thrusts and mandated tasks and responsibilities of the Department of Science and Technology toward providing science- and engineering-based solutions to national problems.

As a result, this outward-oriented approach has won for DOST broad cross-sectoral support for Secretary Montejo’s programs to address issues such as the recent rash of freshwater fishkills in Luzon, the unmitigated spread of water hyacinths in large waterways, flooding, malnutrition, and the availability of potable water for marginal communities throughout the country. (Alan Taule)

The election of Usec. dela Peña serves as international recognition of the country's initiatives in promoting science and technology, as well as the use of information and communications technology for development.

UNCSTD, a UN agency tasked to promote science and technology for development, is mandated by the Economic and Social Council to oversee the system-wide follow-up, review and assessment of progress in the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

UNCSTD addresses issues pertaining to the problem of digital divide and internet governance, and helps promote technologies that address global challenges.

The Permanent Mission provided full support to ensure Undersecretary Dela Peña's election.

DOST Undersecretary Dortunato dela Peña (second from right) and personnel of the Philippine Mission to the UN in Geneva (from left) Minister Ma. Teresa Leptan, Duty Permaent Representative Denis Lepatan, and Attache Marie Caren Almario formedpart of the Philippine delegation to the 14th UNCSTD session. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs)

Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "CHEDENG" (SONGDA)
Issued at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday 25 May 2011

"CHEDENG" has intensified into a typhoon as it remained almost stationary.

Areas having Public Storm Warning Signal
Signal No. 2 (Winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hrs)
Luzon:  Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte
Visayas:  Samar provinces
Mindanao: None

Signal No. 1 (Winds of 45-60 kph is expected within the next 36 hours)
Luzon:  Marinduque, Masbate, Burias and Ticao Islands, Southern Quezon and Polilio Is.
Visayas: Biliran Island, Northern Leyte
Mindanao: None
Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signals #2 & #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Typhoon "Chedeng" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

For updated information on CHEDENG and Storm Warning Signals, visit: http://www.weather.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1313:severe-weather-bulletin-no-9&catid=213:severe-weather-bulletin&Itemid=488

Paluan Mayor Abelardo Pangilinan receives the training modules and complementary food samples from DOST-FNRI Director Mario Capanzana and Occidental Mindoro SP Board Member Antonio Rebong Jr.

Paluan Mayor Abelardo Pangilinan feeds one of the child beneficiaries of DOST’s PINOY with FNRI-developed complementary food.

DOST execs shine in Gawad CES Awards. The Department of Science and Technology dominated the 2010 Gawad CES Awards as three of its directors bagged the prestigious presidential award conferred by President Benigno S. Aquino III on January 11, 2011 at the Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace. With Pres. Aquino are the awardees (L-R) Engr. Denis F. Villorente, director of DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute; Dr. Urdujah A. Tejada, director of DOST Region 2; Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development; and Dr. Mario C. Villaverde, undersecretary of the Department of Health. (S&T Media Service)

The awarding body recognized Dr. Faylon’s visionary leadership that pushed PCARRD-DOST to attain the Philippine Quality Award Level 1 (Commitment to Quality Management) in 2009 and subsequently obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification. PCARRD was the first DOST agency to obtain the ISO certification. As such, Malacañan acknowledged PCARRD as one of the 43 government agencies that implement a quality management system in compliance with the ISO 9001 standards. Faylon also established the Techno Gabay Program, a technology transfer modality that delivers much needed information  and technologies to the countryside. It has been adopted by local government units in their agricultural extension programs.

Dr. Tejada was distinguished for initiating and successfully implementing community- based projects, including a number of hatcheries, grow-out ponds, and fish feed mills,  and a training center for fishery products that helped move forward the aquaculture industry in the region. She was also responsible in reviving the peanut industry in Jones, Isabela and the conversion of coco wastes into useful products in Region 2.

Engr. Villorente was recognized for his efforts in helping promote research networking in the country through the Philippine Research, Education and Government Information Network (PREGINET), a nationwide broadband research and extension network that links the government, academe, and research institutions in the country, providing a faster and more reliable collaboration among researchers and scientists. PREGINET also established internet connectivity to government agencies, enabling them to comply with the Government Information Systems Plan.

Villorente also enabled Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) technology and awareness in the country and provided technical expertise to both government and private telecommunication companies, on the process of gaining IPv6 capability when the IPv4 addresses were exhausted. He also led the technical team in the certification of the automated election system for the May 2010 national and local elections, proving that a clean, credible and orderly electoral process is feasible in the country with the help of technology.  He also pushed for the transition of ASTI’s ISO 9001:2000 to ISO 9001:2008 certification last year.

The Gawad Career Executive Service (CES) Awards recognizes career executive officials who had exemplary performance and significant contributions, particularly in the areas of innovation, information and communication technology, social services, administrative reforms and public policy.  (S&T Media Service)

Kids like SupeRice. School children in Olongapo City enjoyed the taste test of SupeRice in its launch in said city Nov. 22. SupeRice, an iron-fortified rice developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute, contains 6 mg iron per 100 gram rice. About 4 to 6 cups of cooked SupeRice, approximately a day's intake, already meets the daily iron requirement of the body. It looks, smells, tastes, and is cooked like any other regular rice. SupeRice is DOST’s answer to the problem of micronutrient deficiency in the country.  (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service)

Phivolcs-DOST is not taking any chances, here and elsewhere. In Camiguin, digital seismic sensors run 24/7 in Mainit, Catarman; at the peak of Mt. Vulcan 571 meters above sea level; and on the upper slope of Hibok-Hibok in Tagdo, Mambajao.

To view the whole story, click the "read more" link.

Phivolcs-DOST digital tech wires island volcanoes in real time
By Paul M. Icamina

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin Island – There are more volcanoes than there are towns here.

More than 10 volcanoes, two of them active, share the 291-square-kilometer island province with the towns of Sagay, Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, and Mambajao, the capital.

It's the largest concentration of volcanoes per square kilometer in the country, and the number has since increased after volcanologists in the 1980s added three more to make it 10 – and counting. They believe there could be more.

The most violent and deadly in Camiguin is Hibok-Hibok on the northwest, with several vents in the crater and on the flanks. What sets it apart was the white-hot and poisonous sulphuric gases that accompanied its 1951 eruption – extremely fluid but dense enough to cascade rapidly down the slope and “mummify” people on its path.

That was what happened during its most recent outburst, in December that year, when glowing ash clouds – packing temperatures of 800 to 1,000 degrees Celcius seen 160 kilometers away – swiftly rolled down to Mambajao town and charred trees and burned houses along its path; 500 people were solidified and covered in white ash looking like mummies.

“Lava flood buries 15 barrios”, “Hunger, disease peril evacuees”, The Evening News bannered. “New blast blocks rescue effort”, it headlined.

The eruption “caught people unprepared for its fury and devastating impact,” volcanologists reported.

Except for its almost forgotten activity in 1902 when it emitted sulphurous odors, there were no signs of activity in the five decades before the series of sporadic eruptions that lasted from 1948 to 1953; the one in 1951 was most violent.

People were not forewarned because there was no government institution concerned with volcanoes then, although in 1948 a seismic monitoring station was already established in Mambajao.

Hibok-Hibok's eruption prompted the government to create in June 1952 the Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL), later the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) of the Department of Science and Technology.

The COMVOL's first order of business was to create five monitoring stations near the country's five most active volcanoes.

Twenty-two of the country's 37 volcanoes are considered active, including those near urban concentrations, such as Banahaw in Laguna and Quezon; Bulusan in Sorsogon; Hibok-hibok in Camiguin; Kanlaon in Negros Oriental; Mayon in Albay; Pinatubo on the boundaries of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales; and Taal in Batangas.

Today, Phivolcs is not taking any chances, here and elsewhere. In Camiguin, digital seismic sensors run 24/7 in Mainit, Catarman; at the peak of Mt. Vulcan 571 meters above sea level; and on the upper slope of Hibok-Hibok in Tagdo, Mambajao.

They pick up volcanic quakes all over the island and transmit the data direct to computers at the Phivolcs Observatory in Sitio Quiboro, 4.7 kilometers from the crater.

No eruption is expected in the “foreseeable future” as indicated by a network of seismometers, including that at the Hibok-Hibok Observatory; another on the upper southeast slope; and those in Napo, Catarman; Mt. Vulcan Peak Observation Point; Mt. Vulcan Peak Repeater Station; Lawigan, Catarman; Mainit, Catarman Observation Point; and Baylao.

Where out-of-direct signals don't work, four repeater stations transmit seismic data to the observatory where all inputs are monitored 24-hours daily in rotation by three staff members: resident analyst and volcanogist Luisito Salugsugan, science research assistant Arturo Jardin and science aide Angelo Abang.

Except for the observatory, monitoring stations are unmanned, automatic and connected to computers by Local Area Network.

They are equipped with solar-powered seismometers (that measure minute seismic or ground movements), data recorders and transceiver units able to store raw information and transmit digital versions to the observatory's Network Management Unit – all in real time.

When necessary, the observatory – which will soon be replaced by a P2.8-million facility under construction – alerts the Phivolcs office in Diliman, Quezon City, which then analyzes the data and makes the final prognosis.

The central office, when appropriate, alerts local governments if an eruption is imminent.

“It doesn't happen suddenly,” said Salugsugan. “There are visual warnings like smoke, rock falls, dry vegetation at the top and unusual animal behavior.”

“If and when Mt. Vulcan erupts, only Catarman will be affected. If Hibok-Hibok erupts, only Mambajao and Catarman towns will be affected as Mt. Mambajao will be one of the barriers against lava flows. People there can be accommodated in nearby communities,” he said.

“If Mt. Mambajao erupts violently, all towns will be affected,” he added, adding civilian evacuation systems are in place.

“We sleep light and check the computers every two hours,” said Abang, “We know where a quake originates and whether it is an earthquake or a volcanic quake. We can pinpoint where a volcanic quake, which can be detected only by sensors on the island, originates.”

Precursors to an eruption are increasing volcanic quakes and tremors; landslides and rockfalls from the summit not caused by rains; increased steam emissions; progressive ground deformations like tilting; the appearance of vents that emit sulphurous odors; and crater glow.

Based on recorded eruptions in 1827, 1862, 1871, 1897-1902, 1948-1953, patterns have been observed in Hibok-Hibok: short periods of stem emissions from the crater and avalanches of volcanic materials; explosions of heavy clouds of steam and fragmented volcanic rocks; eruption of large amounts of incandescent materials and steam; then a decrease in the amount of steam and ejecta.

The pattern observed during the 1948-1952 eruptions showed a short period of emission of considerable amount of steam from the crater and avalanches of volcanic materials. Explosions or steam blast with emission of heavy clouds of steam, ash and other fragmentary volcanic materials followed.

Eruption of incandescent materials, emission of ash and steam in large amounts, formation of flows and occasional minor crateral outburst, then occurred.

Relatively high and increasing unrest, including numerous strong earthquakes, accelerating ground deformation and rockfalls, increased vigor of steam vents and gas emissions increases the “likelihood” of an eruption, possibly within days to a week.

Low frequency earthquakes, quiet lava emissions and/or dome growth and/or small explosions indicate that magma is close to or at earth’s surface. Hazardous explosive eruption, in this case, is likely within hours or days.

Explosive eruption is in progress when volcanic materials are ejected and flows down valleys and an eruption column rises at least 6 kilometers or 20,000 feet above sea level. Hibok-Hibok eruption is described as “pelean”. This is the accumulation of underground viscuous lava that creates a dome, followed by the formation of glowing clouds containing hot gases that rush down the slopes.

“There is no need to evacuate Camiguin if Hibok-Hibok erupts,” said Salugsugan. “Only Mambajao and Catarman towns will be affected.” He said the taller, 1,580-meter Mt. Mambajao will be able to block volcanic debris from the lower, 1,300-meter Hibok-Hibok.

“Old timers remember that in 1951, heavy rains and strong winds blocked the sulphuric gases from reaching Mambajao and thus prevented more casualties,” said Abang. “Many believe that San Nicolas, the town patron saint, blocked the gases.”

Because of potential volcanic hazards like steam blasts, glowing avalanches, lava flows and lahars, the area three kilometers from the summit has been designated a Permanent Danger Zone where human presence and activities are always prohibited.

Department of Science and Technology Assistant Secretary Carol M. Yorobe (right) listens to the presentation of Dr. Ta Ba Hung (middle), director of Vietnam’s National Center of Science and Technology Information on an international technology fair called Techmart Vietnam ASEAN+3 to be held in Hanoi on September 17-20.

DOST holds a similar event called Technology Fair annually where domestic technology products, services, and inventions are put on exhibit along with parallel activities on business matching between technology generators, investors, and adoptors. Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology through Dr. Hung and his deputy, Khong Duy Quy (left) invites participants and technology vendors from the Philippines during their visit-presentation at the DOST main office in Bicutan science complex today July 31.

[Joy M. Lazcano, S&T Media Service]