Tablas Island taps DOST technology intervention

Romblon's Tablas Island is rich in natural resources.  For a long time, marble is the sole thriving industry until its recent decline.  The coconut industry is rising and other industries may be created to make the island a showcase of integrated economic activities using various resources with science and technology intervention.

Romblon Governor Perpetuo B. Ylagan impressed such vision to Department of Science and Technology Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and other department officials and staff during a two-day visit in the island.

Potential CME plant sites

DOST assessed the best site for the coco-methyl ester plant, which will finally be set up in Tablas Island after a feasibility study covering technical, economic, and physical aspects.  Several prospective sites were identified and selection of the potential area will go through site evaluation to consider socio-economic and environmental viability. 

DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro acknowledges the support of local officials to DOST projects especially the CME project in Tablas Others in photo are (from left, seated) Dr. Maripaz L. Perez, Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, Cong. Ylagan, and Dir. Hipolito Aycardo. Back row are Dr. Rene Solidum and Dr. Graciano P. Yumu, Jr.

Public consultations is a requirement in the community near the site location prior to CME plant installation.  Initial assessment showed that Anahao offers the best logistics for the plant.  The possibility of putting up a solar powered plant in the area to serve the electrical needs of the CME plant will also be studied

The Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development initiated the CME project when then Congressman Ylagan showed interest in utilizing the island's coconut resources.  He provided P7 million from his project development assistance fund (PDAF).  With the assistance of the DOST Region 4, the project completed studies to set up the CME plant.

A press conference was held to thresh out public concerns on the proposed CME plant.   Sec. Alabastro's group included Undersecretary for Regional Operations Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, Assistant Secretary Maripaz L. Perez, PCIERD Executive Director Graciano P. Yumul,   Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Rene Solidum, and DOST Region 4 Director Hipolito B. Aycardo.

Fiberglass production

Fiberglass is produced in Tablas Island.  Goldcoast Marine Corporation's Engr. Socrates Federico sought DOST assistance to upgrade the SME's fiberglass production process.  DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) responded with a memorandum of understanding to undertake process improvement.  GMC produces fiberglass water tanks and boat hulls.

Computers for Tablas schools

Gov. Perpetuo Ylagan during his stint as congressman requested computers from the DOST-Science Education Institute for schools in Tablas Island.  SEI donated five computers installed with science and match teaching software.

Other DOST Projects in Full  Swing

The Provincial Science and Technology Office prepared the project sites visited by DOST delegation along with Cong. Ylagan who gave first-hand information on the Tablas' resources. 

DOST's Forest Products Research and Development Institute provided assistance to a tiger grass processing plant in Doña Juana, San Agustin that produces softbrooms sold in Baguio City.

In Calatrava, a banana processing plant churns out honey-coated banana chips that are appealing and tender.

The DOST delegation also went to a salt farm in Comod-om where salt producers also sought assistance from DOST to improve and expand production.  Ylagan invited the DOST officials to visit a seaweed farm hampered by marketing constraints. 

Moreover, local government officials showed a water buffalo breeding station and French Sasso chicken breeds.

Entrepreneurship

Goldcoast Marine Corporation Engr. Socrates Federico (third from left shows some of his fiberglass products like boat hulls to (L-R) DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro, Undersecretary Florentino Tesoro and Prof. Hipolito Aycardo.

DOST maintains that there is a need for complete feasibility studies in every proposed project including market research, availability of resources, technology, administrative, financial, and marketing to sustain viability. 

Sec. Alabastro said there are opportunities for progress in Romblon but the people should look at the whole aspect of any industry from technical to marketing. 

Dir. Aycardo added that the people must start being entrepreneurial so that they earn from what they produce and sustain their activities.