PHIVOLCS Holds Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Seminars for Local Chief Executives, Barangay Captains, Media Practitioners and Teachers in Eastern Samar

The PHIVOLCS Resource Speakers with Borongan City Mayor 

Maria Fe Abunda and PSTD Arnaldo Amosco Jr.

To help in the continued capacity building on earthquake and tsunami preparedness of local chief executives, barangay officials, local media and teachers, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), headed by its Director, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, and in coordination with the DOST-Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Eastern Samar, has conducted a series of 1-day seminar-workshops last August 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 15, 2013 at different venues in the province.

Timed to coincide a year after the August 31, 2013 Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake in the province, the seminar-workshops highlighted the experiences, problems and lessons from this event, and aimed to increase the understanding of hazard maps, earthquake and tsunami bulletins/advisories with emphasis on the importance of natural signs of approaching tsunami. The workshops were designed to focus on understanding the Tsunami Information Levels and what actions can be taken for each, and encouraging strengthened early warning communication system in the local levels.

The first cluster (August 8) of the seminar workshop was held at Dolores Gymnasium, Dolores, Eastern Samar and was attended by officials from municipalities of Sulat, Taft, Can-avid, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo and Arteche. Last August 9, the second cluster was conducted at the Provincial Governor’s Office Conference Hall, Provincial Capitol, Borongan City and was attended by the municipalities of San Julian, Borongan City, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, Hernani, and Gen. MacArthur. The Media group was gathered on August 10 and were provided with basic information of tsunami/earthquakes and efficient communication strategies in giving latest and correct tsunami/earthquake bulletins and advisories. Consequently, last August 12, the third cluster was held at Marcelo’s Place in Guiuan and was participated by officials from municipalities of Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes, Guiuan, Giporlos, Balangiga, and Lawaan.

The same training was conducted by PHIVOLCS to selected elementary and secondary teachers of both public and private schools of Borongan City last August 14-15, 2013 and was held in Sabang Central Elementary School and Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School, respectively. Among the objectives are to train the teachers on how to effectively educate tsunami and earthquakes concepts to their students and guide in the preparation of school evacuation plans for emergency events. The teachers actively participated in demonstration teaching and were also given with various PHIVOLCS information materials/teaching aids like print materials, video packages, comics, posters and flashcards. The acitivity was co-sponsored by Borongan City Government.

Dr. Renato Solidum,  of PHIVOLCS  gave a lecture

The PHIVOLCS has identified Eastern Samar as a possible site for significant earthquakes and potentially large tsunamis in the future because of the presence of the Philippine Trench, which lies just 80 kilometers from its shorelines. Studies of past earthquakes suggest that an area between Eastern Samar and Surigao del Norte has not recorded significant movement for quite some time now. Called a major “seismic gap”, it is perceived to be building pressure over the years and will likely move through a large earthquake and subsequently cause an enormous tsunami. As of this time, no instruments can accurately predict as to when and where earthquakes will occur, thus, Director Solidum reminds all participants to “Start preparing. Take advantage and use the lessons from recent earthquake and tsunami events”. -NELLY JANE N. ALPEZ, SRA
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DOST opens slots for 2014 Philippine Science High School Scholarships

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHS) is now accepting applications for PSHS Scholarships for 2014 to graduating elementary students who wish to pursue special high school curriculum based on science, mathematics and technology in preparation for future careers in Science and Technology. All graduating elementary students for school year 2013-2014 are eligible to apply if they:

• are certified by their School Principal as belonging to the upper 10% of their class or as having special aptitude in Science and Mathematics as supported by report card and letter of recommendation; 
• are in good health and fit to undergo rigorous academic program; 
• are Filipino citizens with no pending application for immigrant status in any foreign country; 
• are born on or after June 1, 1999; 
• are of good conduct and behavior; and 
• have not taken the PSHS-National Competitive Examination previously. 

 Applicants must submit the following requirements:

• Fully accomplished application forms in duplicate copies; 
• Two (2) identical recent 1 x 1 ID pictures; 
• Non-refundable test fee of P100 for students from private schools only (free for public school students); and 
• Copy of report card and letter of recommendation if the applicant does not belong to the upper 10% of the current graduating class. 

Only one test will be administered, a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) consisting of tests in Scientific Ability, Quantitative Ability, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Aptitude.

Application Forms are available at all DOST regional offices and Provincial S&T Centers, PSHS campuses and DepEd Division Offices. The forms can also be downloaded from www.pshs.edu.ph. Application forms and other requirements can be submitted to the PSHS-Registrar’s Office in Diliman, or to any Regional PSHS Campuses, or to the DOST regional offices and Provincial S&T Centers. The Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center is located at the ESSU campus, Borongan, E. Samar. Deadline for filing of applications is on August 2, 2013 (Friday) and the examination will be conducted on September 28, 2013 (Saturday) at the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS), Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

 The Philippine Science High School System is one of the attached agencies of the DOST contributing to the expansion and development of the country’s scientific and technological manpower. The PSHS has eight campuses nationwide, one of which is the Eastern Visayas Campus located in Candahug, Palo, Leyte. For more information, you may visit the DOST–E. Samar Provincial S&T Center, or call telephone number (055) 261-2664.
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DOST now accepts applications for 2014 Undergraduate Scholarships

The Department of Science and Technology formally announces the availability scholarship slots for the 2014 DOST Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship Programs for graduating high school students nationwide who wish to pursue baccalaureate degree programs in Basic Sciences, Science Teaching, Engineering and other Applied Sciences.

Two scholarship programs are being offered:

1.  RA 7687 S&T Scholarship Program, for applicants whose family’s socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators (i.e. annual family gross income < P156,600.00); and
2.  DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program, for applicants whose family’s socio-economic status exceeds the set values of certain indicators. A non-refundable test fee of P200.00 is required.

The applicant must:

1. belong to the graduating class of an identified S&T Oriented High School (ESNCHS and Dolores National High School); or belong to top 5% of the graduating class of other high schools, or at least have a good grades in Science and Math; 
2. be a natural-born Filipino citizen; 
3. be in good health and of good moral character; and 
4. pass the S&T Scholarship Examination.

The following are the requirements for application: 

• Fully accomplished Application Forms (Forms A - G); 
• Two (2) recent 1” x 1” photographs, taken within the month of application; 
• Photocopy of 2012 Income Tax Return (ITR) of both working parents (or guardian) or BIR Certification of Exemption from Non-Filing of ITR or Municipal/Barangay Certification of Unemployment, whichever is applicable; 
• Clear photocopy of Birth Certificate; 
• Clear photocopy of electric bills for three (3) consecutive months (preferably May, June and July 2013), registered to a family-member or duly-certified by a barangay official that the bills are paid by the family (for bills registered to a non-household member), or barangay certification of no electric connection from ESAMELCO, whichever is applicable;
• Test fee of P200.00 (for DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship applicants only)

The application forms and brochure can be obtained from the DOST-E. Samar Provincial S&T Center, DepEd Division Office and Office of the School Principals in all public and private high schools in the province. The same forms can be downloaded from the following websites: www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarships.ph.

Accomplished application forms and other requirements must be submitted to the DOST–E. Samar Provincial Science & Technology Center, DOST Bldg., ESSU Compound, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on or before August 23, 2013 (Friday). The examination will be held on September 22, 2013 (Sunday) at two (2) Testing Centers: the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Borongan Campus for schools from Arteche to Llorente and Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Guiuan Campus for Hernani to Guiuan and Lawaan to Quinapondan areas. For more information, please visit our office or call us at landline number (055) 261-2664 or call/text us using mobile number 0918.515.9990.
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DOST Installs 4 new Weather Monitoring Stations in Eastern Samar

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center (DOST-Eastern Samar), in coordination with the Local Government Units, has recently completed the installation of four (4) AUTOMATED WEATHER MONITORING STATIONS in Sulat, Borongan City, Llorente and Guiuan. These stations are part of the 1,000 weather stations that are being deployed all over the country today to complement DOST-PAGASA’s weather monitoring facilities. The stations are stand-alone devices that measure weather-related parameters every 10-15 minutes and automatically transmit the data to DOST servers thru Short Message Service (SMS). The facilities are solar-powered with backup batteries that can last for 8-10 days without sunlight. They are also fitted with a satellite transmitter that enables data transmission in case SMS network fails

The weather stations installed near the Municipal Halls of Sulat, Llorente and Guiuan are called the Automated Rain Gauge (ARG) and can measure air pressure and rain amount in the area. The ARG installed in Loom Bridge, Borongan City, is also fitted with a Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) which measures actual water height of the river every 10 minutes.

The raw data acquired by these stations are now posted in tabular, graphical and GIS-based representation on this website - http://fmon.asti.dost.gov.ph/weather/predict/ - and are updated on real-time basis. It also contains the measurements acquired by other weather stations installed in other locations nationwide. It can also be viewed on the following websites: www.climatex.ph and www.noah.dost.gov.ph. For smartphone users, the Project NOAH app can be downloaded for free from the app stores of both IOS and Android flatforms.

The deployment of these state-of-the-art weather tracking equipment are expected to eliminate subjectivity in manual weather observations and delays in data transmission through real-time monitoring of weather disturbances in every corner of the Philippine archipelago. Further, the said devices would play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and mitigation by the local disaster managers, especially during typhoons, extreme rainfall and floods, and are expected to result in lesser number of affected individual/families and damaged properties and livelihood.

The technology used in the project were developed by local experts from the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), with the assistance of the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

For more information, please visit our office or call us at landline number (055) 261-2664 or call/text us using mobile number 0918.515.9990. (ARNALDO T. AMOSCO JR.,Provincial S&T Director)
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MIRDC-DOST conducts training on spincasting and electroplating in Eastern Samar

Dir. Amosco-of DOST-E. Samar welcomed the speakers
 and participants of the training

The Department of Science and Technology – Metal Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) conducted a training on Spin Casting and Electroplating Processes last June 5-7, 2013 at the Conference Hall of the DOST – Provincial Science and Technology Center, Eastern Samar State University - Main Campus, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Engr. Wilfredo R. Lim and Engr. Edilbert M. Dela Peña, both Senior Science Research Specialist from MIRDC, served as resource speakers of the said event.

With the concurrence of DOST – Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) - Eastern Samar and PSTC - Biliran, the three-day activity was attended by the owners and workers of Domtusan-an Jewelry and Repair Shop of Borongan City, Eastern Samar and ACAI Goldsmith’s of Naval, Biliran. The said training was conclusively been of interest and success. Engr. Dela Peña conspicuously discussed things about Spin Casting or also known as centrifugal rubber mold casting (CRMC). This is a method of utilizing centrifugal force to produce castings from a rubber mold. Typically, a disc-shaped mold is spun along its central axis at a set speed. The casting material, usually molten metal or liquid thermoset plastic is then poured in through an opening at the top-center of the mold. The filled mold then continues to spin as the metal solidifies or the thermoset plastic sets.

On the other hand, Engr. Lim certainly explains the Electroplating process. This process uses electrical current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a coherent metal coating on an electrode. The term is also used for electrical oxidation of anions onto a solid subtrate, as in the formation silver chloride on silver wire to make silver/silver-chloride electrodes. Electroplating is primarily used to change the surface properties of an object (e.g. abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity, aesthetic qualities, etc.), but may also be used to build up thickness on undersized parts or to form objects by electroforming. Hence, this focuses on the principles and process of electroplating, decorative chromium, hard chromium, gold/silver and zinc plating.

Both trainers and participants gained knowledge and skills from each other through their hands-on/actual manipulation of equipment/machine and materials on both Spin Casting and Electroplating.

Domtusan-an Jewelry Repair Shop is one of the SETUP assisted project entitled “Innovation Systems Support for Jewelry Production of Domtusan-an Jewelry Repair Shop” and was funded last July 2012 in the total amount of Three Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Pesos (Php359,000.00). Furthermore, ACAI Goldsmith a SETUP assisted project as well which was entitled “Improvement of ACAI Goldsmithery Production System Through Technology Upgrading” and was funded last April 2013 in the total amount of Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos (Php460,000.00).

Beneficiaries/participants were able to acquire more ideas on how to run their business well and expects to improve their production using proper technology introduced in the said training. Nelly Jane N. Alpez, SRA
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DOST-8 conducts training on mushroom tissue culture and management

Ms Radam of DOST 8 (2nd from right) discussing proper
management of mushroom to TFFA members

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 8 (DOST-8) recently conducted the Mushroom Tissue Culture and Management Training last April 16-17, 2013 at Brgy. Taguite, Lawaan, Eastern Samar. The said event was spearheaded by Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, Senior Science Research Specialist and Chief of DOST-VIII Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), who also served as resource speaker.

This 2-day activity was facilitated by the DOST-Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Eastern Samar Provincial Office. Twenty (20) members of the Taguite Farmers and Fisherfolks Asssociation (TFFA) led by their President Mr. Nicolas E. Mendros, were the recipients of the said technology training.

Ms. Radam demonstrated the step-by-step procedure of mushroom production, including the formulation of potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and the preparation of fruiting bags, in which the participants cooperated in the whole process. This aims to motivate and inspire the members of the Association to embrace new technology on mushroom production.

TFFA is one of the beneficiaries of the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP) with an approved technology assistance amounting to Php280,000.00 and released last March 2012. The project, titled “Upgrading of Common Service Facility for Mushroom Production”, intends to infuse modern technologies in mushroom culture and spawn production and acquire bigger equipment and tools for mass production of fresh and dried mushrooms.

With this project, its members are looking forward on meeting the value and the importance of mushroom in their community such as: provision of health-enhancing dietary supplements/ mushroom nutriceuticals; bioconversion/bioremediation of environmental adulterants and maintenance of balanced ecosystem; and income and job generation.(Nelly Jane N. Alpez, SRA)
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SY 2013-2014 DOST SEI Scholarship Qualifiers for Eastern Samar

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announces the names of successful examinees for the province of Eastern Samar in the 2013 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination held last 18 November 2012. As incentives, these scholars will receive privileges for tuition and other school fees, book, transportation and uniform allowances, monthly stipends and health insurances for their 4-5 year college education. Listed below are the names of successful examinees:

MERIT Scholarship:
 1. ABING, Jean Kelly  Brgy. Bato, Borongan City Phil. Science High School, Diliman Campus

RA 7687 Scholarship
1. PACOMA, Arielle Jean U. Brgy. 5, Balangkayan Balangkayan NHS, Balangkayan
2. ADESAS, Rochelle L. Brgy. 10, Can-avid Can-avid NHS, Can-avid
3. GELINA, Sheena Mae O. Brgy. 5, Can-avid Can-avid NHS, Can-avid
4. DOÑOZ, Miriam R. Brgy. 5, Dolores Dolores NHS, Dolores
5. INCISO, Leonard Ray R. Brgy. 10, Dolores Dolores NHS, Dolores
6. BENITEZ, Krista Faye V. Brgy. Carapdapan, Arteche E. Samar NCHS, Borongan City
7. BORDIOS, Anni Lou D. Brgy. Balud, Borongan City E. Samar NCHS, Borongan City
8. CAMPOMANES, Maria Leilani C. Brgy. 1, Maslog E. Samar NCHS, Borongan City
9. GERALE, Queenie Lynn L. Loyola Heights, Sulat E. Samar NCHS, Borongan City
10. OMELDA, Jean Ivy M. Brgy. Songco, Borongan City E. Samar NCHS, Borongan City
11. NABESES, Kimberlan M. Brgy. Jetty Hollywood, Guiuan Guiuan NHS, Guiuan
12. PADULLON, Jerico C. Brgy. Sulangan, Guiuan Homonhon NHS, Guiuan
13. DADO, Corinne T. Brgy. Maslog, Lawaan Lawaan NSCHI, Lawaan
14. ELACION, Victorio Jr. L. Brgy. Maslog, Lawaan Lawaan NSCHI, Lawaan
15. GADDI, Claudine Vanessa B. Brgy. Soong, Llorente Llorente NHS, Llorente
16. BAJADO, Andres P. Brgy. Maybocog, Maydolong Maydolong NHS
17. MOSCOSA, Mark Roel G. Brgy. Sabang, Oras Nicasio M. Alvarez II MNHS, Oras
18. CAMORA, Christian Paul A. Brgy. 3, Balangkayan PSHS, EV Campus
19. PADRIGANO, Harvey R. Brgy. 4, Salcedo Salcedo NHS
20. BALDICAÑAS, Pauleen Rose O. Brgy. 6, San Julian San Julian NHS
21. PIANDONG, Dionesio Jr. L. Brgy. 6, San Julian San Julian NHS
22. ARAYA, Rodisa A. Brgy. San Gabriel, Borongan City Sisters of Mary School-Girlstown, Cebu 23. CONTADO, Nikki D. Brgy. Soong, Llorente Sisters of Mary School-Girlstown, Cebu
24. MOSCOSA, Katreena Shaine J. Brgy. 4, San Policarpo SNPOSA, San Policarpo
25. DARIA, Fatima Z. Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Balangiga Southern Samar NHS, Balangiga
26. LACANARIA, Marenil T. Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Balangiga Southern Samar NHS, Balangiga
27. LEGERA, Daniel Brent P. Brgy. Del Remedio, Sulat Sulat NHS
28. LLEGO, Leo S. Brgy. Talangdawan, Salcedo Tagbacan NHS, Salcedo

To avail of the scholarship, the above-listed students must pursue any of the identified fields in science and technology at state colleges and universities and recognized CHED Centers of Excellence. Each qualifier shall receive a notice of scholarship from the DOST Regional Office No. 8 and will be requested to attend an orientation and contract signing, together with her/his parents/guardian, at a specific schedule which will be announced soon. For more information, please call landline no. (055) 261-2664 or mobile no. 0918.515.9990 or visit the DOST-E. Samar Provincial S&T Center, ESSU Campus, Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
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DOST introduces Greenhouse Technology in Eastern Samar

Ordinary farmers can earn big money if they plant the right varieties and learn how to grow their plants the right way. Unfortunately, most local farmers in Eastern Samar seem to know mono-cropping rice and coconut only. Thus, even if the province is suitable for the production of wide variety of crops, farmers continue to plant the common crops despite their dwindling incomes. On the other hand, those few farmers growing vegetables and other crops practice traditional and conventional methods that are oftentimes vulnerable to damages due to irregular weather conditions.

Mr. Benjamin Panaguiton of Cabong, Borongan E. Samar, a retired agriculturist, owner of Agreco Farm used to plant vegetables like pechay, ampalaya, and tomato. Recently, he found an opportunity to shift and venture into the production of high valued crops such as lettuce, cabbage and squash due to its low supply in the province.Suppliers of the said crops are from Cebu, Mindanao and Luzon and deliveries are irregular.

Mr. Panaguiton applied for the DOST Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program to acquire technology on greenhouse for vegetable production. Greenhouse technology has been proposed to answer the problem on unpredictable weather situation in Eastern Samar. The project proposal,assessed and endorsed by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center in Eastern Samar, was approved with the amount P285,000.00 released as financial assistance to purchase the technology. True enough, the proponent was able to obtain (2) two units of greenhouse, one was used for hydroponics system and the other is for organic farming. Coupled with staggered planting scheme, the enterprise will be able to ensure regular supply of high valued crops in major public markets in Eastern Samar and neighbour provinces.

Mr.Panaguiton hopes to inspire his fellow Eastern Samareños to cultivate high valued crops and to use greenhouse technology so that quality vegetables are always available at affordable prices. He hopes that in the next few years, Eastern Samar will no longer import high valued crops from other provinces, and will become one of the main suppliers of high valued crops in other provinces as well. (LourlynCelada, SRS-I)
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Kim’s Handicraft gets the nod of DOST-SETUP

Kim's Handicraft products

Another family enterprise from Eastern Samar received DOST technical and financial assistance to upgrade its production of facility. Kim’s Handicraft of Barangay Pepelitan, Borongan City, who specializes in wood beads production is among the MSMEs in the province who benefitted the DOST's Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) for 2012.

Mr.Ruben Ana, who primarily operates the business, is actually a government employee who had embarked on the said business for a couple of years already. Wood beads production is a rare type of venture in the region,thus, the firm enjoys increasing demand for his products from local residents and visitors. Furthermore, he is presently maintaining a supply of wood beads to direct exporters in Cebu.In the past, he had to turn down contracts of some exporters due to the limited production capacity of his firm. This prompted him to apply for the DOST-SETUP.

Last July 2012 at DOST PSTC-Eastern Samar, Mr. Ana received the check amounting to Ninety Five Thousand Pesos (P95,000.00) as financial aid for the firm’s acquisition of equipment to raise its production capacity and to eventually meet the demands for its products.

With the brand new equipment acquired out of the financial assistance, which include 1 unit of beading machine, 2 units of bench drill, 3 units of wood puncher, and 4 units of air sprayer,Mr. Ana is now confident that the firm will be able to increase its production volume by 40%, and generate and average monthly gross sales of at least P150,000.00.

“I am really thankful that DOST offers this kind of program. It is a great help for micro-enterprises.”, said Mr. Ana with a beaming smile. (JomarRapatan, SRA)
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DOST-PHIVOLCS conducts REDAS Software training for Eastern Samar stakeholders

Phivols Dir. Solidum during the opening

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) in coordination with the DOST-Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar (PLGU-E. Samar) has conducted a five (5) day in-house training entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Local Development Planning Process through the Provision and Training on the Use of REDAS Software” at Hotel Alejandro, Paterno St., Tacloban City last November 18-23, 2012. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Eastern Samar Provincial Office, Office of Civil Defense – Region 8, Plan Philippines and the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) also provided valuable support to the training.

The Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System or REDAS is developed by DOST-PHIVOLCS to provide quick simulated earthquake hazard information to disaster managers. The software can also develop maps showing cities/municipalities and barangays at risk to nine (9) natural hazards, namely: ground shaking, ground rupture, liquefaction, earthquake-induced landslide, tsunami, volcanic eruption, rain-induced landslide, floods and storm surge, which are all very useful for the provincial/city/municipal development planners and the academe in creating, validating and improving disaster risk reduction and development plans/activities of the LGUs/NGAs/Academe.

Eighteen (18) LGUs were able to send participants for the training, namely: Balangiga, Balangkayan, Borongan City, Can-avid, Dolores, Giporlos, Gen. MacArthur, Guiuan, Hernani, Jipapad, Llorente, Maydolong, Maslog, Mercedes, San Julian, Sulat, Salcedo and Taft, whose participants came mostly from local DILG, Municipal Planning Development Office, Municipal Engineer’s Office or the Municipal/City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC). Other participants were from DENR-E. Samar, PNP-E.Samar, Provincial Planning and Development Office, ESSU, Plan Phils.and the 8th IB Philippine Army.

The software was given for free to all those who attended the training. The training also provided them with enough knowledge to use the REDAS software for local disaster prevention and mitigation and creation of hazard maps and disaster vulnerability profiles of municipalities/city and barangays/communities as basis in identifying high-risk areas ad future interventions to reduce significant losses of lives and properties in case of natural disasters.

Dr. Renato Solidum and Dr.Bartolome Bautista, Executive Director and Deputy Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, respectively, lead the group of resource speakers from the agency. (ArnaldoAmosco Jr., PSTD)
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Lagramada Souvenir Shop receives DOST assistance

Sample products of Lagramada Souvenir Shop

Equipped with the owner’s skill of turning a piece of wood into a colorful and artistic decorative material plus DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program, Lagramada Souvenir Shop can now meet the increasing market demand of its souvenir products.

Mr. Raul Lagramada, the proprietor of Lagramada Souvenir Shop, received the check amounting to Ninety Five Thousand, Two Hundred Pesos (P95,200.00) last July 2012 at the DOST-Eastern Samar Provincial Science and Technology Center, as financial assistance for the acquisition of appropriate equipment to increase its productivity and to improve the quality of its products.

Lagramada Souvenir Shop is renowned in Guiuan for its artistic products which include miniature surf board that depicts the yearly surf board competition held at the popular Calicoan Island in Guiuan, coin purse made from coconut shell, key chains, paper weights and many other wood crafts.

With five years of existence in the souvenir item industry, the demand of the product has been directly proportional to the increasing number of tourists visiting Guiuan, thus, requiring the firm to increase its productivity. With the DOST SETUP, the firm was able to acquire various tools such as band saw, jig saw, bench drill, press drill, industrial fan and diamond cutter. In addition, DOST's Packaging Technology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute(DOST-ITDI), also provided product packaging and labeling support by providing a world-class product label design and transport packaging design that will be beneficial for Mr. Lagramada as he started introducing his products outside the province of Eastern Samar.

Mr.Lagramada, who is very vocal of being grateful to DOST SETUP, is more inspired to create more artistic designs and very confident that his business will continue to grow in the years to come. (Lourlyn C. Celada, SRS-I)
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DOST RELEASES P1.9M FOR MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN EASTERN SAMAR

For the year 2012, the Department of Science and Technology, through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program, has released a total of P1.9M for the upgrading of manufacturing enterprises in the Province of Eastern Samar.

The total amount of funds released covers the nine (9) project proposals assessed and endorsed by PSTC-Eastern Samar and passed the strict evaluation of two (2) Regional Technical Evaluation Committee (RTEC) panels: the (1) internal RTEC, composed of Provincial Science and Technology Directors (PSTDs) and DOST-8 program heads, and (2) external RTEC, composed of various heads from the academe and private sector. All the 9 proposals were approved in regional level because each of the proposals funding requirements is less than P1.0M. Project proposals with more than P1.0M are submitted to DOST-CO for further evaluation and possible approval.

The innovation system support (ISS) tops the list of interventions provided to these manufacturing enterprises. Under the ISS, the SETUP beneficiaries are assisted in the acquisition of needed production equipment/facilities and/or technologies to improve their production efficiency. Other interventions provided to project beneficiaries are product labeling and packaging, technology trainings and technical consultancy services. Investments were spent on priority sectors such as food processing, horticulture, metals and engineering, and gifts, toys and housewares.

As of the moment, the program has already assisted 24 manufacturing enterprises in Eastern Samar and invested a total amount of P5.1Mto improve its productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. SETUP is a nationwide strategy in which it encourages and assists local manufacturing enterprises to improve their overall operations and boosts their productivity and competitiveness through infusion of appropriate technologies. (LourlynCelada, SRS-I)
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