Leading the way in S&T development has been the primary motivation of DOST Region VI in accomplishing

its mandate to deliver various S&T services in Western Visayas. The services mainly focused on
the strengthening of four (4) areas of S&T interventions: technology transfer and commercialization,
technical and consultancy services, S&T human resource development and S&T promotion. The different
S&T interventions have been aggressively delivered particularly since the implementation of the Small
Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The program rationalizes and links all DOST services
to address the technological needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the steadfast
support and cooperation of DOST Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs), DOST Research and Development
Institutes (RDIs), councils and other institutes of the department. Various modalities of technology
transfer interventions and provision of technical services are provided under the program to attain its
objectives. Areas of interventions include product quality improvement, human resources development,
cost minimization, waste management and other operation related activities. Priority sectors assisted are
as follows: Food Processing; Metals and Engineering; Horticulture; Gifts, Decors & Handicrafts; Furniture;
Aquatic and Marine; Information & Communications Technology and Health Products & Services.

DOST VI diffused S&T knowledge and technologies mainly through its various SETUP activities. The
program provided a wide array of assistance intended to improve viability of MSMEs, considering the
stiff competition in the market today. Under the SETUP banner program are the Innovation System
Support Fund (ISSF), Community-Based Projects, Consultancy and other technical services which
include Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program, Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity
Enhancement (CAPE), Cleaner Production Technologies (CPT), Food Safety (FS), Energy (EA), Packaging
and Labeling Assistance and Technology Trainings.

Likewise, DOST VI gives focus on laboratory services provided by its Regional Standards and Testing
Laboratories (RSTL). The RSTL provides laboratory and testing services to industries, academe, local
government units, private institutions and individuals in Western Visayas. These laboratory services are
critical in the product development as well as quality assurance requirements of our MSMEs. These
services are likewise very important to our public institutions and local government units particularly in
addressing public welfare concerns and consumer protection. The academe is likewise being supported
in their research and development undertakings through these laboratory services. The laboratory offers
chemical and microbiological testing as well as calibration services. It is accredited by the Department of
Health-Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (DOH-BHFS). It is likewise accredited by the Department
of Trade and Industry-Philippine Accreditation Office (DTI-PAO) based on the requirements of ISO/IEC
17025:2005. Among the wide range of analytical service capabilities that the DOST VI RSTL offers are
the testing of food and water, both for physico chemical and microbiological properties. It also offers
calibration services, formula of conversion, consultancy services and use of facilities.
 I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”

The DOST SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs as well as private and
government institutions to implement technological innovations in order to enhance their competitiveness
and support the economic development in the countryside.

The program enables beneficiaries to address their technical problems through technology transfer and
technology interventions to improve product quality, develop human resources, minimize cost, enhance
waste management and other operation related activities.

A Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF)

Major technology transfer and commercialization program under SETUP which provides assistance for the
upgrading of existing production facilities of MSMEs/organizations as well as acquisition of other critical
requirements in the production line. Primarily, it hopes to improve product quality and production processes
in order for them to be more competitive in the market.

Under this modality, the beneficiaries refund the total cost of the assistance to the government for three
years without interest.

The SETUP provided a variety of technical assistance intended primarily to improve the productivity and
competitiveness of MSMEs. At the forefront of the SETUP implementation are the PSTCs. They are
primarily responsible for identifying and selecting SETUP client-MSMEs, and the management of specific
project interventions for specific client-MSMEs. SETUP recognizes the critical role of MSMEs in generating
employment, earning foreign exchange and stimulating growth and development in the countryside.

DOST Region VI through its Iloilo Provincial S&T Center, transferred the results of scientific and technological
research from the DOST Research and Development Institutes and brought these research results into
application in the Lone Congressional District of Iloilo. For 2002 – 2013, there were a total of 23 firms that
availed of this program.
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Project Title : Product and Process Improvement of a Flour-based Food Processing Facility
Client : Gee! Cookies

Gee! Cookies is engaged in making of cookies and cookie pops since 2007. It is famous for goodies like
cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and its specialty, cookie pops
that are perfect for many occasions. Most of the products
usually are decorated with visually appealing designs or
characters according to customer preference.

The enterprise cannot do full-blast marketing activities

because of the issue on consistency to product quality and
production volume limitation. These two problems were a
result at the company’s, existing production facility. Their
current facility can no longer match the demands of its
growing market. This results to many opportunity losses.

Through the program, they were able to acquire

appropriate and food safe equipment as well as avail other
assistance like Food Safety Training and Consultancy.
As a result, the company experiences increase in their sales and enhanced marketability due to consistent
product quality.

Project Title : Product and Package Improvement of Processed Marine Products

Client : Ninfel Pasalubong Center, Iloilo City

Ninfel Pasalubong Center is an enterprise since 1995 and mainly engaged in selling of dried marine
products as “pasalubong”. It is located in Central Market in Iloilo City. Realizing that along with their
regular merchandise, offering processed snack seafood items like Spicy Pusit and Spicy Dilis proved to
be saleable to its customers particularly visitors and tourists. Thus the owner decided to commercialize
these products and sought assistance on how to ensure consistent product quality, appropriate packaging
material and enhanced label design.
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Project Title : Upgrading of Fish Processing Facility
Client : LJK Fish Dealer, Jaro, Iloilo City

LJK Fish Dealer was established in 2003 engaging in packing and distributing
of fresh and frozen seafoods to restaurants, hotels in Iloilo City. Just like
any other entrepreneurs, the company started small but with patience,
determination and creativity they were able to establish their name as a
dependable seafood supplier.

Assistance from DOST started when the owner wanted to offer products
that are pre-cut and packed to the specification of its customer to prevent
pilferage and possible product deterioration in the commercial kitchens.
Standardization of sizes and weight of its raw materials would be difficult
to achieve in its existing facility. To do this, the firm needs to upgrade its
facility, conform to the requirements of food safety as well as double its
production capacity.

At present, LJK Fish Dealer may be considered as a major supplier of fish and seafood products to
restaurants, hotels and offices all around Iloilo City. Their closest competitors are the wet markets, groceries
and direct suppliers.

Project Title : Product and Process Improvement of a Gifts and Décor Production Facility
Client : Kirsten & Corinne Footwear/Shoe Repair Shop, La Paz, Iloilo City

The company started humbly in the footwear business back in 1992. Eventually, the owner learned to
make slippers from a relative in Marikina which led to establishing his own business. Under the brand
name “Bagtas”, the slippers became popular in Boracay, and its market there was growing. Aside from the
slippers, new products such as beach bags, mesh bags and life jackets have been added to his products
over the years.

However, Kirsten & Corinne Footwear/Shoe Repair Shop was limited in commercializing new products due
to product inconsistency and nefficient manufacturing equipment. This made the company seek the help
of DOST to upgrade its facilities
 I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Project Title : Productivity and Quality Improvement of Locally Manufactured Food Service
Equipment
Client : MAGS Pipe Bending and Steel Works, Rizal, City Proper, Iloilo City

MAGS Pipe Bending and Steel Works is a single proprietorship enterprise engaged primarily in metalworking,
producing custom-made products for the following sectors: processed food, hotel and restaurant services,
medical services, furniture and furnishings, as well as automotive accessories.

It was identified that the technological constraint of the company was primarily on its cutting process –
plasma cutting, tin snips. This process is critical to production of food service equipment which is currently
growing in demand. To improve quality and shorten production time, the company needs to upgrade its
facilities.

B Community-based Projects
DOST VI through Iloilo PSTC implements community-based projects with funding coming from DOST
VI Grants-in-Aid Program. The program provided a mechanism for Local Government Units (LGUs), in
partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and
private institutions to establish community-based processing
centers. Community-Based projects can focus either on
assisting new entrepreneurs to create livelihood activities or
addressing challenges identified that affect people in the local
community.

For CY 2009-2010, one project was implemented under the

supervision of barangay local government unit. The project
was implemented in collaboration with the Iloilo Small and
Medium Enterprises Foundation (SMEDF). Members of the
Iloilo SMEDF come from various organizations, such as the Provincial Government, SUCs, and the private
sector.
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Project Title : Establishment of Technology-Based Incubation Centers for Food Processing
Beneficiary : Jubilee Gawad Kalinga Village Kapitbahayan, Buntatala, Jaro
Project Cost : Php 113,790.00
Project Duration : 2009 – 2010

The Jubilee Gawad Kalinga Village Kapitbahayan in Buntatala, Jaro is a community supported by the
Archdiocese of Jaro, Association of the Religious Women in Iloilo, and Couples for Christ. To further help
the community and some of its member- households, a bakery was established. DOST VI through the
project provided the oven and dough roller to start its operation. The target market is the local community
and the Archdiocese of Jaro.

Aside from the provision of equipment, they also availed of the following: Food Safety Training, Orientation
on Packaging and Labeling and Seminar on Technology Management.

Project Title : Establishing of Packaging Technology Resource Center for Western Visayas
Implementing Agency : Central Philippine University
Project Cost : Php 960,000.00
Project Duration : November 2011 – December 2012

In 2009, Central Philippine University (CPU), a non-stock, non-profit, higher

education institution in Jaro, Iloilo set-up the Philippine Center of Packaging
Engineering Technology (PC-PET). PC-PET is equipped with donated
equipment and devices from Packaging Technology Inc., a recognized and
independent package testing and consulting company based in Houston,
Texas, USA.

PC-PET offers testing and consulting services in package and packaging

materials as well as conduct research and packaging development, quality
assurance and control, regulatory and industry certification.

The establishment of Packaging Technology Resource Center for Western

Visayas is a strategic position to assist businesses and provide thought
leadership in packaging in the region and the whole country as well.
 I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Project Title : University of the Philippines Visauas Enterprise and Entrepreneurial
Development Services Technology Business Incubation (UPV SEEDS-TBI)
Implementing Agency : College of Management , University of the Philippines Visayas
Project Cost : Php 1,320,000.00
Project Duration : November 2011 – December 2013

The TBI is a product of unified efforts of the academe and the government to support the private sector
in terms of business development specifically at this time - technology-based and ICT-enabled start-up
enterprises. The general objective of the project is to assist fledgling companies to become competent,
viable and responsible players in the global economy.

During the project period, the facility was constructed and it can accommodate four locators for shared
facility and one locator for full-service facility. The TBI program includes technopreneurship forum, boot
camps, mentoring and acceptance of incubates.

C Consultancy and other Technical Services

Another major area of focus of SETUP is on consultancy and other technical services. DOST Region VI
through Iloilo PSTC pioneered the delivery of said services to clients in the Lone District of Iloilo City. For
2010-2014 eight firms were assisted under the different Consultancy Programs. Also Iloilo PSTC provides
various types of S&T services/interventions to identified clusters or sectors. such as technology training,
process equipment design, product improvement, packaging and labeling, productivity enhancement
consultancy, cleaner production technologies, technology consultancy, laboratory and testing services and
others.
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program

The MPEX Program provides consulting services to MSMEs belonging to the manufacturing sector on
productivity improvement. DOST Region VI in coordination with Iloilo PSTC deploys accredited consulting
teams to assist clients, implement productivity improvement measures on both long term and short term
basis.

Cleaner Production (CP) Technology

Environmental policies require enterprises to reduce pollution and waste. With the high cost of investment
to manage waste products as well as the ever-increasing cost of power and raw materials, many
enterprises are already beginning to look for other ways, better ways, to improve productivity and reduce
waste generation. The adoption of CP Technologies is an alternative to improve the enterprise’s efficiency
and productivity

The DOST VI program on CPT aims to assist enterprises to not only comply with the environmental
requirements but also to reduce waste at source to promote sustainable development.
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”

Food Safety Program (FS)

The DOST VI Food Safety Program was established to promote the adoption of safe food handling
practices among food processors and other stakeholders of the processed food industry. As food safety
issues have become an important consideration for the processed food industry everywhere, the DOST
VI Food Safety Team together with the Iloilo PSTC assisted firms in setting up their food safety program,
specifically on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety for Food Handlers Training Course.

Packaging and Labeling Assistance Program

Iloilo PSTC through the Packaging Technology Assistance Program provides a wide range of packaging
technology solutions in order to transform locally-produced goods into globally-competitive products. The
program is intended to boost the competitiveness of these products through the provision of packaging
services – from package development and trainings to laboratory and consultancy services.

Through DOST VI’s Packaging and Labeling Assistance Program, it was able to provide business
opportunities in the processed food sector to fully resolve the problem in the transport and selling of their
products. The program intends to boost competitiveness through the provision of packaging services –
from package development and trainings as well as laboratory and consultancy services among others
since Western Visayas produces a wide array of products particularly processed food that have great
potential both in local and export markets.

Experts are available both in-house and external to address the needs of MSMEs. It has a network of
partner institutions such as the Packaging Technology Division of DOST-ITDI, Taytay Sa Kauswagan Inc.
(TSKI) - Kauswagan Design and Packaging Center , Central Philippine University (CPU) Philippine Center
of Packaging Engineering and Technology (PC-PET) and various packaging centers based at SUCs as
well as LGUs among others.

The Lone Congressional District of Iloilo houses Iloilo Food Packaging Center which is being operated
by the Iloilo Producers and Processors Association. The project was supported by DOST VI under its
community-based projects.
 I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”

Laboratory testing and analysis is also being offered by the regional office which administers physical,
microbiological, chemical and other specialized tests to evaluate packaging protection and its compatibility
to products. The laboratory also provides shelf –life testing methods and standards for packaging. Additional
services include consultation services on general product-package compatibility, packaging material
suppliers, service providers (toll packers and printers), label design and conducts various seminars and
trainings on packaging technology which provides guidance and assistance in solving technical problems
pertaining to packaging.

In 2013-2014, the Iloilo PSTC completed the provision of technical consultancy to two organizations with
products for commercialization. They are as follows:

D Technology Trainings
DOST VI through Iloilo PSTC gives high priority in the conduct of technology trainings, seminars and
similar activities. This is primarily in recognition of the catalytic role of technology training in technology
transfer and commercialization. Most of the technology acquisition and upgrading activities started with
technology trainings. The participants are ranging from household-level subcontactors employing one to
two family members up to medium-sized companies catering to the export market and employing hundreds
of workers.

There are generally three (3) kinds of trainings being conducted by the regional office. The first are firm
level trainings which are mostly requested by MSMEs either for upgrading of their existing technology
or for acquisition of new technology which they intend to commercialize. Under this arrangement, Iloilo
PSTC request for trainings are being endorsed by the regional office. The regional office provides the
experts free of charge but the customers take care of food and accommodation as well as other incidental
expenses relative to the conduct of the activity.

Other trainings include requests from LGUs, NGOs and people’s organizations, trade associations and
similar organizations. This kind of training is being undertaken in collaboration with other partners who
I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”
usually take care of most expenses with DOST VI providing the experts.

Finally, the regional office through its PSTCs has been conducting free-based technology trainings for the
general public. These trainings are implemented with strategic partners who participate in the planning,
invitation of participants, collection and management of fees generated and the over-all administration of
the activity.

Iloilo PSTC was able to provide twelve (12) trainings for 2012-2014 as reflected in Table 5.
 I. Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program
“Improving the quality of life of the people through science and technology”

E Laboratory Services

The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) of DOST Region VI provides laboratory and testing
services to industries, academe, LGUs, private institutions and individuals in Western Visayas. These
laboratory services are critical in the product development as well as quality assurance requirements of
MSMEs. These services are likewise very important to our public institutions and LGUs particularly in
addressing public welfare concerns and consumer protection. The academe is likewise being supported
in their research and development undertakings through these laboratory services.

The RSTL offers chemical and microbiological testing as well as calibration services. It is accredited by the
Department of Health-Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (DOH-BHFS). It is likewise accredited by
the Deprtment of Trade and Industry-Philippine Accreditation Office (DTI-PAO) based on the requirements
of ISO/IEC 17025:2005.

On the provision of quality S&T services for 2002-2012, DOST Region VI RSTL provided a total of 1,672
services covering mass and volume calibration, formula of conversion, chemical testing and microbiological
testing. A total of 580 clients were served from 263 firms.

Quality S&T services were extended to industries, academe, local government units, private institutions,
individuals covering mass and volume calibration, chemical testing and microbiological testing, consultancy
services and use of facilities.

F S&T Promotions
S&T promotion and information dissemination aims to increase awareness and appreciation of technological
innovations and interventions among the various sectors of society. S&T advocacies and linkages are
likewise being implemented by the regional office through its PSTCs in order to better achieve the mandate
of the department. Activities include tri-media releases, publications, updating of DOST VI website on the
activities, programs and projects of the regional office as well as S&T fora and exhibits.
II. S&T Human Resource
The DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarship program is in line with the agency’s thrust to
provide globally competitive S&T human resources in support to the country’s research and development
(R&D) efforts. Applicants should be willing to pursue priority fields of study in science, mathematics, and
engineering.

Scholarship programs being offered are: (1) Republic Act 7687 or Science and Technology Scholarship Act
of 1994 for students who belong to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values
indicated by the DOST Scholarship Unit, and, (2) Merit Scholarship Program for applicants who belong to
a family whose socio-economic status exceeds the set values of all identified indicators for the RA 7687.

DOST Regional Office VI through its PSTCs has been aggressive in promoting its S&T Scholarship
Programs. For AY 2013-2014, there are 22 on-going DOST scholars from the Lone Congressional District
of Iloilo and are presently studying at various DOST-accredited universities and colleges.
 III. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
A Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH)
To carry out its mission to protect lives and properties from natural hazards using scientific knowledge and
information, the DOST through its Advanced Science and Technology Institute
(ASTI) and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), with the assistance of the DOST Region VI and its
Provincial S&T Centers, is taking steps in upgrading its facilities in Western Visayas.
The Department put in place a responsive program for a 6-hour flood early warning
system along the 18 major river basins for flood mitigation, enhancement of
geohazard maps, enhancement of storm surge maps. Locally-developed
technologies such as Automated Weather Stations (AWS), Automated Rain Gauges
(ARGs), Tandem units (composed of a Water Level Monitoring Station and ARG) shall enhance the
forecasting capability of DOST-PAGASA by giving localized weather data for Western Visayas which will
be used to generate weather forecast by the DOST-PAGASA Central Forecasting Section.

The office also provides regular weather updates to partner agencies especially the members of the
RDRRMC as well as Provincial/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers. Weather
updates/forecasts are being sourced out from the releases made by PAGASA Visayas Regional Service
Division. The regional office also provides accumulated rainfall data to disaster
managers in the region as well as current water level status. These data are
taken from the Predict website developed and maintained by DOST-ASTI. The
information are then forwarded to disaster managers throughout Region VI via
SMS.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit (DRRMU) of DOST Region VI

through its Iloilo PSTC installed one (1) ARG situated in La Paz and one (1) AWS
in Jaro district. The AWS occupies a ground area of less than 10 sq. meters and
that includes already the perimeter fencing to protect the equipment. It is a set of
equipment mounted on a 2-meter high pole. The pole occupies approximately
2 sq. feet only. The equipment does not require high maintenance since it does
not need manpower for its operation. It has a sim card that only needs to have at
least 200 pesos load per month to be able to transmit data. All weather monitoring
equipment installed are properly functioning with excellent GSM signal and are sending/updating data
every 15 minutes. The reported data can be viewed at DOST-ASTI’s website http://202.90.149.66/predict.
The AWS functions just like a synoptic station. The deployment of AWS and ARG is one of the initial
phases of the facility upgrading project. This project is part of the DOST’s mandate to help boost disaster
preparedness efforts in Western Visayas and to help save more lives during calamities.
III. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
DOST Region VI localized its Online Weather Monitoring System for Western Visayas through an application
dubbed it as Bantay Panahon. The application can provide real time cumulative rainfall and water level
data. Its Rainfall and Water Level Monitoring Page provide interfaces for checking the cumulative rainfall
for the last two hours as well as a graphical representation of the readings of the water level. The Rainfall
Monitoring Page currently supports cumulative rainfall for the last 1 hour to 24 hours while the Water Level
Monitoring Page is capable of monitoring devices for 24 hours from the current time grouped per province.

Since the inauguration of the DOST Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) in
2011, it has come to pilot advanced warning devices needed for fortifying catastrophe prevention efforts.
One essential component of the said project is the initiation of a three-dimensional (3D) mapping for flood
prone areas known as the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation-Light Detection and
Ranging (DREAM LiDAR) Project.

The project seeks to acquire an altitude and resource information set in three-dimensional (3D) figures and
resolution wherein thematic maps can be generated. The DREAM LiDAR project makes use of aircrafts
with built-in LiDAR equipment, making it unique. While hovering the covered area, this LiDAR equipment
emits light pulses which will be used to generate the data.

Aside from the LiDAR equipment, the aircraft is likewise equipped

with a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Inertial Measurement
Unit (IMU) instruments as part of data acquisition. The data, when
validated and processed, is capable of producing digital elevation
set at 1: 5,000 scale with the following aspects: 50 cm horizontal
resolution, 20 cm vertical resolution .which will support flood models.
The program is bound to achieve a LiDAR coverage of 107,318 km2 ,
which is about 33 percent of the country’s total land area.

DOST has identified major river systems in Visayas such as Ilog

Hilabangan, Panay River Basin, and Jalaur River System as subjects
for the surface scanning. The development of high-resolution maps
extracts updated data for the major watersheds and flood zone
areas, thus, making it relevant to government agencies’ intensified
campaign on disaster reduction.

“The deployed sensors, composed of AWS, ARGs, and WLMS,

generate data and together with the 3D maps, and Doppler stations, they will be used by our forecasters.
The more equipment we have, the more data will be generated. Thus, we expect better forecast not only
 III. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
in the national level but with the local level as well”, said DOST VI Regional Director Rowen Gelonga.

In addition, the Iloilo Doppler Radar and Synoptic Station situated at the Department of Agriculture (DA)
compound in Brgy. Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo City is set to start its initial operation by 2015. The station will
complement the natural multi-hazard warning devices and equipment installed across the country such as
Doppler radars, marine buoys, rain gauges, automatic weather stations and landslides sensors, and the
NOAH. DOST will continue to support the development programs for better preparedness and to reduce
socio-economic vulnerability.

B Disaster Risk Reduction Roadshow

The DOST VI along with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) tied up in the conduct of an information, education
campaign entitled “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” on March 24-25, 2014. The
full-packed activity aims to educate and assist LGUs and partner agencies on how to maximize the use of
DOST research and development initiatives towards a common goal of harnessing the region’s disaster
risk reduction management system.

“Applying science, we can draw up scenario-based

strategies and protocols in dealing with calamities, from
emphasizing early warning and early action to achieve
minimum loss that can then lead to quick recovery”,
stressed DOST Secretary Mario Montejo during the
opening ceremony.

Moreover, workshops were facilitated on evacuation

planning, hazard mapping and disaster imagination
to arm local leaders and disaster risk reduction
management officials on their decision making
capabilities and responses should disasters hit in their
respective areas. In addressing these community
leaders, Secretary Montejo said, “You, the local chief
executives and disaster managers serve as the first receivers of information and warnings and act as first
responders during calamities. It is therefore imperative that, you, develop that capacity to understand and
translate these science-based information and warnings into response strategies, policies and actions
within your local area of responsibility”.

“With broad powers, you are made to work on the front lines and make sure your constituents are safe
at the stroke of a disaster”, he added. Among of the topics tackled include Project NOAH, DREAM
LiDAR Mapping, hydro meteorological and geologic hazards, and strengthening of National Disaster Risk
Reduction Management (NDRRM) activities.
IV. Health and Nutrition
Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap
The Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) Trap is a system used to control the population of the dengue-
carrying Aedes mosquitoes. The kit consists of a black container, a strip of “lawanit” (for mosquitoes to lay
their eggs on) and a solution (serves as both an attractant). DOST VI in
coordination with the DOH VI started the deployment of the OL Trap in
2011 in some barangays in Western Visayas where the recorded incidence
of dengue cases are high. A total of 24 barangays reaching 6,750
households already benefited from the program.

The DOST-DOH OL Trap has a solution which its scent invites female
mosquitoes to trap where they lay eggs on the stick and on the solution
itself. The stick moistened by the solution through capillary action, is highly
attractive for mosquitoes to lay eggs on. As the eggs and the hatched
larvae (also called “wrigglers”) get exposed to the solution, they die. The
OL Trap’s ovicidal and larvicidal effect prevent the next generation of mosquitoes from reaching adulthood.

The fight against high-risk dengue virus is still being aggressively pushed by the regional office by targeting
public elementary and high schools in the Lone Congressional District of Iloilo as recipients. It can be noted
that for CY 2013, a total of 163 public schools both elementary and high schools in the Lone Congressional
District of Iloilo have received the DOST-developed OL Trap system. The distribution of kits include total
of 5,350 starter kits and 42,800 pellets all good for 3-months supply covering 2,680 classrooms.

Complementary Food
Child malnutrition remains to be a significant public health concern
in the country. The results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey
(NNS) revealed that among 0-5 year Filipino children, 2 out of 10 are
underweight-for-age and 3 out of 10 are under height-for-age. Children
who are underweight will have slow growth and development, become
sickly and will have low performance in school. Poor infant and young
child feeding practices coupled with high rates of infectious diseases
are the causes of malnutrition during the first two years of life (Waterlow,
1992). Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is vital
to the development of children’s full human potential because rapid
brain development occurs on the first few months of life until two years
(Engle, 2007). To avert the detrimental impact of malnutrition, means
should be taken to provide for the needs of young children. There are
three significant age brackets in childhood with distinct nutritional requirements. These are the period 0-6
months, 6-36 months and 3-6 years.

Children from 0-6 months receive ample nutritional attention whether from breast milk or formula. Likewise,
IV. Health and Nutrition
the nutritional needs of children 3 -6 years are addressed by a number of nutritional feeding programs.
It is the period after the sixth month, when the child is weaned from a purely milk diet and introduced to
other solid foods, that has received meager attention. This period, wherein breast milk alone is no longer
sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of the child, is the period where complementary foods are
important. In most Filipino households, the introduction to solid foods starts with “am”, a viscous liquid
that is taken from boiling rice. Although “am” has little nutritive value, it is the primary choice for solid food
introduction due to the high cost of commercial solid food blends.

Cognizant of the lack of awareness on the importance of complementary foods, the DOST launched the
“S&T Based Interventions to Address Malnutrition” Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young
Children (DOST PINOY). The program aims to address the persistent problem of malnutrition among 0-5
year old children in the country and to meet the Millennium Development Goal of “halving between 1990
and 2015, the proportion of 0-5 years-old children who are underweight-for-age”.

The DOST PINOY program seeks to reduce the number of 6-35 months-old children who are underweight.
The program is spearheaded by the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in cooperation
with the DOST Regional Offices. It has three components: nutrition education, complementary food
preparation, and complementary food feeding. The complementary food component of the DOST PINOY
program showcases the FNRI-developed technology for the preparation of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook
rice-mongo-based food blends that are rich in protein and energy. Complementary food variants include
rice-mongo-instant blend, rice-mongo-sesame ready-to-cook blend and rice-mongo curls.

National Nutrition Survey

The DOST-FNRI conducts every five years, the NNS as part of the agency’s directive to undertake
researches and provide official statistics on food, nutrition and health status of the country. The NNS bears
the following components: Anthropometry, Biochemical, Clinical, Dietary, Infant and Young Child Feeding,
Maternal and Child Health, Food Security, and Government Program Participation and Salt Survey. These
components determine objective measures of the nutritional status of the country’s different population
groups.

The forum aims to update key stakeholders in the government and private sectors involved in food,
nutrition and health programs on the initial results of the survey which will highlight (a) the nutritional status
of Filipinos (b) infant and young child feeding (c) maternal and child health (d) prevalence of anemia (e)
prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and smoking and (f) extent of household participation in selected
government programs. The forum will also serve as an avenue for inquiries and sharing experiences and
recommendations of possible action points for application of the results in local policy-making and program
planning.

The 8th NNS was conducted from June 2013 to April 2014. Results of the 8th NNS for Western Visayas
were revealed on September 19, 2014 at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City. To note,
Iloilo City is the eighth leg of the NNS regional forum following Tuguegarao, Pampanga, San Fernando La
Union, Baguio City, Legazpi, Tacloban City and Cebu City.
V. Support to Research and Development
R&D Consortia
The DOST Region VI made pioneering efforts in research and development by strengthening its collaborative
efforts on scientific linkages and cooperation as a base agency of two (2) R&D consortia namely: Western
Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development (WVCIERD) and the Western
Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC).

WVCIERD is an association of different agencies, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) and SUCs
involved in research and development, and extension to provide the needs of the industry and energy
sectors in Western Visayas. Established last July 2, 2009, the consortium aims to generate leading-edge,
viable, sustainable and environment-friendly technologies relevant to the needs of the industry and energy
sectors in Region VI. The Research and Development Executive Council (RDEC) serves as the policy
making body of the consortium composed of the heads of all member institutions of the consortium.

The WVHRDC, on the other hand, is one of the 17 regional health research consortia under the network
of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) focused towards
optimization of resources to generate technologies and innovations in health, and ensure their utilization
by sustaining health research culture in the region.

For CY 2013, WVHRDC pushed for quality health researches following the graduation of its training
scholars. These health research training scholars have undergone courses on formulating health research
proposals which provided them with better understanding on technical writing, framework and processes
involved in developing and implementing health research, and research tools. Intensive lectures and
mentoring sessions were likewise conducted by health research specialists from the region and other
partner institutions. At the end of the training, health researchers were tasked to come up with a proposal
for a research project. Those quality proposals will proceed to the implementation upon approval for
funding.

Among the training scholars who have graduated in this program are Dr. Juan Agustin D. Coruña, IV of
Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), Ann Selma C. Morata of University
of the Philippines- Visayas (UPV), Janice L. Amarante of Iloilo Doctor’s College (IDC), Sherwin L. Escayo
(UPV), Dr. Jennifer C. Farinas of Western Visayas Sanitarium (WVS), Dr. Romeo A. Orcajada, Jr. of West
Visayas State University- Medical Center (WVSU-MC), Dr. Gregorio Anastacio S. Rufon, Jr. (WVSU),
Armel James A. Altillero (IDC), and Elfred John C. Abacan (UPV). Moreover, the DOST-PCHRD and
the DOH-Center for Health Development Western Visayas (CHDWV) will allocate Php 3.5 million budget
for the implementation of health researches in the region. These researches underscore maternal and
child health, traditional and alternative medicine, gender and health, communicable diseases, non-
communicable diseases, environmental health, substance abuse, and health service.

DOST Region VI is also involved in the operation of the Western Visayas Agriculture Resources Research
and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC), an organization of 26 institutions and resource-based
agencies that seek to pool technical expertise and other resources related to research and development
activities in Western Visayas. It is one of the fourteen consortia under the DOST-Philippine Council for
Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). One of its banner
programs, the Techno Gabay Program, is being implemented in 55 Farmers Information and Technology
Services (FITS) Centers (Cities and Municipalities) all over the region.
V. Support to Research and Development
Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE)

The DOST VI conducts the Regional Invention

Contests and Exhibits (RICE) every other
year. The said invention contest which is also
supported by the DOST- Technology
Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), is
open to novice and professional inventors in
Western Visayas who wish to highlight
ingenuity and craftiness through their research
and locally developed technology innovations.
Likewise, this is an excellent avenue for them
to impart the scientific and technological ideas developed in their inventions to the public and private
sectors. These innovations, apart from easing man’s life, are considered breakthroughs in the academic
community as well as research and development. The 2013 RICE was conducted last September 3-5,
2013 at Robinsons Place, Iloilo City.

There were a total of 108 registered entries in Western Visayas. Inventors have joined in the following
categories: Invention Category (Tuklas Award), Utility Model Category, Industrial Design Category, Creative
Research Category (Likha Award), Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for High School,
and Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for College.

Elmer Vincent Abella of Arevalo, Iloilo City emerged as the Regional Winner for the Industrial Category
with his invention “Side Car Body for Tricycle”. As for the Sibol Award College Category, Central Philippine
University’s solo entry entitled “Microcontroller-based Electrochemical Sensing Device for Soil Acidity and
Nitrate Level with Fertilizer Application-Rate Calculator” invented by Patrick Errgy V. Pasaquian, Krezyl
Anne C. Gabrillo, Jacinette B. Reyes, Shyla A. Pleñago, April Rose N. Sanggat and Meliza D. Sioting
garnered First Place. For the Sibol Award High School Category, Neal Ryan G. Demalata of Iloilo National
High School-Special Science Class was adjudged Second Runner Up for his “Pre-set On and Off Switch
for Household Lighting System” invention. Runners up for the Utility Model Category include “Palay Drier”
by Norberto Sanchez and a research namely “A Method of Producing PH Indicating Means from Hibiscus
and the Product Produced Therefrom” by Audie A. Suladay of West Visayas State University.

It was noted that last 2011, Negros Occidental National Science High School delegate Ydsan France
Dungon won the first place in the said contest for Outstanding Research Category (Sibol Award) with
his research entitled “Manually Operated Extruder Machine: Prototype in Making Leaf Briquettes”. His
research was then adjudged Second Place during the 2012 National Invention Contests and Exhibits
(NICE) held in celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

The RICE winners are composed of one (1) qualifier and two (2) runners-up per category. They will
represent the region in the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) which is being held during the
conduct of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration.