The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region approves grant for the improvement of the woodcarving “pa-ot” industry in Asin and Dairy Processing in Dontongan, Baguio City which are set for implementation this year.
DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog, LGU-Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the representatives of the Woodcarvers from Asin Road and Mr. Jose Ernesto Panlaqui, Manager of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative (MHDC) signed the Memoranda of Agreement for the said projects on May 24, 2022 at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall for the implementation of the said projects.
The project on the Woodcarving “Pa-ot” Industry of Baguio City aims to enhance the existing woodcarving products and develop sustainable livelihood program on carving.
This project was initiated by Mayor Magalong in coordination with the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center of Benguet, hence, the series of meetings conducted with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Asin and woodcarvers’ representatives including partners such as the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) and DTI-Benguet.
DOST will fund the project amounting to PhP1,262,034.00 intended for the conduct of capability building trainings and product development for Phase I implementation this year. The Phase II, will be the establishment of Common Service Facility on wood treatment or drying facility through the DOST-FPRDI technology- kiln dryer.
The DCP, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will be tapped for the capacity building on woodcarving industry trends and product development.
Likewise, the DTI-Benguet will collaborate to provide assistance for the beneficiaries to maximize and penetrate online and physical marketing platforms.
Meanwhile, DOST-CAR will provide funds amounting to PhP 375,700.00 to improve the production process of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative in Dontongan, Baguio City. The project covers the provision of processing and packaging technology, conduct of training, product laboratory tests, and improvement of packaging label.
During her message, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog encouraged the beneficiaries to practice the culture of productivity, sustainability, innovation, and creativity for the project to succeed.
Meanwhile, Mayor Magalong extended his gratitude to DOST and all other stakeholders for the partnership and projects that will help boost the livelihood activities in the city.
Present also during the signing of the Memoranda of Agreement were DOST- PSTC Benguet Director Dr. Sheila Marie B. Singa-Claver, DTI-Benguet Director Atty. Samuel Gallardo, Baguio City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, DOST-CAR Asst. Regional Director- Field Operations Services Engr. Angel Maguen, and BLGU-Asin Barangay Captain Jaime Candido.//CGD
(From left to right) DOST- PSTC Benguet Director Sheila Marie Singa-Claver, DTI-Benguet Director Samuel Gallardo, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, DOST-CAR Asst. Regional Director- Field Operations Services Angel Maguen, and BLGU-Asin Barangay Captain Jaime Candido pose for a photo after signing the Memoranda of Agreement on May 24, 2022 at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall.
May 14, 2022
The DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team visited JLM Farm in Balili, Mankayan and Hightitude Farm in Madaymen, Kibungan in the province of Benguet on May 11, 2022. These farms are assisted by the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) through provision of Automated Drip Irrigation Technology and Hydroponics, respectively.
During the visit, USec. SAM suggested to come up with a possible project on how to support and upgrade the vegetable industry of Benguet which is the major economic population of the province. He also suggested the possibility of coming-up with a program or a center on how DOST could provide technical assistance on-site and have on-time solutions/recommendations that cater to the need of the farmers.
Meanwhile, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara and her team visited the NICER projects in the Cordillera, namely: R&D Program Boondock: A Mountain Engineering Center Towards Sustainable Infrastructure and Upland Water Technology in the University of Cordilleras and the Potato R&D Center in Benguet State University that has 3 major projects, namely : (1) Development of Insect Pests and Disease Management of Quality Seed Production, (2) Enhancing the Micropropagation System of Potato Application of Improved Cultivation System, and (3) Storage Technique for Seed Potato Production on May 13-14, 2022.
For the project Boondock, USec. Guevara encouraged the University of Cordilleras to recruit S&T talents from the DOST’s Balik Scientist and RD Lead program to complement the project. She also suggested to consider the landslide issue at Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet and establishment of Forensic Innovation Hub in the Cordillera. Moreover, Usec. Guevara acknowledged the Potato R&D Center's potential to become Niche Center for Science and Technology (NICEST) and encouraged the Benguet State University to disseminate these matured researches and engage more farmers to become beneficiaries of the center.
Rest assured that the DOST-CAR will work hand in hand with its stakeholders to ensure that these suggestions will be executed. //MLFerrer
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog during their visit to JLM Farm in Balili, Mankayan.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog during their visit to Hightitude Farm in Madaymen, Kibungan.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara and her team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog and University of Cordillera President Nancy Flores pose for a photo during her visit to Program Boondock.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara together with DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog and BSU-Northern Philippines Root Crops Research & Training Center (NPRCRTC) staff pose for a photo during her visit to Potato R&D Center in Benguet State University.
May 13,2022
The Department of Science and Technology holds Science for Change Program (S4CP) Summit on May 13, 2022, at the Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City with DOST-CAR as the host region.
The event highlighted the accomplishments of the S4CP in Luzon from its subcomponent programs, namely: 1) Niche Center in the Region for R&D Program (NICER), 2) Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Philippine Economy Program (CRADLE), 3) Business Innovation through S&T for Industry Program (BIST), and 4) R&D Leadership Program (RDLead).
DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara expressed her appreciation to DOST- North Luzon cluster by saying, “we appreciate your extensive efforts in addressing the needs of your regions and making Science, Technology, and Innovation transform North Luzon through cooperation and sustainable development”. She also encouraged everyone to continue doing R&D because of its crucial role in making positive changes happen.
“Indeed the S4CP has changed the country in many ways. Through S4CP, science is utilized to build and have a healthy society, modernized agriculture and fishery, competitive industries, strengthen nationwide resiliency, improve governance and to eventually attain and sustain economic development” added Dr. Nancy Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director
To date, there are two (2) NICER and two (2) RD Lead programs in the Cordillera region. This includes the Potato R&D Center which was funded with a total budget of P31,355,154.56. This NICER program has major initiatives on the following: Development of Insect Pests and Disease Management of Quality Seed Production; Enhancing the Micropropagation System of Potato Application of Improved Cultivation System, and Storage Technique for Seed Potato Production.
The Benguet State University (BSU) is the implementing partner institution for this program. Through this collaborative partnership, the center envisioned sustainable agriculture in the area of potato production.
Mr. Nelio Compelio, a Benguet potato farmer and a beneficiary of Potato R&D Center, shared that his yield and income has doubled because of the improved potato planting materials produced by the center. “Natitiyak ko na sa mga teknolohiyang ito mabilis na mapaparami ang mga certified, disease-free seed tubers na magagamit naming mga potato farmers.” he said.
Moreover, Usec. Guevara also visited the center on May 14, 2022 wherein she acknowledged the center’s potential to become Niche Center for Science and Technology (NICEST). She also encouraged the university to disseminate these matured researches and engage more farmers to become beneficiaries of the center. // MLFerrer
DOST-Science for Change Program Summit for North Luzon Cluster commence with a ceremonial torch lighting with Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DOST-NRCP Executive Director Marieta Sumagaysay, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, DOST - 1 Regional Director Armando Ganal, DOST- 2 Regional Director Virginia Bilgera, and DOST-Region 3 Regional Director Julius Ceasar Sicat.
Mr. Nelio Compelio, a Benguet potato farmer and a beneficiary of Potato R&D Center, on his speech during the summit.
