In a bid to bring high-impact and locally-developed technologies in the region, the Department of Science and Technology - Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST - CAR) conducted the 2022 Science for the People (SFTP) Caravan in Apayao from November 21-24, 2022.
The Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)-Apayao, headed by Engr. Debbie Glynn Manangkil, organized the weeklong caravan. It was composed of a series of technology fora and activities designed to promote technologies developed by the DOST Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) and other network institutions closer to the community and various sectors in the province.
DOST has been empowering MSMEs to create a competitive brand by strengthening their products’ packaging and labelling design. Hence, Mr. Ramiel Lagaban and Ms. Charlene Boldoken, DOST-CAR in-house designers, conducted a forum on Product Packaging and Labelling.
Meanwhile, the Emergency-Food Reserve (EFR) or Sagip Nutriflour, a non-wheat flour made from local crops was introduced by Engr. Annabelle C. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist (SRS) of DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI). Aside from its nutritional value, this technology of DOST-ITDI opens up entrepreneurial opportunities for community-livelihood generators and individual food processors.
A forum on Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing was also conducted with Engr. Alvin M. Buison, Senior SRS of DOST- Metals Industry Research and Development Center as resource person. The forum aimed to encourage MSMEs to use smart manufacturing technologies to reduce costs, improve their productivity and business agility.
A forum on locally-developed technologies for the agricultural sector was likewise introduced. Dr. Antonio J. Barroga, Professor VI of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), discussed the use of local crops for Swine Feed Formulation and Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue, Scientist I of DOST- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) introduced Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter.
Further, Engr. Joel A. Eligue of DOST – MIRDC capacitated MSMEs, NGOs and government employees with the basics of Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health.
The DOST-PSTO Apayao also took this opportunity to award the two (2) units of Portable Solar Dryer to Ms. Marivic Aguirre, the Chairperson of Young Entrepreneurs Association of Apayao (YEAP) together with its members for their Local Grant-In-Aid Project on Pineapple Processing.
Stakeholders from different sectors and communities in the province participated in the week-long series of activities.//KYague
