ECHAGUE, ISABELA – The Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST R02) in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Echague, Isabela and Mengal Women Organization, Inc. conducted a 2-day Science and Technology Caravan (S&T Caravan) in Echague, Isabela on March 16-17, 2018. The activity aimed to raise public’s awareness and appreciation of DOST Programs and Services, develop possible partnership with local stakeholders, and establish relevant S&T projects in Echague, Isabela. This served as a venue to introduce the department’s thrusts and programs to local stakeholders and prospective SMEs in the region.
The opening program was held on March 16, 2018 at NIA Hall, LGU Echague, Echague, Isabela and was graced by Hon. Francis Faustino A. Dy, Municipal Mayor, Hon. Gretchen Valdez, Municipal Councilor, and Mr. Chris Palma, MDRRMO. This was followed by a series of technology fora which includes a discussion on Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Gender and Development (GAD), Scholarship, Deployment of Early Warning System (DEWS), Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), Carageenan Technology, RxBox and e-HATID, STARBOOKS, Ceramic Water Filter, Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST), Food Innovation Center (FIC), and Awareness on Waste Utilization through Portable Biogas Technology with practical fabrication.
SETUP was discussed by Engr. Marcelo G. Miguel, along with other assistance like consultancies, packaging and labeling, and trainings/seminars that can improve the production of MSMEs.
Gender and Development was discussed by Ms. Charmaine Irenea P. Tagarino wherein roles of women were emphasized to achieve women’s economic empowerment.
S&T Scholarships were discussed by Ms. Clarenet J. Balderas. Most of the participants were interested to avail this program since most of them are still sending their children to school. Scholarship brochures were then distributed to the participants for future reference.
Deployment of Early Warning System (DEWS) was discussed by Mr. James Respondo. In line with this, early warning posts/sirens were tested and deployed in Barangay Carulay and Barangay Dammang East, Echague, Isabela.
Regional Standard and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) services were discussed by Engr. Rogelio J. Bulusan, Jr. wherein the provision of laboratory testing support to SMEs particularly for quality assurance, product development and compliance to market standards were specified.
Carrageenan Technology was discussed by Mr. Patrick Jayson C. Cristobal wherein its increase in farm yield was reiterated. Carrageenan plant food supplement was then requested by some farmer-participants.
RxBox Project and e-HATID was discussed by Ms. Rocela Angelica B. Gorospe and emphasized its advantage, assuming that there is poor access to quality health care in primary care centers, fragmented health system, and poor health outcomes.
Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) was discussed by Mr. Napoleon Babaran. He informed the participants that there is an existing unit in ISU Echague Campus and anticipated the possibility of the deployment in LGU Echague.
Ceramic Water Filter (CWF) was discussed by Engr. Rogelio J. Bulusan. It was raised that there are a lot of water refilling stations and water sources in the municipality, but they are still interested in availing the service because this can be an alternative water filter in times of disasters where clean water source becomes an issue.
CEST was discussed by Ms. Charmaine Irenea P. Tagarino and reiterated that Barangay Babaran in Echague was identified as a CEST site and was recently approved for funding and assistance towards the community’s improvement of quality of life.
Food Innovation Center (FIC) Programs and Services were discussed by Ms. Jenny Lyn De Vera. It was specified that FIC aims to assist food producers, processors, marketers, and entrepreneurs as they develop, improve, and promote their products. Industry dialogues with SMEs were then conducted to address their concerns.
And lastly, awareness on Waste Utilization through Portable Biogas Technology was discussed by Engr. Rogelio J. Bulusan Jr. Since most of the participants are food processors, Engr. Bulusan emphasized that this is not only applicable for those who have piggeries and the likes, rather this can also be used for food wastes generated in food processing.
For the 2nd day (March 17, 2018) of the activity, series of Training on Food Processing led by Ms. Ruby de Guzman Elumbra, Ms. Jehoana Mones, Dr. Francisca Tamayo, and Dr. Mercedes Menor, Training on Food Safety led by Ms. Jenny Lyn De Vera and Ms. Aileen Gonzales, Training on Business Development led by Mr. Anzon Babaran, Fabrication of Portable Biogas Technology led by Engr. Rogelio Bulusan Jr., Industry Dialogue with MSMEs on Packaging and Labeling, Food Innovation and RSTL, and Consultancy on Metrology and Municipal Food Safety were simultaneously conducted by the S&T Team.
The caravan was concluded by some sharing of learnings from the participants and a closing message from Engr. Marcelo G. Miguel.
