Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo likens to murderers the thieves who stole several meters of cables and five pieces of 12 volts batteries at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) seismic relay stations in Sto. Domingo, Alba.
“These unscrupulous individuals are not only thieves they could also qualify as murderers. By stealing cables of seismic sensors to sell for a measly sum, they jeopardize the safety and put at risk the very lives of the people of Albay, their properties, as well as the resources of the province in the event of a major volcanic activity,” Sec. Montejo expressed his dismay over the theft in the unmanned Phivolcs relay station near Mayon Volcano in Albay.
According to an official report, the seismic station of the DOST- Phivolcs in Legazpi has not received any data from the two relay stations in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo since December 14 last year. Upon inspection of the team from DOST-Phivolcs, they discovered that meters of cables connected to the seismic sensors from the unmanned relay stations and five pieces of 12 volts batteries were missing.
DOST- Phivolcs’ unmanned relay stations are equipped with seismic sensors and radio transceivers that transmit seismic data to the PHIVOLCS central station in Quezon City. These stations transmit vital information on seismic and volcanic activities in the province.
DOST- Phivolcs Director Renato U. Solidum said that the incident has caused 50 percent loss in data transmission. “It is a good thing that Mayon Volcano is not active as of this time,” he told.
Dir. Solidum added that Mayon Volcano is on Alert Level 1 which, in a scale of 0-5, it is considered abnormal. “There were several volcanic activities that were monitored,” explained Dir. Solidum.
However, Dir. Solidum stressed that the incident, although it caused temporary disruption in seismic data transmission, did not hinder the normal operations of the agency in terms of volcanic and seismic monitoring. “The incident did not cripple Phivolcs because other relay stations in Albay are functioning efficiently,” he revealed.
Sec. Montejo urged the people who live near DOST weather and seismic forecasting and monitoring stations to be vigilant in reporting malicious activities that compromise the safety of the people.
“The safety of the people is our primordial concern, which is why the government is aggressively installing weather forecasting and other monitoring equipment like rain gauges and water level sensors critical to monitoring flood prone areas,” he added.
This year, the government is set to install water level sensors and rain gauges in all major river systems in the country as part of the national flood forecasting, monitoring and mitigation program spearheaded by the DOST . Sec. Montejo raised the matter of pilferage of DOST monitoring equipment during yesterday’s interagency meeting on the national flood program convened by the Department of Public Works and Highways and attended by the Departments of Justice, Interior and Local Government, Social Work and Development, and the Environment and Natural Resources. The DILG and the DOJ in particular will look into ways on how to protect these vital monitoring equipment in the local level and immediately prosecute those caught stealing them.
Sec. Montejo also appealed to the community and their leaders to help protect these equipment. “More importantly, people in the areas where monitoring equipment are installed should help safeguard these equipment. After all, their lives, properties, and communities’ safety are all at stake here.”, Montejo said.
President Aquino has certified as urgent the proposed bill in Congress penalizing the stealing of weather and disaster monitoring equipment of the DOST. STII-DOST
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Showing posts with label DOST NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOST NEWS. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Reported collapse of dams worsened CDO flashflood- Sec. Montejo
The flashflood that killed and harmed hundreds of people in the northern Mindanao and southern Visayas areas was aggravated by the reported collapse of dams along the Cagayan de Oro River, according to the Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo. Montejo was with the presidential party devastated by flashfloods wrought by Tropical Storm Sendong.
“It is most likely that the flashflood in Cagayan de Oro was caused not only simply by the high volume of rain that fell in the watershed of rivers in said places but essentially of the reported collapse of dams at the upper parts of the rivers,” Montejo announced.
Reports from the field that reached the presidential party regarding the collapse of the dams are being investigated, per instructions of Pres. Benigno Aquino III.
“Pagasa had been doing its job conscientiously,” Montejo assured. “In fact, places such as Bohol, Surigao, and Camiguin that heeded Pagasa’s warning and took appropriate actions had mitigated the effects of Sendong.”
To further improve its weather forecasting and hazard mitigating capability, Montejo said that Pagasa in 2012 will upgrade monitoring systems.
“We are set to install 1,000 water level sensors in selected major river basins in 2012,” Montejo revealed. “Since the 1980s, only four rivers were installed with sensors to measure water-level rise. The President has given instructions and allotted resources to fast-track our river monitoring system nationwide to aid in forecasting potential floods.”
“To enhance rainfall and weather forecasting, we will also improve the integration of data from Doppler radars, satellites, automated weather systems, and rain gauges through numerical model WRF,” he added.
DOST is also looking at enhancing its flood forecasting system to determine expected impact to local communities. This includes the use of several techniques such as the use of 3D maps.
On the reported dam collapse, Sec. Montejo said that the continuous rains may have caused the accumulation and build up of water upstream of the dam.
“At some point, the dams may have collapsed when the trapped water filled with debris overtopped the dam. This could have led to dam breakage and failure,” Sec. Montejo
explained.
When the large volume of water trapped behind the landslide debris dams was released, it triggered the flashfloods. The landslide dam break mechanism caused the flashfloods, which would explain the sudden surge of water reported by survivors in Cagayan de Oro,” Montejo added.
Sec. Montejo pointed out that survivors described the flashfloods as “sudden surge”, while post-disaster pictures showed large amounts of mud and debris, including trees, that were carried by the flashfloods.
He also clarified that although the rainfall brought by Sendong was not like Typhoon Ondoy that generated181 mm of rain for one day that caused the disastrous flashfloods in 2009. The landslide dam break that happened in Sendong had happened during the 2004 Infanta, Quezon and 2008 Iloilo flashfloods, he said. S&T Media Service
“It is most likely that the flashflood in Cagayan de Oro was caused not only simply by the high volume of rain that fell in the watershed of rivers in said places but essentially of the reported collapse of dams at the upper parts of the rivers,” Montejo announced.
Reports from the field that reached the presidential party regarding the collapse of the dams are being investigated, per instructions of Pres. Benigno Aquino III.
“Pagasa had been doing its job conscientiously,” Montejo assured. “In fact, places such as Bohol, Surigao, and Camiguin that heeded Pagasa’s warning and took appropriate actions had mitigated the effects of Sendong.”
To further improve its weather forecasting and hazard mitigating capability, Montejo said that Pagasa in 2012 will upgrade monitoring systems.
“We are set to install 1,000 water level sensors in selected major river basins in 2012,” Montejo revealed. “Since the 1980s, only four rivers were installed with sensors to measure water-level rise. The President has given instructions and allotted resources to fast-track our river monitoring system nationwide to aid in forecasting potential floods.”
“To enhance rainfall and weather forecasting, we will also improve the integration of data from Doppler radars, satellites, automated weather systems, and rain gauges through numerical model WRF,” he added.
DOST is also looking at enhancing its flood forecasting system to determine expected impact to local communities. This includes the use of several techniques such as the use of 3D maps.
On the reported dam collapse, Sec. Montejo said that the continuous rains may have caused the accumulation and build up of water upstream of the dam.
“At some point, the dams may have collapsed when the trapped water filled with debris overtopped the dam. This could have led to dam breakage and failure,” Sec. Montejo
explained.
When the large volume of water trapped behind the landslide debris dams was released, it triggered the flashfloods. The landslide dam break mechanism caused the flashfloods, which would explain the sudden surge of water reported by survivors in Cagayan de Oro,” Montejo added.
Sec. Montejo pointed out that survivors described the flashfloods as “sudden surge”, while post-disaster pictures showed large amounts of mud and debris, including trees, that were carried by the flashfloods.
He also clarified that although the rainfall brought by Sendong was not like Typhoon Ondoy that generated181 mm of rain for one day that caused the disastrous flashfloods in 2009. The landslide dam break that happened in Sendong had happened during the 2004 Infanta, Quezon and 2008 Iloilo flashfloods, he said. S&T Media Service
Sunday, December 25, 2011
PAGASA has properly warned the public on TS Sendong
Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Sciences Administration (PAGASA) has properly warned the public since 5 PM of December 13, 2001 (Tuesday) since the formation of tropical depression was spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) up until 4 pm of December 18, 2011 (Sunday) when Sendong moved out of the PAR.
Path of TS Sendong was Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Northern Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental to Bohol Sea, passing through the seas south of Negros Oriental towards Sulu Sea before crossing Palawan then exit to West Philippine Sea.
Actual movement of Sendong was predicted accurately, with its position, maximum wind, gustiness, movement, diameter, and rainfall estimate in the affected areas.
PAGASA issued the following, advisory at 11 AM December 14, 2011 (Wed) on Tropical Depression outside PAR (South of Guam) and 15 Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs).
At 5 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), the tropical depression outside PAR was incorporated in the synopsis of 5 AM Public Weather Forecast; at 11 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday) it issued the initial Severe Weather Bulletin Alert as TD SENDONG enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). (Issued SWB #1).
At 5 PM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), SENDONG intensifies into a storm. PAGASA conducted first press conference. (SWB #2); 11 AM, 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS Sendong approaching land. Press Conference held at PAGASA. Issued SWB #5; 3 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS ‘Sendong” made landfall in the vicinity of, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Issued SWB# 6 at 5PM).
At 11 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), when TS Sendong was spotted near Malaybalay Bukidnon. (Issued SWB #7); at 4 AM, 17 December 2011 (Saturday), Center of TS Sendong spotted at 20 kms WNW of Cagayan de Oro City (SWB #8); and at 4 PM of 18 December 2011 (Sunday) TS “Sendong” moves out of the PAR.
There was also the recorded 6 hourly rainfall from December 16-17, 2011 in Lumbia, Hinatuan, Ginuan, Tacloban, Dipolog and Malaybalay.
PAGASA issued hourly updates through Twitter and Facebook; deployed personnel to OCD operation center; and held press conferences in PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, attended by Media personnel.
Mr. Ric Mercado, Chief of Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Div. (MPRSD) regularly announced TS Sendong’s behavior through broadcast media (Radio/TV) in CDO (through Bombo Radio, ABS-CBN) until Midnight of December 16, 2011.
He coordinated with local DRRMC to suspend mining operations from Surigao down to Davao and warned public against flashfloods, landslides, and storm surges.
The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) board of officers expressed their full support to PAGASA Supervising Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, Jr., and Administrator Nathaniel Servando, weather forecasters and their men in the field who are presently beleaguered with malicious attacks from sectors out to ruin the office.
The PWEA firmly believes that the PAGASA leadership and their colleagues do not deserve the blame even partly resulting from the Sendong tragedy. They are truly saddened by accusations directed at them because they fully know that they had efficiently performed their tasks before, during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Sendong.
Relative to these, DOST-PAGASA, to improve flood monitoring and forecasting has the following program: First, to monitor water levels in river systems in real time. It targets installation of 1,000 water level sensors for all river systems (18 river basins) in which 500 water level sensors will be deployed to selected major river basins in 2012.
Second, to enhance rainfall and weather forecasting. Data from Doppler radars, satellites, AWS, and rain gauges, are to be integrated through numerical model WRF; and third, to enhance flood forecasting to determine expected impact to local communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PScijourn Mega Manila
Path of TS Sendong was Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Northern Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental to Bohol Sea, passing through the seas south of Negros Oriental towards Sulu Sea before crossing Palawan then exit to West Philippine Sea.
Actual movement of Sendong was predicted accurately, with its position, maximum wind, gustiness, movement, diameter, and rainfall estimate in the affected areas.
PAGASA issued the following, advisory at 11 AM December 14, 2011 (Wed) on Tropical Depression outside PAR (South of Guam) and 15 Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs).
At 5 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), the tropical depression outside PAR was incorporated in the synopsis of 5 AM Public Weather Forecast; at 11 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday) it issued the initial Severe Weather Bulletin Alert as TD SENDONG enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). (Issued SWB #1).
At 5 PM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), SENDONG intensifies into a storm. PAGASA conducted first press conference. (SWB #2); 11 AM, 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS Sendong approaching land. Press Conference held at PAGASA. Issued SWB #5; 3 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS ‘Sendong” made landfall in the vicinity of, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Issued SWB# 6 at 5PM).
At 11 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), when TS Sendong was spotted near Malaybalay Bukidnon. (Issued SWB #7); at 4 AM, 17 December 2011 (Saturday), Center of TS Sendong spotted at 20 kms WNW of Cagayan de Oro City (SWB #8); and at 4 PM of 18 December 2011 (Sunday) TS “Sendong” moves out of the PAR.
There was also the recorded 6 hourly rainfall from December 16-17, 2011 in Lumbia, Hinatuan, Ginuan, Tacloban, Dipolog and Malaybalay.
PAGASA issued hourly updates through Twitter and Facebook; deployed personnel to OCD operation center; and held press conferences in PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, attended by Media personnel.
Mr. Ric Mercado, Chief of Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Div. (MPRSD) regularly announced TS Sendong’s behavior through broadcast media (Radio/TV) in CDO (through Bombo Radio, ABS-CBN) until Midnight of December 16, 2011.
He coordinated with local DRRMC to suspend mining operations from Surigao down to Davao and warned public against flashfloods, landslides, and storm surges.
The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) board of officers expressed their full support to PAGASA Supervising Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, Jr., and Administrator Nathaniel Servando, weather forecasters and their men in the field who are presently beleaguered with malicious attacks from sectors out to ruin the office.
The PWEA firmly believes that the PAGASA leadership and their colleagues do not deserve the blame even partly resulting from the Sendong tragedy. They are truly saddened by accusations directed at them because they fully know that they had efficiently performed their tasks before, during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Sendong.
Relative to these, DOST-PAGASA, to improve flood monitoring and forecasting has the following program: First, to monitor water levels in river systems in real time. It targets installation of 1,000 water level sensors for all river systems (18 river basins) in which 500 water level sensors will be deployed to selected major river basins in 2012.
Second, to enhance rainfall and weather forecasting. Data from Doppler radars, satellites, AWS, and rain gauges, are to be integrated through numerical model WRF; and third, to enhance flood forecasting to determine expected impact to local communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PScijourn Mega Manila
PAGASA Sees a weak La Nina conditions until December to May 2012
The weak La Nina conditions that the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sees in the tropical Pacific is expected to strengthen and may continue until the December, January, and February (DJF) season and may last until May-June 2012.
Between 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility from December 2011 to May 2012.
Transition of seasonal winds from Northeast (NE) to Southwest (SW) is expected during the months of April to May 2012.
Wetter than normal rainfall conditions for Dec. 2011 to May 2012 will likely be experienced over most parts of the country.
Rainfalls during the months of January 2012 to May 2012 are expected to be higher than normal. In February, eastern parts of the country prone to landslides and flashfloods are cautioned.
In April, there will be low rainfall, compared to the high rainfall expected to come within the La Nina period and in May near to above normal rainfall, more rains than usual. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Between 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility from December 2011 to May 2012.
Transition of seasonal winds from Northeast (NE) to Southwest (SW) is expected during the months of April to May 2012.
Wetter than normal rainfall conditions for Dec. 2011 to May 2012 will likely be experienced over most parts of the country.
Rainfalls during the months of January 2012 to May 2012 are expected to be higher than normal. In February, eastern parts of the country prone to landslides and flashfloods are cautioned.
In April, there will be low rainfall, compared to the high rainfall expected to come within the La Nina period and in May near to above normal rainfall, more rains than usual. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Technology differences do not hinder unified problem-solving, says science chief
“Technology peculiarities must not prevent nor detract us from a unified problem-solving approach to our shared but currently endangered fate and inheritance.”
This was the central message of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) at the New World Hotel, Makati City
In his talk, Secretary Montejo recognized the importance of science and technology for development, particularly the role of information technology in shaping and reconfiguring today’s economic environment.
Yet he also acknowledged the presence of a knowledge divide among developed and developing countries, and that this gap is creating a tension of opposites in their hierarchy of needs.
As such, he said, it is urgent for UNCSTD Member States to identify immediate and pressing issues that commonly affect them such as health and food security, as well as environment management and protection, among many others. These issues, he said, are prompted by rapid population growth and increased domestic and cross-border mobility.
“These pervasive concerns should lead us to agree on a joint strategy or strategies to cut down and manage the risks, [since] shared risks can be best managed through shared resources,” Montejo pointed out. “In this way, we raise our chances to overcome any outsized and compelling threat.”
The solution, he suggested, lies in creating more clearly-defined information sharing arrangements to deepen the knowledge base of individual countries, step up technology development, and optimize benefits.
“The power of ICT becomes a critical enabling tool,” Montejo said. “I am hopeful we can try and reach a mutually-acceptable working agreement on information and technology exchanges.”
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development was established in 1992 to serve as a forum for the following objectives: (1) the examination of science and technology questions and their implications for development; (2) the advancement of understanding on S&T policies, particularly in respect to developing countries; and (3) the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on S&T matters within the United Nations system.
At the 14th UNCSTD Session in Geneva, DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. de la Pena was elected Chair for the 15th Session of the Commission.
The 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel addresses two priority themes: (1) innovation, research, technology transfer for mutual advantage, entrepreneurship and collaborative development in the information society; (2) open access, virtual science libraries, geospatial analysis and other complementary ICT, S&T, engineering, and mathematics assets to address development issues, with particular attention to education. Alan Taule, S&T Media Service
This was the central message of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) at the New World Hotel, Makati City
In his talk, Secretary Montejo recognized the importance of science and technology for development, particularly the role of information technology in shaping and reconfiguring today’s economic environment.
Yet he also acknowledged the presence of a knowledge divide among developed and developing countries, and that this gap is creating a tension of opposites in their hierarchy of needs.
As such, he said, it is urgent for UNCSTD Member States to identify immediate and pressing issues that commonly affect them such as health and food security, as well as environment management and protection, among many others. These issues, he said, are prompted by rapid population growth and increased domestic and cross-border mobility.
“These pervasive concerns should lead us to agree on a joint strategy or strategies to cut down and manage the risks, [since] shared risks can be best managed through shared resources,” Montejo pointed out. “In this way, we raise our chances to overcome any outsized and compelling threat.”
The solution, he suggested, lies in creating more clearly-defined information sharing arrangements to deepen the knowledge base of individual countries, step up technology development, and optimize benefits.
“The power of ICT becomes a critical enabling tool,” Montejo said. “I am hopeful we can try and reach a mutually-acceptable working agreement on information and technology exchanges.”
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development was established in 1992 to serve as a forum for the following objectives: (1) the examination of science and technology questions and their implications for development; (2) the advancement of understanding on S&T policies, particularly in respect to developing countries; and (3) the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on S&T matters within the United Nations system.
At the 14th UNCSTD Session in Geneva, DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. de la Pena was elected Chair for the 15th Session of the Commission.
The 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel addresses two priority themes: (1) innovation, research, technology transfer for mutual advantage, entrepreneurship and collaborative development in the information society; (2) open access, virtual science libraries, geospatial analysis and other complementary ICT, S&T, engineering, and mathematics assets to address development issues, with particular attention to education. Alan Taule, S&T Media Service
DOST Sec. Montejo leads talks on strategic response to the Panama disease threat in Davao
DOST officials led by Secretary Mario G. Montejo met on December 9 with banana growers and exporters, researchers and heads of local line agencies to discuss the next steps in the ongoing united response against the Panama disease or Fusarium wilt (FW) of banana.
“We acknowledge the urgency of the issue”, said Sec. Montejo as he assured the body of the Department's moves to come up with immediate and long-term S&T-based solutions for the management of the disease. He further shared that the Department is streamlining its processes to shorten its response time.
For instance, approval for a full project proposal may not be needed for release of funds as long as the proposed concept is sound. Also, appropriate S&T-based interventions will be implemented simultaneously in affected areas while the more in-depth R&D will be on-going.
Specifically, the Secretary pushed for the “S&T Intervention in Managing the Fusarium Wilt in Davao”. This R&D program is slated to come up with disease management measures and develop a resistant variety. The DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) will fund and coordinate the conduct of this program.
First among the proposed projects is the use of biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the fungus causing the disease. Among the biocontrol agents to be evaluated are Trichoderma sp., vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In line with this activity, the physico-chemical characteristics of soils will be studied to determine why some soils seem to suppress the disease.
The project will also work on developing varieties that are resistant, locally-adapted and approximate the fruit quality of the prevailing Cavendish varieties. The Secretary hoped to enlist the assistance of the Taiwanese government in obtaining germplasm for this purpose.
For its part,the Department of Agriculture XI organized Task Force Fusarium to push local quarantine ordinances and promote the disease management protocol. Currently, several towns have adopted policies to restrict the movement of planting material in infected areas. Together with the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), they are promoting the disease management protocol through development and distribution of information materials, and through protocol briefings.
NEDA XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who chairs the Regional R&D Coordinating Council of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources R&D Consortium (SMARRDEC), welcomed the DOST's proposed moves. As chair also of the Regional Development Council, she put the full force of the various members behind the common initiative. Incidentally, NEDA XI and DA RFU XI are members of SMARRDEC, one the regional R&D councils of DOST-PCAARRD.
As a result, stakeholders will develop a unified action plan to incorporate all the individual actions and to fine tune the proposal developed by the SMARRDEC member-agencies. On this upbeat note, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon closed discussion by stressing PCAARRD's role in using S&T to enhance the needed interventions and in sharing the fund burden for the conduct of R&D and other activities towards development of disease management strategies. Lily Ann D. Lando, S&T Media Service
“We acknowledge the urgency of the issue”, said Sec. Montejo as he assured the body of the Department's moves to come up with immediate and long-term S&T-based solutions for the management of the disease. He further shared that the Department is streamlining its processes to shorten its response time.
For instance, approval for a full project proposal may not be needed for release of funds as long as the proposed concept is sound. Also, appropriate S&T-based interventions will be implemented simultaneously in affected areas while the more in-depth R&D will be on-going.
Specifically, the Secretary pushed for the “S&T Intervention in Managing the Fusarium Wilt in Davao”. This R&D program is slated to come up with disease management measures and develop a resistant variety. The DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) will fund and coordinate the conduct of this program.
First among the proposed projects is the use of biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the fungus causing the disease. Among the biocontrol agents to be evaluated are Trichoderma sp., vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In line with this activity, the physico-chemical characteristics of soils will be studied to determine why some soils seem to suppress the disease.
The project will also work on developing varieties that are resistant, locally-adapted and approximate the fruit quality of the prevailing Cavendish varieties. The Secretary hoped to enlist the assistance of the Taiwanese government in obtaining germplasm for this purpose.
For its part,the Department of Agriculture XI organized Task Force Fusarium to push local quarantine ordinances and promote the disease management protocol. Currently, several towns have adopted policies to restrict the movement of planting material in infected areas. Together with the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), they are promoting the disease management protocol through development and distribution of information materials, and through protocol briefings.
NEDA XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who chairs the Regional R&D Coordinating Council of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources R&D Consortium (SMARRDEC), welcomed the DOST's proposed moves. As chair also of the Regional Development Council, she put the full force of the various members behind the common initiative. Incidentally, NEDA XI and DA RFU XI are members of SMARRDEC, one the regional R&D councils of DOST-PCAARRD.
As a result, stakeholders will develop a unified action plan to incorporate all the individual actions and to fine tune the proposal developed by the SMARRDEC member-agencies. On this upbeat note, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon closed discussion by stressing PCAARRD's role in using S&T to enhance the needed interventions and in sharing the fund burden for the conduct of R&D and other activities towards development of disease management strategies. Lily Ann D. Lando, S&T Media Service
Monday, December 19, 2011
To Strengthen MSMEs and Community-Based Projects “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his message delivered during the DOST-NCR Stakeholders Summit on December 9, 2011 at Heritage Hotel, Pasay City said that to strengthen micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based projects “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”.
With their mantra in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”, they believe that the country’s problems, including those of micro business can be addressed through the application of science and technology, he said.
Relative to this, they come up with research technologies and innovations that are anchored in these principles: technologies that support focused programs, technologies that produce world-class results and technologies that transform people lives.
Programs in DOST are being strengthened, including SETUP. Funding of SETUP has been increased this year and next year about 400 million pesos for the implementation of SETUP in the 16 regional offices will be allocated. This will help more companies and communities to avail of comprehensive technical assistance packages, he also said.
DOST is committed to help their MSMEs to become active players in the global market by enhancing their productivity to meet international standards.
They also support other areas under SETUP such as electronics and information technology. Estimate investments in the local semiconductor and electronics industry from the data from Semiconductor and Electronic Industries of the Philippines, Inc., (SEIPI) reach $1.3 billion dollars last year.
This shows an effort growth of 46 percent as of the end of October last year. Projections show this year and possibly $50 billion by 2015.
In the IT and microelectronics sector, DOST-NCR Director Teresita Fortuna has already had a number of meetings with SEIPI and other industry representatives to see where MSMEs could come in, especially in manufacturing parts that otherwise have been imported.
Information Technology Industry Research Analyst Business Monitor International sees the Philippines IT market growing from a projected $3.0 billion in 2011 to around $4.3 billion in 2015.
The figures are impressive, yet this could be more if we can take advantage of revenues that are coming from outsourcing, which the Philippines is only third with a 7.4 percent share behind India and China.
“But again the crucial thing is that we first need to get our acts together. We need to train people who can make the most out of innovative technologies” Montejo said.
He also said that only by successful knowledge transfer can technologies really be transformational. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
With their mantra in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”, they believe that the country’s problems, including those of micro business can be addressed through the application of science and technology, he said.
Relative to this, they come up with research technologies and innovations that are anchored in these principles: technologies that support focused programs, technologies that produce world-class results and technologies that transform people lives.
Programs in DOST are being strengthened, including SETUP. Funding of SETUP has been increased this year and next year about 400 million pesos for the implementation of SETUP in the 16 regional offices will be allocated. This will help more companies and communities to avail of comprehensive technical assistance packages, he also said.
DOST is committed to help their MSMEs to become active players in the global market by enhancing their productivity to meet international standards.
They also support other areas under SETUP such as electronics and information technology. Estimate investments in the local semiconductor and electronics industry from the data from Semiconductor and Electronic Industries of the Philippines, Inc., (SEIPI) reach $1.3 billion dollars last year.
This shows an effort growth of 46 percent as of the end of October last year. Projections show this year and possibly $50 billion by 2015.
In the IT and microelectronics sector, DOST-NCR Director Teresita Fortuna has already had a number of meetings with SEIPI and other industry representatives to see where MSMEs could come in, especially in manufacturing parts that otherwise have been imported.
Information Technology Industry Research Analyst Business Monitor International sees the Philippines IT market growing from a projected $3.0 billion in 2011 to around $4.3 billion in 2015.
The figures are impressive, yet this could be more if we can take advantage of revenues that are coming from outsourcing, which the Philippines is only third with a 7.4 percent share behind India and China.
“But again the crucial thing is that we first need to get our acts together. We need to train people who can make the most out of innovative technologies” Montejo said.
He also said that only by successful knowledge transfer can technologies really be transformational. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Friday, December 16, 2011
Technology differences do not hinder unified problem-solving, says science chief
“Technology peculiarities must not prevent nor detract us from a unified problem-solving approach to our shared but currently endangered fate and inheritance.”
This was the central message of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) at the New World Hotel, Makati City
In his talk, Secretary Montejo recognized the importance of science and technology for development, particularly the role of information technology in shaping and reconfiguring today’s economic environment.
Yet he also acknowledged the presence of a knowledge divide among developed and developing countries, and that this gap is creating a tension of opposites in their hierarchy of needs.
As such, he said, it is urgent for UNCSTD Member States to identify immediate and pressing issues that commonly affect them such as health and food security, as well as environment management and protection, among many others. These issues, he said, are prompted by rapid population growth and increased domestic and cross-border mobility.
“These pervasive concerns should lead us to agree on a joint strategy or strategies to cut down and manage the risks, [since] shared risks can be best managed through shared resources,” Montejo pointed out. “In this way, we raise our chances to overcome any outsized and compelling threat.”
The solution, he suggested, lies in creating more clearly-defined information sharing arrangements to deepen the knowledge base of individual countries, step up technology development, and optimize benefits.
“The power of ICT becomes a critical enabling tool,” Montejo said. “I am hopeful we can try and reach a mutually-acceptable working agreement on information and technology exchanges.”
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development was established in 1992 to serve as a forum for the following objectives: (1) the examination of science and technology questions and their implications for development; (2) the advancement of understanding on S&T policies, particularly in respect to developing countries; and (3) the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on S&T matters within the United Nations system.
At the 14th UNCSTD Session in Geneva, DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. de la Pena was elected Chair for the 15th Session of the Commission.
The 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel addresses two priority themes: (1) innovation, research, technology transfer for mutual advantage, entrepreneurship and collaborative development in the information society; (2) open access, virtual science libraries, geospatial analysis and other complementary ICT, S&T, engineering, and mathematics assets to address development issues, with particular attention to education. Alan Taule, S&T Media Service
This was the central message of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) at the New World Hotel, Makati City
In his talk, Secretary Montejo recognized the importance of science and technology for development, particularly the role of information technology in shaping and reconfiguring today’s economic environment.
Yet he also acknowledged the presence of a knowledge divide among developed and developing countries, and that this gap is creating a tension of opposites in their hierarchy of needs.
As such, he said, it is urgent for UNCSTD Member States to identify immediate and pressing issues that commonly affect them such as health and food security, as well as environment management and protection, among many others. These issues, he said, are prompted by rapid population growth and increased domestic and cross-border mobility.
“These pervasive concerns should lead us to agree on a joint strategy or strategies to cut down and manage the risks, [since] shared risks can be best managed through shared resources,” Montejo pointed out. “In this way, we raise our chances to overcome any outsized and compelling threat.”
The solution, he suggested, lies in creating more clearly-defined information sharing arrangements to deepen the knowledge base of individual countries, step up technology development, and optimize benefits.
“The power of ICT becomes a critical enabling tool,” Montejo said. “I am hopeful we can try and reach a mutually-acceptable working agreement on information and technology exchanges.”
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development was established in 1992 to serve as a forum for the following objectives: (1) the examination of science and technology questions and their implications for development; (2) the advancement of understanding on S&T policies, particularly in respect to developing countries; and (3) the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on S&T matters within the United Nations system.
At the 14th UNCSTD Session in Geneva, DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. de la Pena was elected Chair for the 15th Session of the Commission.
The 2011-2012 Inter-Sessional Panel addresses two priority themes: (1) innovation, research, technology transfer for mutual advantage, entrepreneurship and collaborative development in the information society; (2) open access, virtual science libraries, geospatial analysis and other complementary ICT, S&T, engineering, and mathematics assets to address development issues, with particular attention to education. Alan Taule, S&T Media Service
Thursday, December 15, 2011
DOST Sec. Montejo leads talks on strategic response to the Panama disease threat in Davao
DOST officials led by Secretary Mario G. Montejo met on December 9 with banana growers and exporters, researchers and heads of local line agencies to discuss the next steps in the ongoing united response against the Panama disease or Fusarium wilt (FW) of banana.
“We acknowledge the urgency of the issue”, said Sec. Montejo as he assured the body of the Department's moves to come up with immediate and long-term S&T-based solutions for the management of the disease. He further shared that the Department is streamlining its processes to shorten its response time.
For instance, approval for a full project proposal may not be needed for release of funds as long as the proposed concept is sound. Also, appropriate S&T-based interventions will be implemented simultaneously in affected areas while the more in-depth R&D will be on-going.
Specifically, the Secretary pushed for the “S&T Intervention in Managing the Fusarium Wilt in Davao”. This R&D program is slated to come up with disease management measures and develop a resistant variety. The DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) will fund and coordinate the conduct of this program.
First among the proposed projects is the use of biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the fungus causing the disease. Among the biocontrol agents to be evaluated are Trichoderma sp., vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In line with this activity, the physico-chemical characteristics of soils will be studied to determine why some soils seem to suppress the disease.
The project will also work on developing varieties that are resistant, locally-adapted and approximate the fruit quality of the prevailing Cavendish varieties. The Secretary hoped to enlist the assistance of the Taiwanese government in obtaining germplasm for this purpose.
For its part,the Department of Agriculture XI organized Task Force Fusarium to push local quarantine ordinances and promote the disease management protocol. Currently, several towns have adopted policies to restrict the movement of planting material in infected areas. Together with the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), they are promoting the disease management protocol through development and distribution of information materials, and through protocol briefings.
NEDA XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who chairs the Regional R&D Coordinating Council of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources R&D Consortium (SMARRDEC), welcomed the DOST's proposed moves. As chair also of the Regional Development Council, she put the full force of the various members behind the common initiative. Incidentally, NEDA XI and DA RFU XI are members of SMARRDEC, one the regional R&D councils of DOST-PCAARRD.
As a result, stakeholders will develop a unified action plan to incorporate all the individual actions and to fine tune the proposal developed by the SMARRDEC member-agencies. On this upbeat note, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon closed discussion by stressing PCAARRD's role in using S&T to enhance the needed interventions and in sharing the fund burden for the conduct of R&D and other activities towards development of disease management strategies. Lily Ann D. Lando, S&T Media Service
“We acknowledge the urgency of the issue”, said Sec. Montejo as he assured the body of the Department's moves to come up with immediate and long-term S&T-based solutions for the management of the disease. He further shared that the Department is streamlining its processes to shorten its response time.
For instance, approval for a full project proposal may not be needed for release of funds as long as the proposed concept is sound. Also, appropriate S&T-based interventions will be implemented simultaneously in affected areas while the more in-depth R&D will be on-going.
Specifically, the Secretary pushed for the “S&T Intervention in Managing the Fusarium Wilt in Davao”. This R&D program is slated to come up with disease management measures and develop a resistant variety. The DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) will fund and coordinate the conduct of this program.
First among the proposed projects is the use of biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the fungus causing the disease. Among the biocontrol agents to be evaluated are Trichoderma sp., vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In line with this activity, the physico-chemical characteristics of soils will be studied to determine why some soils seem to suppress the disease.
The project will also work on developing varieties that are resistant, locally-adapted and approximate the fruit quality of the prevailing Cavendish varieties. The Secretary hoped to enlist the assistance of the Taiwanese government in obtaining germplasm for this purpose.
For its part,the Department of Agriculture XI organized Task Force Fusarium to push local quarantine ordinances and promote the disease management protocol. Currently, several towns have adopted policies to restrict the movement of planting material in infected areas. Together with the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), they are promoting the disease management protocol through development and distribution of information materials, and through protocol briefings.
NEDA XI Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, who chairs the Regional R&D Coordinating Council of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources R&D Consortium (SMARRDEC), welcomed the DOST's proposed moves. As chair also of the Regional Development Council, she put the full force of the various members behind the common initiative. Incidentally, NEDA XI and DA RFU XI are members of SMARRDEC, one the regional R&D councils of DOST-PCAARRD.
As a result, stakeholders will develop a unified action plan to incorporate all the individual actions and to fine tune the proposal developed by the SMARRDEC member-agencies. On this upbeat note, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon closed discussion by stressing PCAARRD's role in using S&T to enhance the needed interventions and in sharing the fund burden for the conduct of R&D and other activities towards development of disease management strategies. Lily Ann D. Lando, S&T Media Service
Friday, December 9, 2011
DOST-‘Panama disease’ affecting Banana plantations can be managed
The dreaded banana disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) which is presently affecting hectares of banana plantations in Mindanao (and the subject talked about by the media with Dr. Patricio S. Faylon recently at his office in PCAARRD) can be managed according to experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) said that the dialogues with the stakeholders and careful studies on banana in the country revealed positive results in curbing the menace brought about by Fusarium wilt, more popularly known as Panama disease.
Early detection and eradication of Fusarium wilt is one of the most direct steps recommended by the group. It was suggested that plant that have been attacked by the disease should be immediately uprooted and burned together with the soil plant to it. This is the basic method of arresting the spread of infected plant and soil.
Since Fusarium is a fungus that thrives on soul and burning of the soil may destroy the fungus on the topsoil but not beneath it, the use of microorganisms such as the Trichoderma may prove beneficial to counter the effect of the disease-causing fungus.
For continuous monitoring of possible spread of the disease, Faylon said that farmers will be trained to recognize symptoms early. “A protocol for management of the disease should also be shared as widely as possible”, Faylon added.
For long term solutions, the Cavendish variety called GCTCV 119 which is the Fusarium-resistant variety has been considered for replanting, said the science department.
Biodiversity International through Lapanday Foods Corporation in Davao City will provide 1,000 planting materials through tissue culture to be distributed to the members of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
The mother plants for the tissue culture will come from the National Germplasm Collection housed at the Bureau of Plant Industry – Davao National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC). Bioversity International and DOST-PCAARRD will develop the protocol for crop management with the latter leading the monitoring and evaluation.
Partners will also be piloting fertilization methods including the use of organic fertilizer. (Information was from Aristotle P. Carandang of S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) said that the dialogues with the stakeholders and careful studies on banana in the country revealed positive results in curbing the menace brought about by Fusarium wilt, more popularly known as Panama disease.
Early detection and eradication of Fusarium wilt is one of the most direct steps recommended by the group. It was suggested that plant that have been attacked by the disease should be immediately uprooted and burned together with the soil plant to it. This is the basic method of arresting the spread of infected plant and soil.
Since Fusarium is a fungus that thrives on soul and burning of the soil may destroy the fungus on the topsoil but not beneath it, the use of microorganisms such as the Trichoderma may prove beneficial to counter the effect of the disease-causing fungus.
For continuous monitoring of possible spread of the disease, Faylon said that farmers will be trained to recognize symptoms early. “A protocol for management of the disease should also be shared as widely as possible”, Faylon added.
For long term solutions, the Cavendish variety called GCTCV 119 which is the Fusarium-resistant variety has been considered for replanting, said the science department.
Biodiversity International through Lapanday Foods Corporation in Davao City will provide 1,000 planting materials through tissue culture to be distributed to the members of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
The mother plants for the tissue culture will come from the National Germplasm Collection housed at the Bureau of Plant Industry – Davao National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC). Bioversity International and DOST-PCAARRD will develop the protocol for crop management with the latter leading the monitoring and evaluation.
Partners will also be piloting fertilization methods including the use of organic fertilizer. (Information was from Aristotle P. Carandang of S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Jatropha a failure
Pilot testing of jathropa’s viability as an alternative fuel sources should have been conducted before going into large-scale production, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) affirms.
This is the reaction of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to news reports quoting Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rene Almendras as saying that the past administration wasted money and resources in planting thousands of hectares of land with jathropa to produce raw materials for bio-fuels.
Thorough testing on a pilot scale should have included planting and harvesting, production of jathropa oil, and then converting and blending to become bio-fuels, something that the previous administration failed to do, Montejo said.
The DOST in a recently-concluded pilot production and testing of biofuel from jathropa has proven the technical feasibility of producing jatrhopa oil and converting it to methyl ester. Methyl esters or fats from animal and vegetable, were found to be suitable as blend for diesel fuel in previous scientific studies.
However, technical feasibility is sometimes different from commercial viability because it involves other issues.” explained Secretary Montejo.
“The proper scientific protocol in programs involving new technologies such as this is to conduct first a pilot-test and a thorough evaluation of its results to prove its viability before rolling it out,” Montejo said.
At present, the DOST is not keen on further studies on the processing of jathropa but would still complete the review and evaluation of past data and results. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
This is the reaction of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to news reports quoting Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rene Almendras as saying that the past administration wasted money and resources in planting thousands of hectares of land with jathropa to produce raw materials for bio-fuels.
Thorough testing on a pilot scale should have included planting and harvesting, production of jathropa oil, and then converting and blending to become bio-fuels, something that the previous administration failed to do, Montejo said.
The DOST in a recently-concluded pilot production and testing of biofuel from jathropa has proven the technical feasibility of producing jatrhopa oil and converting it to methyl ester. Methyl esters or fats from animal and vegetable, were found to be suitable as blend for diesel fuel in previous scientific studies.
However, technical feasibility is sometimes different from commercial viability because it involves other issues.” explained Secretary Montejo.
“The proper scientific protocol in programs involving new technologies such as this is to conduct first a pilot-test and a thorough evaluation of its results to prove its viability before rolling it out,” Montejo said.
At present, the DOST is not keen on further studies on the processing of jathropa but would still complete the review and evaluation of past data and results. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Pelletized feeds for goat sustenance
Turning the forage into pellets will ensure the continuous availability of feeds for goats during the lean months from mid-October to April.
Dr. Edwin Orden regional coordinator of Research and Development Program for Sustainable Goat Enterprise in Central Luzon, said that the pelletizing machine designed and fabricated by Dr. Ormando N. Espino of the Central State University (CLSU) will ensure a year round feed supply for goats.
To sustain the feed supply of goats which are abundant during the rainy season and scarce during the dry season, appropriate forage materials can be shared for a longer period through pelletizing the feeds.
The machine will help ensure the continuous availability of high-protein, low cost feeds by using the surplus of pelletized total mixed rations (TMR).
Turning the storage into pellet is through compression, extrusion, and adhesion in the pelletizing machine, after the raw materials are mixed and ground.
The machine frame has a dimension of 990 mm (L) by 980 mm (H) and a width of 450 mm. It has separate areas for work, compression, and intrusion.
The work area is where feed is received, compressed and forced into die holes. The die holes also determine the final size and characteristics of pellets. They can be replaced according to the desired thickness and hole diameter.
The compression area is simply where the feed is compressed. On the other hand, the extrusion area is where the feed begins to flow through the die.
A roller force acts to compress and extrude the material. The roller must be adjusted down to a proper contact with the die or it will not turn. The rolls must be set on a regular basis as the die wears away from the roll. Roller setting is accomplished by a pair of roller adjuster at the side of the casing.
The end product of the process is pelletized TMR, longer than one inch in length. They should be dense and durable enough to withstand mechanical handling without compromising the nutritional value of the diet.
The pelletizing machine has a production capacity of 150-200 kilogram per hour when pelletizing pure rice bran. However, when using TMR as raw material, the production rate would decrease to about 60 kg/hr. This is due to the high fiber content of TMR, which makes the pelletizing process more difficult. The machine can operate at 2-3 hours per day.
A pellet TMR is a mixture of napier, ipil-ipil, renzoni, rice bran, copra meal, molasses, dicaphos and salt, a complete nutrient feed for the goats. Hence, with pelletized TMR, goats are assured with better feed efficiency and greater starch digestibility.
Pelletized TMR has longer shelf life and less food wastes. A surplus or deficiency of feeds can be lessened with pelletized TMR. There is also less “sorting” and segregation of diet ingredients during feed handling.
It is through the production of pelletized TMR that feeding the goat with sufficient nutrition is not seasonal anymore but definitely year round that would give a sustainable goat enterprise.
The investment capital for a pelletizing machine could be relatively expensive but with the increasing demand for pellets, one can have high returns for a short period of time.
This information is taken from the paper “:Development and Evaluation of pelletized total mixed ration for goats,” one of the finalists in the annual National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development for the best research paper category, said S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Dr. Edwin Orden regional coordinator of Research and Development Program for Sustainable Goat Enterprise in Central Luzon, said that the pelletizing machine designed and fabricated by Dr. Ormando N. Espino of the Central State University (CLSU) will ensure a year round feed supply for goats.
To sustain the feed supply of goats which are abundant during the rainy season and scarce during the dry season, appropriate forage materials can be shared for a longer period through pelletizing the feeds.
The machine will help ensure the continuous availability of high-protein, low cost feeds by using the surplus of pelletized total mixed rations (TMR).
Turning the storage into pellet is through compression, extrusion, and adhesion in the pelletizing machine, after the raw materials are mixed and ground.
The machine frame has a dimension of 990 mm (L) by 980 mm (H) and a width of 450 mm. It has separate areas for work, compression, and intrusion.
The work area is where feed is received, compressed and forced into die holes. The die holes also determine the final size and characteristics of pellets. They can be replaced according to the desired thickness and hole diameter.
The compression area is simply where the feed is compressed. On the other hand, the extrusion area is where the feed begins to flow through the die.
A roller force acts to compress and extrude the material. The roller must be adjusted down to a proper contact with the die or it will not turn. The rolls must be set on a regular basis as the die wears away from the roll. Roller setting is accomplished by a pair of roller adjuster at the side of the casing.
The end product of the process is pelletized TMR, longer than one inch in length. They should be dense and durable enough to withstand mechanical handling without compromising the nutritional value of the diet.
The pelletizing machine has a production capacity of 150-200 kilogram per hour when pelletizing pure rice bran. However, when using TMR as raw material, the production rate would decrease to about 60 kg/hr. This is due to the high fiber content of TMR, which makes the pelletizing process more difficult. The machine can operate at 2-3 hours per day.
A pellet TMR is a mixture of napier, ipil-ipil, renzoni, rice bran, copra meal, molasses, dicaphos and salt, a complete nutrient feed for the goats. Hence, with pelletized TMR, goats are assured with better feed efficiency and greater starch digestibility.
Pelletized TMR has longer shelf life and less food wastes. A surplus or deficiency of feeds can be lessened with pelletized TMR. There is also less “sorting” and segregation of diet ingredients during feed handling.
It is through the production of pelletized TMR that feeding the goat with sufficient nutrition is not seasonal anymore but definitely year round that would give a sustainable goat enterprise.
The investment capital for a pelletizing machine could be relatively expensive but with the increasing demand for pellets, one can have high returns for a short period of time.
This information is taken from the paper “:Development and Evaluation of pelletized total mixed ration for goats,” one of the finalists in the annual National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development for the best research paper category, said S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Saturday, November 26, 2011
INOBASYON, DAAN PATUNGO SA KAUNLARAN NG BANSA
SA ginanap noong Oktubre 17, 2011 na ‘forum’ ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) o Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng Pilipinas na may temang “Understanding Innovations: A Benchmark for Economic Growth and Competitiveness” na pinamunuan ng Department of Science and Technology sa Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City, ay dinaluhan ito nina Dr. Jose T. Yap, Pangulo ng PIDS, DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. dela Pena, Senador Edgardo J. Angara, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert, Undersecretary DTI Representative, AIM Policy Center Executive Director Prof. Ronald U. Mendoza, DOST Director for Planning and Evaluation Service Bernie Justimbre at DOST Secretary Montejo.
Sa inilahad na pag-aaral ng 2009 Survey of Innovation Activities (SIA) na inina Jose Ramon albert, Rafaelita Aldaba, Francis Quimba at Donald Yasay ay tinalakay ang kahulugan ng inobasyon, mga naging balakid nito, epekto at ano ang nagsilbing batayan ng kanilang paglalagom at mga batas kaugnay dito.
May ilang mga nagkomentaryo sa nasabing talakayan na tila umano hindi na napapanahon na ang nasabing ‘survey’ dahil sa 2009 pa ito nang naisagawa.
Ayon kay USEC Dela Pena sa kanyang pahayag na masasabing inobasyon ang isang bagay o likha kung yan ay maituturing na kauna-unahan, pinakamagaling at kakaiba. Sinasabing sa pamamagitan ng inobasyon ito ay maghahatid sa ating bayan patungo sa isang industriyalisasyon na magdudulot ng pag-angat ng ekonomiya at kakayanan na sumabay sa ibang bansa.
Binigyang halimbawa ni Kalihim Montejo ang sitwasyon hinggil sa ‘wild palm’ na ginagawang ‘sago flour’. Ayon sa kanya, dapat umanong pagtuuunan ng pansin ng Pilipino ang mga bagay na nasa paligid lang natin na maaaring maging kapaki-pakinabang at magbigay sa ating ng kabuhayan lalo na kung ito ay marami sa ating kapaligiran na sa halip nasasayang.
Subalit sa panayam ng inyong lingkod hinggil sa sinasabing inobasyon, itinanong kay Kalihim ang isa sa mga maaaring mapagkukunan na enerhiya na ‘nuclear power’ na tila taliwas ito sa pagsusulong ng sinasabing inobasyon gayong ito ay kabilang sa maituturing na inobasyon ng enerhiya na kung gagamitin ay magbibigay ito ng kaluwagan sa pamumuhay ng bansa dahil sa hindi mapaampat na pagtaas ng langis at kuryente o iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan na uugat sa paggamit ng enerhiya. Kung natakot umano ang mga tao noong unang panahon nang makalikha ng apoy sa pamamagitan ng kahoy naging uling, langis; napaso at hindi ginamit ang uri ng inobasyon ay sa malamang na wala tayong kuryente o paraan ng pagluluto ngayon sa pamamagitan ng apoy.
Tanging tinuran ng DOST Secretary na ayon umano sa pag-aaral, ang Bataan Nuclear Power Plant ay hindi umano maaaring paandarin o gamitin sa dahilang ito ay makakasama sa kalusugan ng tao at mapanganib. Inihambing niya ang kalagayan umano ng bansang Germany kung saan maraming nagsusulong na tuluyang tangggalin ang mga ‘nuclear power plant sa kanilang bansa. Cathy Cruz, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
Sa inilahad na pag-aaral ng 2009 Survey of Innovation Activities (SIA) na inina Jose Ramon albert, Rafaelita Aldaba, Francis Quimba at Donald Yasay ay tinalakay ang kahulugan ng inobasyon, mga naging balakid nito, epekto at ano ang nagsilbing batayan ng kanilang paglalagom at mga batas kaugnay dito.
May ilang mga nagkomentaryo sa nasabing talakayan na tila umano hindi na napapanahon na ang nasabing ‘survey’ dahil sa 2009 pa ito nang naisagawa.
Ayon kay USEC Dela Pena sa kanyang pahayag na masasabing inobasyon ang isang bagay o likha kung yan ay maituturing na kauna-unahan, pinakamagaling at kakaiba. Sinasabing sa pamamagitan ng inobasyon ito ay maghahatid sa ating bayan patungo sa isang industriyalisasyon na magdudulot ng pag-angat ng ekonomiya at kakayanan na sumabay sa ibang bansa.
Binigyang halimbawa ni Kalihim Montejo ang sitwasyon hinggil sa ‘wild palm’ na ginagawang ‘sago flour’. Ayon sa kanya, dapat umanong pagtuuunan ng pansin ng Pilipino ang mga bagay na nasa paligid lang natin na maaaring maging kapaki-pakinabang at magbigay sa ating ng kabuhayan lalo na kung ito ay marami sa ating kapaligiran na sa halip nasasayang.
Subalit sa panayam ng inyong lingkod hinggil sa sinasabing inobasyon, itinanong kay Kalihim ang isa sa mga maaaring mapagkukunan na enerhiya na ‘nuclear power’ na tila taliwas ito sa pagsusulong ng sinasabing inobasyon gayong ito ay kabilang sa maituturing na inobasyon ng enerhiya na kung gagamitin ay magbibigay ito ng kaluwagan sa pamumuhay ng bansa dahil sa hindi mapaampat na pagtaas ng langis at kuryente o iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan na uugat sa paggamit ng enerhiya. Kung natakot umano ang mga tao noong unang panahon nang makalikha ng apoy sa pamamagitan ng kahoy naging uling, langis; napaso at hindi ginamit ang uri ng inobasyon ay sa malamang na wala tayong kuryente o paraan ng pagluluto ngayon sa pamamagitan ng apoy.
Tanging tinuran ng DOST Secretary na ayon umano sa pag-aaral, ang Bataan Nuclear Power Plant ay hindi umano maaaring paandarin o gamitin sa dahilang ito ay makakasama sa kalusugan ng tao at mapanganib. Inihambing niya ang kalagayan umano ng bansang Germany kung saan maraming nagsusulong na tuluyang tangggalin ang mga ‘nuclear power plant sa kanilang bansa. Cathy Cruz, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
High-performance liquid chromatography found practical for fructooligosaccharides analysis of yacon
High-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC, is a chromatographic technique that can separate a mixture of compounds and is used to identify, quantify and purify the individual components of the mixture.
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) validated that the HPLC method is applicable to fructooligosaccharides (FOS) analysis.
FOS’s are indigestible short-chain oligosaccharides, naturally occurring in plant foods that have been scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of health-enhancing colonic bacteria and reduce the risk factors of certain chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
Yacon, a native Andean plant cultivated for its tuber, was found to have the highest concentration of FOS among plants.
HPLC was used to test for accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantization and linearity in yacon juice.
Results showed that the values were generally acceptable for accuracy, precision and efficiency.
When compared to the Japan Food Research Laboratories (JFRL), results met the acceptance criteria using the same method.
The validation proved the method of FOS analysis to be accurate and precise. Method verification should be done on other sample food matrices for best results, according to Rosemarie G. Garcia (MS Food Sci Tech), Senior Science Research Specialist. Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) validated that the HPLC method is applicable to fructooligosaccharides (FOS) analysis.
FOS’s are indigestible short-chain oligosaccharides, naturally occurring in plant foods that have been scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of health-enhancing colonic bacteria and reduce the risk factors of certain chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
Yacon, a native Andean plant cultivated for its tuber, was found to have the highest concentration of FOS among plants.
HPLC was used to test for accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantization and linearity in yacon juice.
Results showed that the values were generally acceptable for accuracy, precision and efficiency.
When compared to the Japan Food Research Laboratories (JFRL), results met the acceptance criteria using the same method.
The validation proved the method of FOS analysis to be accurate and precise. Method verification should be done on other sample food matrices for best results, according to Rosemarie G. Garcia (MS Food Sci Tech), Senior Science Research Specialist. Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST
Proper Breastfeeding and Complementary Foods Help Prevent Anemia
Iron deficiency is the most common single cause of anemia worldwide and in the Philippines; this problem is very serious across population groups.
Results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) indicated that the highest prevalence of anemia is among infants and pregnant women, six out of 10 infants of 6-11 old infants and four out of 10 pregnant women are anemic. There are 20 to 30 percent prevalence rates of anemia among the other age groups.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition where there is less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
Once affected, IDA may increase maternal and fetal mortality and increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. It may also cause learning disabilities and delayed psychomotor development, and reduced work capacity. Impaired immunity may also result from IDA which is tantamount to high risk of infection.
Because infants are the most vulnerable age group that may be affected by anemia, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding should be practiced.
Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of infant life and according to the World Health Organization (or WHO). After the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding, children should continue to be breastfed up to two years of age or beyond, while receiving nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods.
Iron and zinc have relatively low concentrations in human milk but when the infant is exclusively breastfed, the percentage of absorption of these minerals is high. Low level of awareness of mothers on the right timing for introducing complementary foods to babies causes substantially-reduced absorption of iron from human milk, thus, resulting to anemia.
IDA is a condition, that when taken for granted, may lead to death, especially for the children.
Hence, complementary foods should be timely that all infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk after 6 months onwards (WHO) in order to prevent IDA. It is also important to give proper complementary foods like rice porridge, small amounts of protein foods like egg, chicken, and pork, minced vegetables like carrots, diced fruits like apple, which are equally healthy and nutritionally adequate for the babies’ being, coupled with quality time of maternal care.
Until such time that the parents, especially the mothers, realize the significance of practicing exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, the prevalence of not only anemia but also other underlying causes of child mortality and morbidity will continue.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph. D., FNRI-DOST
Results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) indicated that the highest prevalence of anemia is among infants and pregnant women, six out of 10 infants of 6-11 old infants and four out of 10 pregnant women are anemic. There are 20 to 30 percent prevalence rates of anemia among the other age groups.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition where there is less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
Once affected, IDA may increase maternal and fetal mortality and increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. It may also cause learning disabilities and delayed psychomotor development, and reduced work capacity. Impaired immunity may also result from IDA which is tantamount to high risk of infection.
Because infants are the most vulnerable age group that may be affected by anemia, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding should be practiced.
Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of infant life and according to the World Health Organization (or WHO). After the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding, children should continue to be breastfed up to two years of age or beyond, while receiving nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods.
Iron and zinc have relatively low concentrations in human milk but when the infant is exclusively breastfed, the percentage of absorption of these minerals is high. Low level of awareness of mothers on the right timing for introducing complementary foods to babies causes substantially-reduced absorption of iron from human milk, thus, resulting to anemia.
IDA is a condition, that when taken for granted, may lead to death, especially for the children.
Hence, complementary foods should be timely that all infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk after 6 months onwards (WHO) in order to prevent IDA. It is also important to give proper complementary foods like rice porridge, small amounts of protein foods like egg, chicken, and pork, minced vegetables like carrots, diced fruits like apple, which are equally healthy and nutritionally adequate for the babies’ being, coupled with quality time of maternal care.
Until such time that the parents, especially the mothers, realize the significance of practicing exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, the prevalence of not only anemia but also other underlying causes of child mortality and morbidity will continue.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph. D., FNRI-DOST
BIOINFORMATICS POSIBLENG MAKATULONG SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NG MEDIKAL AT AGRIKULTURA SA BANSA
NAGSAGAWA ang Philippine Association of Career Scientist (PACS) ng ika-5 Taunang Pagpupulong at Sayentipikong Talakayan ngayong ika-23 ng Nobyembre 2011 sa Sulo Riviera Hotel sa pakikipagtulungan ng Department of Science and Technology-Scientific Career System (DOST-SCS).
Matatandaan na tinatayang nasa 114 na Sayentista ang nasa ilalim ng DOST-CSC Scientific Career System. 38 lamang dito ang nasa aktibong serbisyo sa pamahalaan subalit 7 rito ay retirado na, may sakit o hindi nasa administratibong paggawa at wala na sa aktuwal na laboratory upang patuloy na magsaliksik.
Naging tema ng usapan ang “Bioinformatics for Biomedical and Agricultural Development” kung saan tinalakay sa tatlong bahagi. Inilahad ni Dr. June B. Billones, Associate Professor and Director, Learning Resources center, UP Manila ang “Structural Bioinformatics”; Dr. Kenneth L. Monally, Sr. Scientist II, International Rice Research Institute ang “Bioinformatics in Rice”; Dr. Vincent Peter C. Magboo, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, UP Manila ang “Biomedical Informations”
Sa kabuuan, ang Bioinformatics ay isang uri ng teknolohiya gamit ang computer at uri ng programa o ‘flatform’ upang makalikha o makapag-imbento ng mga pamamaraan sa usaping pagpapaunlad ng medikal at agrikultura.
Sinasabing umaabot sa mahigit 10 taong bago tuluyang kilalanin at gamitin ang anumang uri ng teknolohiya. Ngunit nananatili pa ring ang ‘clinical laboratory research and development gamit ang hayop upang patunayan na ang nalikha sa pamamagitan ng ‘bioinformatics’ ay makatotohanan at epektibo na puwedeng pakinabangan ng tao.
Pagkatapos ng talakayan ay naggawad ng pagkilala ang PACS sa mga nagging tagapagsalita at nagkaroon din ng botohan ng panibagong opisyales ng PACS para sa taong 2012. Cathy Cruz, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
Matatandaan na tinatayang nasa 114 na Sayentista ang nasa ilalim ng DOST-CSC Scientific Career System. 38 lamang dito ang nasa aktibong serbisyo sa pamahalaan subalit 7 rito ay retirado na, may sakit o hindi nasa administratibong paggawa at wala na sa aktuwal na laboratory upang patuloy na magsaliksik.
Naging tema ng usapan ang “Bioinformatics for Biomedical and Agricultural Development” kung saan tinalakay sa tatlong bahagi. Inilahad ni Dr. June B. Billones, Associate Professor and Director, Learning Resources center, UP Manila ang “Structural Bioinformatics”; Dr. Kenneth L. Monally, Sr. Scientist II, International Rice Research Institute ang “Bioinformatics in Rice”; Dr. Vincent Peter C. Magboo, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, UP Manila ang “Biomedical Informations”
Sa kabuuan, ang Bioinformatics ay isang uri ng teknolohiya gamit ang computer at uri ng programa o ‘flatform’ upang makalikha o makapag-imbento ng mga pamamaraan sa usaping pagpapaunlad ng medikal at agrikultura.
Sinasabing umaabot sa mahigit 10 taong bago tuluyang kilalanin at gamitin ang anumang uri ng teknolohiya. Ngunit nananatili pa ring ang ‘clinical laboratory research and development gamit ang hayop upang patunayan na ang nalikha sa pamamagitan ng ‘bioinformatics’ ay makatotohanan at epektibo na puwedeng pakinabangan ng tao.
Pagkatapos ng talakayan ay naggawad ng pagkilala ang PACS sa mga nagging tagapagsalita at nagkaroon din ng botohan ng panibagong opisyales ng PACS para sa taong 2012. Cathy Cruz, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
Proper Breastfeeding and Complementary Foods Help Prevent Anemia
Iron deficiency is the most common single cause of anemia worldwide and in the Philippines; this problem is very serious across population groups.
Results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) indicated that the highest prevalence of anemia is among infants and pregnant women, six out of 10 infants of 6-11 old infants and four out of 10 pregnant women are anemic. There are 20 to 30 percent prevalence rates of anemia among the other age groups.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition where there is less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
Once affected, IDA may increase maternal and fetal mortality and increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. It may also cause learning disabilities and delayed psychomotor development, and reduced work capacity. Impaired immunity may also result from IDA which is tantamount to high risk of infection.
Because infants are the most vulnerable age group that may be affected by anemia, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding should be practiced.
Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of infant life and according to the World Health Organization (or WHO). After the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding, children should continue to be breastfed up to two years of age or beyond, while receiving nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods.
Iron and zinc have relatively low concentrations in human milk but when the infant is exclusively breastfed, the percentage of absorption of these minerals is high. Low level of awareness of mothers on the right timing for introducing complementary foods to babies causes substantially-reduced absorption of iron from human milk, thus, resulting to anemia.
IDA is a condition, that when taken for granted, may lead to death, especially for the children.
Hence, complementary foods should be timely that all infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk after 6 months onwards (WHO) in order to prevent IDA. It is also important to give proper complementary foods like rice porridge, small amounts of protein foods like egg, chicken, and pork, minced vegetables like carrots, diced fruits like apple, which are equally healthy and nutritionally adequate for the babies’ being, coupled with quality time of maternal care.
Until such time that the parents, especially the mothers, realize the significance of practicing exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, the prevalence of not only anemia but also other underlying causes of child mortality and morbidity will continue. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D., FNRI-DOST
Results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) indicated that the highest prevalence of anemia is among infants and pregnant women, six out of 10 infants of 6-11 old infants and four out of 10 pregnant women are anemic. There are 20 to 30 percent prevalence rates of anemia among the other age groups.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition where there is less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.
Once affected, IDA may increase maternal and fetal mortality and increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. It may also cause learning disabilities and delayed psychomotor development, and reduced work capacity. Impaired immunity may also result from IDA which is tantamount to high risk of infection.
Because infants are the most vulnerable age group that may be affected by anemia, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding should be practiced.
Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of infant life and according to the World Health Organization (or WHO). After the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding, children should continue to be breastfed up to two years of age or beyond, while receiving nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods.
Iron and zinc have relatively low concentrations in human milk but when the infant is exclusively breastfed, the percentage of absorption of these minerals is high. Low level of awareness of mothers on the right timing for introducing complementary foods to babies causes substantially-reduced absorption of iron from human milk, thus, resulting to anemia.
IDA is a condition, that when taken for granted, may lead to death, especially for the children.
Hence, complementary foods should be timely that all infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk after 6 months onwards (WHO) in order to prevent IDA. It is also important to give proper complementary foods like rice porridge, small amounts of protein foods like egg, chicken, and pork, minced vegetables like carrots, diced fruits like apple, which are equally healthy and nutritionally adequate for the babies’ being, coupled with quality time of maternal care.
Until such time that the parents, especially the mothers, realize the significance of practicing exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, the prevalence of not only anemia but also other underlying causes of child mortality and morbidity will continue. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D., FNRI-DOST
Science Explorer brings Science Film Festival to Mountain Province
Around 700 elementary students and teachers from five municipalities of the Mountain Province got a taste of fun and exciting science experience while watching science films as the Science Education Institute’s (SEI) Science Explorer brought the Science Film Festival to the Cordilleras last week.
The Science Explorer, the Philippines’ first and only mobile science learning facility, brought to students and teachers of Bauko, Sabangan, Bontoc, Sagada and Besao a brand new experience in science and technology through interactive science activities coupled with international films to excite the pupils on the wonders of science.
SEI Director Dr. Filma G. Brawner expressed her gratitude to the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) and Goethe Institut (GI), and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the opportunity to serve the people of Mountain Province through the Science Film Festival which is now on its second year in the country.
“We hope that through the Science Explorer we were able to show to the elementary students of Mountain Province how exciting it is to be a scientist. We thank AFI and Goethe for the chance to serve the people of the Cordilleras through fun and exciting science experiments,” she said.
For the Mountain Province Road Trip of the Science Explorer, all modules featured a film featured in the Science Film Festival that is held simultaneously in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan de Oro. Fun and interactive activities are incorporated in the film showing, which is a unique feature of the Science Explorer.
Films shown in the Science Explorer were Mouse TV: Fuel Cell (2009), I Got It! – The Sugar Episode (2010), Of Forest and Men, Universe of the Ocean and Wonders of the Solar System. The same films and more were shown at the different venues of the Science Film Festival.
To date, the Science Explorer has served more than 1,200 students this year alone from various parts of Luzon.
“However, we cannot rest yet and we hope to reach more students next year in other parts of the country. We believe that an experience in the Science Explorer can be a spark to stir up the interest of students in science and technology,” Brawner noted.
The Science Explorer is a 30-seater bus furnished with laboratory equipment, audio-visual equipment and instructional materials tailor-fitted to give the students an interactive, fun and interesting experience in science.
Unveiled in 2010, the Science Explorer was conceptualized to help bring to schools that are under-equipped or has no science laboratory a hands-on experience in experiments and discover the world of science.
“The Science Explorer is not a replacement of science laboratories but a mere catalyst to implant amongst schools, teachers and students the importance of hands-on learning in doing experiments in science and technology,” Brawner stressed. Mark Ivan Roblas-SEI-DOST
The Science Explorer, the Philippines’ first and only mobile science learning facility, brought to students and teachers of Bauko, Sabangan, Bontoc, Sagada and Besao a brand new experience in science and technology through interactive science activities coupled with international films to excite the pupils on the wonders of science.
SEI Director Dr. Filma G. Brawner expressed her gratitude to the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) and Goethe Institut (GI), and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the opportunity to serve the people of Mountain Province through the Science Film Festival which is now on its second year in the country.
“We hope that through the Science Explorer we were able to show to the elementary students of Mountain Province how exciting it is to be a scientist. We thank AFI and Goethe for the chance to serve the people of the Cordilleras through fun and exciting science experiments,” she said.
For the Mountain Province Road Trip of the Science Explorer, all modules featured a film featured in the Science Film Festival that is held simultaneously in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan de Oro. Fun and interactive activities are incorporated in the film showing, which is a unique feature of the Science Explorer.
Films shown in the Science Explorer were Mouse TV: Fuel Cell (2009), I Got It! – The Sugar Episode (2010), Of Forest and Men, Universe of the Ocean and Wonders of the Solar System. The same films and more were shown at the different venues of the Science Film Festival.
To date, the Science Explorer has served more than 1,200 students this year alone from various parts of Luzon.
“However, we cannot rest yet and we hope to reach more students next year in other parts of the country. We believe that an experience in the Science Explorer can be a spark to stir up the interest of students in science and technology,” Brawner noted.
The Science Explorer is a 30-seater bus furnished with laboratory equipment, audio-visual equipment and instructional materials tailor-fitted to give the students an interactive, fun and interesting experience in science.
Unveiled in 2010, the Science Explorer was conceptualized to help bring to schools that are under-equipped or has no science laboratory a hands-on experience in experiments and discover the world of science.
“The Science Explorer is not a replacement of science laboratories but a mere catalyst to implant amongst schools, teachers and students the importance of hands-on learning in doing experiments in science and technology,” Brawner stressed. Mark Ivan Roblas-SEI-DOST
Zinc deficiency is a public health concern
Zinc is an essential trace mineral for humans, which promotes biochemical reactions in the body involving the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids.
It also helps in growth and bone development, prevents diseases and infections, maintains the sense of taste and smell, and also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Zinc is most abundant in protein-rich foods, particularly animal products, such as shellfish, especially oysters, and in meats, poultry, and liver. These contain highest concentration of readily absorbable form, while lesser amount of zinc is found in eggs and dairy products.
Nuts, seeds, legumes, cereals and whole-grain products are relatively high in zinc, however, these foods contain high level of phytate which inhibits zinc absorption.
Inadequate dietary intake of food rich in zinc is likely to be the primary cause of zinc deficiency in most situations.
Increased losses of zinc over time may result in growth retardation, sexual maturation delay and susceptibility to infections like diarrhea, respiratory disorders as well as malaria.
Zinc deficiency also results to hair loss, diarrhea, impotence, eye and skin lesions and loss of appetite.
Weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities and mental lethargy can also occur if one is zinc deficient.
These symptoms are general and are associated with other medical conditions.
On the other hand, high doses of zinc may cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and exhaustion.
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) determined serum zinc levels and the prevalence of deficiencies among 6 month to five-year-old children, 13 to 19-year-old female adolescents, pregnant women and 60-year-old and over elderly persons from households of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS).
Zinc deficiency were noted in two out of ten (or 21.6 percent) six month to five year-old children, two out of ten (or 20.6 percent) adolescent females and two out of ten (or 21.5 percent) pregnant women. Among three out of ten (or 28.4 percent) elderly persons were also zinc deficient. With these rates, zinc deficiency has been considered as a public health concern.
In developing countries, zinc deficiency ranks 5th among the leading 10 risk factors. The World Health Organization (or WHO) attributes 800,000 deaths worldwide each year to zinc deficiency and over 28 million healthy life years lost.
World wide zinc deficiency is responsible for approximately 16 percent of lower respiratory tract infections, 18 percent malaria and 10 percent diarrheal disease.
According to WHO, zinc deficiency in children less than five years old increases the risk of incidence of diarrheal disease by 1.28 percent and is estimated to cause 176,000 deaths.
Zinc supplementation with reformulated ORS is now recommended by the Department of Health (or DOH) to shorten the duration, lessen the episodes and prevent immediate recurrence of diarrhea.
Zinc is used in the management of diarrhea, in addition to the newly-formulated oral rehydration salt or solution also known as ORS or Oresol.
Supplementation is the most effective and beneficial nutrition intervention to immediately correct any zinc deficiency and prevent its adverse consequences.
Zinc supplement is available in tablets, drops and syrups.
Daily requirement for zinc depends on age, gender and physiologic condition based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) of the FNRI-DOST.
Children have especially increased zinc needs because they are growing rapidly and synthesizing many zinc-containing proteins.
Eating a balanced diet, as recommended by the nutritional guide pyramid, is an assurance of having the daily requirement of zinc. Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST
It also helps in growth and bone development, prevents diseases and infections, maintains the sense of taste and smell, and also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Zinc is most abundant in protein-rich foods, particularly animal products, such as shellfish, especially oysters, and in meats, poultry, and liver. These contain highest concentration of readily absorbable form, while lesser amount of zinc is found in eggs and dairy products.
Nuts, seeds, legumes, cereals and whole-grain products are relatively high in zinc, however, these foods contain high level of phytate which inhibits zinc absorption.
Inadequate dietary intake of food rich in zinc is likely to be the primary cause of zinc deficiency in most situations.
Increased losses of zinc over time may result in growth retardation, sexual maturation delay and susceptibility to infections like diarrhea, respiratory disorders as well as malaria.
Zinc deficiency also results to hair loss, diarrhea, impotence, eye and skin lesions and loss of appetite.
Weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities and mental lethargy can also occur if one is zinc deficient.
These symptoms are general and are associated with other medical conditions.
On the other hand, high doses of zinc may cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and exhaustion.
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) determined serum zinc levels and the prevalence of deficiencies among 6 month to five-year-old children, 13 to 19-year-old female adolescents, pregnant women and 60-year-old and over elderly persons from households of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS).
Zinc deficiency were noted in two out of ten (or 21.6 percent) six month to five year-old children, two out of ten (or 20.6 percent) adolescent females and two out of ten (or 21.5 percent) pregnant women. Among three out of ten (or 28.4 percent) elderly persons were also zinc deficient. With these rates, zinc deficiency has been considered as a public health concern.
In developing countries, zinc deficiency ranks 5th among the leading 10 risk factors. The World Health Organization (or WHO) attributes 800,000 deaths worldwide each year to zinc deficiency and over 28 million healthy life years lost.
World wide zinc deficiency is responsible for approximately 16 percent of lower respiratory tract infections, 18 percent malaria and 10 percent diarrheal disease.
According to WHO, zinc deficiency in children less than five years old increases the risk of incidence of diarrheal disease by 1.28 percent and is estimated to cause 176,000 deaths.
Zinc supplementation with reformulated ORS is now recommended by the Department of Health (or DOH) to shorten the duration, lessen the episodes and prevent immediate recurrence of diarrhea.
Zinc is used in the management of diarrhea, in addition to the newly-formulated oral rehydration salt or solution also known as ORS or Oresol.
Supplementation is the most effective and beneficial nutrition intervention to immediately correct any zinc deficiency and prevent its adverse consequences.
Zinc supplement is available in tablets, drops and syrups.
Daily requirement for zinc depends on age, gender and physiologic condition based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) of the FNRI-DOST.
Children have especially increased zinc needs because they are growing rapidly and synthesizing many zinc-containing proteins.
Eating a balanced diet, as recommended by the nutritional guide pyramid, is an assurance of having the daily requirement of zinc. Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST
Novel creations shine in Davao invention contest
Novel products from Southern Mindanao’s creative minds dominated the awards in the first Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) held 17-20 November at Davao City’s NCCC Mall.
For Likha Award named as the Outstanding Utility Model is Manolo Tamparong’s Compressed Air Thermal Fuel Oil Dryer.
Meanwhile, the Sibol Award, or the Outstanding Creative Research for independent inventor, went to Mary Jane Barluado’s Squash Seeds Sunblock Lotion – Vitamin E Enriched.
For the award’s college category, University of Mindanao’s Development of a Line Disconnection System by Kris Logie Mallorca, John Mark Coloma, Rae Reyes, and Edezon Virtudazo bagged the outstanding student creative research. For the high school category, Compostela National High School pocketed the award through The Leaves of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) as Natural Fiber by Lovely Asur and Angelou Angway. Advisers are Engr. Maria Christina Condez and Debbie Teruel for the high school category.
The inventiveness and resourcefulness of the awardees and contest participants caught the interest of Intellectual Property Office Philippines Director General Ricardo Blancaflor.
“The gold mine of Davao is not only its natural resources,” said Dr. Blancaflor, keynote speaker of the RICE awarding ceremony. “What will make Davao rich are the creative minds of Davaoeños.”
Winning invention and researches
Tamparong’s thermal fuel oil dryer converts used cooking oil into quality bio-fuel for internal combustion engines and other industrial applications. Since the facility is locally made, it can be easily and quickly mass-produced as cheaper alternative to imported brands. The availability of this machine will help address the problem of proper disposal of used cooking oil, converting it from a menace that clogs the waterways into an efficient bio-fuel.
Meanwhile, squash seeds, normally processed into snack items, can be a good sunblock lotion, as found out by Baluado. “Squash seeds are natural rich source of zinc, an active ingredient in sunblocks that protects cells, heals wounds, and prevents skin inflammation,” Baluado explained. The vitamin E-enriched product was tried by nine volunteers who all reported that the squash seed sunblock works similarly with or even better than expensive commercial brands.
“Disconnection of power lines due to theft and tampering of electric meters and power lines have always been big problems of power distribution companies,” the abstract of the University of Mindanao student researchers said. To address this problem, the team developed the line disconnection system that, when embedded into current systems, will enable power distribution companies to easily disconnect and reconnect electric lines of their subscribers.
Further, the study of the CNHS students revealed that snake plant fiber is comparable with commercial fibers in four parameters of sensory evaluation test by the group. Thus, the plant which is endemic to the region is found to be a possible source of natural fiber that has the potential to make a crack in the local and international fiber industry.
Inventors in Davao
According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 11 Director Anthony Sales, the RICE 11 is the first ever regionwide invention contest. “The four outstanding inventions will qualify for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit to be held in Manila next year,” Dr. Sales said.
The four winning inventions bested 92 other participants, including contenders to the regionwide health research contest held simultaneously with the RICE. The health research contest, funded by the DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, had its own set of winners.
Region 11 inventors have apparently increased awareness of the importance of securing patent rights. Records of IPO Philippines showed that from January to October this year, Region 11 had 126 patent applications, a 38 percent jump from the same period last year. Patents protect inventors from the illegal use of their products by other profit-oriented parties. At the same time, patents give inventors rights to collect royalties should their products be legally and commercially used by other parties.
Filings from the region compose 12 percent of the national figure, revealed Blancaflor. Outside of Metro Manila, Region 11 ranks third in the number of patent applications filed.
“The increase in patent applications suggests that creativity and innovation are likewise intensifying in the region,” observed Blancaflor.
RICE, which started this year, will be held every other year to give local inventors enough time to develop their works, said Dr. Edgar Garcia, director of DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute, DOST 11’s main partner in organizing RICE events nationwide. Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service
For Likha Award named as the Outstanding Utility Model is Manolo Tamparong’s Compressed Air Thermal Fuel Oil Dryer.
Meanwhile, the Sibol Award, or the Outstanding Creative Research for independent inventor, went to Mary Jane Barluado’s Squash Seeds Sunblock Lotion – Vitamin E Enriched.
For the award’s college category, University of Mindanao’s Development of a Line Disconnection System by Kris Logie Mallorca, John Mark Coloma, Rae Reyes, and Edezon Virtudazo bagged the outstanding student creative research. For the high school category, Compostela National High School pocketed the award through The Leaves of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) as Natural Fiber by Lovely Asur and Angelou Angway. Advisers are Engr. Maria Christina Condez and Debbie Teruel for the high school category.
The inventiveness and resourcefulness of the awardees and contest participants caught the interest of Intellectual Property Office Philippines Director General Ricardo Blancaflor.
“The gold mine of Davao is not only its natural resources,” said Dr. Blancaflor, keynote speaker of the RICE awarding ceremony. “What will make Davao rich are the creative minds of Davaoeños.”
Winning invention and researches
Tamparong’s thermal fuel oil dryer converts used cooking oil into quality bio-fuel for internal combustion engines and other industrial applications. Since the facility is locally made, it can be easily and quickly mass-produced as cheaper alternative to imported brands. The availability of this machine will help address the problem of proper disposal of used cooking oil, converting it from a menace that clogs the waterways into an efficient bio-fuel.
Meanwhile, squash seeds, normally processed into snack items, can be a good sunblock lotion, as found out by Baluado. “Squash seeds are natural rich source of zinc, an active ingredient in sunblocks that protects cells, heals wounds, and prevents skin inflammation,” Baluado explained. The vitamin E-enriched product was tried by nine volunteers who all reported that the squash seed sunblock works similarly with or even better than expensive commercial brands.
“Disconnection of power lines due to theft and tampering of electric meters and power lines have always been big problems of power distribution companies,” the abstract of the University of Mindanao student researchers said. To address this problem, the team developed the line disconnection system that, when embedded into current systems, will enable power distribution companies to easily disconnect and reconnect electric lines of their subscribers.
Further, the study of the CNHS students revealed that snake plant fiber is comparable with commercial fibers in four parameters of sensory evaluation test by the group. Thus, the plant which is endemic to the region is found to be a possible source of natural fiber that has the potential to make a crack in the local and international fiber industry.
Inventors in Davao
According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 11 Director Anthony Sales, the RICE 11 is the first ever regionwide invention contest. “The four outstanding inventions will qualify for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit to be held in Manila next year,” Dr. Sales said.
The four winning inventions bested 92 other participants, including contenders to the regionwide health research contest held simultaneously with the RICE. The health research contest, funded by the DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, had its own set of winners.
Region 11 inventors have apparently increased awareness of the importance of securing patent rights. Records of IPO Philippines showed that from January to October this year, Region 11 had 126 patent applications, a 38 percent jump from the same period last year. Patents protect inventors from the illegal use of their products by other profit-oriented parties. At the same time, patents give inventors rights to collect royalties should their products be legally and commercially used by other parties.
Filings from the region compose 12 percent of the national figure, revealed Blancaflor. Outside of Metro Manila, Region 11 ranks third in the number of patent applications filed.
“The increase in patent applications suggests that creativity and innovation are likewise intensifying in the region,” observed Blancaflor.
RICE, which started this year, will be held every other year to give local inventors enough time to develop their works, said Dr. Edgar Garcia, director of DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute, DOST 11’s main partner in organizing RICE events nationwide. Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service
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