Dr. Subong Assumes WESVARRDEC's RRDCC Chairmanship Post

by Christy B. Amular

WESVARRDEC Staff

          

Dr. Pablo E. Subong Jr. 

WVSU University President Dr. Pablo E. Subong Jr. has been elected Chairperson  of WESVARRDEC's  Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) during thAklan State University was elected as Vice-Chairperson. Both chairperson and vice-chairperson will serve the consortium for two years effective July 1, 2013.The RRDCC is the policy-making body of the consortium which performs the vital function of laying down broad policies and guidelines for the effective and efficient operation of the consortium. The council also approves long and short-term work and financial plans of the consortium as well as approve and endorse S&T research project proposals for national and international funding agencies.
e 2nd quarter RRDCC meeting held at the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Estancia Campus last June 17, 2013. Meanwhile, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, President of  of

From left: Dr. Joel P. Limson turns over symbolic RRDCC
chairmanship  key  to Dr. Pable E. Subong Jr. 

Dr. Subong's professional competencies  and expertise are in the field of agriculture, business, marketing and medical research, statistics and data analysis procedures, educational planning and management. He obtained his Doctor of Education in Educational Management (Ed.D.) from West Visayas State University and his Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Administration (Ph.D.) from Deakin University in Victoria, Australia. Throughout his career as educator, he has held chairmanship posts  in various academic departments  most notably in agricultural engineering and mathematics. He has received the award of highest distinction  in Curriculum Administration in Mathematics from Deakin University in Australia and recently has been conferred Doctor in Philosophy, honoris causa from Kunsan National University of South Korea. 

In his acceptance speech as the new RRDCC chairperson, Dr. Subong  assured the member agencies of the commitment and support of WVSU as base agency and  re-affirmed WESVARRDEC's new vision and mission to become a dynamic force for sustainable agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sectors in Western Visayas.

To fulfill the consortium's mission to synergize and  harness resources to generate commercial technologies for the development of AANR sectors in Region 6, he deemed it imperative to enhance the capacity of consortium member agencies to generate S&T researches that have tangible impact on the agricultural industry and economy of the country. In particular, the small percentage of the population  involved in agriculture poses an immense challenge to the food security situation of the country. Through agricultural research and innovation, this problem can be mitigated.

Dr. Subong also cited the big role of  inter-agency collaboration and SUC normative funding scheme in the strengthening of  regional S&T research and development capacities. In line with the consortium's goal to promote technology commercialization, the new RRDCC chairperson highlighted the enabling role and bright prospects of the soon to be constructed Php 38M Green Technology Business Incubation Facility in WVSU. The CHED funded business incubation facility is envisioned to benefit not only the research and development initiatives of the university but also the collective and individual technology commercialization aspirations of the consortium.

Lastly, as the new RRDCC chairperson, Dr. Subong encouraged and inspired  the consortium's 27 partner and member agencies  to closely collaborate and work together for the realization of WESVARRDEC's vision, mission and strategic goals for the benefit of the country. (Christy Amular/WESVARRDEC)

Collaborations rule WESVARRDEC’s 2011 R&D symposium

By Isaac Abello, Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) Staff

With reports from Niño Manaog, University Extension Associate, Capiz State University

This is the year of collaboration and group effort.

In the 21st Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH) hosted by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) on August 26, 2011 at the Henry Luce III Library of the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City, all winning papers consisted of co-authorships from faculty and researchers of some eight partner member agencies (PMAs) across the region.

Winning presenters were (from top)
Dr. Greta Gabinete of WVSU,
Ms. Nenita Sodusta of DA-WESVIARC
and Prof. Arlene de la Cruz of ASU.

Of the 17 research papers presented, the “Development of Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) Recommendations for Irrigated Rice in Region VI” authored by Greta Gabinete, Hector Peñaranda, Benjamin Gutierrez and Roland Buresh won the first prize. The study was a collaborative effort of the West Visayas State University, (WVSU), the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6), the Capiz State University (CapSU); and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

The “Field Testing of ICRISAT Legume Varieties and Technologies in Selected Regions of the Philippines” conducted by Corazon Arroyo and Nenita Sodusta of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-WESVIARC) won second place; while Aklan State University (ASU)’s “Inventory and Bio-prospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan” by conducted by Lelisa Teodosio, and many others was awarded the third prize.

The research panel of evaluators was composed of Dr. Rolando Labios of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (DA-BAR); Dr. Marcelino Siladan of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD); and Engr. Emelyn Flores of  the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6.

Among seven papers presented under development, all three presentations by the West Negros College Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (WNC-RDFI) swept the top awards. The top development study titled “Bio Power-up Fuel Additive” presented its benefits to the environment, economy and livelihoods to the users. The second-placer technology “Low-Density Biomass Charcoal Maker” details procedures required in producing charcoal briquettes while their third-place study titled “SPD Multi-function Food Processing Equipment” presented a three-in-one equipment that works as sterilizer-pasteurizer-drier, which is ideal for food processors.

The tandem of Engr. Paolo Petalver (top)
and Engr. Dioscoro Marañon, Jr.
(bottom right) of WNCRDFI produced
impressive technological developments.

The tandem of Engr. Paolo Petalver and Engr. Dioscoro Marañon, Jr. of WNCRDFI who produced such technological developments impressed the panel of the judges consisting of Mr. Ramon Peñalosa, Jr., Magsasaka Siyentista of WESVARRDEC; Engr. Rowen Gelonga, regional executive director of the DOST Region 6; Dr. Juanito Batalon of PCARRD; and Engr. Gilberto Altura of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6.

For poster category, Aklan State University’s presentation on “Inventory and Bioprospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan” and the “Yield and Fruit Quality of Rambutan under Different Timing and Levels of GA3 Application” won the first and the second prizes. CapSU’s work on the “Performance of Selected Indigenous Upland Rice through Adoption of Suitable Planting Methods under Rainfed Lowlands” was awarded third.

Winning posters (from left) from ASU and CapSU

Dr. Ma. Luisa Mabunay of the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas; Dr. Ma. Cielito Siladan of the Forest Products Research  and Development Institute (FPRDI); and Dr. Lilian Diana Parreno of Guimaras State College (GSC) served as poster evaluators.

A number of evaluators were impressed with this year’s R&D outputs. Dr. Juanito Batalon, member of the planning, programming and packaging section of PCARRD’s crop research division, said the development papers, though few, most essentially addressed issues of preserving the environment while seeking to provide livelihoods to people.

Research panel (from left)
Dr. Rolando Labios,
Dr. Marcelino Siladan
and Engr. Flores

Dr. Marcelino Siladan, head of the program planning and packaging section of the Forest and Environment Division (FERD) of PCARRD, said that the winning research papers could very well compete in the national selection.

Among others, MS Ramon Peñalosa, meanwhile, took interest in CapSU’s banana chipper technology presented by Julito Albaladejo. For Peñalosa, such technologies can surely benefit small farmers and backyard technologies.

Most important, Engr. Rowen Gelonga, regional executive director of DOST 6, suggested that prior to their presentations of technologies during symposiums, the consortium should create an ad hoc committee to coordinate for Intellectual Property (IP) rights and issues. According to Gelonga, this is to safeguard the IP rights of inventors and their technologies and inventions.

The winning papers in the R&D categories will compete in the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (NSARRD) to be hosted by PCARRD-DOST in November this year.

The development panel included (from left) Dr. Gilberto Altura;
MS Ramon Peñalosa, Jr;  Dr. Juanito Batalon
and Engr. Rowen Gelonga.

For his part, incoming Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) chair, Dr. Joel Limson, president of the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NISPC) based in Estancia, Iloilo, warmly welcomed the participants in the symposium’s opening rites. Among others, Limson encouraged cooperation and teamwork among member agencies and which will benefit the consortium as a whole.

Hosted by CPU led by Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran, Techno Gabay Team Leader; Dr. Hope Patricio, RACG representative; and Aries Roda Romallosa, Regional Management Information Systems Group (RMISG) representative—this year’s 21st RSRDH was made possible through the efforts and initiative of the Consortium Secretariat and Dr. Geronimo Gregorio of CapSU, Regional Research and Development Group coordinator; Dr. Anna Mae Relingo of ASU, Regional Techno Gabay Group coordinator; Prof. Nilo Araneta of UPV who chaired the tabulation committee; and Dr. Jane Geduspan of UP Visayas and acting director and officer-in-charge of WESVARRDEC.

Participants, officials and facilitators of this year's RSRDH

ASU reaps awards in 21st R&D symposium

By Sally R. Villasis

Representative

Regional Applied Communications Group

Aklan State University

Three research studies of Aklan State University (ASU) won the top prizes in the 21st Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH) led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) on August 22, 2011 at the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.

The “Inventory and Bioprospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan” won the top spot in the poster category and third place in the research category. The study was a joint effort of Lelisa Teodosio, Malco Teodosio, Rogelio Felizardo, Arlene dela Cruz, Anna Mae Relingo, Edito Agustin, Roberto Saladar, Margie Sumanga and Marilyn Romaquin of said university. Meanwhile, the “Yield and Fruit Quality of Rambutan under Different Timing and Levels of GA3 Application” by Marilyn Romaquin, Michael Ibisate and Eva Orlina won second in the poster category.

Collaborators of the winning research paper

share the award and recognition for ASU.

Other papers presented in the symposium were the “Inventory on Mangrove-associated Mollusks, Fish and Crustacean Species in ASU-CFMS Reforested Project at Isla Kapispisan, Pinamuk-an, New Washington, Aklan” authored by Regvil de Jose, Eduardo Pastrana and Ryan Basina, and “Sensory Evaluation of Processed Nipa Fruit for Product Development” conducted by Perlita Israel, Rino Andro Inocencio and Marivel Villorente.

Designed to provide venues for discussion of R&D projects and activities in the region and promote collaboration among its member agencies, WESVARRDEC’s 21st RSRDH sought to evaluate researches conducted by the different member agencies and promote interaction between and among

Award-winning posters from ASU

21st RSRDH Winners

Winners in the 21st Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights

Henry Luce III Library, Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City

22 August 2011

RESEARCH CATEGORY

First Place

Development of Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) Recommendations for Irrigated Rice in Region VI by Greta Gabinete, Hector Peñaranda, Benjamin Gutierrez and Roland Buresh

Second Place

Field Testing of ICRISAT Legume Varieties and Technologies in Selected Regions of the Philippines by Corazon Arroyo and Nenita Sodusta, Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center

Third Place

Inventory and Bio-prospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan by Marilyn Romaquin, Lelisa Teodosio, et.al., Aklan State University

Evaluators

Dr. Rolando Labios, DA-BAR

Dr. Marcelino Siladan, PCARRD

Engr. Emelyn Flores, DOST 6

DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY

First Place

Bio Power-up Fuel Additive by Paolo Petalver and Dioscoro Marañon, Jr. of West Negros College-Research and Development Foundation, Inc.

Second Place

Low-Density Biomass Charcoal Maker by Paolo Petalver and Dioscoro Marañon, Jr. of West Negros College-Research and Development Foundation, Inc.

Third Place

SPD Multi-function Food Processing Equipment by Paolo Petalver and Dioscoro Marañon, Jr. of West Negros College-Research and Development Foundation, Inc.

Evaluators

Mr. Ramon Peñalosa, Jr., MS, WESVARRDEC

Engr. Rowen Gelonga, DOST 6

Dr. Juanito Batalon, PCARRD

Engr. Gilberto Altura, NEDA 6

POSTER CATEGORY

First Place

Inventory and Bioprospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan, Aklan State University

Second Place

Yield and Fruit Quality of Rambutan under Different Timing and Levels of GA3 Application, Aklan State University

Third Place

Performance of Selected Indigenous Upland Rice through Adoption of Suitable Planting Methods under Rainfed Lowlands, Capiz State University

Evaluators

Dr. Ma. Luisa Mabunay, UP Visayas

Dr. Ma. Cielito Siladan, FPRDI

Ms. Lilian Diana Parreño, GSC

ASU cited best PMA for 2011; ASU personnel reap awards

By Sally Villasis

Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) Representative

Aklan State University

For the second time, Aklan State University (ASU) was named Best Partner Member Agency (PMA) by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) during its First Regional Techno Gabay Summit and TechnoMart held at the Amigo Plaza Mall, Iloilo City on May 26, 2011.

Dr. Clyde G. Abayon, professor in ASU's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, was named Outstanding Techno Gabay Team Leader, while Ms. Salvacion R. Villasis, Agricultural Technician II, detailed at the university's Extension and Community Services was named Outstanding Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) Representative.

The winners received plaques of recognition and cash prize from WESVARRDEC led by Regional Research and Development coordinating Committee Chairperson Minda J. Formacion in the closing ceremonies May 26.

The award was achieved by the University through the untiring efforts of the ASU Techno Gabay Team and the FITS staff. ASU serves as the partner member agency for the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers based in Altavas, Banga, Ibajay, Nabas, New Washington and Numancia, all of Aklan and Libertad in Antique.

According to Director Joseph Edward Idemne, the TG Awards aims to recognize the significant contribution of the prime movers in the attainment of the consortium’s programs.

WESVARRDEC’s techno summit served as venue for the FITS Centers and their Magsasaka Siyentista of ASU. The ASU booth featured bariw, tahu (ginger ale powder), puto tostado, vermicast and other products.

WINNING SMILES

The ASU Techno Gabay Team featured their varied products in one of the booths during the WESVARRDEC's RG Summit in Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo recently.

Dumalag named WESVARRDEC's best FITS center

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

In the first Regional Techno Gabay (TG) Summit of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) held on May 25–26, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City, the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based in Dumalag, Capiz clinched the top prize for Best FITS Center. The FITS Center was launched only in May 2009.

Based on the citation, FITS Dumalag scored high in organization and management, delivery of FITS Services, maintenance of minimum requirements, and resource generation and linkage, four criteria announced by WESVARRDEC.

Led by FITS Manager Ronelyn De Tomas, FITS Dumalag received a certificate of recognition and cash prize from WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne and TG Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo during the closing rites on May 26, 2011 at the same venue (see photo). They were joined by Capiz State University (CapSU) TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra.

According to its 2010 Annual Report, the proactive leadership of Dumalag FITS Manager Ronelyn de Tomas fully supported by the staff and the dynamic involvement of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Randy Fancubila helped render services to some 3,500 farmers for the past year.

FITS Manager De Tomas attributes the achievement to the support of their local government led by Municipal Mayor Lilia Castro and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz.

WESVARRDEC’s appointment of Randy Fancubila as MS for engineered bamboo in 2010 helped usher in the effective and efficient services by the Center for the year.

In the same event, the Capiz State University booth also featured MS Fancubila’s engineered bamboo table, trophies and bamboo planks, much to the curiosity and delight of walk-in visitors. The CapSU team also brought the abaca ropes and woven materials from FITS Jamindan and abaca plant sampled from the farm of MS Igmedio Llamelo, among others.

For two days, managers and staff from FITS centers based in Dumalag, Jamindan, Dao and Ivisan, all of Capiz manned the CapSU booth, promoted their products to walk-in visitors and attended the MS and technology forums sponsored by WESVARRDEC.

GREENHORN

FITS Dumalag is WESVARRDEC's greenhorn this year.

Success Stories in the Farms

By Jethro B. Dagunan

Representative

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC)

Regional Applied Communications Group

“There is no unproductive soil, only unproductive farmer”—so goes the famous statement by Ramon Peñalosa, Jr., Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based at the Negros Occidental’s Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

For the nth time, MS Ramon Peñalosa promoted this during Regional Techno Gabay Summit and TechnoMart hosted by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) on May 25 and 26, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City.

Though not a graduate of agriculture, MS Ramon Peñalosa has become a successful agri-preneur engaged in integrated organic farming system. MS Ramon Peñalosa develops his technologies of production, bringing organic and agricultural products not only from-the-farm-to-the-market but also from-the-farm-to-the-table. In doing so, MS Peñalosa optimizes his farming enterprise.

An inspiring and eloquent speaker, MS Peñalosa talks about his farming technology and practices with passion and generously shares to the public his innovations based on his personal experiences.

Another Magsasaka Siyentista of note is Rebecca Tubongbanua of the FITS Center OPA Guimaras. Tubongbanua’s mango processing technology adds more value to the sweet Guimaras mango. Starting on a small capital in 2003, Rebecca Tubongbanua continued her enterprise until she was able to obtain help from WESVARRDEC government agency. Her product is now exported in other countries. Now a popular brand in Guimaras, McNester has since gained ground in the Philippine market and abroad owing to the growing demand for dried mangoes.

MS Rebecca Tubongbanua and MS Ramon Peñalosa (see photos) share their success stories to the WESVARRDEC audience. Their products were exhibited by the Bureau of Plant Industry - National Mango Research Development Center and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC), their respective member agencies during the first WESVARRDEC Technomart held at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City recently.

MS Tubongbanua and MS Peñalosa have many things in common: first they started their ventures on a small capital and on trial and error. Second, they gathered information from many sources and experts to improve their technologies. Third, they passionately do what they are doing. Both farmer scientists are also generous and willing to share their technologies and experiences to others they willingly seek help from government agencies especially from WESVARRDEC. And above all, both experts attribute their success to their strong faith in God.

MS Peñalosa, MS Tubongbanua featured in farmers’ forum

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

In the first Regional Techno Gabay Summit that drew some 500 participants from the different partner member agencies across Western Visayas, WESVARRDEC featured Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Ramon Peñalosa of Negros Occidental and MS Rebecca Tubongbanua of Guimaras in a farmers’ forum held on May 25, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall Events Center, in General Luna Street in Iloilo City.

To some 150 members of the FITS Centers and PMAs, MS Tubongbanua shared her story which gave rise to the McNester Products product line. Meanwhile, MS Ramon D. Peñalosa, Jr. engaged the audience in an otherwise unholy hour when he promoted his integrated natural farming practices in Victorias City and Manapla, Negros Occidental.

The forum drew valuable and satisfied responses from the audience. For one, Assistant Director Cesar Frias of PCARRD’s Applied Communications Division lauded the speakers, and stayed glued during the entire lectures. Mr. Emmanuel Reyes of Philfoodex commended Peñalosa for his antics and charismatic stage presence, which favourably engaged the audience.

Both MS excel in their respective technologies and field of expertise and will be featured in an upcoming book on farmer scientists, their products and innovations by WESVARRDEC.

In the audience were a number of MS representing the six provinces of Western Visayas. These were Margarito Andrade of FITS Banga, Aklan, president of WESVARDEC’s Farmer Scientists Bureau; Baltazar Gumana and Joselito Pudadera of FITS Pavia, Jose Vincent Alemany of FITS Escalante City, Negros Occidental; Leuel Divinagracia of FITS Dumangas, Iloilo; Jose Maria Eclavia of FITS Igbaras, Iloilo; Marbelyn Narzo and Nonito Ignacio of FITS Nabas, Aklan; Rolando Lamigo of FITS Batad and Aniolino Matutino of FITS Lemery; Rita Candoleza of FITS Tubungan, Iloilo; Norberto Ceballos of FITS Maasin, Iloilo; Ma Theresa Pama of FITS Buenavista, Guimaras; Pio Vergabera of FITS CapSU Mambusao and Antonio Villodres of FITS Dao, Antique.

TSKI shares product dev’t expertise at WESVARRDEC summit

By Isaac Abello

Staff

In the first Regional Techno Gabay Summit led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) recently in Iloilo City, Engr. Reynaldo T. Ambao, director of micro enterprise development program of Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI), shared the expertise of their organization, along with various speakers coming from different organizations and agencies.

With years of experience in enterprise building and product development particularly with micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region, Ambao lectured on product development, which involves a number of components, namely: market research, product design, product test and product launch.

Ambao showed the audience samples of packaging materials to the participants such as polypropylene and polyethylene bags, stand-up pouches and vacuum bags.

According to Ambao, MSMEs should document their product development process in order for them to know the proper details of their product and make it as a product manual.

Ambao likewise promoted the services offered by TSKI including loans for MSMEs and business development services such as product development, technological trainings, advisory and business consultancy. TSKI also assists MSMEs on matters related to marketing, trade fairs, market matching and showrooms.

GOOD THINGS COME IN GOOD PACKAGES

Promoting the primacy of packaging in the basic marketing of products, Engr. Ambao of TSKI shows the WESVARRDEC audience a sample of their packaging material.

DOST's techno transfer programs back MSMEs

By Isaac T. Abello

Staff

Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG)

WESVARRDEC

Through the Techno Transfer Program, the Department of Science & Technology (DOST) supports the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

This is according to Engr. Emelyn P. Flores, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of DOST Region 6, speaking in one of the forums conducted by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) during its first regional Techno Gabay Summit and Technomart held in Iloilo city recently.

For her part, Flores featured the three major programs under the medium-term component Technology Transfer and Commercialization of the Department in its National Science and Technology Plan from 2002 to 2010. These are the Small Enterprise Technology-Upgrading Program (SET-UP), the Technology Innovation and Commercialization (Technicom) and the Techno Gabay Program.

DOST allows innovations to shine in techno fairs like (see photos) WESVARRDEC's first Regional Techno Gabay Summit.

SET-UP seeks to enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises through technology innovations; Technicom identifies technology gaps to facilitate interventions for technology commercialization; and the Techno Gabay Program, bannered by DOST PCARRD, promotes science-based technology services to end users in the agriculture, forestry and natural resources sectors. This event forms part of Techno Gabay Program of WESVARRDEC.

In the same forum, Flores reported that Micro Small Medium Enterprises have significant economic contribution, accounting for almost 32% of the Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Representing around 99.6 % of total business registered in the country and about 92 % are micro enterprises, MSMEs employ 40 % of the total labor force nationwide. These significant figures attest why DOST supports MSMEs and enhances their competitiveness.

With priority concerns for natural fiber, fashion accessories, metals and engineering, furniture, horticulture, food processing, aquatic and marine, DOST offers provision of technology, technology training, technical consultancy and advisory services, support services for enterprise development and laboratory and other testing services.

Photos by WESVARRDEC Techno Gabay and Geffrey Ian Galvez, FITS OPA Guimaras