Science Nation Tour connects, interact with
people, says DOST Caraga chief
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) – “Science Nation Tour
connects and interacts with various stakeholders in the academe, the
government, the media and industry,” says Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga during the Science and
Technology Forum held Wednesday here.
Director Mallonga also acknowledged all
participating agencies, students, partners, heads of agencies and state
universities and the contribution of the members of the Regional Development
Council (RDC) during Wednesday’s kick off ceremony.
“The Science and Technology (S & T) Forum is
part of the larger activity of DOST which is the Science Nation Tour dubbed as
Agham na Ramdam - Science which is felt by a larger mass of people in Caraga
region,” said director Mallonga.
Director Mallonga said that the tour is not just a
mere caravan of DOST services but a roadshow where we inform, disseminate,
communicate and share with the public about research initiatives.
New technologies, programs and projects with
Science, Technology and Innovation content will be shared so that more
students, the youth, the micro and medium enterprises, local government units,
civil society organizations, communities and the general public will come to
appreciate and be inspired by what they hear, see and experience, bared
director Mallonga.
“Through the Science Nation Tour we connect and
interact with the people and will also create substantive partnerships that
could provide opportunities towards joint undertakings and scientific and
technological collaborations that can harness the power of science for the
benefit of our regions and the country as a whole," said Mallonga.
She added that the Science Nation Tour is a
process of providing an avenue for inspiration, technology demonstration for
engagement and results for conversion.
The roadshow provides Information, Education and
Communication (IEC) which inspire, engage and convert people to adopt Science,
Technology and Innovation as a way of life.
The S & T respond to the needs of society and
both are game changers. Significant reductions in poverty and improvements in
the quality of life are made possible through advances in scientific and
technological knowledge and applications, Mallonga said.
During the S & T Forum, research and
development initiatives of state universities/colleges and various teams are
being discussed.
Also, director Mallonga acknowledged the very
important role of the media in helping DOST bring the good news to the people.
(NCLM/PIA Caraga)
Caraga stakeholders participate in DOST’s S&T
roadshow, forum
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) – Heads/regional
directors of government agencies, representatives from public and private
sector, students and media actively participated during the kick-off program of
the roadshow dubbed as “Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam” by the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga held on Wednesday at Samping Avenue, this
city.
At around 6:35 a.m. on the same day, DOST
Secretary Mario Montejo, the event's guest speaker, together with
undersecretary for regional operations Carol Yorope, Climate Change and
Disaster Risk Reduction assistant secretary Raymond Liboro, and representatives
from Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and Ateneo de Manila
University arrived at the Bancasi National Airport. The group was welcomed and
received by DOST-Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga.
During the program proper, Surigao del Norte
Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson Sol Matugas
delivered her welcome remarks to all the participating agencies and partners.
“We are very optimistic that your presence in this
science forum will strengthen our ties as partners and will enhance our
learnings, programs and services in the field of science and technology. Thank
you very much for your participation and we look forward to our future
endeavors,” expressed Matugas.
Matugas recognized the valuable efforts of DOST
thru regional director Dominga Mallonga. "I congratulate regional director
Dominga Mallonga for being so active in the promotion of science and technology
in the region," she expressed.
Also, on behalf of Butuan City mayor Ferdinand
Amante Jr, Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven read his message. He stressed that
technology has made various developments for the city.
"Today is the best time to express our
gratitude to everything good that is happening to us in our city through the
DOST. As this forum includes the researches outcomes and other topics, the
people of Butuan will be more aware of the effort of the government in its
innovations for the benefit of the city and the region in general... We are
also glad that the Philippine Science High School is accommodated at the Caraga
State University Campus. I am confident that students will do their best just
to be enrolled at Pisay to learn and develop their skills in science and
technology... May this activity today lead us to another significant
innovations and developments," he relayed.
Director Mallonga also acknowledged all the
participating agencies, heads of government offices, students and partners and
their contribution to the different projects of the government in the field of
science and technology.
"Today's activity is not just a forum but a
roadshow to really create meaningful outcomes/results by catering to people
everything that we have in science and technology," she said. Dir.
Mallonga also recognized the vital role of the media in bringing the good news
to the community.
Meanwhile, Sec. Montejo encouraged more Filipinos
to become technology self-reliant, being able to identify what type of
technology to use in a project, suitable to social and economic conditions of
the geographic area in which it is to be applied. It should be appropriate and
environmentally sound.
"We, in the Science and Technology department
is continuously doing innovations for inclusive growth. We build-up our
'know-how' and capabilities to come up with innovative solutions to directly
address the concerns, problems of the people in the community," bared
Montejo.
Montejo further reiterated that the government is
strongly supporting Climate Change Adaptation efforts. “We seek to improve the
level of our preparedness for us to be more prepared in the future... As we
prepare ourselves for the future, technology will also help us. Through it, our
planning, decision making will be more definite because we have basis," he
disclosed.
Aside from the press conference, the participants
also witnessed the presentation of Early Warning Devices and Site
Installations; Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing with Governors and City
Mayors; Presentation and launching of Eastern Mindanao Industry, Energy and
Emerging Technology Research Alliance for Development (EMIEERALD); and
Presentation and Commitment Signing of Caraga Food Safety Team.
Sec. Montejo also led the presentation, launching
and MOA Signing of Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly
Operated Kiosk Station, also known as Starbooks at Robinsons Place’ Atrium. The
secretary with other officials also visited the Tindahang Pinoy at the
Robinsons Mall; Caraga State University (CSU); and CSU-Phil LIDAR and
Responsible Mining Laboratory.
The DOST and RDC Caraga have prepared various
lined-up activities for the second and third day of the roadshow.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
DOST opens 3rd leg of ‘Science Nation Tour’ in
Caraga Region
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) - With the aim to make
science “felt” by the average Filipino, the Department of Science and
Technology’s (DOST's) nationwide roadshow dubbed “Science Nation: Agham na
Ramdam” made its next stop in Caraga Region, which started on Wednesday, May 27
and will run until Friday, May 29, 2015.
DOST Caraga hosted the third regional leg of the
Science Nation Tour to promote the agency’s programs, projects and services.
DOST Sec. Mario Montejo arrived in the city
Wednesday morning as keynote speaker of the Science and Technology (S&T)
Forum attended by some 300 participants from the partner stakeholders of the
region, members of the Caraga Regional Development Council, local officials,
representatives from other line agencies, students and local media.
"Today is the best time to express our
gratitude to everything good that is happening to us in our city through the
DOST. As this forum includes the researches’ outcomes and other topics, the
people of Butuan will be more aware of the effort of the government in its
innovations for the benefit of the city and the region in general,” relayed
Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven as he read the message of Butuan City mayor
Ferdinand Amante Jr. during the opening of the S&T Forum.
DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, in his keynote speech,
said that the Science and Technology department is continuously doing
innovations for inclusive growth. “We build-up our 'know-how' and capabilities
to come up with innovative solutions to directly address the concerns, problems
of the people in the community," he said.
"As we prepare ourselves for the future,
technology will also help us. Through it, our planning, decision making will be
more definite because we have basis," Montejo added.
Other highlights during the S&T Forum were the
presentation of Early Warning Devices and Site Installations; Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) Signing with Governors and City Mayors; Presentation and
launching of Eastern Mindanao Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research
Alliance for Development (EMIEERALD); Presentation and Commitment Signing of
Caraga Food Safety Team, and press conference.
Right after the forum, Sec. Montejo led the
launching and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of STARBOOKS or the
S&T Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations at the
atrium of Robinson’s Place Butuan. This new academic resource for students and
researchers is equipped with key access portals in strategic areas in the
Philippines.
Users can have access to the latest data and information
contained at DOST (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available
online resources, and subscribed databases.
Montejo likewise visited ‘Ang Tindahang Pinoy’
store located at the second level of Robinson’s Place. The store showcases local
products under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) project.
He also visited the Phil-LiDAR 1 and 2 projects
located at the Caraga State University campus in Brgy. Ampayon, this city.
Phil-LiDAR 1 also called “Flood Hazard Mapping of the Philippines Using liDAR:
Caraga Region” is one of several projects under the “Phil-LiDAR-1 Hazard
Mapping of the Philippines using LiDAR” program funded by the Philippine
Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development –
Department of Science and Technology (PCIEERD-DOST).
Phil-LiDAR 1′s purpose is for the state
universities and colleges to undertake researches on the utilization of LiDAR
technology to generate flood hazard maps of their assigned project areas. CSU's
Phil-LiDAR 1 in particular will generate flood hazard maps of the river basins
and watershed of Caraga Region. While, Phil-LiDAR 2 aims to produce detailed
maps using LiDAR for various applications: production of high value crops;
irrigation assessment; aquaculture production; forest protection; and discovery
of renewable energy sources.
After his brief visit at CSU's Phil-LIDAR, Montejo
was then toured at CSU’s responsible mining laboratory.
During the evening, DOST Caraga spearheaded a
night of music and dance with DOST Scholars (Phil. Science High School
Students, Parents and Science Education Institute scholars) and awarding of
science ambassadors.
On the second day of the tour, the launching of
the Smarter Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) in
Jabonga in the province of Agusan del Norte will be conducted followed by the
inauguration and blessing of the Complementary Food Manufacturing Plant in
Gigaguit, Surigao del Norte.
A stakeholders' night will also be held on
Thursday and the Launching of the Better Mines Project of the Field Testing of
the Gold and Copper Processing Plant without the use of cyanide and mercury in
Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City and a visit at the new Philippine Science High
School site in Brgy. Ampayon, this city on Friday, May 29.
(FEA/JPG/NCLM/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
DTI Surigao Norte, GIZ conduct technology business
matching cum financial forum
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 27 (PIA) – A
total of 45 participants mostly from the tourism related enterprise (TREs)
attended the Green Technology Business Matching cum Financing Forum held on May
20, 2015 at the Parkway Hotel this city.
The activity was conducted by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with GIZ (Gesellschaft fΓΌr
Internationale Zusammenarbeit), a German international cooperation agency.
The activity aims to encourage the TREs to adopt
climate smart and environment-friendly measures and practices in their
operation as well as facilitate their access to possible sources of green
technology services and financing mechanism. With the presence of technology
providers and financial institution representatives, the activity allowed the
TREs to access the green technology service providers and suppliers.
Among the resource persons are Engr. Elmer Tecson
of Surigao City Environment and Natural Resources Office who spoke on Solid
Waste Management and Engr. Jerry Halibas of Carage State University and Jerome
Mill of Solaric Philippines discussed about Renewable Energy
Another set of technical resource persons that
also discussed Solid and Waste Water management are Dr. Elesio Ruiz and Beverly
Santos of Richfund International, Co. The green financing concerns were tackled
by Jesily A. Rejuso of the Development Back of the Philippines, Joel L. Butaya
of the Land Bank of the Philippines and Maricel Emboy-Cosme of Butuan Prime
Loans.
The presentations were followed by open forum and
business matching where participants explored on various possible green
business opportunities.
DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, im
his welcome address, encouraged the participants to find ways to enhance their
business operation by adapting measures to be environment friendly and climate
change resilient. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PopCom to award cities, towns of UNFPA
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) - Three cities and
municipalities shall be named in the Top 3 ranking, at the regional level – and
these local government units (LGUs) will be nominated to the national level for
their outstanding accomplishment in the field of health and population.
The Rafael M. Salas Population and Development
Award (RMSPDA) is designed to perpetuate the legacy of Rafael M. Salas, the
first Filipino Executive Director, by honouring LGUs, local chief executives
and institutions or individuals for their outstanding contributions in the
field of health and population. It aims to showcase outstanding health and
population oriented cities and municipalities; recognize excellence and
innovation in health and population programs of cities and municipalities; and
encourage cities and municipalities to heighten implementation of population
development responsive programs.
Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional
director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that this year, the award will be
conferred on city and municipality that have been involved in the field of
population and development. He further emphasized that the criteria of this
prestigious award are Governance on Health and Health Financing; Access to
Programs, Services and Facilities; Performance Monitoring; and Population and
Development Elements.
PopCom together with the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd),
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and PhilHealth will also have to
validate the LGUs’ scorecards maintained by DILG. The awarding ceremonies are
scheduled to be held in August of this year.
To recall, PopCom officially launched the 2014
Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA) on February 18, 2015.
PopCom, as the leading strategic partner, policy and program advocates for the
Philippine Population Management Program, established the RMSPDA in 1989.
(PopCom-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
SurSur PNP set for 'Balik-Eskwela'
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 27 (PIA) – The
Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur is all set for the 2015
opening of classes, according to P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, acting provincial
director.
“A memorandum dated May 23, 2015 has already been
sent out to all lower units for specific instructions and guidance,” he said.
Verdadero pointed out the police force is tasked
not only to maintain peace and order but also to keep the whole citizenry safe
and sound, particularly all school children year in and year out.
His instructions, among others, include
maintaining a close working relationship with the Department of Education
(DepEd) and other national and local government agencies concerned, deploying
of personnel to carry out patrol, and keeping “communication lines” open for
any complaint or report.
Last week, the provincial chief said law enforcers
have actively joined and participated in the conduct of “Brigada Eskwela”
province-wide. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
News Feature: Butuan employers highlight
convenience of using EPRS
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) - One of the greatest
innovations of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is the
development of the Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS), a revolutionary
database system that changed the reporting system of
the employed sector to a
more reliable, customer-friendly system that brings ease to employers as well
as to their PhilHealth Employers Engagement Representatives (PEERs).
“In comparison with other agencies that required
us to submit monthly
reporting of premiums, PhilHealth has the most convenient, fastest and easiest
remittance system,” shares PEER Jearamie T. Buque, a Compensation and Benefits
Specialist of EQUI-PARCO Construction Company based in Ambago, this city. The
company is one of the most valued clients of PhilHealth Regional Office Caraga.
“Considering that we have 897 employees, posting
of payments through EPRS has never been a problem. EPRS made updating easy
especially those employees who are already separated or have no earnings. With
just a few clicks, total remittance is already adjusted and payment is much
easier!” she said with a smile.
“What I like the most
is the convenience and its
24/7 availability. No matter where I am, as long as there is an internet
connection,
I can access the system. Very advantageous to our
office since we are very busy and sometimes there is a need to do reports
outside our office. We can do our report without having to download the system
to all our computers so we can access the system anywhere,” she added.
Ryan Jae G. Yap, Operations Manager of Manila Auto
Care based in this city, states that “I have no problem with the connections.
It is fast and reliable. EPRS is convenient in updating (the list of) employees
such as adding new employees, or taking away employees’ names from the system.
There is no need to go to the office and installation of the system is
one-time. In fact, upon realizing the convenience of the EPRS, we immediately
registered our other businesses as well.”
"So far, so good! It is fast and automatic.
It is hassle-free; EPRS has a 'no earnings' feature, which is quite convenient
for us. I am contented with the program and have not encountered any problem
yet,” said Alicia B. Pen, Payroll/Payable Staff of Saint Joseph Institute of
Technology. (PhilHealth-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
SPES benefits 400 in BIslig City
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 27 (PIA) – The
city government here in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) has accommodated at least 400 students for the implementation of the
Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this summer of 2015.
This year’s batch of SPES beneficiaries have
completed their month-long stints with private and government entities.
According to Bislig City Information Office, the
culmination ceremony was held recently at the City Covered Court, Poblacion
attended by city mayor Librado Navarro together with city administrator
Charlito Lerog and other city officials.
It was learned that the check amounted to 60
percent of the wages from the DOLE has already been turned-over to the city
government. The other 40 percent will be provided by the city government, which
will be sent directly to the school where they will be enrolled in the coming
school opening in order to assure that their financial obligation with regards
to their education will be augmented.
The implementation of the said program hopes to
lower the rate of out-of-school youth, and improved the literacy rate of the
city. (NGBT/with reports from the CDIO- Bislig City Info Office/PIA-Surigao del
Sur)
BUB scholars in Agusan Norte finish training
By Catalina O. Tacubao
BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) – A total of 122
scholars under the Bottoms Up Budgeting (BUB) in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte
have finished skills training.
The beneficiaries finished Shielded Metal Arc
Welding NC-II and Driving NC II from Candelaria Institute of Technology (ICT)
in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte.
Also, some trainees have finished Prepare Hot
Meals leading to Cookery NCII from the Provincial Training Center (PTC) also in
Cabadbaran City and were conferred graduate by OIC-Provincial Director of TESDA
Agusan del Norte Emma R. de Villa.
In her speech, Dir. De Villa emphasized the
relevance of the project as it provides free technical-vocational (tech-voc)
education to poor but deserving students. Dir. De Villa added this is in
response to the Education for All program of the Aquino Administration.
De Villa further pointed out that with the
trainings the scholars have finished under the scholarship program, they will
find better job opportunity both here and abroad.
The graduation ceremony was held at the municipal
gym which was graced by Kitcharao Vice Mayor Jenry E. Montante and other
Sangguniang Bayan Members.
According to Philippine Institute for Development
Studies (PIDS) website, the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) aims to ensure that
funding requirements for the development needs of municipalities and cities are
included in agency budget proposals. It promotes inclusive participation in
community development by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to be
engaged in the budgeting process.
This policy note presents the results of a process
assessment of the BUB in Quezon Province. It was part of a bigger study,
commissioned by the Department of Budget and Management to the PIDS that
covered 12 municipalities and cities in four provinces representing Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao. (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
