Technology pitching in SDN garners promising technology adopters
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) of the Technology Transfer Unit in the Field Operations Division of the Department of Science and Technology Caraga conducted a technology pitching on February 13, 2023 in Surigao City.
A total of three business firms in Surigao City that will potentially adopt new technologies developed by the DOST joined the said pitching.
Together with the Provincial Director of DOST-Surigao del Norte, Ms. Mariel P. Makinano and DOST-Surigao del Norte Personnel, Mr. Joveth A. Butcon, Jr. and Engr. Mildred Eileen L. Ronsable, the FOB, represented by Ms. Mary Grace T. Pulido, SRS II, and Ms. Jasmine P. Manuel, visited Cardinal Bakeshop and Fel Bakeshop to present information on the Enhanced Nutribun and St. Vincent Water Refilling Station to discuss details about the Iodine-rich Drinking Water (Tubig Talino).
These two technologies are products of the research done by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and are available for adoption through the standard protocol on technology transfer overseen by the FOB. Technology transfer refers to the process by which one party systematically transfers to another party the knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the application of a process, or rendering of a service.
The Enhanced Nutribun is the reformulated version of the original 70s bread. It now has more micronutrients like iron and vitamin A, has a softer texture, and comes in three variants— squash, carrot, and sweet potato. Each serving of Enhanced Nutribun weighing 160-165 grams per piece has 504 calories, 17.8 grams protein, 6.08 milligrams iron and 244 micrograms vitamin A.
The Enhanced Nutribun is one of DOST’s answers to the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2020, or the Guidelines in the Implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program During Community Quarantine or Other Similar Emergencies. Currently, there are only two technology adopters in Caraga and none in the province of Surigao del Norte which means that there is a very low supply for the huge demand coming from DSWD, LGUs, Department of Education, and other local agencies resulting to importation of the Enhanced Nutribun from distant regions.
The technology transfer for Enhanced Nutribun is under the Public Good category and highly advisable for adoption by firms or groups which already have the existing equipment and basic knowledge in baking.
An Iodine Rich Drinking Water named as Tubig Talino to control and prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) among Filipinos. Tubig Talino is a purified or ordinary potable water mixed with Water Plus I2 that may be consumed to improve iodine intake of Filipinos resulting to better health. According to DOST-FNRI, a 5ml of Water Plus I2 can make 20 liters of Tubig Talino that can meet 33% of the iodine daily requirement of the body.
The technology is offered under the commercialization category of technology transfer to MSMEs most especially those involved in water refilling station businesses as an additional business opportunity at a very low cost. Even with an available market and a very significant health benefit for its consumers, DOST-Caraga is yet to find its very first Tubig Talino adopter in the region.
During the technology pitching to the selected firms in Surigao City, the firms visited signified great interest to adopt the presented technologies. The technology transfer process involves the firm’s submission of a letter of intent, consultative meetings/negotiations, technology needs assessment, evaluation, licensing agreement, technology transfer training/demonstration, production/marketing, and monitoring and evaluation.
We are inviting our capable MSMEs in the province to become our technology adopters, earn more, and contribute a significant difference to our community. (DOST- SDN/PIA- Surigao del Norte)
