Author: Estrella Gallardo

Media Visits to Monsanto Pulilan Plant Bulacan

A group of tri –media (print, broadcast and television) upon invitation of Ms. Charina Garrido Ocampo of Monsanto Philippines now bought by Bayer toured the Monsanto Pulilan Plant in Bulacan on January 25, 2018. Monsanto is an international agricultural entity that is best known for agricultural seeds most especially, as the pioneer in Bt crops, Bt corn in particular, planted in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, having the most production in Northern Luzon. Bt corn the yellow one was tried initially by Monsanto in 2002. It was meet by disapproval by most corn farmers, being vehemently criticized by a certain...

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DOST-PAGASA Launches its New Website User Friendly

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) aimed at helping building resilient community, early warning system through 4G’s good forecast, good communication, good decision, go and take action, launched its new website. The new website, in addition to the information from the old website features, has the 5 day weather outlook, current weather in real time and meteogram/ hourly forecast. It has an hourly forecast for the day in one graph, with comprehensive presentation of the different weather elements such as temperature, precipitation, atmosphere pressure, and wind. Included also are contour maps that visualizes various near near-real time weather information on weather parameters generated from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) located across the country. It also carries a re-organized menu of PAGASA outputs and services, categorized and grouped for easier navigation in both desktop and mobile and lastly, the new website also contains current alerts and advisories for light to severe hazard and weather disturbances at a glance. DOST-PAGASA administrator Dr. Vicente Malano, made very clear that after this soft launching, refinement will be done to include the provision of impact – based forecasting and warning for flood, storm surge, severe winds, PUMIS data that are analyzed maps and climate projections. In April to May this year, under the operation of the new website, communication activities are lined up such as promotion,...

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Ong Talks on Fireworks, EO28 and DILG MC 2017-2028

Jovenson Ong, President of the Philippine Fireworks Association and the President of Dragon Fireworks talked on Fireworks, EO 28 and DILG MC 2017-202, stating the following: 1. DILG Memorandum Circular 2017-168 dated December 19, 2017 clarifies Section 2 of EO 28. It says in MC 2017-168 Policy Guidelines Section 5.1, “In addition to the provisions of MC 2017-105, all concerned are hereby advised that: ALL ALLOWABLE CONSUMER PYROTECHNICS OR “PAILAW” MAY BE USED OUTSIDE SAID DESIGNTED COMMUNITY FIREWORKS AREAS, MEANING OUTSIDE PLACES OF RESIDENCES.” 2. MC 2017-168 Section 5.3 says, “Special Attention should be given to the stoppage of...

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DOST, Nanyang Polytechnic and Temasek Foundation Singapore Tie up to train on Food Safety and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gearing towards food safely for Filipinos tied-up with Nanyang Polytechnic International (NYPi) and Temasek Foundation, Inc. Singapore (TF) To train on food Central, food safety monitoring, food safely specialists and food testing experts and officials in Singapore on October 24, 2017 at Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila. The DOST (17 Regional Offices and 3 attached agencies-DOST-PCIEERD,DOST-FNRI,DOST-ITDI), Department of Health (DOH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture-National Meat Inspection Service (DA-NMIS) National Food Authority-Food Development Center (NFA-FDC) send representatives to Singapore from year 2016 to 2017 in batch-per-batch sequences to undergo the Food Safety and Technology Program. NYPi is a well-known training institution worldwide on all aspect of innovation and enterprise. It has Teaching Factory concept to train technologists, innovated constantly to meet the needs of a changing economy, worked closely with partners in industry and focused continually on developing new capabilities. Temasek Foundation is a Singapore philanthropic organization that seeks to build a more prosperous, stable and connected Asia through building human and social capital. Temasek worked with NYP to support the Training program on food safety which assist in the improvement of the Philippine food control system that in the long run, improves the health and quality of lives of the Filipino people. NYPi and TF demonstrated innovations on food testing-microbiological and chemical-at the food testing laboratories in...

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Sugarcane organic farming practices for Muscovado sugar production

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held its 2017 WESVAARRDEC FIESTA in Cabatuan, Iloilo, Covered Gym, August 21-24, 2017. WESVAARRDEC stands for West Visayas Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium and FIESTA stands for Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda. The FIESTA termed “ASTIG” in Region 6 has adopted the theme Advancing Science and Technology towards Inclusive Growth in Region 6. One of the topics in the Techo Forum was the Muscovado Sugar Commodity where the S&T Based Farm in sugarcane and Muscovado Sugar Production was discussed by Doctor Nelibeth F. Rodelicto of the University of Antique. Dr. Nelibeth F. Redelicto explained the chemical properties of organic muscovado which has the following compositions: Moisture = 3.93g/100 g, Crude Fat = 0.289/100g (with the standard limits), Ash = 2.69g/100g (with the standard limits), Crude Protein = 1.11g/100g (above the standard limit) and Carbohydrate = 91.99g/100g (below the standard limit). Muscovado is the raw sugar produced from sugarcane juice extracted from backyard sugar mill or sugar crusher with the use of additives like lime, coconut milk and baking soda. According to WESVAARRDEC Director Prof. Lucia Lastimoza, lime is mixed with sugar cane juice to prevent deterioration of sucrose into fructose and glucose in order to crystalize sugar into sucrose. Baking...

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LANDON A. OCAMPO Outstanding Young Scientist 2017

  Dr. Landon A. Ocampo was named as one of the recipients of the Outstanding Young Scientist Awards given by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) in recognition of his significant contributions to both theory and practice of manufacturing sustainability and risk analysis, crucial points of interest for Philippine manufacturing and supply chain sector in view of climate change. He developed guidelines for manufacturing companies, both large firms and SMEs, in carrying out strategic planning for competitiveness within the context of sustainability. Dr. Ocampo obtained his degree in B.S. Industrial Engineering cum laude (2009) and M. Eng. Industrial Engineering (2011) both from the University of San Carlos. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from De La Salle University in 2014. He is currently an Assistant Professor 1 at the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City. He has authored and co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal publications. Several of his works have been selected as Best Paper Award and Outstanding Paper Award in local conferences. He is also a recipient of several scientific awards such as National Award for Excellence in Science given by the Department of Science and Technology Region 7 in 2009 and Third Prize Winner in Research awarded by the Philippines Institute of Industrial Engineers (PICE) in 2010. The National Academy of the Science and...

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DOST-PCAARRD SIPAG ni Juan on Seaweed

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture , Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Strategic Industry S&T Programs for Agri-Aqua Commitment to Outcome One, which the Council pursues through the Industry Strategic (S&T) Program (ISP) SIPAG embodies not only the values of hard work to bring out the best in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources research and development (R&D) but also the benefits that these efforts will bring to every Filipino, hence PCAARRD’s SIPAG ni Juan. The 6th Anniversary of celebration of PCAARRD at Los Baños Laguna on June 28, 2017presented various R&D on different agricultural crops/animals and sea crops. Among them was Promoting the Seaweed Drying System. Seaweed farming is a good income source especially for people living in coastal barangays. However, seaweeds have to undergo partial drying before being sold to processors (for carrageenan production). This drying process help ensure better price. The usual farmers’ practice is to sun dry harvested seaweeds in open areas which greatly affects the quality of seaweeds especially when exposed to rain. Rain forces farmers to either cover seaweeds being dried or collect and place the seaweeds in temporary storage areas and wait for good weather. To address this problem, a floating seaweed dryer was developed for local seaweed farmers for them to readily dry their harvest and be assured of better price. A floating seaweed dryer...

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DOST-PCAARRD SIPAG ni Juan on Seaweed

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture , Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Strategic Industry S&T Programs for Agri-Aqua Commitment to Outcome One, which the Council pursues through the Industry Strategic (S&T) Program (ISP) SIPAG embodies not only the values of hard work to bring out the best in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources research and development (R&D) but also the benefits that these efforts will bring to every Filipino, hence PCAARRD’s SIPAG ni Juan. The 6th Anniversary of celebration of PCAARRD at Los Baños Laguna on June 28, 2017presented various R&D on different agricultural crops/animals and sea crops. Among them was Promoting the Seaweed Drying System. Seaweed farming is a good income source especially for people living in coastal barangays. However, seaweeds have to undergo partial drying before being sold to processors (for carrageenan production). This drying process help ensure better price. The usual farmers’ practice is to sun dry harvested seaweeds in open areas which greatly affects the quality of seaweeds especially when exposed to rain. Rain forces farmers to either cover seaweeds being dried or collect and place the seaweeds in temporary storage areas and wait for good weather. To address this problem, a floating seaweed dryer was developed for local seaweed farmers for them to readily dry their harvest and be assured of better price. A floating seaweed dryer...

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Study shows forage-based pellets for goats and portable pelletizer as lucrative ventures

Goat production in the country is a bright industry, as goats only require minimal investment and simple management practices compared with producing large ruminants, poultry, and swine. However, high slaughter rate and low productivity hinder the growth of the industry. Low goat productivity is associated with farmers’ limited knowledge on proper production, appropriate feeding options, and lack of access to quality breeder animals.  To address this challenge, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) implemented the National S&T Program on Slaughter Goat with one of the components aiming to promote mature products to farmers and future entrepreneurs. These products include forage-based pellets and portable pelletizing machines.  The initiatives in the promotion of the products were detailed in the study, “Promotion of forage-based pellets for goats as a feeding option and portable pelletizer as potential enterprises,” which was conducted by Maria Excelsis M. Orden, Matilde Milicent S. Recto, Jackielou R. Gallarde, and Edgar A. Orden of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).  Forage-based pellet feeds for goats is a mixture of leaf meal, copra meal, rice bran, and minerals. These are pelletized using a portable pelletizing machine. Two kinds of pellet feeds were promoted – one for growing and another for lactating goats.  In terms of investment, for an annual production of 115,200 kg of forage-based pellets,...

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Monsanto proudly introduces newest yellow corn in the market

Monsanto to proudly presented its newest yellow corn helped in the market –DEKALB 6999S Genuity 5% RIB (refuge in a bag) ang hybrid na “Kitang kita ang kita: ( the hybrid which clearly demonstrates your earnings) at Sulo Hotel in Quezon City on April 17, 2017 After several research and commercial trials, Monsanto’s DEKALB 6999S is finally out making a significant difference in farmers’ yields. DEKALB 6999S demonstrated high shelling recovery, strong standability and quality grains, all of which are important criteria of farmers when choosing what to plant. This hybrid can be planted throughtout Luzon and Visayas Boosting...

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