The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) officially launched on 28 July 2020 the manual entitled “Pandemic Manual: A Procedures Manual on Prevention, Mitigation and Building Resilience to Epidemics and Pandemics.”
The Pandemic Manual contains procedures in the implementation of various technologies, innovations, and systems developed to provide a secured working environment in the event of health emergency outbreaks. These guidelines, for both DOST XI personnel and its customers, will ensure the continuous delivery of quality products and services despite past, ongoing or anticipated epidemics and pandemics.
Part of the activity was the Ceremonial Turn-over of the Pandemic Manual from the DOST Region XI to the Regional Development Council XI (RDC XI) and National Economic and Development Authority XI (NEDA XI) as received by NEDA XI Regional Director Ma. Lourdes M. Lim and the Office of Civil Defense XI (OCD XI) and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI (RDRRMC XI) represented by OCD XI Regional Director Manolito P. Orense.
“This turnover is the mechanism of the office to share this initiative to our fellow government agencies – this can be used as guide in crafting localized guidelines in their organization. Having this policy guide is important to ensure the continuous delivery of quality products and services despite past, ongoing or anticipated epidemics and pandemics,” DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III said.
Meanwhile, RDC XI Vice Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Lim said the formulation of the Pandemic Manual is very timely as we are challenged to address the current COVID- 19 crisis as well as to be better prepared for any similar future incidents.
“This PanManual shall provide guidance on the standard operating procedures to generate common understanding and coordinated implementation on best practices, strategies and policies in pandemic preparedness, recovery and mitigation planning and implementation of a quality controlled system to regularly monitor and evaluate the operability and quality of regional, local, and sectoral preparedness plans,” Director Lim said. She also mentioned that the manual shall be disseminated to all RDC XI members and stakeholders in Davao Region to serve as reference in crafting their own response, mitigation, and recovery plans and programs.
Director Orense, also the Chairperson of the RDRRMC XI, said the initiative is a vital development in the government’s efforts against pandemics and epidemics. He added that he hopes that DOST will come up with more innovations and dynamic undertakings as the battle for pandemic continues. (DOST XI S&T Promotion)
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DOST, USTP Approves the Establishment of an Innovation Center for Metals and Engineering in Region 10
The Department of Science and Technology – Region X (DOST-X) enters into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) CDO campus and DOST – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) for the establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in Region X. The ceremonial MOA signing was at USTP – Claveria in celebration of the USTP’s Fourth Charter Day Celebration on August 13, 2020.
USTP Pres. Ambrosio B. Cultura II and RD Alamban signs the MOA
The USTP-MEIC is a project of DOST-MIRDC to initially establish Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers in five (5) regions across the country. The project aims to develop a strong partnership between DOST and regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and strengthen both parties’ capacity and capability in the field of metalworking. All these objectives are to enhance the competitive advantage of the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Industries in the regions.
The Innovation Center will soon initially hub various tools and equipment from DOST-MIRDC amounting to at least Seven Million Pesos. DOST-X also initially committed Two Million Pesos as funding assistance for the said center.
DOST-X Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban gave his message to the stakeholders during the MOA signing
“The metals industry is the mother of all industries. Every industry that exists today utilizes metals and engineering in its operations. Hence, we at DOST provide coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people in the Region X,” DOST-X Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban said in his message during the MOA signing. (Rubie Mae Fernandez, DOST-X) #
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DOST-FNRI holds Enhanced Nutribun virtual forum for CALABARZON Prospective technology adoptors in Region 4A or CALABARZON are the latest batch of participants of the Virtual Technology Commercialization of Enhanced Nutribun Forum conducted by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) on September 8, 2020.
Intended for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in CALABARZON, the technology forum presented the DOST-FNRI’s programs, projects and services, technology profile of Enhanced Nutribun, and the technology transfer and commercialization procedures.
The original Nutribun was reformulated by DOST-FNRI to make it more nutritious, delicious and softer.
Infusing innovative technology, the Enhanced Nutribun has become richer in energy, protein and micronutrients commonly deficient among malnourished young school children.
This innovative food product can be a convenient and nutritious alternative and supplement to hot meals previously served by the Department of Education’s (DepEd) school feeding program and can be included in the food packs distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In compliance with the minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the DOST-FNRI food products are also easier to distribute directly to households of preschool and school children to minimize physical contact among large groups of people that is typical in feeding programs and food pack distribution in centers.
The nationwide roll-out of Enhanced Nutribun also aims to provide livelihood opportunities to bakery workers, farmers as sources of raw materials like squash, and other related suppliers and service providers.
For more information on the Enhanced Nutribun and other food and nutrition concerns, contact: Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Officer in-Charge, Office of the Director, FNRI Building, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila; Direct Telephone Lines: 837-2934, 837-3164; Email: mjt@fnri.dost.gov.ph; Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (Salvador R. Serrano, DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service)
