RICHCORP TECHNOLOGY RETAINS THE FRESHNESS OF THE LAGUNDI LEAF

AS RICHCORP affirms that indeed there is a future in agriculture particularly in planting herbal medicines and has a potential market that is untapped amid a few courageous entrepreneurs try their luck.

Compared to synthetic medicine which has a lot of side effects herbal meds are different and with proper packaging they can be at par with their synthetic counterparts.

Like the never ending battle for efficacy nicknamed eastern and western medicine skirmish the “war of drugs” is quite similar to the “war on drugs” the main difference is that the one is legal while the other one is not.

In the story of RICHCORP, advocacy and faith still plays a major role in its success together with the corona virus proliferating in the atmosphere wreaking havoc and claiming a number of lives.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) former Chief, Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena publicly says that “Lagundi cures COVID!”, and indeed the science department has intervention in RICHCORP by them being a SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) beneficiary so the Roquel couple’s vision was realized. End of Part 2/// Mj Olvina-Balaguer, 09053611058, konekted@dzmjonline.net and maryjaneolvina@gmail.com

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Black garlic innovations developed in Region I thru DOST-NICER Program

Have you tried black garlic ice cream? How about the dry condiment called furikake?
    
These curiously delicious food innovations are being developed by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) – Garlic and Other Agri-Condiments Center funded under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) Program.     
 
One of the food innovations is the black garlic — a processed garlic product prepared by heat treatment at high temperatures and humidity for several days. The process that is used in making black garlic is known to amplify the nutrient properties of garlic, thus, making it beneficial to health. Black garlic, with its marketing potential, can be suited to those who are health conscious and determined to supplement their diets with nutritious food. 
    
“The NICER program is designed to support regional development,” says DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for R&D, Leah J. Buendia.  “Through sustainable innovation programs like the NICER in every region, we support the interests of every Filipino like the garlic farmers, traders, and local businesses to promote national economic progress.”
    
The NICER Garlic and Other Agri-Condiments Center aims to uplift the garlic industry in the region by developing an integrated crop management system, enhancing garlic storage processes, improving the usability and profitability of garlic through black garlic processing, and determining the key strategies in improving the competitiveness of local garlic through value chain analysis. Through the development of low-cost but sustainable technologies, the garlic farmers and processors are expected to increase their yield (from 3.8 t/ha to 5 t/ha), reduce bulb weight loss (from 50% to 10%) and increase their income (30%).
 
For those interested to apply for funding from the DOST-Science for Change Program, please visit their website at www.s4cp.dost.gov.ph.  A nationwide call for proposals is open to accept applications from September 14, 2022 to October 14, 2022.  

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DOST Balik Scientist Program invites public to watch “Ikaw ang Hero Ko!” webinar on August 30
On National Heroes Day, let us all together learn who are our modern-day heroes as fellow Filipinos speak about their love for the country and the need for more Filipino scientists to come home and serve the Philippines.

On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Balik Scientist Program (BSP) invites the public to join the 3rd Episode of the webinar series “BSP Talks.” The online event entitled, “Ikaw ang Hero Ko!” will air on August 30, 2022 at 11 in the morning via the BSP Facebook Live (https://tinyurl.com/BSPTalksEpisode3).

It shall feature local researchers expressing their gratitude for Balik Scientists who have nurtured, strengthened and improved R&D initiatives in their respective organizations. Similarly, the webinar will stir hearts of potential applicants as we witness previous Balik Scientists host new Balik Scientists as they became part of local research institutions.

With the ongoing international health crisis, Balik Scientists have been one of the key groups that provided the needed expertise on virology and vaccine research.  Beyond COVID-19, these Balik Scientists have also assisted other communicable diseases affecting humans, plants and animals, such as the African Swine Fever (ASF). 

Such impressive contributions and commitment translated to the new concept of Balik Scientists as Modern Heroes.

The webinar will likewise be enjoined by members of the Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea, Inc. (PIKO), who will portray the steps in preparing a Balik Scientist’s Terms of Reference (TOR) or the BSP Form 2 and submitting one’s BSP application. The BSP Form 2 is a vital document that details how a Balik Scientist will be able to assist and help his/her host institution through the conduct of R&D activities, seminars and lectures, teaching, and mentoring their local counterparts. Additionally, it also identifies specific and tangible outputs and the expected impact of a Balik Scientist’s engagement.

Through the Balik Scientist Program (BSP), Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts are encouraged to return to the country and share their expertise in order to promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development, including the development of our human capital in science, technology and innovation.  The program was established in 1975 to counteract the nationwide concern on “brain drain” or the emigration of highly trained professionals from our country, in search of a better standard or living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide.

For applications or inquiries about the Balik Scientist Program, you may email the BSP Secretariat at bsp@dost.gov.ph.  Interested parties may also visit the BSP website at bsp.dost.gov.ph and the BSP Facebook Page.  

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