Mj Balaguer of DZMJ Online interviewed Dir. Celia B. Elumba of the DOST’s Philippine Textile Research Institute in regard to the Philippine Tropical Fibers.
DOST PSTC-Cavite partners with local groups for the use
of DOST-developed technologiesBy: Krizzia Mei C. Esperanza
The Department of Science and Technology-CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) through its Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Cavite partnered with the local government unit (LGU) of Noveleta, Cavite and with two Cavite-based cooperatives for the use of DOST-developed technologies. The LGU of Noveleta adopted the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Portable Biogas Digester, while the Maitim II East Water Service Cooperative (M2EWC) and the Palangue Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PARC) adopted the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) Tubig Talino and Iron Fortified Rice Technology, respectively.
Through the DOST Community-Based Program (CBP), the LGU of Noveleta received 17 units of Portable Biogas Digester from the DOST PSTC-Cavite. The DOST-ITDI designed and developed the adopted Portable Biogas Digester, which converts household waste materials into gas for cooking. The LGU of Noveleta, in adopting the named technology, seeks to establish improved biodegradable waste processing facilities for the 16 barangays of the municipality of Noveleta. Aside from providing better waste management of household and agricultural wastes, this DOST-ITDI technology also supplements the energy needs of small households and produces sludge, reusable as soil conditioner.
On the other hand, the M2EWC sought the use of the DOST-FNRI Iodine Rich Drinking Water, Tubig Talino. The DOST PSTC-Cavite pledges the provision of water refilling equipment and other tools needed for iodine fortification. The DOST-FNRI developed Tubig Talino to control and prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) among Filipinos. According to DOST-FNRI studies, drinking five glasses of Tubig Talino, a mix of purified water and Water Plus I2, meets 33% of the daily recommended energy and nutrient intake (RENI) of iodine in adults.
Online Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) meeting with Ms. Jeanina Rogador, Science Research Specialist II, and Ms. Anna Marie Daigan, Science Research Specialist II of DOST PSTC-Cavite, and Ms. Teresita S. Tatlonghari, General Manager of M2EWC.
Further, the PARC also adopted the DOST-FNRI Iron Fortified Rice Technology. True to its commitment to secure safe and nutritious food for Barangay Palangue and the entire municipality of Naic, Cavite, the adoption of the technology supplies rice, a staple food in the country, and responds to the continued prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).
The above-mentioned DOST-developed technologies, the DOST-ITDI Portable Biogas Digester, the DOST-FNRI Tubig Talino and Iron Fortified Rice Technology, among other technologies, are available for adoption in Cavite (email pstccavitedost@gmail.com) , and in other provinces in CALABARZON (email dost4a.ord@gmail.com).
DOST leads tropical fabrics month celebration
By Jachin Aberilla, S&T Media Service
Filipino ingenuity, creativity and passion for creating colorful and uniquely designed fashion ensembles will once again take centerstage as the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI) leads the celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month this January 2021.
Despite the pandemic, DOST-PTRI will highlight the positive developments in the textile industry with the theme “Fashioning Philippine Textiles in the Now Normal and in the Year of the Creative Economy” slated from January 1 to 31, 2021.
Malacanang Proclamation 313 declared the month of January every year as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) month to promote Filipino textile products that are indigenous to the Philippines, such as the use of locally-developed technologies and local resources that can provide livelihood opportunities particularly for those in the rural areas and promote Filipino products in the global market.
Republic Act (RA) No. 9242 or the “Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law of 2004” defines tropical fabrics as those containing natural fibers produced, spun, woven, or knitted and are produced in the Philippines.
The celebration also aims to raise awareness on the use of natural fibers like pineapple, banana, abaca, and the Philippines silk for textile and allied products. In the process, this initiative will bring about the revival and upgrading of the local textile and garment industries that will eventually contribute to the creation of livelihood in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
In line with the celebration, DOST-PTRI will be having a two-day event of the first-ever virtual conduct of the annual TELA Stakeholders’ Conference in line with the celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month and the 54th Founding Anniversary of the Institute on 30 January 2020.
DOST-PTRI’s TELA campaign, TELA which stands for Textiles Empowering Lives Anew, has been the brand of DOST-PTRI’s initiatives to boost the global competitive of Philippine textile and allied industries.
One of the activities lined up for the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month is the annual TELA Stakeholder’s conference to be held on 27 January 2021. On January 28, 2021, there are other activities lined up, namely: virtual presser on Philippine Tropical Fabrics, launching of the PTRI Textile Hub and Gallery, and the launching of the Philippine Textiles e-portal.
Follow the DOST-PTRI Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ptri.dost) to be updated on the details of the FABulous event and other activities of the institute.