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Research on Calamansi Peels receives 570k DOST funding

A researcher in Zamboanga City had recently received a grant worth Five-Hundred Seventy Thousand, Five-Hundred Sixty Three Pesos and Seventy-Eight centavos (₱570,563.78) to develop studies on the utilization and optimization of calamansi peels.

Calamansi fruit serves as an important fruit crop in the Philippines. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority, the country produced 14.86 thousand metric tons in the first quarter of 2019. At the regional level, Zamboanga City is one of the major growing areas of calamansi in Mindanao with 1,077 hectares. As the demand for calamansi juice increased, the wastes that were produced also increased. The peel constitutes the majority of the waste products but contains essential oils that can be used in variety of ways and can be profitable, and it can also replace the plastic microbead in cosmetics and cleaning products that pollutes the marine resources and affect the marine food chain.

The study focuses on upcycling the peels of calamansi fruit as a source of high-quality essential oils and as alternative biodegradable organic microbeads in cosmetic preparations.

The grant will be utilized to obtain the necessary provisions, supplies and materials, and chemical reagents for the extraction of essential oils and microbeads of calamansi peels.

Leading the study is Mr. Rusell Alen V. Fernandez, a graduate of Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of San Carlos in 2018 and a product of Universidad de Zamboanga with a degree in Pharmacy.

Fernandez’s study on the waste utilization and optimization of calamansi peels becomes the fifth research funded locally through the ZCHRD – RRF. This study is expected to produce calamansi peel essential oil, biodegradable organic calamansi microbeads, hand sanitizer with calamansi microbeads, and facial gel exfoliant with calamansi microbeads within the course of 6 months.

The DOST, through its various R&D councils, provides funding for studies in designing, implementing, and managing research projects.

Regular staff and faculty members of research institutes, medical and allied health sciences, hospitals, and other health-related agencies are encouraged to submit research proposals to the ZCHRD secretariat via electronic mail.

For more information on ZCHRD - RRF, please call (062) 991-1024 or text 0995 1548 865 and look for Marielle Atilano, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (Marielle R. Atilano, DOST IX Press Release)

4 ZC communities begin construction of DOST solar seaweed dryers

Coastal communities located in the barangays of Mampang, Tigtabon, Talon-Talon, and Arena Blanco in Zamboanga City have recently began construction of the permanent-type solar-powered seaweed dryer funded through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX Local Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program.

A combined total of Two Million, Six Hundred Eighty Thousand Pesos (₱2,680,000) were released to the said communities; the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) of Mampang and Tigtabon received ₱ 350,000 and ₱990,000 respectively, while ₱350,000 went to the Maharlika Seaweeds Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Talon-Talon, while the Kasanyangan Nursery Seaweeds Enterprise INC. of Arena Blanco received ₱990,000.

An estimated four-hundred (400) families in the mentioned locations are set to benefit from the use of the drying technology.

The permanent-type dryer is a storehouse-like structure that has been designed by the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) to withstand harsh weather conditions, and provide easy, all-around access for farmers. Its counterpart, the floating-type dryer, stays on the water surface and allows farmers to tow the structure close to their production area for faster harvesting.

Both have been designed to keep the harvested seaweeds from direct exposure to sand, dirt, and other contaminants that are usually collected during the harvesting, hauling, and storage phases. Aside from the greenhouse/U-V treated sheets that cover both facilities, they are also fitted with built-in, solar-powered exhaust fans for the quick and uniform drying of stocks.

At present, studies have shown the structures to be capable of drying two (2) tons of fresh seaweeds in a matter of three (3) days, without any inconsistency in production.

DOST’s GIA program provides grants for the implementation of programs and projects that fall under the identified DOST priority sectors, and aims to strengthen these sectors in research and development, promotion, technology transfer and utilization, human resource development, information dissemination, advocacy, and linkages.

For more information on the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program, please call (062) 991-1024 or text 0917 8011 887 and look for John Apolinario, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9

(CMBait-it,DOST IX Press Release

it,DOST IX Press Release)

DOST IX upgrades Buug-based Firm through S&T Interventions

Cassy’s Sweet Bites & Grill, a firm based in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay had recently received assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX worth Five Hundred Sixty-Two Thousand Pesos (₱562,000.00) for the upgrading of its processing equipment and packaging materials through the agency’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Technical consultancies on proper production layout, execution of food grade packaging materials, seminar on basic food hygiene, 5S, and good manufacturing practices form part of the complete package of S&T assistance to the firm.

Equipment upgrades includes provision of a cake mixer, oven, temperature-controlled food preservation facility, and stainless tables and racks. Funding will also be used for the procurement of improved cake boxes and boards.

Furthermore, the firm’s production area was also enhanced by the firm as counterpart for the project, in order to attain the smooth flow of operations, and compliance to food safety guidelines.

Ms. Eden M. Sevilla, the woman behind the business, has been serving cakes for the locals of the Municipality of Buug since 2015. With the approval of the said project under SETUP, upgrading in terms of production facility and capacity building activities are expected to yield 25% more in productivity as soon as commercials scale operations are reached. The said interventions are also expected to generate employment opportunities for locals together with the business operation upgrade.

SETUP assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and identified industries to improve productivity through different technological interventions such as acquisition of innovative and cost-effective facilities; product development; process improvement; workforce capacity empowerment; and consultancy services, among others.

For more information on the SETUP Program, please call (062) 991-1024 (Regional Office) / (062) 955-0825 (PSTC Sibugay) or text 0917 8011 887 and look for Jennifer A. Pidor, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (JPAparri,DOST IX Press Release)

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