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DTI, DOST ink MOU to promote Filipino innovation

April 15, 2018 Susan G. De Leon

TAGUIG CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña signed a Memorandum of Understang (MOU) to promote Filipino innovation, or “Filipinovation,” for entrepreneurs.

“Innovation is when you fix something, even if it’s not broken. In entrepreneurship, continuous innovation in products, processes, business model, is the only way to survive,” Sec. Lopez said.

“Through the MOU, DTI and DOST will merge One Town One Product (OTOP) and Go Lokal entrepreneurs with DOST’s oneSTore.PH hubs. ‘OTOPrepreneurs’ may now also use DOST’s online store, oneSTore.PH, to sell their products”, Sec. de la Peña said.

Meanwhile, DOST will also provide selected Negosyo Centers with S&T Nooks for those who want to access DOST’s resources but don’t have internet connection.

MSMEs comprise 99.6% of enterprises and 70% of employment in the country, but only account for 35% - 40% of Gross Value Added contribution to the economy. Sec. Lopez said innovation can bridge this gap because when MSMEs transform raw materials into quality products, they can sell at premium prices and reach international markets.

“President Duterte wants to make the MSMEs smarter and bigger, not just in number, but also in terms of contribution to the economy. It’s easy to become an entrepreneur—but to have high quality, differentiated products is the real challenge, but it is their ticket to greater success and better quality life,” added Sec. Lopez.

DTI and DOST previously signed an MOU in 2017 to formulate and implement the Inclusive Filipinovation & Entrepreneurship Roadmap. To implement this, DTI has the following programs to help entrepreneurs, among others: Shared Service Facilities (SSF), a machine-lending service to cooperatives; Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3), a low-interest collateral-free loan program to MSMEs; Kapatid Mentor Me and SME Roving Academy training programs; and, Go Lokal!, a project that discovers and improves MSME products and helps them reach mainstream markets.

DTI also developed the Inclusive, Innovation-led, Industrial strategy (i3s)—wherein the academe, industry, and government sectors collaborate to solve business innovation challenges.

DOST on the other hand, provides the following services to MSMEs: Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP), that provides machines and technology training to individuals or companies; Science and Technology Expert Volunteers’ Program (STEVPP), where S&T experts provide free consultations and assistance to communities and cooperatives; Testing and Calibration services to ensure that products reach health and quality standards; and Packaging and Labeling assistance. (DTI/SDL/PIA-NCR)

DTI, DOST ink MOU to promote Filipino innovation

April 15, 2018 Susan G. De Leon

“Innovation is when you fix something, even if it’s not broken. In entrepreneurship, continuous innovation in products, processes, business model, is the only way to survive,” Sec. Lopez said.

Meanwhile, DOST will also provide selected Negosyo Centers with S&T Nooks for those who want to access DOST’s resources but don’t have internet connection.

DTI also developed the Inclusive, Innovation-led, Industrial strategy (i3s)—wherein the academe, industry, and government sectors collaborate to solve business innovation challenges.

PCAARRD supports SLSU’s projects on mangrove crab and mussel as potential livelihood for fisherfolk

Aquasilviculture system constructed in Brgy. Apad, Alabat (Image credit Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), PCAARRD)

The Philippines has been a major source of Mangrove crab (Alimango) and Green mussel (Tahong) worldwide. It has been hailed as the 2nd top producer of Alimango, and a major producer of Tahong. But the country still has to persevere to rise to the top.

Research and development efforts on these commodities towards achieving more fruitful farming options will help advance the country’s economy and sustain food security because mangrove crab is a prized commodity and mussel is a cheap source of protein.

To address this, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the projects, “Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) production in Alabat Island, Quezon Province using an aquasilviculture system” and “Refinement of mussel transplantation techniques for developing mussel farming industry in Quezon.” The projects will be implemented by the Alabat and Tagkawayan campuses of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU).

The projects are being led by Ms. Delia R. Babilonia of SLSU-Alabat and Dr. Victoria M. Noble of SLSU-Tagkawayan, respectively.

Alabat, being surrounded by mangroves, makes it suitable for alimango farming. The site in Tagkawayan, on the other hand, has waters bordered by the towns of San Narciso and Libmanan, Quezon. The site is also facing away from the open waters of the Sibuyan Sea, which makes it ideal for mussel farming.

Long line set up in Tagkawayan, Quezon (Image credit Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), PCAARRD)

Both projects will pilot-test environment-friendly and sustainable farming approaches.

For alimango farming, a mangrove-friendly aquasilviculture system has been used as a management strategy. The strategy promotes the integration and harmonization of aquaculture with mangrove protection. The farms with the mangrove areas are enclosed with nets, thus preventing the cutting of mangroves and protecting the environment at the same time.

For mussel farming, a long line culture approach, which was recently developed by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) through the funding support of DOST-PCAARRD, has been used. This modified farming technique was adopted from New Zealand to suit Philippine setting. It uses a 50-meter main line with one-meter mussel socks hanging for spat enclosure at 50-centimeter intervals. The technique addresses the sedimentation problem brought about by the traditional “stake” method.

The involved communities in the towns of Alabat and Tagkawayan welcome these projects and the municipal mayors actively support their trials. They expect that the introduction of these two new commodities will help in improving the economy of both municipalities.

Once pilot testing, implementation, and adoption of aquasilviculture and long-line culture methods in the province of Quezon is done, a year-round supply of alimango and tahong will be available, and this may open doors for exports. This will also create employment and other opportunities for Alabat and Tagkawayan.