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China eyes various S&T collaborations with PH — DOST chief

MANILA — China is open to various kinds of collaborations with the Philippines in the field of science and technology (S&T), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.

Dela Pena just arrived in Manila on Friday, as he was part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation in the recently-concluded Boao Conference in China.

Dela Peña was also with the President in visiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong.

“(The conference) was very fruitful, as China eyes partnerships with us,” he said.

China is open to collaborations in telehealth, satellite, among others, according to the DOST chief.

The Philippines will soon launch its second microsatellite, the Diwata-2, in the outer space.

Filipino engineers have worked with Japanese experts in making the country’s two microsatellites.

The Chinese government has also asked the Philippines to send Filipino researchers and holders of PhDs to China for scholarships in universities there.

“During our stay in China, about 9 or 10 private firms have signed a letter of intent to invest in different sectors here, and also in terms of research and development,” Dela Peña shared in the exclusive interview with the PNA.

Dela Peña added China wants to put up a high-tech park in Manila.

He said President Duterte had expressed during the China conference the administration’s desire to invest in innovation, particularly in government processes, technology, and human resource development.

“At the Boao forum, President Duterte highlighted his plan to invest more on infrastructure, innovation, and interconnectivity,” Dela Peña said, adding the President also cited the Philippines’ dream for its citizens to have a comfortable life.

“The President said we will push for that dream,” he said.

Dela Peña also shared that President Duterte also talked about the administration’s goal to reduce poverty and its “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. (PNA)

DOST-FPRDI, DOST-IX, TARBEMCO ink pact to use senile rubberwood trees

L-R: Mr. Aljon A. Embores (LGU-Naga representative), Ms. Marry Joy P. Flores (PRRI representative), Director Martin A. Wee (Regional Director, DOST-IX), Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan (Director, DOST-FPRDI), Petronilo G. Licudan (Chairman of the Board, TARBEMCO), Director Al-Zamir I. Lipae (OIC, Provincial Director, Department of Trade and Industry- Zamboanga Sibugay) and Ms. Ma. Socorro A. Sta. Teresa (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-IX representative).

The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently teamed up with government and private groups to push for the optimal use of old rubberwood trees in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Representatives of the DOST-FPRDI, DOST-IX, Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (TARBEMCO) and other regional stakeholders gathered last 21 March 2018 for the launch of the project “Processing and Utilization of Senile and Unproductive Rubberwood(Heveabraziliensis) Trees for the Production of High Value Furniture, Mouldings and Joineries”. This 3-year initiative costs Php 57 million and is funded by the DOST-GIA.

In the Philippines, senile rubberwood trees are used for making low-value products such as fuelwood, pallets and crates. In Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, however, the material is made into higher value items: housewares, housing components and composite boards. With 210 hectares of old rubberwood trees, TARBEMCO plantations are expected to yield 31,500 cubic meters of valuable lumber.

According to Project Leader Engr. Victor G. Revilleza, “To maximize the use of this resource, we aim to establish a complete line of rubberwood processing facilities from timber harvesting to finishing; generate technical information and technologies on its preservative treatment; determine the financial viability of production operations; prepare promotional materials to encourage its use, and train woodworkers on processing techniques to produce high-value products.”

After the event, the stakeholders visited the newly renovated TARBEMCO building (photo above) in Brgy. Tambanan, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, which will house the rubberwood processing facilities. Newly purchased mobile sawmill and various woodworking equipment were also presented to the team. ### (Juliemar Purificacion, 03 April 2018)

30 Capiceños pass DOST scholarship exam

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A total of 30 senior high school students from Capiz passed the recent scholarship examinations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Capiz DOST Information Officer Juafe Abareles said the passers of the DOST- Science Education Institute scholarship graduated this school year.

Four other passers hail from Capiz but were enrolled in Iloilo City schools.

The Capiceño passers are among the 630 senior high school students in Western Visayas and 8,994 qualifiers to the DOST scholarship examination for school year 2018-2019.

Abareles said each scholar will enjoy the P7,000 monthly stipend rate.

“On top of this, they are also entitled to tuition fee subsidy, book allowance, MS/PE clothing allowance, one economy-class roundtrip fare per year for those studying outside of their home province, and group accident insurance,” she said.

In a press release, the DOST said that out of the total number of passers nationwide, 5,172 qualified as scholars under the Republic Act 7687 Scholarship Program which is a scholarship for gifted students who belong to economically disadvantaged families while the 3,822 passed under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program. (PIA-Capiz)