Research Utilization

APO assures no anomalies in passport printing

Susan De Leon

QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- “There are no anomalies in the printing of passports,” this was guaranteed by Chairman Michael J. Dalumpines, also the acting chief operating officer of the Asian Productivity Organization or APO productions amidst the controversy recently thrown at the agency.

In an interview by PIA-NCR, Dalumpines said the APO Production Unit strictly follows proper procedures in its task to print the Philippine passports.

Dalumpines added that APO cannot be blamed for the delay in the processing of passport applications since they are capable to print the passports within the prescribed timeline.

“Once the processed applications are given to us, we do the printing immediately. APO can print 28,000 passports per day,” Dalumpines said.

On the issue of entering a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with a private entity, the United Expression Corporation (UGEC), Dalumpines said they adhere to the guidelines set forth by the National Economic & Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Department of Budget Management (DBM), Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

He further stressed that APO is on top in the management and printing of passports, while UGEC only provides financing and provision of machineries and supplies.

Dalumpines added APO also passed the performance conducted by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

He also confirmed that the security paper used in passport printing is being sourced from Slovenia, but it doesn’t add up to the alleged “slow processing of passports.”

“The lead time for materials sourced from Slovenia is usually thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days. In any event, we are able to ensure that any raw materials sourced abroad arrive in the Philippines with enough time for APO to comply with its delivery schedule as agreed upon with DFA,” Dalumpines said.

The Philippine passport is printed in Asian Productivity Organization or APO Productions under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) since 2015.

On August 15, 2016, the new generation e-passport was released by the DFA with advanced security features such as the upgraded microchip to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. Security inks were also used to print the passports to prevent forgery.

Other security features include watermarks, perforated passport numbering, embedded security fibers among others. Aside from making the new e-passport tamper proof, each page of the document depicts Philippine artifacts, cultural icons, historic places, renowned tourist destinations, and even lyrics of the national anthem. (EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

Kawayan ug Kanding Fiesta sa NOMCAARRD, Bukidnon

Ginanap ang Farm and Industry Encounters Through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) ng Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD) na sinoportahan ng Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) nitong nakaraang Marso 21-22, 2018 sa Brgy. Musuan Maramag, Bukidnon.

Ang nasabing okasyon ay pinangalanang KAWAYAN UG KANDING Fiesta sa NOMCAARRD, at ito ay may tamang: Celebrating The Fruits of S&T In Northern Mindanao. Ito ay ginanap sa Central Mindanao Universuty Convention Center.

Naka sentro ang pagdiriwang sa pagtatanim ng kawayan at pag-aalaga ng kambing na siyang tinitingnan na isa sa potensiyal na pagkakakitaan sa Region X.

Sa Openning Ceremony, si Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven, NOMCAARRD RRDCC Chairman at Presidente ng Central Mindanao University (CMU) ang nag welcome sa mga bisita at nagbigay ng Introduction at nagpakilala na rin sa NOMCAARRD member Institution.

Si Director Marita A, Carlos, Applied Communication Division, DOST-PCAARRD ang nagbigay ng mensahe para kay Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director, PCAARRD. Kasunod nito ang Launching ng NOMCAARRD Logo na pinangunahan din ni ACD Director Carlos na inasistihan naman ni Dr. Soliven. Sa Launching ng NOMCAARRD Video Story, si Dr. Locerne M. Rasalo naman ang nanguna rito.

Sa Ribbon Cutting, para sa opisyal na pagbubukas ng Kawayan ug Kanding FIESTA sa NOMCAARRD at exhibits, muli itong pinangunahan ni ACD-PCAARRD Dir. Carlos, NOMCAARRD Chairman Dr. Soliven, Dr. Maria Estella B. Detalla (NOMCAARRD Director) at iba pa.

Kasunod nito ang Technology to People, Farmers Forum1 hanggang Farmers Forum4 na kinapapalooban ng mga sumusunod na topic: Goat Production Technology, ni Dr. Reynaldo L. Intong, CMU Researcher; Smallholder Goat- raising: A. Farmers Perspective, Mr. Nonito Cordero, NFC Farm Owner; Mushroom Production Technology, Dr. Guia G. Saludares, CMU Researcher; Adlay Production and Management, Dr. Agripina R. Aradilla, CMU Researcher; Bamboo Production Technology, FOR. Myrna S. Decipulo, Germinants Farm Owner; Village-level Establishment of Bamboo Nursery, Mr. Antonio Duminao, Dominao Bamboo Nursery Owner; Prospects Engineered Bamboo, Ms Lilian T. Valencia, Technology Application and Promotion Unit, MSU-IIT and Mitigating Soil Erosion Through Bamboo Plantation, Dr. Rico A. Marin, CMU Researcher/ Dean, College of forestry.

DOST PAYS TRIBUTE TO 9 NRCP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEES FOR 2017

Nine Filipino researchers in various fields of science, such as basic, applied, and social took home honors and P25,000 cash and Plaque of Recognition each on Wednesday as recipients of the 2017 National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Outstanding Achievement Awards. NRCP is one of the three sectoral planning councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Edd K. Usman

They are Maria Andrea L. Santiago, Asian Institute of Management (AIM), for Government, Educational and International Policies (Division I); Erna C. Arollado, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) for Pharmaceiutical Sciences (Division IV); Ephrime B. Metillo, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), for Biological Sciences (Division V); Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, De La Salle University (DLSU), for Engineering and Industrial Research (Division VII); Florencia G. Palis, UP Los Banos (UPLB), for Social Science (Division VIII); Evangeline C. Amor, UP Diliman (UPM), for Chemical Sciences (Division X); Priscelina P. Legasto, former faculty member of UPD, for Humanities (Division XI); Gemma Teresa T. Narisma, Manila Observatory, for Earth and Space Sciences (Division XII); and Mildred A. Padilla, UPLB), for Veterinary Medicine (Division XIII).

The NRCP bestowed the awards during its Annual Scientific Conference and 85th General Membership Assembly (GMA) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City. DOST-NRCP said the awardees’ “research and scientific endeavors have resulted in various high impact innovations and breakthroughs.”

Meanwhile, NRCP also gave out Outstanding Institution Award with a Plaque of Recognition to the University of the Philippines (UP) Center for Ethnomusicology, UP Department of Geodetic Engineering and the Training Center of Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry, and UP Marine Science Institute.

NRCP also conferred to Gemino H. Abad the Member Emeritus Award, Humanities (Division XI). He also got a Plaque of Recognition. Participants in the event that revolved around the theme “Policy Research for Legislation” include researchers, innovators, scientists, and technologists.

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV delivered the keynote message “R&D for Legislative Directions for Countryside Development” as he reiterated his strong support to the science community and the programs of the DOST. He chairs the Senate Science and Technology Committee.

At the conference, the agency displayed 64 technical posters crafted by Filipino researchers showcasing “science, technology, and innovations (STI) as effective and efficient tools that work for change.”

Dr. Michelle V. Paraso’s a monograph “Do Fishes Want Sex Change” Dr. Vachel Gay V. Paller’s monograph “Fish Parasites as Heavy Metal Absorbents” recently published by NRCP were also on display.

The National Library of the Philippines on February 18, 2018 granted copyright to the two monographs. NRCP funded Paraso’s and Paller’s research conducted to “support the goal of restoring the environmental integrity of Philippine lakes.”

Their projects are part of the priority projects under “SAKLAW” or Saklolo sa Lawa of NRCP’s National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA). As this developed, the NRCP has defined its priority research thrusts for 2017-2022 along the line of the Philippine Development Plan and the Harmonized National R&D (Research and Development) Agenda conforming with six NIBRA programs.

They are Sustainable Community (NRCP’s top-most prority); Inclusive Nation-building; Health Sufficiency; Water Security; Food and Nutrition Security; and Clean Energy.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena and the 13 members of the NRCP Governing Board head by NRCP president Christina A. Binag and NRCP executive director Marieta B. Sumagaysay led the red-letter day of delegates coming from various Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), as well as from other research institutions based in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Another highlight of the assembly was the election of NRCP’s regular members and new members of the Governing Board as well as the unveiling of the logo of the 85th GMA.

Best practices for mango sought for better quality production

PAUL ICAMINA

The prospect of planting mango has been made sweeter to farmers.

Multi-location research has identified natural control for common pests and diseases as well as other interventions benefiting mango, a highly valued crop that brings income to small farmers and dollars to the nation’s coffers.

The Philippines is the world’s seventh leading mango producer. Fresh mango is the leading dollar earner, consisting 59 percent of total mango export, followed by dried mangoes, mango puree, juice concentrates and mango juices.

Mango production dropped by 10 percent during the fourth quarter of 2017. The decline was attributed by the National Statistics Authority to farmers who were discouraged to conduct flower induction activities due to the occurrence of intermittent rains in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur).

Frequent rains also led to lesser fruits developed during the flowering stage in Northern Mindanao, especially in Misamis Occidental.

The top mango producers last year were Zamboanga Peninsula (where a fourth of national production came from), followed by Caraga (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur) then Northern Mindanao.

These provinces will benefit most from a project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Department of Science and Technology.

Mango is one of the priority commodities listed in PCAARRD’s National R&D Agenda and is included in the ACIAR-PCAARRD Horticulture Program on Fruits and Vegetables.

The project aims to improve the quality and yield of mango in order to reduce product losses due to pests and diseases and decrease production costs. It aims to prevent the decline in production and quality of fruits attributed to pests and diseases.

The research is geared towards improving fruit quality by developing effective insect control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions. Adoption of sustainable IPM practices could improve quality and yield of mango and increase farmers’ income by 156 percent.

Another target is to improve fruit size and yield by optimizing nutrition and canopy management. The project initiated a demonstration and training on canopy management in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur.

Spraying trees with plant growth regulators (PGR) could also reduce the incidence of blossom blight compared with multiple sprays of fungicide and could give higher average yield per tree. Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid and salicylic acid were the PGRs used in the study.

PGRs are potential controls for mango fungal diseases, according to Dr. Virgie Ugay of USeP.

PGRs, commonly known as plant hormones, are chemical substances that promote the growth of plant cells, tissues and organs. Auxins, for example, stimulate cell elongation and influence root initiation and the development of auxiliary buds, flowers and fruits.

Ultimately, the research project aims to improve mango farmers’ livelihoods and profits by developing and implementing an integrated management package of “best practices.” A national survey in eight major mango growing areas of the Philippines was completed and is expected to provide information as foundation of “best bet” management guidelines.

‘Fiesta’ of bamboo, goat production tech held

Butch Guino

MARAMAG, Bukidnon—The Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development hosted its first Farmers Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda featuring advances in the technology on bamboo and goat production.

Director Marita A. Carlos, Applied Communication Division head of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development, represented PCAARRD executive director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora in the event’s opening Wednesday.

Carlos and Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven, NOMCAARRD RRDC Chairperson and Central Mindanao University President, kicked off the two-day program that includes technology forums on bamboo and goat, technology matching, farmers’ forum and business coaching being held at CMU Convention Center.

Booths of the 19 members of NOMCAARRD showcasing their respective products and technology were set up inside the convention center.

In his message to the event as relayed by Carlos, Ebora said the staging of FIESTA here may become instrumental in promoting engineered bamboo and goat production technologies as well as other value adding initiatives that will provide Filipinos with better livelihood options.

He also hopes that FIESTA can provide the link between technology generators, farmers and fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises towards achieving more competitive and profitable business ventures for the country’s agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector.

During the press conference, citing NOMCAARRD, Carlos pointed out the need for all to work together to achieve the goal of science and technology researches in reaching Filipinos and ultimately uplifting their life.

“We have engineered bamboo technology being developed here to produce bamboo products as high-end construction materials, which is very promising,” she said.

Carlos and Soliven also unveiled the new logo of NOMCAARRD.

Topics to be discussed in the event are goat production technology, smallholder goat-raising, bamboo production technology, prospects of engineered bamboo, and village-level establishment of bamboo nursery, among others.