Pagadian City - Zamboanga Del Sur News and Information

IN ORDER TO increase public understanding of science and technology as well as its role to national development the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-IX) will spearhead the 2010 Regional Science and Technology Week which will start on July 26 to 30 in this city.

This year, the science community decided to adopt the theme: “Filipinnovation: The Way Forward.” DOST Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Support Services Martin Wee  in PIA Media Forum held at the Abegail Hall, Roxan Hotel, this city last Tuesday said various activities were installed for the weeklong celebration that will highlight the DOST programs on innovation and will showcase the different products and services out of innovation which were assisted by DOST.

Wee said we will not only look at the products but also at the services. “We are very proud to inform the public that all of the Regional Offices of DOST in the country are certified with ISO–9001 to include many of the provinces or Provincial Service Centers which include Pagadian City. This means better services are rendered and better qualities of products are produced”, Wee added.

He said in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur DOST will promote candle making technology to be handled by the local trainors and at the same time they will also conduct a training on the use of Lampakanai as a mix medium for the furniture industry. Lampakanai is a locally abundant indigenous fiber known also as seagrass (Typha Angustifolia) found in several communities in Molave town. It is used as raw materials for other native handicrafts and export quality furniture and home furnishing. The preparation and finishing technology will be held on July 27, 28 and 29. Experts from the Forest Products Institute will be coming to handle the training, Wee continued.

In the same forum, Provincial Director Ebenezer Tulog said the newly approved Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST is now open to any interested company, cooperative or firm. The programs aims to encourage and assist local micro, small medium scale business enterprises (MSMEs) to implement technological innovations and improvements in their operations.

Tulog said, in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur DOST would want to assist on metal and engineering since the area is agri-base economy. DOST will extend assistance to the metal and engineering industry especially those engaged in the fabrication of machineries for farming. We need to help the farmer’s sector because they are very important for all us, Tulog said. – BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAGADIAN EXPRESS