CapSU extensionists join WESVARRDEC TG planning, assessment

To assess their performance and plan for their involvement in the consortium's projects and programs under the new Science & Technology Agenda of PCARRD, two extension workers from the Capiz State University  (CapSU) joined WESVARRDEC's PMA Assessment and Planning Meeting at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center in Iloilo City on October 12–13, 2010. 

CapSU University Extension Specialist Eduardo Navarra, Techno Gabay Team Leader and University Extension Associate Niño Manaog, joined the group composed of 9 Techno Gabay Team Leaders (TGTL), six RACG representatives, 7 RMIS representatives, seven accountants, two administrative personnel, one Center Director and one FITS Manager represented.

Navarra and Manaog presented their Team Reports along with 15 other PMAs from ASU, BPI-NMRDC, CapSU, CHMSC, CPU, DA 6, DA-ATI RTC 6, DENR 6, GSC, PCA, PCC, UA, UPV and WVSU .

In the PMA reports, PCARRD noted an increase in the database content build-up of the FITS Centers and the IEC materials packaging of technology. The evaluation of Magsasaka Siyentista has also been fast-tracked. This means that there will be more upcoming coordination between PMAs and FITS Centers.

PCARRD likewise observed that most PMAs were not able to fully utilize their funds. Almost all PMAs replied that they have difficulty with processing the release of their funds with the accountants who are not familiar with the utilization of the line item budget components of the FITS and PMA finances. The PMAs and WESVARRDEC promised to check their individual financial statements and reconcile them with the releases made. PMAs were thus requested to liquidate as soon as possible.

PCARRD was represented by Dr. Arturo Argañosa , Acting Director of the Technology Outreach and Promotion Division (TOPD), Ms. Theresita Abella, TGP Point Person and Ms. Yolanda Tanyag, Senior Science Research Specialist.

In behalf of PCARRD, Argañosa introduced Pinoy S&T Services for Farmers and Entrepreneurs (PSF), a new modality that acknowledges that “commerciable” products are the endpoints of R&D.

Recognizing the inadequate supply of raw materials, lack of markets, and lack or inaccessibility of information, PSF addresses these with its three components. The Science and Technology-Based Farms (STBF) would be the source of raw material, the Technomart (TM) will be charged of pushing products to markets, and the One-Stop-Information Service (OSIS) will be the source of Information and Technology services.

According to Argañosa, the convergence of the three components is hoped to create science and technology-based enterprises and eventually put “science in every product.”

For his part, WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Idemne underscored the importance of value-adding in the innovations and products through their functionality and packaging. Idemne cited that the Science and Teachnology-Based Farm (STBF) of MS Norberto Ceballos of Maasin FITS Center recently developed a deodorizer basket made of thin bamboo sheets priced at P30.00. Idemne encouraged the PMAs to do things promptly and accordingly and to utilize the funds provided for the projects. According to Idemne, WESVARRDEC is working hard to guide the consortium members in the right direction.

According to Eduardo Navarra, the CapSU team is all set to launch more FITS Centers in the future. Navarra said they already campaigned WESVARRDEC across Capiz and also made the preparations to launc new farmers centers in the province.  In line for FITS Centers launch are the towns of Dao, Ivisan, Panay and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Capiz.

FITS Dao, Capiz marks WESVARRDEC's 47th

By Niño Saavedra Manaog

University Extension Associate

In an afternoon assembly attended by some 200 farmers representing 20 barangays, the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (WESVARRDEC) launched its 47th Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center on November 23, 2010 in Poblacion, Dao, Capiz.

The farmers’ center launch was led by representatives of the partners and major stakeholders, all of whom expressed felicitations, commitment and support for the consortium’s new member.

For his part, Mayor Joselito Escutin looked forward to having a “helpful, useful and functional” farmers’ center which will cater to their farmers’ needs and provide more realistic livelihood for them.

Vice-Mayor Loreto Eslaban also expressed optimism on the farmers’ center, saying “Gamiton ang programa hindi para sa inyo lang kundi para sa aton nga buasdamlag.” Eslaban also cited howbulahan (lucky) the town of Dao is for having taken the step to realize their efforts for “sustainable agriculture.”

DAO WILL BE DONE

The 4th FITS Center in Capiz marks WESVARRDEC’s commitment 

to extend unselfish services to farmer beneficiaries 

who will surely benefit from PCARRD’s Techno Gabay 

intervention in the countryside.

In behalf of Dr. Editha Magallanes, Capiz State University (CapSU) president, Dr Raul Ticar, director of CapSU Extension Institute, explained to the farmers that their job is to assist the Dao farmers in terms of livelihood trainings. Ticar expressed commitment and willingness to help the farmers to further on their agricultural practices.

Representing WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne, Regional Applied Communications Group Coordinator Cora Navarra briefed the new audience on the consortium’s goals and particular targets for the newly launched FITS Center.

According to Navarra, WESVARRDEC can help enhance the capabilities of LGU staff. Navarra cited the farmers' benefits from the consortium and urged the LGU to direct their activities for farmers' profits and products.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Elizabeth Betito congratulated the new partners and urged the farmers and local stakeholders to avail themselves of their publications and technology primers for farmers and agriculture practitioners.

Representing PCARRD, Regional Techno Gabay (TG) Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo encouraged all farmers to benefit from the partnership, even as the consortium tries to bridge the Council’s initiative to the local agriculture units.

After these expressions of commitment and support formalized through the signing of the memorandum of agreement, , all leaders and farmers beneficiaries witnessed the unveiling and opening of the new center strategically located in Dao’s Farmer Training Center right at the town plaza.

Earlier in the assembly, TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra of the CapSU Extension Institute led a lecture demonstration to the farmers on the benefits of organic farming.


According to FITS Manager Susan Dordas who hosted the entire ceremonies, FITS Dao is now pursuing effective indigenous microorganisms as their prospective focus commodity, an initiative largely supported by a big number of Dao farmers.

Coconut hybrids, low-cost shredder, freshmen math skills studies cited best papers

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

A study on coconut hybrids in Capiz, one on the development and performance evaluation of a low-cost shredder in Iloilo and an analysis of math competencies of college entrants in an Iloilo City university were declared best papers in the 2nd Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights led by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) VI, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) on October 29, 2010.  

The “Bio-physico-Chemical Attributes of Mature Nuts of Coconut Hybrids as Quality Indices for Economic Utilization” presented by Dr. Federito Launio of the Capiz State University (CapSU) topped the 14 papers presented in the Natural and Biological Sciences category; while the “Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of Electric Motor-Driven Shredder authored by Agricultural Engineer Salvador Ballano of the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) San Enrique Campus was cited Best Paper under the Technology and Development Category. The project won over eight other presenters.

“WVSU College Freshmen Entry Mathematical Competencies, SY 2008–2009” by Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of WVSU clinched the top prize in the Social Sciences category; and cited the Best Poster was the “Awareness regarding Schistosomiasis (Snail Fever) among the Residents of Laga-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental: Basis for Health Education Program” by Roselo Ocampo, Jocelyn Bantigue of the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST).

The best papers and poster were awarded plaques of recognition and cash prize of 1,000 pesos each. Winning papers for the three categories which were given certificates of recognition are listed below. 

For the technology and development category: “Production and Dispersal of Improved Week-old and 40-45 Day-Old Philippine Native (Darag) Chicks” by Evelyn Tomambo, George Fredrick Roxas, et.al., West Visayas State University, First Runner-up;  “Electronic Water Level Controller” by Julius Catalan, Renerio Mucas and Antonio Derequito, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Second Runner-up; and “Design and Development of Jatropha Gas Stove” by Pedro Celo, Efren Linan and Reem Berondo, Capiz State University, Third Runner-up.

For the Social Sciences Category, winners were: “Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Entering College of Maritime Education Freshmen” of the University of Antique by Nelibeth Fedelicio, University of Antique; First Runner-up; “Teaching Technology- Enhanced Large Classes: The Western Visayas State University Experience” by Cherry Nepomuceno, WVSU, Second Runner-up; and “Employment Status of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Graduates of Guimaras” by Ethel Junco and Julieta Infante, Guimaras State College, Third Runner-up.

Under the natural and biological sciences category, winners included the “Agronomic Performance of NSIC-Released Rice Varieties Seeded in Varying Rates under Rainfed Lowlands” by Benjamin Gutierrez and Geronimo Gregorio, Capiz State University, First Runner-up; “Sea Grass Status and Its Macrofaunal Diversity in Three Selected Areas of Sagay Marine Reserve” by Jocelyn Bantigue, NONESCOST, and “Morphological Characterization and Composition of the Ovarian Development Stages in Relation to Size and Other Reproductive Parameters of the Silver Perch (Leipotherapon plambeus)” by Jones Denusta and Luis Ma. Garcia, WVSU, Second Runner-up; and “Coconut Water-Based Agar Medium as an Alternative Medium for the Growth of Escherichia E.coli” by Rogelio Noble, Jr., Ginaclin Dalisay, Gloria Valencia and Rosalina Atos, Aklan State University, Third Runner-up.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING (clockwise from top left) 

NONESCOST's Jocelyn Bantigue presents her seagrass study conducted in Sagay City; Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of West Visayas State University (WVSU) answers questions on her freshmen math skills study; WVCST's Joselito Mendoza concludes his bamboo database research; Dr. Corazon Arroyo (extreme right) of DA-WESVIARC asks a presenter in the Natural and Biological Sciences category; and member of the audience applauds after a paper is presented.

Anchored on the theme “Mobilizing the SUC’s Research Capability toward Globally Competitive Education, Science and Technology,” some 42 papers representing 10 SUCs were presented for evaluation in the symposium attended by some 100 participants from across the region.

The regional research summit drew a number of feedbacks from participants and guests.

Engr. Pedro Celo of CapSU, co-author of the award-winning jatropha stove project, had to say of the symposium’s merit. According to Celo, the symposium is an exposure which renders the research necessary competence level and further equips them to be able to communicate research results to bigger audiences. This allows for more opportunities and partnerships in the future.

Forty-three-year-old Loyalda Bolivar, faculty member from UA, cited a number of learnings from such an exposure. She said a paper must be taken and undertaken seriously. For Bolivar, more time should be devoted by the researcher to the research itself. She also cited the importance of a good PowerPoint presentation. While Bolivar believes that a research paper must be clear, brief, concise and visually appealing, she also resolved to follow the format prescribed by the organizers.

San Enrique, Iloilo-based Engr. Salvador Ballano, whose shredder project was cited best Technology and Development paper, said he must have won owing to its importance to help mitigate climate change. The agricultural engineer said that with his solid waste management in(ter)vention, he now needs to pursue for its Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

Dr. Corazon Arroyo, evaluator in the Natural and Biological Sciences category said that what she looked for in the researches was its social impact to the livelihood of small farmers in the region. Arroyo deemed it an important criterion if research were to be relevant.

PASUC VI convenes 2nd research summit

By Niño Manaog

Extension Associate

KEY PERSONNEL. (From left to right) CHED 6's Virginia Resurreccion, 
RMC Chairperson Geronimo Gregorio and PASUC 6 President Benny Palma

The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) VI, an aggregate of eleven state universities and colleges across Western Visayas led by its Research Management Council chaired by Dr. Geronimo Gregorio of the Capiz State University (CapSU), hosted the 2nd Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights at the Teleconferencing Room in West Visayas State University on October 29, 2010.

Under the theme “Mobilizing the SUC’s Research Capability toward Globally Competitive Education, Science and Technology,” the regional research summit convened some 42 research papers coming from 10 SUCs in the region.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Virginia Resurreccion, director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 6, stressed the importance of research in the mandate of higher education institutions (HEIs). According to her, research is what virtually separates HEIs from basic education. Resurreccion encouraged all to do research citing that it has been made a requisite for faculty belonging to HEIs.


Presenting the researches aided by their commission, Resurreccion advised the audience that should approach their university president and research coordinator in undertaking research projects. CHED 6 has already opened a regional research center in order to cater to the needs of researchers in Western Visayas.

Of the 42 papers presented, the “Bio-physico-Chemical Attributes of Mature Nuts of Coconut Hybrids as Quality Indices for Economic Utilization” presented by Dr. Federito Launio of CapSU topped the 14 papers presented in the Natural and Biological Sciences category; while the “Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of Electric Motor-Driven Shredder by Engr. Salvador Ballano of the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) San Enrique Campus won Best Paper over eight others in the Technology and Development Category. The “WVSU College Freshmen Entry Mathematical Competencies, SY 2008–2009” by Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of WVSU clinched the top prize in the Social Sciences category, beating 19 other papers.


Cited Best Poster was the “Awareness regarding Schistosomiasis (Snail Fever) among the Residents of Laga-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental: Basis for Health Education Program” by Roselo Ocampo and Jocelyn Bantigue of the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST).

Winners received plaques of recognition and 1,000 pesos cash prize each.

Panel of evaluators were officials of regional offices and agencies. Prof. Joseph Edward Idemne, director of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium; Dir. Joyce Wendam of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Ms. Emelyn Peñaranda of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 composed the Social Sciences category panel.


Mr. Felipe Pachoco of the Metals Industry and Research Development Center of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Nenie Galido of CHED Region 6 and Ms Perlita Mecha of DA all served in the Technology and Development Category panel; while Dr. Alicia Lustica and Conrado Marquez, both of the Ecological Research and Development Services of DENR Region 6 and Dr. Cora Arroyo of DA’s Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center evaluated the papers for the Natural and Biological Sciences category.