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Davao City – A weeklong international training on water and sanitation concerns has drawn interest in this city as 25 delegates from eight countries share their respective experiences 9-15 February 2011.

Organized by Sweden’s Lund University and coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology Region 11, the training is the fourth of a program series sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). It has trained 100 professionals from developing countries since 2007. Aside from the Philippines, other participating countries this year are China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Zambia.

The sharing of delegate’s experiences in water sanitation showed similarities in challenges despite cultural differences. Delegates found common difficulties in communicating ideas and creating partnership among stakeholder-beneficiaries, sustainability, time management, and developing tools on how to measure change. On the other hand, vandalism and integration of gender concerns were prominent in some countries.

The Philippine project

The project, entitled "Development and Implementation of Water Safety Plans (WSP) for Two Peri-urban Indigenous People (IP) Communities in Southern Philippines", was conceptualized and implemented by Dr. Anthony C. Sales, DOST Region 11 director; Hydie R. Maspiñas, Davao Water District quality assurance manager; Ms. Stella Gonzales Anima, Metro Kidapawan Water Distriect general manager; and Ms. Angelina N. Tiotangco, Far Eastern University professor.

“The project from the Philippines is the best,” said Lars Bengtsson of the Lund University in an interview. The project proposed a totally new concept replete with strategies, tools, and implementation processes. It was published in the Process Reports for 2009-2010 of the Change Projects from the International Training Programme for Sustainable Urban Water and Sanitation – Integrated Processes.

Project sites were Sitio Upian in Barangay Marilo of Marilog District, Davao City and Barangay Bongolanon in Magpet, North Cotabato which are part of the Davao River watershed and Mt. Apo protected area, respectively.

 

 

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The Department of Science and Technology led by Assistant Secretary Robert Dizon and DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute Director Raymund Liboro recently held talks with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino to identify areas that the two agencies can jointly work on.

The talks were held in the light of MMDA's move to explore homegrown technology solutions to its pestering concerns in maintaining order and cleanliness along the capital’s major roads and waterways.

Initially, DOST will look into the possibility of developing enzyme-based process to degrade or reduce harmful chemicals in garbage. “Daily we collect thousands of tons of garbage in Metro Manila, which contain residual chemicals harmful to humans and the environment,” Tolentino said.

To accelerate the clean up of the Pasig River and its tributaries, the DOST can also introduce bioremediation through the use of chemical waste-absorbing plants and organisms.

Both sides agreed to look into the possibility of developing Filipino-designed solar powered traffic signal system, speed radar guns, rescue sensors for collapsed buildings, and colored plastic-asphalt mix that can be used to mark pedestrian lanes, Liboro explained. [S&T Media Service]

 

 

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Left: Dr. Nathaniel Servando with DOST Sec. Mario Montejo. Right: Engr. Catalino L. Davis, Dr. Vicente B. Malan, and Dr. Flaviana D. Hilario take their oaths of office.

Secretary Mario Montejo recently swore in newly appointed officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) led by Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, acting PAGASA administrator; and the new deputy administrators, namely Dr. Flaviana D. Hilario, research and development; Dr. Vicente B. Malano, operations and services; and Engr. Catalino L. Davis, administration and engineering services.

Also present in the oath-taking ceremonies was Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr. who served as the PAGASA Officer-in-Charge since August 2010 in concurrent capacity as Undersecretary for Research and Development of DOST.

Dr. Servando , in a short message thanked Secretary Montejo and Undersecretary Yumul for the trust given to him and vowed to continue the developments in PAGASA, particularly in the improvement of the forecasting capability of the agency that started during the stint of Dr. Yumul as OIC.

 

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The machining industry in the country is in good shape, a survey of the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center reveals.

The industry’s smooth running is apparently fueled by the steady demand of the manufacturing and other industries, reflecting a vigorous economy that attracts investors.

“We are happy with this development as it mirrors the modest contribution of the DOST to the machining industry,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said, referring to the support of DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center to the industry.

MIIRDC is the sole government institution directly supporting the metals and engineering industry, including the machining sector, through services that enhance their competitive advantage. Along with the machining and manufacturing sector, DOST-MIRDC also caters to the automotive/transport, industrial machinery, agriculture, metalworking, and construction industries.