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DOST’s AKBAY program brings S&T closer to the poor

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Published: 19 February 2013

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To be called progressive, any country must ensure development at the grassroots level, says National Scientist Dr. Lourdes Cruz, echoing the expert opinion of economists.

Following this principle, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched its new campaign called AKBAY, or “Agham Para sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan”, to better bring the benefits of science to the country’s poor communities through a set of simple proven technologies. At the helm of AKBAY is the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), Asia’s pioneer and DOST’s basic sciences research arm which officially launched the program during its 79th anniversary celebration last December in Bicutan, Taguig City.

“AKBAY helps alleviate poverty by offering communities relatively simple, manageable technologies—often locally-developed—that can support food, fuel, and livelihood needs,” says Dr. Cruz, who also currently serves as president of DOST-NRCP.

The country has produced excellent technologies through its research and development (R&D) programs over the years, and engaging poor communities to use these science-based tools has remained a challenge, she added.

AKBAY opened with four select technologies suitable to individual or group of households, namely mushroom culture, worm culture, aquaponics, and biogas production.

Mushroom culture
Mushroom expert Claro M. Santiago, formerly with DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute, led the demonstration of mushroom culture during the launch of AKBAY. Households can grow their own mushrooms through prescribed, relatively uncomplicated methods, he said, using simple ingredients such as discarded or dried banana leaves and rice straw. Upon harvest, the mushrooms can be sold to augment income, or simply eaten, as there are several ways to prepare the nutritious and rather succulent fungi.While he recommends cultivating Volvariella and oyster mushrooms, he alsoassured that the method he prescribes would not spawn other or unwanted types of mushrooms.

Worm culture or Vermiculture
Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, former executive director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Developmentled the demonstration on proper worm cultivation. Worm culture or ‘vermicomposting’ is not only economical, but is also a safer, sustainable, and more environmentally sound method of fertilizing soil, according to Dr. Guerrero.

Earthworms speed up soil decomposition, and in effect, enhance soiltexture and condition. The resultingnatural compost could substitute for chemical fertilizers, which makes vermicomposting a valuable technique for both farming and simple backyard cropping.

Aquaponics
The word “aquaponics” is derived from “aquaculture” which means “raising of fish”, and “hydroponics”, which refers to “planting without soil”. An aquaponics system uses a non-sophisticated contraption or structure that could sustain both fish and plants. The process involves the filtering and recycling of waste water from the fish tank through continuous tubes that pass a long series of plant roots, which by principle “cleanses” the water from impurities that would otherwise pollute the fish tank, resulting to nourished, adequately watered plants and healthy fish culture.

Dr. Chito Sace, aquaponics expert from the Central Luzon State University, said that the technology is suited to raise tilapia, prawns, and other freshwater fish, and grow leaf vegetables like pechay, lettuce, kangkong, and other crops like tomatoes, bell peppers, etc., for food. It is a form of “smart agriculture” because it is virtually self-sustaining and requires minimal space for ordinary backyard setup.

Biogas production
AKBAY’s fourth featured technology is biogas production which involves using organic matter like decaying food, kitchen scraps, animal and human wastes, among others, to produce methane. A combustible or flammable gas used for household heating, cooking and lighting, methane gas is odorless, colorless, and burns with a clear blue flame similar to that of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Technology package for households
“These four were foremost among other well-established technologies we can identify for the AKBAY Program—they complement each other, are manageable, and form an ideal livelihood package”, said Dr. Cruz.

In what way do these technologies work together to form a livelihood package? Simple.

Left-overmushroom beddingsfrom the spent stack of dried banana leaves can be added to enhance earthworm culture. Vermicast from earthworm culture can be extracted with water to produce “vermitea” that can be added to the aquaponics set-up to give the plants additional nutrients and growth hormones—speeding up vegetables’ growth for harvest. Earthworms can be fed tp fish. Effluent from the biogas digester can be used as liquid fertilizer or as a medium for growing Azolla, a high-protein water plant that can be used as supplementary feed for fish in the aquaponics system.

Several high schools and universities in Taguig City and eight barangays, namely, Ibayo, Tipas; Upper, Lower, and New Lower Bicutan; North and South Daang Hari; and Tanyag, were the first to learn about the program’s initial technologies during the launch.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cruz also announced that these featured technologies of AKBAY will be expanded. “During the first half of 2013, we will develop the exhibit in DOST-NRCP as a permanent demo site that can be replicated in different regions or provinces in the Philippines, she said.

Dr. Santiago, also called “Mr. Mushroom Expert”, (far right) demonstrates the proper method of growing mushrooms to Taguig locals. Mushroom culture consists of stacking dried banana leaves and rice straws and evenly placing or sandwiching mushroom spores in the stack. The setup would not spawn unwanted types of mushrooms, he said. (Photo by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, STII)

Dr. Rafael Guerrero, one of the country’s most prolific vermiculture expert, shows students some earthworms. Vermiculture, or growing earthworms, produces vermicompost, or waste coming from earthworms. Vermicompost is invaluable to planting as it provides excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. (Photo by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, STII)

Dr. Chito Sace explains to students how an aquaponics system works. The contraption mainly comprises a freshwater fish tank, leafy vegetables, and tubes that hold a series of plant containers. Waste water from the fish tank cascades down a set of pipes holding a series of leaf plants or vegetables which clean the water. By the time it completes the cycle (back to the fish tank), water is already purified and oxygenated. It is defined as a smart “green technology” as it requires minimal maintenance and is self-sustaining. (Photo by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, STII)

Agriculturist Porfirio Rodriguez (right) demonstrates the prescribed process for biogas production to efficiently derive fuel for heating, lighting, and cooking from organic sources, including human excrement. (Photo by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, STII)

Stronger manufacturing industry will reverse aging economy, says DOST advisory body

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Published: 19 February 2013

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The economy may be backsliding, but this situation can be reversed to make the country coast along a route that leads to national progress.

This was how Academician Dr. Michael Tan, University of the Philippines professor and member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), an advisory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), summed up the NAST-organized Round Table Discussion (RTD)on the country’s economic situationer. During the discussion, the term “development progeria” was used to describe the Philippine economy in comparison with progeria, a medical condition seen in young children that causes them to age faster than normal.

The economy at present is said to be “a young economy mimicking a mature one,” like a child afflicted with progeria, and this may worsen the country’s poverty situation, according to National Scientist Raul V. Fabella.

A child suffering from progeria develops an enlarged head, small and wrinkled face, baldness, and dry skin, among others. However, despite this seemingly rapid aging process, the patient displays limited growth, remaining small in stature with limited movement. The patient remains in this condition until death which mostly occurs in his teenage years.

“Aging” economy can be reversed
The Philippine economy displays similar symptoms, according to Fabella. He noted that its limited growth is due to several factors, namely the depreciation of the Indian rupee which threatens the local BPO industry, the stock market and real estate bubbles, the country’s exclusion from the list of preferred sites for direct foreign investments in tradables, and the overvaluation of the peso, among others.

Fabella, citing studies by Rodrik in 2008 and by Berg and Miao in 2010, said that a 10 percent overvaluation of the currency leads to a growth reduction of 0.2 percent.

These factors hinder industries, thus limiting the movement of business activities and making the economy dry and wrinkled instead of being fresh and rosy.

In his synthesis of the discussion however, Dr. Tan said that unlike progeria which is incurable, development progeria is receptive to treatment, and thus can be cured.

One kind of treatment or solution suggested during the RTD was to strengthen the manufacturing industry.

Strengthening manufacturing industry
Dr. Ramon L. Clarete, dean of the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics, suggested that efforts should focus on export-oriented manufacturing industry.

Sixty percent of the total number of exporting firms in the country comprises small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) that generate 53 percent of total employment volume and make up 99.6 percent of all registered businesses in the country.

Additionally, Calixto V. Chikiamco, president of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, suggested a manufacturing industry rooted on agricultural growth and productivity, or agro-industrial growth. “Agricultural growth and development supports the manufacturing sector by providing a higher domestic market, affordable labor, and supply of raw materials,” said Chikiamco.

As one of its priority programs, DOST leads and supports industry development initiatives, including those that strengthen local manufacturing. Through its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the agency provides a package of technology assistance to bolster the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs including those engaged in exports. Among the industries DOST’s SETUP currently supports include food processing, metals, ICT and semicon, furniture, agriculture, aquaculture, among others.

However, to promote net exports, Dr. Clarete cited the significance of peso undervaluation, echoing Fabella’s earlier statement about overvaluation as one of the factors negatively affecting the economy. “When you have a low exchange rate, and you’re in the export business, your revenues in pesos will be lower. And then your cost are in pesos so your profits are going to be squeezed. So the lower the exchange rate or the stronger the peso, the lower would be your profits,” Dr. Clarete explained.

Heart-broken? Try water for healing

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Published: 13 February 2013

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Are you heartbroken this Valentine’s Day? Even if you are happily married or in a satisfying relationship with someone, you may still be at the losing end where your heart is concerned. Your lifestyle, without your knowing, may be leading you toward health risks that can cause life threatening heart conditions.

Heart related diseases are considered as among the leading causes of death around the world. Two known health risks that can lead to serious heart conditions are high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The good news is both can be prevented. And believe it or not, this can be done through a glass of water.

According to the Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipino Adults developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI), drinking 8 glasses of water a day can improve overall health, including prevention of health risks like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance called lipid found inside cells and blood. Naturally occurring in the liver, cholesterol can also be found in the food we eat, which is mainly from animal fat. Actually, cholesterol is necessary for bodily functions such as in the production of various hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. But, too much of it can be harmful. High levels of cholesterol can block blood flow resulting in thickening, narrowing and hardening of artery walls. This limits oxygen from reaching the heart. Worse, this may lead to heart attack or even something as drastic as death.

Water plays a vital role in preventing these heart-breaking developments from happening. Drinking water can actually thin the blood, thus help the blood pump more smoothly. Moreover, it helps eliminate toxins and increases metabolic rate. And since exercise together with the right kind and amount of food intake contributes to the lowering of cholesterol, water is once again needed in order to replace water lost during exercise.

On the other hand, high blood pressure also known as hypertension, refers to the force of blood pushing against the arterial walls as it make its way through the body. High blood pressure can threaten healthy arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke. It is also known as a silent killer because there are no real symptoms.

Water plays an equally important role in lowering blood pressure as well since blood is composed of water. Dehydration, or loss of water, affects blood pressure. When the body is in dehydrated condition, the flow of blood to the kidneys will be reduced. Thus, the body reacts and tells the brain to constrict the veins and arteries, making the blood pressure go higher. But with enough water intake, blood will flow normally to the kidneys, thus averting the occurrence of health risks.

Drinking the right amount of water likewise helps flush excess salt intake in the body, which also causes blood pressure to rise.

So this Valentine’s Day, prevent your heart from being broken by diseases. To have enough water that will keep it healthy, have a bottle of water with you during the day. When exercising, always make sure to drink water before, during and after workout. Try the habit of beginning and ending the day with a glass of water.

If you have a hard time remembering to drink water, you can actually make a schedule or a reminder. Use urine as an indicator. If it’s dark yellow and has a strong odor, it means you should drink more water. The urine of a well-hydrated person is odorless and almost colorless.

And when you go out for your Valentine’s dinner, remember to drink water after meals. Not only will it help hydrate the body, it is also free.