DOST Isabela

DOST Press Release: Amid rising fuel costs, pollution, and the challenge of preserving heritage sites while improving mobility, communities like Intramuros face the urgent need for cleaner, efficient, and culturally sensitive transport solutions. Through its e-tranvia and innovations in electric mobility, materials engineering, and R&D partnerships, Department of Science and Technology delivers sustainable, Filipino-made technologies that empower local sectors, enhance tourism, and drive inclusive, future-ready transport systems.

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𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗡𝗔 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗚 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗜𝗻𝗰.

𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘, 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Isabela has successfully conducted a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) with the Narra Self-Help Group (SHEG) and Farmers Association, Inc. at Purok 2, Narra, Echague, Isabela. The initiative sought to identify key technological gaps, operational challenges, and innovation opportunities to boost food processing, agricultural productivity, and sustainability.

The participatory assessment allowed members of the farmers’ association to share current practices, production concerns, and aspirations for enterprise growth. Through structured discussions and on-site evaluations, DOST specialists underscored areas where science, technology, and innovation can directly support operations—from food handling and processing technologies to quality assurance systems and enterprise management tools.

One challenge highlighted was the production of banana chips using a manual slicer and the traditional "pugon "cooking method. The need for modernized processing facilities and innovative packaging solutions was emphasized. Addressing these issues will enable the association to expand value-adding activities, increase income, and strengthen competitiveness in local and regional markets.

The results of the TNA will guide DOST Isabela in crafting tailored interventions under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and other support mechanisms. By aligning solutions with the farmers’ actual needs, the initiative reinforces the agency’s commitment to empowering local communities and advancing inclusive development in the Cagayan Valley.

This effort reflects DOST’s broader mission of bridging science and technology with grassroots enterprises, ensuring that innovation delivers tangible benefits for farmers and their families.

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟎𝟐 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Participatory methodologies play a crucial role in ensuring that community needs, perspectives, and local knowledge are fully integrated into project development and implementation. By actively involving stakeholders in the assessment and planning process, these approaches promote inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability of programs, leading to more responsive and impactful interventions.

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully conducted the activity titled “Retooling of DOST Personnel on Concept of Participatory Development Methodology for Community Project Assessment and Planning,” equipping its personnel with enhanced knowledge and skills in participatory approaches for development work.

The activity formally opened with an inspiring message from Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, who emphasized that the training is both timely and relevant. She highlighted that the concepts and approaches to be learned can be applied across all aspects of DOST programs and projects, particularly in strengthening planning processes and ensuring that initiatives are responsive to the real needs of communities.

A key highlight of the training was the discussion led by resource speaker Dr. Emma L. Ballad, Career Scientist I. She provided an in-depth discussion on participatory development methodologies, including its core features and guiding principles. Dr. Ballad also elaborated on the standard guidelines in conducting these methodologies and introduced various tools and techniques that can be effectively utilized in assessing communities and identifying appropriate projects for funding. In addition, Dr. Ballad emphasized that when doing appraisal in community, local people are the one that draws up plans and analyze the problems and the experts/outsiders will only act as facilitators.

To apply the concepts discussed, participants actively engaged in workshop sessions where they applied their new learnings. Through hands-on exercises, they practiced using different tools and techniques, enabling them to better understand how to gather, analyze, and interpret community-level data in a participatory manner.

The activity concluded with a deeper appreciation of the importance of participatory methodologies in development work. For CEST implementers and other DOST project facilitators, the training serves as a vital step toward ensuring that programs are community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable. By integrating these approaches into project assessment and planning, DOST personnel are better equipped to design interventions that truly address local needs and contribute to meaningful and lasting development outcomes.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗠𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗣 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧

ECHAGUE, Isabela—Four (4) micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Isabela are set to boost their operations with the help of the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP).

DOST Isabela recently conducted a SETUP Orientation and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the beneficiary firms last Thursday, March 12, 2026, at its office in San Fabian, Echague. This milestone marks the final step before the release of assistance, paving the way for innovation‑driven growth among local enterprises.

The assisted MSMEs include:
- AMC Printing Press of Santiago City
- Zachary Livestock & Poultry Supply of Echague
- Alili Piggery Farm of Echague
- R3A2 Hardware & Construction Supplies of Alicia

Each enterprise proposed projects to acquire modern equipment designed to increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and enhance competitiveness in their respective industries.

During the orientation, DOST Isabela underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility between the agency and the enterprises to ensure the program’s success.
Through SETUP, DOST continues to provide MSMEs with access to appropriate technologies that boost productivity, elevate product quality, and strengthen market competitiveness.

This initiative reflects DOST’s unwavering commitment to empowering local industries and promoting inclusive economic growth through science, technology, and innovation — ensuring that small businesses remain vital contributors to community development and regional progress.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀

ECHAGUE, Isabela — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)– Isabela, in partnership with the DOST Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) – Packaging Technology Division (PTD), conducted an on-site experimentation for the Application of Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Based Cushion Pads as Auxiliary Packaging for Honeydew Melon on March 4, 2026, in Santa Ana, Echague, Isabela.

The beneficiary of the project is Simons Farm, an assisted enterprise under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), owned by Ms. Mary Ann R. Pungan. The study aims to evaluate the reduction of transport losses of honeydew melon using the developed display/transport packaging and auxiliary packaging materials.

During the activity, the research team conducted a one-day visit to the client’s farm and collected honeydew melon specimens with an approximate volume of 600–800 kilograms. These were packed using the developed packaging prototypes, specifically the pineapple leaf fiber-based cushion pads and the transport/display box, for examination and testing.

The gathered specimens were then stockpiled in a re**er van and transported to the Simulation Packaging and Testing Laboratory of the DOST ITDI – Packaging Technology Division in Bicutan, Taguig City. The laboratory tests will evaluate the effectiveness of the developed green transport packaging in reducing transport losses caused by bruising and fruit softening during long-distance travel and stockpiling.

The project is spearheaded by Ms. Mary Joy P. Paico, PFT, Science Research Specialist II of the ITDI Packaging Technology Division, with assistance from the team of the DOST PSTO–Isabela.

Once fully validated, the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and biodegradable alternative packaging solutions. This innovation supports efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in agricultural logistics while improving product quality and minimizing post-harvest losses in the industry.