CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. De la Peña, together with Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and Filipino Inventor’s Society Producer Cooperative (FISPC) President Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon visited the first face mask production facility in Northern Luzon located at Brgy. San Marcos, Agoo, La Union on February 18, 2022.

 

The face mask production facility is owned by Mr. Richard S. Chan of Modulhaus Incorporated, who has been a DOST- 1 Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiary since 2016. Modulhaus Inc. is one of Luzon’s manufacturer of modular cabinets and uses top-of-the line materials that made them competitive in the industry.

 

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the pressing issue on the scarcity of face masks supply, Mr. Chan thought of establishing a production plant for surgical masks, as his way of helping the province in this fight against COVID-19.

 

He led the tour around the facility and mentioned how he came up with the idea. “The pandemic isn’t over pero ‘yung demand ng face masks and PPEs for the health workers tuluy-tuloy pa rin” he said.

 

Secretary De la Peña recognized the initiative of Modulhaus Inc. in addressing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the health workers.

 

Also present during the visit were DOST 1 Regional Director Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Division Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu, Officer-in-Charge for Field Operations Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Engr. Edison M. Acosta and DOST 1 staff.

 

A token of Appreciation was awarded to Secretary De la Peña and Undersecretary Mabborang for their full support and commitment to Modulhaus Inc. through the SETUP program.

 

After the tour, the DOST Secretary answers questions from the DOST 1 media partners, Philippine Information Agency- La Union (PIA-LU) and DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo.

 

(story by: Eiryz Clyde Angelique D. Orpilla)

 

WITH  its theme, “Pinahinog ng Panahon, Pinalakas ng Hamon sa Loob ng 35 Taon,” the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) has prevailed over even with the pandemic adversities that came its way in the last two years.

The DOST- Science and Technology Information Institute  (DOST-STII), boasts of achievements despite the pandemic that struck globally since 2021. “I can say with confidence that in the year 2021, DOST-STII rises and uses its wings to lift higher. DOST-STII rises despite the adversities that happened in the two years of the pandemic. The wings that constantly lift us remain to be our mandate, mission and vision, core values and our people that are willing to serve amidst the crisis and difficulties,” said DOST-STII director, Richard P. Burgos in his speech at the Hotel Sofitel where the celebration of the department’s 35^th anniversary was held.

Burgos underscored the importance of each employee “who made our pivot to success a seamless process.” “Together we fly high! Let us all celebrate our flight together toward the future of our vision,” he said.

DOST passed the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) while the DOST Internal Audit Service gave the DOST-STII the highest rating among the 25 DOST agencies it had assessed so far.

In communicating Science for the People, the DOST has generated 37,558 news stories last year, 110 percent up from 2020, valued at P13.6-billion or more than double from last year’s P6.6-billion. “On social media, we had 6,421 posts, 386 percent up year-on-year and extended our reach to 30-million, 435 percent up from 5.6-million in 2020,” Burgos said confidently.

The online reach of the DOST’s online broadcasts exceeded 76.2-million representing an increase of 78 percent over the previous year.

Meanwhile, “Siyensikat,” a science show on CNN, increased the average viewership per minute to as much as 107,000 compared to 83,000 when it initially aired on GMA News TV in 2019. It was also able to achieve an audience reach of 869,000 for the afternoon slot and 768,000 for the morning slot every Saturday and Sunday at 8am and 4pm, respectively. This generated an advertising value of P169-million and media pickups valued at P17.9-million.

On the other hand, the installation of STARBOOKS in 449 new sites despite the continuous travel and mass gathering restrictions due to pandemic, was successful. It continues to hold its coveted spot in the National Economic Development Authority’s (NEDA) National Priority Plan (NPP). Since 2017, it generated a total of P12.8-million of donations.

For its part, DOST also saw its inclusion in the NPP and generated P7.4-million donations in four years, including two Hyundai vans in 2021.

The DOST-STII also saw its achievements breaking ground in different fields in 2021, including a publicity that was awarded Best Special Feature in the 43^rd Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) while the 18^th Philippine Quill Awards cited STARBOOKS for excellence in government communications program.

Also in 2021, the institute earned the Bronze Award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which was supposedly a major step in the constant drive toward excellence in human resources management.

The achievements, according to Burgos, contributed to raising the national awareness level of science, technology and innovations.

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