DOST cites outstanding beneficiaries, stakeholders

By: Lilibeth A. French

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Visayas recognized outstanding beneficiaries and stakeholders at the opening of the 2019 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in Iloilo City.

The awardees are Sunbursts Balay Tablea as Regional Best Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Adoptor and Nagpana Minorities Association (NAMIAS) as Regional Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Project.

Algacon Aquafeeds Manufacturing received a Special Award for being the first R & D Spin-Off Company in the region.

Catherine Taleon, owner of Sunbursts Balay Tablea, said the award is an affirmation that they are on the right track- considering the accomplishments they have achieved through proper implementation of the intervention and assistance they have received from DOST such as  equipment upgrading, packaging and labeling, technical assistance on good manufacturing practices, and product development, among others.

Sunbursts Balay Tablea, a company from Cabatuan, Iloilo, produces cocoa bean based products such as pure tablea. With the intervention from DOST, the company was able to develop new product lines.

Taleon urged other entrepreneurs to avail of the programs offered by DOST and other government agencies for MSMEs.

“They really have to exert an effort to collaborate with these agencies, they have to reach out or make an initiative to know and to be able to benefit from the program, assistance and intervention being offered by these government agencies,” said Taleon.

On the other hand, Grace Eno, Treasurer of NAMIAS, said they are very happy and proud of the award. She said the various assistance and interventions provided by DOST have helped boost the production and market reach of their ground and whole beans roasted coffee product known as “Kape Miro.”

NAMIAS is an organization of the Ati community in Sitio Nagpana in Brgy. Lipata in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Presently, it has more than 700 members.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena awarded the plaques of recognition to winners during the opening ceremonies of the 2019 RSTW on October 21. He was assisted by Director Rowen Gelonga of DOST 6 and Francis Cruz, Executive Assistant to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas during the awarding.

The 2019 RSTW is being held simultaneously with the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) which will run until October 25 at the ICC.

Products of Sunburst Balay Tablea and NAMIAS are also being showcased in the Tektienda: MSME Product Fair, another feature of the 2019 RSTW, showcasing and promoting the products of DOST-assisted MSMEs in partnership with the provincial government of Iloilo. (PIA-Iloilo)