"We build buildings and in turn these building build us", a statement uttered by the Department of Science and Technology Region VII Director Engr. Rene Burt Llanto during the Inauguration of the newly erected DOST-Siquijor Provincial S&T Office last November 19, 2009.

PSTC-Siquijor New Building. The erection of the new PSTC is the manifestation of the continued growth and development of S&T in the Province of Siquijor. From its former office which occupied an old room government-owned building since 1992, it leaped into having an office duly recognized for PSTC Siquijor.

Construction of the building began last June 22, 2009 and ended in October wherein an allocation of P2-million is used from the existing funds of the Department of Science and Technology Region VII (DOST-7). The new PSTC is a three-story building that occupies 95 square meters in each floor.

According to Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña in an interview, he still has plans of improving the building by putting up window grills and applying Hydroponics and Rain Water Harvesting/Storm Water Management. In this case, the existence of the infrastructure would not just gain an eye for tourists but at the same time it will facilitate the awareness of S&T in the province.

On the other hand, dela Peña also spotted the on-going physical development of the DOST-Siquijor Library. Since there is no public library in the province, de la Peña assures that this is an aid to high school and college students in their researches. Moreover, a collection of reading materials on innovations can also be found that serve as a center of resources for Farmers Information Technology Service (FITS). This would further the improvement of farmers, traders, processors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholder's access to information and technologies in agriculture and natural resources.

"Department of Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro appreciated DOST-Siquijor PSTC for being a small province with a complete FITS Center", de la Peña added.

(DOST/PIA)

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maria in Siquijor province recently sponsored a nine-day training on Food Processing by Sugar Concentration at the Senior Citizen's Building, Maria, Siquijor.

Seventeen young individuals participated the training, says Maria Information Officer Leo Enot.

Fletcher Gumahad, teacher from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority- Lazi National Agricultural School (TESDA- LNAS) was the resource speaker and the trainer for the training.

In her welcome address, Municipal Mayor Rebecca Padayhag appealed to the participants to be prompt and be determined to finish the training. Likewise, she emphasized also the worth of the training citing that the training may provide them a livelihood.

"The government has always find solutions to uplift our present economic situation, let's make use of it," she added.

The training consists of lectures demonstration and return demonstrations.

Return demonstrations started on the fifth day until the morning of the last day.

Patrico Padayhag, TESDA coordinator imparted to the participants that preserving foods like fruits most especially all that are in season help eases the woe caused by the price hike of the basic commodities aside from preparing for further needs, he said.

The training was made possible through the partnership of LGU-Maria and TESDA-LNAS.

(PIA-Siquijor)

The Siquijor State College (SSC) here is currently supporting a mushroom production as part of the income Generating Project (IGP) for their research extension program.

The production was first conceptualized by the Provincial Farmer Information and Technology Services (FITS) in July this year.

Rosalina Catid, vice-president for research extension program in SSC shared that problems such as financial and manpower support needed for the mushroom production were addressed by the school.

To further support the project, the Small and Medium Entrepreneur Development Council (SMEDC) also sponsored a training last August 4 and 5 on spawn production for the agriculture students in SSC.

At present, SSC has now more than 50 bottles of spawn of which per bottle is equivalent to 20 fruiting bags. Each fruiting bag can yield 250g. every two days.

SSC is currently answering the demand from Das Traum, a local restaurant in Larena as well as the demand from its staff and faculty. They are selling it at P200.00 a kilo.

Catid also said that they also conducted mushroom production training in Barangay Sabang as an extension program for their IGP. During the training last December 5, Catid said they were able to made 86 outputs in a day.

"Many barangays are now requesting for the training. This includes Candura, Tambisan, and Tubod in San Juan town.

Catid also revealed that the provincial government will allocate P90T that will be used for the procurement of the materials needed for the mass production of spawn.

Aside from earning, mushrooms are high in protein and can counter part of the bad cholesterol in the body. It is even known to be a "slimming food", Catid said.

(PIA-Siquijor)

The Farmers Information and Technology Services(FITS) Consortium in Siquijor province conducted recently a project proposal packaging training at Dapdap Sunset Grill, Siquijor, Siquijor.

During the activity, proposed plans and project for CY 2010 were also being discussed but the project proposal centered on the projects that serve as a follow-up to the season trainings conducted by FITS last year.

Among these were trainings on Entrepreneurship, Hilly Land Development, Water Irrigation and the Information Education, and Communication Campaign on Climate Change.

Vice President of the Research Extension Program of the Siquijor State College, Rosalina Catid was the resource speaker. Before she started Catid bared that because of the good performance and postive feedbacks of the FITS in Siquijor, Techno Gabay is now extended. Siquijor is top for the release of funds for the Science and Technology Based Farm (STBF), she said.

She discussed about the basic techniques and procedures in the preparation of project proposals.

Before the activity ended, some heads of offices also shared some thoughts and insights.

In her message, provincial agrarian reform officer Maria Lourdes Mariano imparted two things to consider in life: the proper priority that are based on values, and the power and responsibility for our actions.

According to her, our values follows us whereever we go.

Provincial FITS chair Berandita Tabada also shared her thoughts of Christmas.

Sanggunaing Panlalawigan member Arthur Chan also advised everyone to take his responsibility for a better change.

He further lauded the DOST, headed by Provincial Director Mario de la Pena to continue his good efforts and initiative for Siquijodnons.

PIA-Siquijor

The Larena Woodcraft Maker's Association (LAWOMA) has started recently its business operation at the 2nd floor of the Larena Public Market Complex, Larena, Siquijor.

It displays various finished woodcraft products as well as materials for woodcraft making.

It was formally done with a ribbon cutting and a blessing ceremony officiated by Pastor Lowell Quinto.

LAWOMA President Roberto Pajermo said during the inauguration that the opening of the display center is "a dream come true" for the association as it is aimed and geared toward the production of a world-class finished products.

He especially thanked the local government unit of Larena through the leadership of the municipal mayor, Gold Calibo and municipal planning and development coordinator Rito Abapo, the department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for their valuable support in the realization of their dream.

While recalling how LAWOMA was created, Municipal Mayor Gold Calibo likewise challenged LAWOMA to continue what they have started and encouraged them to convince more woodcraft makers to join the association. He also called for the participation of all members in taking care of the growing business being the LGU's partner in the implementation of the town's OTOP (One Town, One Product) project.

On the other hand, MPDC Abapo inspired the association through saying "success will be attained through sacrifice, understanding, courage and cooperation among members and its leader. He reiterated the call of the Department of Labor and employment to manage the fund well inorder to sustain the program.

The display center is opened from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays thru Fridays.

(PIA-Siquijor)