DOST-7 to establish Smart AgriTech CV Hub, pilot facility for herbs & Spices

CEBU CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VII is preparing the farmers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor for the opening of the Smart Agri Tech Central Visayas Hub soon, leading to the rollout of the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAI) project in the region, and a pilot production facility for herbs and spices in Cebu.

DOST-7 OIC-Regional Director, Tristan Abando with his Technical Operations Division and the provincial S&T officers of the four provinces in Central Visayas attended the Knowledge Exchange Mission on Project SARAI CeNTRO at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on August 27 to equip farmers and communities with climate-resilient, science-based Technologies.

The training included Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTECH); Water Balance-Assisted Irrigation Scheduling System (WAISS); Community-level SARAi-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS); SARAI Knowledge Portal, and Banatech, Abando bared.

Abando added that the upcoming SARAI Central Hub serves as the regional platform for localizing and deploying these technologies in partnership with LGUs, SUCs, farmers, and communities.

OIKOS Farm, DOST-7 to establish pilot production for herbs and spices in Sibonga, Cebu

As the SARAI CV Hub develops, a farm in Sibonga, Cebu--OIKOS Orchard and Farm, wants to collaborate with the DOST-7 Innovation Hub Cebu on the research, production, and post-harvest processing of organically grown, pesticide-free herbs and spices, making OIKOS Orchard as the pilot production facility for herbs and spices in Cebu Province.

Bernard Restificar, owner of OIKOS Orchard and Farm expressed his strong desire to establish the herbs and spices pilot project at his farm with his partners from the Cebu Farmers Market Agriculture Cooperative (CFMAC), to ensure scientific quality standards through microbial analysis, chemical testing, and sensory evaluation.

Restificar said that there is a need to optimize post-harvest drying and processing with DOST technical support; develop value-added products such as dried herbs, powders, essential oils, and aromatherapy innovations. 

“The pilot facility serves as the training center to empower farmers to build a sustainable and community-driven supply chain. Our initial focus will be on lemongrass, basil, oregano, chili, rosemary, thyme, lavender and banaba with a target supply of assorted herbs per week,” Restificar said.

Dr. Abando on the other hand said that the partnership is not only about farming. It is about transforming Sibonga into the “Herbs and Spices Basket of Cebu”, embedding herbs and spices into the Agri-Eco Tourism Development Master Plan of the municipality.

With this, Sibonga town can become a leading model of how science, technology, and organic farming can uplift communities, empower farmers, and boost eco-tourism, Abando added. (Photos: DOST7/ & MBCNewman)

DOST-7 partners with tech/NGOs for dev’t of smart communities, Startups in CV

CEBU CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VII continues to partner and collaborate with various tech and non-government organizations (NGO) for the development of smart, sustainable communities and Startups in Central Visayas.

“We continue to collaborate and partners with various tech groups and NGOs to advance DOST7’s thrust of delivering science, technology, and innovation solutions for local needs to build and develop a startup ecosystem in Cebu and across Central Visayas and create smart, sustainable and resilient communities in the region,” Dr. Tristan Abando, DOST7-OIC Regional Director said in an interview with media.

On August 27, DOST-7 and Mata Technologies Inc., a Cebu-based startup supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) met and discussed a closer collaboration under DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).

Dr. Abando and Mata Tech CEO Erika Dell Sacho explored programs focusing on the integration of immersive technologies to support resilient and future-ready communities. Both sides highlighted promising applications of Mata Tech’s capabilities in Smart Tourism to promote local destinations and heritage through interactive experiences.

An immersive mapping for preparedness and response for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM); digital and interactive learning tools for schools and communities; and innovative platforms to support planning, governance, and service delivery for smart community solutions.

Meanwhile, on the same date, August 27, DOST-7 and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) has strengthened its partnership to expand collaboration in advancing sustainable, empowered, and disaster-resilient communities in Cebu Province.

The collaboration is anchored on three key areas-- Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP); the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program; and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

Both institutions emphasized their aligned mission of empowering communities by combining RAFI’s strengths in community engagement with DOST’s mandate to provide science, technology, and innovation solutions.

DOST7 and StellarPH for Startups support

On August 19, DOST-7 and StellarPH, a startup enabler that supports entrepreneurs and innovators, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to support the development of Startups in Cebu and nearby areas under the “Accelerator Program by StellarPH – Empowering Cebu Startups.”

The partnership calls for the development of 10 early-stage startups in Cebu City and nearby areas to undergo a three-phase process that include the validation of their business ideas; develop a minimum viable product (MVP); and prepare to meet potential investors.

StellarPH Co-Founder, Renato Rex Xavier Marzan said, the program provides hands-on training, one-on-one mentoring, and workshops on market research, product development, and pitching.

Marzan bared that the partnership also supports two initiatives designed to strengthen the local startup community including the Safe Space Pitch Events--regular pitch sessions with the DOST-Cebu Innovation Hub where students can present their ideas, receive mentor feedback, and connect with the innovation ecosystem.

The 2^nd initiative is the Startup Soft Landing Bootcamp – a bi-annual training camp that immerses aspiring entrepreneurs in the Region VII startup ecosystem, linking them with mentors, resources, and government support, Marzan added.

Dr. Abando said that the partnership between StellarPH aims to build a startup ecosystem in Cebu and across Region VII by nurturing entrepreneurs, promoting collaboration among schools, businesses, and government, and creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth. (Photos: DOST7/Dayien Lizada)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOST7 hosts 1st media forum to address S&T communication challenges

CEBU CITY— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) hosted the first of a series of quarterly media forum on May 22 at the DOST7 conference hall to address communication challenges related to Science and Technology issues, programs and concerns.

According to DOST7, the quarterly media forum is designed to bridge the gap of communication disconnect, engage and inform media in Cebu on the various programs, services, and upcoming events of DOST 7.

It aims to establish a strong and collaborative relationship with the media to ensure an effective information dissemination and public enlightenment on science and technology issues.

At the first forum, DOST 7 highlighted its key initiatives, shared insights on its projects, and outlined the schedule for upcoming events. This platform also served as an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations with media partners, particularly through radio and television programs, to enhance public understanding and interest in science and technology.

DOST 7 recognizes the need to work closely with media partners to bridge the gap between scientific communities and the general public. One of the goals of this initiative is to make science accessible and comprehensible, especially when dealing with complex scientific jargon.

The Media Forum also aims to foster a cooperative environment where the media can seek assistance and gain insights from DOST 7 on various science, technology, and innovation topics. This initiative not only enhance the accuracy of science reporting but also ensure that the public receives clear and reliable information.

Science and technology are critical drivers of innovation and progress. However, the technical nature of these fields often poses a communication challenge. Through this forum, complex concepts are simplified and the DOST7 can provide the necessary support to its media partners, thereby empowering them to better inform and engage their audiences.

The Media Forum is set to become a regular activity in DOST 7’s calendar, occurring every quarter to maintain a continuous and productive dialogue with the media practitioners. (Photos: DOST7-FB/Dayien Lizada)