DOST lauds EVCIERD for more relevant R&D products

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March 11, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Research studies in Eastern Visayas have become and will continue to be more relevant to the public in the next five years.

This was observed by Department of Science and Technology Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla during the Research and Development Exhibit held recently at the Robinson’s Place in line with the 11th Anniversary of the Eastern Visayas Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development or EVCIERD for short.

The R&D products pursue the EVCIERD Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016 which was launched last year by no less than DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, Director Esperancilla said.

The plan revealed that, for the next five years, the DoST shall develop and enhance the region’s R&D capabilities in industry and energy, address issues and concerns of the industry and energy sectors, fund resource and generation of the EVCIERD’s operations, adopt and use technologies, and provide information to clients through publication of technologies generated.

Researchers will have to refer to these priority programs in planning their research activities to enjoy DoST support for their studies, Director Esperancilla informed.

Among the research products displayed was the Solar Cellphone Charging Station of the Eastern Samar State University students which is very relevant as the province is beset with constant power outage due to ongoing improvement of power lines in the area.

Another product of R&D implementation in ESSU is the utilization of Coir Fiber as a component material in concrete floor tiles and the profiling of Eco-Tourism Sites using Geographic Information System.

On food technology, ESSU produced the Moringa Olicera Fortified Seaweed Sandwich Spread.

Speaking of food technology, the Northwestern Samar State University’s Palawan Torta, made out of Palawan rootcrop flour, was a big hit during the R&D Exhibit. Another big hit was the Pili Hopia which tasted like pecan pie, one of the selected micro-enterprise supported by the University of Eastern Philippines.

The Northwestern Samar State University has developed and is now implementing the University Information System and a Surveillance System. It has made a comparative study of Yema made from different kinds of rootcrops; researched on the performance of the different cassava cultivars grown under the Calbayog Upland condition; and studied the utilization of Nani Juice for golden kuhol control.

The University of Eastern Philippines piloted the commercial viability of charcoal briquettes production and developed two portable R&D products, namely, Pili Cracker which is indeed relevant as Pili is abundant in Northern Samar; and the Portable Electric Vulcanizer.

One of the important achievements of UEP is the establishment of the alternative Renewable Energy Center, the Development arm of the Department of Energy focusing on energy development through solar energy utilization in remote unserved areas.

The Naval State University in Biliran researched on the processing and production of Gelatin Desserts from Gelidilla Acerosa (Gulaman), a common service facility; enhancement of commercial production of rice based delicacies like the Balintawak of Biliran.

Another NSU R&D product is the Recovery Machine as innovation of all types of refrigeration and airconditioning units; and the efficiency of improvised shredder machine for solid waste resource recovery.

The Samar State University has developed an accounting system¸ an automation project; Early Flood Warning Device; tracking device using RFID Technology; fabrication of plastic pelleting machine; Improvised Optical Level; home and appliance protector and Rock Mounds as Oyster Bed.

The Palompon Institute of Technology presented an impressive R&D product line: the fabrication of an improvised propeller shaft housing; Eco-Electro Charcoal stove; fabrication of five-one-hydraulic bench press; innovative mock-up four stroke cycle engine; an energy audit for lighting system of PIT Research Office as a model for lighting system of the Institute and an Innovative Pitching Machine.

One important R&D project is the study on the effective way to reduce the risk of flooding; and the development of industrial motor controller.