Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. / PAPI

09/10/2026

08/10/2026

PALO, LEYTE: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially opened the Visayas leg of Handa Pilipinas at the Leyte Convention Center.

Handa Pilipinas is an annual exposition of innovations in disaster risk reduction and management, supported by DOST's attached agencies. The exposition features Filipino-made technologies across four areas of disaster preparedness: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.

Running from October 7 to 9, 2026, the opening drew science and technology stakeholders, students, local residents, and local government officials.

The Visayas leg is part of DOST's nationwide Handa Pilipinas series. The Mindanao leg follows next week in Davao City, while the Luzon leg is set to close the series before the end of 2026.

03/10/2026

Batanes Naglunsad ng Kauna-unahang ‘PERA sa Basura’ Vendo Collecting Machine Project

BASCO, BATANES — Inilunsad ng Department of Science and Technology–Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO) Batanes, katuwang ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Batanes, ang “PERA sa Basura” Vendo Collecting Machine, isang makabagong programang nagbibigay ng insentibo kapalit ng mga recyclable na plastik na bote at lata.

Layunin nitong gawing “trash to cash” ang mga basurang maaari pang mapakinabangan, habang hinihikayat ang mga Ivatan at turista na makiisa sa wastong waste segregation, recycling at pangangalaga sa kalikasan.

01/10/2026

2026 STI Caravan brings science, technology closer to Ivatans

BATANES | The Department of Science and Technology Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO) Batanes officially opened the 2026 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Caravan on October 1, bringing science- and technology-based programs, services, and innovations closer to communities across the province.

Running until October 9, the caravan features a series of activities designed to support local communities, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), researchers, students, and other stakeholders through practical applications of science, technology, and innovation.

In her opening message, Provincial Science and Technology Director Nora Garcia highlighted the importance of bringing DOST programs directly to the people of Batanes, particularly initiatives that can provide practical solutions and create opportunities for communities and local industries.

Meanwhile, Batanes Provincial Governor Hon. Ronald P. Aguto Jr. emphasized that science and technology should respond to the realities faced by island communities. He noted that for Batanes, STI is not simply about adopting modern tools and ideas, but about finding better solutions suited to the province’s unique needs and conditions.

Among the activities lined up during the caravan are Sensory Evaluation Training in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), a visit to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) office, the GIA Innovation Press Tour, MSME Empowerment activities, the CUATRO Caravan on Industry 4.0 featuring a Balik Scientist, technology training on dehydration, and the EUREKA 2.0 Forum on experimental research for the 21st-century learner.

The activities provide participants with opportunities to gain new knowledge, explore technologies, strengthen enterprise capabilities, and learn about science-based approaches that can be applied in their respective communities and fields.
A key highlight of the opening was the soft launch of Project ISLA Mavulis, or Island Support and Life-saving Assistance for Mavulis, an initiative of DOST-PSTO Batanes aimed at bringing critical technological and life-saving support to Mavulis Island, the northernmost island of the Philippines.

The soft launch was marked by the signing of a Pledge of Support among local officials and stakeholders, signifying their commitment to work together toward the implementation and success of the project.

Project ISLA Mavulis seeks to provide support, technology, and life-saving assistance to fishermen and frontliners operating in and around Mavulis Island, extending science and technology interventions to one of the country’s most remote communities.

Through the 2026 STI Caravan, DOST-PSTO Batanes continues to strengthen the delivery of science, technology, and innovation initiatives across the province, demonstrating how STI can be translated into practical solutions, opportunities, and services for Ivatans.

The caravan runs from October 1 to 9, 2026, with various activities to be conducted for different sectors and stakeholders throughout the province. (Nelson Santos)

11/09/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿: 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗣 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽

CAGAYAN — What began as a small, manually operated bakeshop in Piat, Cagayan has grown into a technology-upgraded food-processing enterprise serving institutional markets and providing employment in the community, with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP).

After 22 years of working overseas, Susan T. Pagulayan returned home and established Susan’s Bakeshop in 2015 in Duyagong, Piat. The enterprise initially produced banana cakes, carrot cakes, and chocolate-based products using largely manual production methods.

As demand increased, however, the growing business faced challenges in production capacity, food safety, packaging, and efficiency.
DOST-SETUP became a key intervention in addressing these challenges.
In 2019, Susan’s Bakeshop received its first DOST-SETUP assistance amounting to P103,740, which enabled the enterprise to acquire Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-compliant stainless-steel working tables, aluminum molders, and customized molding racks.

The equipment improved food handling and production processes while reducing contamination risks associated with wood-contact surfaces. The improvements also helped the enterprise strengthen its compliance with food safety requirements, eventually securing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to Operate.

With its improved production and food safety practices, Susan’s Bakeshop also became an official technology adopter of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s Enhanced Nutribun, expanding its capacity to participate in institutional food supply opportunities.

As the enterprise entered larger markets, including contracts with the Department of Education, production volume increased and manual packaging became a bottleneck.

A second DOST-SETUP intervention worth P630,000 addressed this challenge through the acquisition of an Automatic Flow Wrap Packaging Machine. The equipment increased packaging capacity from manual operations to approximately 28 to 150 packs per minute, depending on the product and packaging requirements.

The automated system also improved product protection by minimizing exposure to dust, moisture, and other potential contaminants during packaging.
Beyond equipment, DOST provided consultancy services on Cleaner Production Technology and Occupational Safety and Health, helping the enterprise improve resource efficiency, workplace safety, and overall production practices.

Across its two phases of assistance, Susan’s Bakeshop received a total of P733,740 in DOST-SETUP technology-upgrading assistance.

The interventions have contributed to the enterprise’s continued growth. From an initial workforce of three, Susan’s Bakeshop now employs 16 full-time workers and has strengthened its capacity to meet the requirements of institutional clients while exploring opportunities for market expansion.
Pagulayan’s experience demonstrates how appropriate technology and government support can help micro and small enterprises overcome production challenges and become more competitive.

Her journey from overseas employment to entrepreneurship also highlights the potential of returning workers to create livelihoods not only for themselves but for others in their communities.

Through DOST-SETUP, Susan’s Bakeshop has moved beyond its beginnings as a small, manually operated enterprise toward a more efficient, compliant, and technology-driven food-processing business—turning a homecoming into an opportunity for growth and job creation in Cagayan.