The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) today is calling on the Department of Health (DOH) to declare a national emergency over human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic amid an epic increase of cases among key vulnerable populations in the country.
“We are calling on the Department of Health to declare a national epidemic on the spread of HIV that leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Let us come out from our complacency and face this battle head on by fully implementing stand-by strategies in order to stop this growing burden. Let’s us fight the spread of disease before it gets to our children,” said Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP).
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay explained that the labor center hopes that by such declaration government carry out an aggressive and surefire intervention by mobilizing its massive political and economic resources in coping with the growing problem on the spread of the virus.
In the 2014 Global AIDS Response Progress Report to be submitted by Philippine government to the United Nations, Tanjusay said the country has failed this early to meet the 2015 target of reducing HIV spread.
The report prepared by DOH’s National Epidemiology Center (NEC) about HIV monitoring and survey they conducted on key affected populations, it was learned that out of the 1,115 sex workers (SW) tested within the first four months of 2014 alone, there are already 20 or 1.8% of them found to have HIV infection compared with only 26 or .275% out of 9,797 tested for the whole year in 2012.
The report also shows that out 4,804 men having sex with men (MSM), 160 or 3.3% of them are found to have infected within the first quarter of the year compared with only 90 or 1.68% with HIV out of 5,353 for the whole year in 2012.
Among the people who inject drugs (PWID), meanwhile, 401 or 46.1% out of 869 were infected with HIV during the first quarter of the year while only 13.56% or 174 of them have HIV out of 1,283 tested for the whole year two years ago.
The other most-at-risk and vulnerable populations are the people living with HIV, overseas Filipino workers, and partners of PLHIV, SW, MSM, PWID, and OFWs.
Based on this trend, without concrete strategy and an effective massive information campaign on HIV and AIDS from government and civil society organizations in place, Tanjusay said the rate of infection will improve from the current 16 to 32 infections per day.
“With all these indications, it looks like our government health probers sort of struck one HIV nerve after another. From our point of view, it is very obvious now that HIV threat poses a clear and present danger to our people especially on key affected populations and most vulnerable sectors. Government must now aggressively intervene before it creeps out of control,” Tanjusay added.
He said the TUCP also received reports that there is a daily long queues of patients in popular treatment hubs and testing centers located at the Philippine General Hospital, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and the Bahay-Lingap in San Lazaro hospital in Metro Manila and in various government clinics in Cebu and in Davao City seeking free access to testing and anti-retroviral drugs.
From 1984 to March 2014, there were 17,948 HIV/AIDS cases as recorded by the NEC. The NEC also estimates there are at least 1.794 million cases within the same period if HIV/AIDS testing is made mandatory. If mandatory HIV testing is implemented, the reality could be worse. However, mandatory testing is deemed unlawful by the Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act.
The number puts the government unable to comply with parameters set by the UN to reduce the number of HIV and AIDS cases to less than 1 percent of the country’s general population by 2015.
The status also ranks the Philippines seventh among countries in the world with increasing incidence of HIV cases. The top six countries with increasing HIV cases are Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
TUCP Press Release
Released: Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Contact: Alan Tanjusay 0906.410.2134
Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Mimaropa had a recent interview with Dr. FERCHITO AVELINO, Executive Director, Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat, when he conducted an re-orientation at the PIA Central Office.
The interview, conducted in Filipino, discussed basic information on HIV and AIDS as well as its prevention and treatment.
Watch them all at these links: http://bit.ly/1vP2cKA, http://bit.ly/1hey55H and http://bit.ly/1gV7ujB.
Although there were technologies reported to have shown potentials to treat HIV and AIDS, there is still no cure (as of this writing) and prevention remains the best way to arrest the spread of disease.
Lunes, Mayo 26, 2014
Linggo, Mayo 25, 2014
PNRI offers Gamma-ray scanning technology for local industries
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is offering its services using Gamma Ray Column Scanning Technology to assist the local industries, such as oil refineries and petrochemical plants, in the inspection and investigation of process vessels. This technology makes it possible to “see” inside a process vessel, such as distillation columns in refineries or petrochemical industries, and quickly identify its problems without interrupting normal plant operations. Such technique saves the client company time, money, and other resources.
Called density profile, the technique provides significant information on the condition of the whole process and the vessel itself. Engineers, using the technology, can identify damaged or missing trays and their positions, extent of flooding and its location, liquid weeping and foaming, liquid levels, and blockages, among others. Thus engineers and operators can determine the status of the column and consequently make arrangements for maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent emergency shutdown.
Since the process does not involve direct contact with the insides of the vessels, it also avoids potential corrosion, temperature or pressure problems.
This precision nuclear tool could prove useful beyond troubleshooting structural problems. The data gathered may also be used to improve the structures and processes of the plant, thus making them more efficient and reducing production down-time in cases of programmed shutdowns.
Meanwhile, process columns are crucial components in refining crude oil to turn it into valuable fuel, as well as in sustaining the plant’s cooling systems, among others. Plant shutdowns for maintenance could cost around $1,200 per hour overseas, translating into millions of pesos in losses everyday for the local operators.
Prospective clients of the gamma-ray column scanning service range from members of the oil industry to operators of chemical plants.
Since the late 1990s, PNRI experts have provided gamma-ray services to major oil companies with local operations in the Central and Southern Luzon and local petrochemical companies. The Department of Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid project also kept the service and equipment upgraded with automated data-logging software and scanning systems.
For more information on gamma column scanning, please contact Section Head Adelina Bulos of the PNRI Isotope Techniques Section in Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City or call us at 929-6011 local 225 or 240. You can also send your queries at isotopetechnques@pnri.dost.gov.ph (S&T Media Service)
Called density profile, the technique provides significant information on the condition of the whole process and the vessel itself. Engineers, using the technology, can identify damaged or missing trays and their positions, extent of flooding and its location, liquid weeping and foaming, liquid levels, and blockages, among others. Thus engineers and operators can determine the status of the column and consequently make arrangements for maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent emergency shutdown.
Since the process does not involve direct contact with the insides of the vessels, it also avoids potential corrosion, temperature or pressure problems.
This precision nuclear tool could prove useful beyond troubleshooting structural problems. The data gathered may also be used to improve the structures and processes of the plant, thus making them more efficient and reducing production down-time in cases of programmed shutdowns.
Meanwhile, process columns are crucial components in refining crude oil to turn it into valuable fuel, as well as in sustaining the plant’s cooling systems, among others. Plant shutdowns for maintenance could cost around $1,200 per hour overseas, translating into millions of pesos in losses everyday for the local operators.
Prospective clients of the gamma-ray column scanning service range from members of the oil industry to operators of chemical plants.
Since the late 1990s, PNRI experts have provided gamma-ray services to major oil companies with local operations in the Central and Southern Luzon and local petrochemical companies. The Department of Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid project also kept the service and equipment upgraded with automated data-logging software and scanning systems.
For more information on gamma column scanning, please contact Section Head Adelina Bulos of the PNRI Isotope Techniques Section in Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City or call us at 929-6011 local 225 or 240. You can also send your queries at isotopetechnques@pnri.dost.gov.ph (S&T Media Service)
WBC to celebrate Philippine Eagle Week at Ninoy Aquino Park (June 8)
As part of the celebration for Philippine Eagle Week, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines is mounting a one-day activity at the Ninoy Aquino Park (Quezon City) on June 8, Sunday.
WBC's Mike Lu said below is the tentative schedule of activities (or check out their website: birdwatch.ph) and will send more details very soon.
PHILIPPINE EAGLE WEEK 2014
NINOY AQUINO PARK, QUEZON CITY
JUNE 8, 2014 SUNDAY
ACTIVITY AREA
0800-1200 and 1400-1700
- Exhibit on Philippine Eagle (c/o BMB)
- Wild Bird Club of the Philippines
- Activities for kids coloring, bird tattoo, drawing and origami
- Merchandise sales
- Food kiosk
- Dining area
LECTURE ROOM
0900-0920 Lecture: Philippine Eagle basics by Anson Tagtag
0930-0945 Film-showing: The Philippine Eagle
1000-1030 Lecture: My Philippine Eagle experience by Ixi Mapua and Arnel Telesforo
1045-1100 Film-showing: Avian Archipelago
1100-1145 Film-showing: Honey Buzzards of 99 Peaks
1345-1400 Film-showing: Journey of Migration
1400-1420 Lecture: Raptor Migration by Jelaine Gan
1500-1520 Lecture: Illegal Wildlife Trade by Josie de Leon
TOURS
0630-0800 Guided Birdwatching Trip with Jops Josef and Maia Tanedo
0830-0930 Treewalk with Fredd Ochavo
1000-1100 Rescue Center tour by Dr.Rizza Salinas
1500-1600 Raptor Tour by Alex Tiongco and Tere Cervero
1600-1700 Guided Birdwatching Trip with Jops Josef and Maia Tanedo
WBC's Mike Lu said below is the tentative schedule of activities (or check out their website: birdwatch.ph) and will send more details very soon.
PHILIPPINE EAGLE WEEK 2014
NINOY AQUINO PARK, QUEZON CITY
JUNE 8, 2014 SUNDAY
ACTIVITY AREA
0800-1200 and 1400-1700
- Exhibit on Philippine Eagle (c/o BMB)
- Wild Bird Club of the Philippines
- Activities for kids coloring, bird tattoo, drawing and origami
- Merchandise sales
- Food kiosk
- Dining area
LECTURE ROOM
0900-0920 Lecture: Philippine Eagle basics by Anson Tagtag
0930-0945 Film-showing: The Philippine Eagle
1000-1030 Lecture: My Philippine Eagle experience by Ixi Mapua and Arnel Telesforo
1045-1100 Film-showing: Avian Archipelago
1100-1145 Film-showing: Honey Buzzards of 99 Peaks
1345-1400 Film-showing: Journey of Migration
1400-1420 Lecture: Raptor Migration by Jelaine Gan
1500-1520 Lecture: Illegal Wildlife Trade by Josie de Leon
TOURS
0630-0800 Guided Birdwatching Trip with Jops Josef and Maia Tanedo
0830-0930 Treewalk with Fredd Ochavo
1000-1100 Rescue Center tour by Dr.Rizza Salinas
1500-1600 Raptor Tour by Alex Tiongco and Tere Cervero
1600-1700 Guided Birdwatching Trip with Jops Josef and Maia Tanedo
PHL can be Asia’s valuable brand in services trade
The Philippines has vast potentials to be the heart of services trade in Asia Pacific.
A study authored by Dr. Ramonette Serafica, research consultant of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), underscores the vast opportunities left untapped in the services sector.
The services sector has significantly contributed to the Philippine economy in increasing employment, investment, and revenue generation. It represents 44.15 percent in gross exports in terms of service value added, Serafica said. “However, there are still vast opportunities left untapped to fully exploit its role in the economy.”
The country’s strong information technology-business process outsourcing industry places the country in a comparative advantage as a net exporter of services, Serafica said.
“The main source of the country’s comparative advantage is its pool of skilled, semiskilled, and low-skilled workers,” Serafica said. Moreover, technological changes in information and communication technology and the business models of multinational companies that are leaned toward outsourcing and offshoring of services have leveraged the country’s human capital.
Serafica added that the Philippines has a strong potential to become a major hub in ship repair because of its strong labor force. Other plus factors are its geographical location which is ideal as a logistics hub for cargo and its deep seashores that make the country suitable as a ship repair hub.
The growing numbers of overseas Filipinos across the globe, more than 10 million to date, are a natural market for Philippine services, Serafica added.
Despite the country’s decades of experience as a supplier of labor, there should be a comprehensive services export initiative to help facilitate the overseas expansion of other services, Serafica said. There should be “an umbrella program dedicated to services exports that would help create the Philippines as a valuable brand in services trade.”
Serafica noted that based on the World Bank’s services trade restrictiveness index (STRI), the Philippines has “one of the most restrictive policy environments for services.” STRI is a gauge of a country’s degree of discriminatory restrictions in financial services, telecommunications, retail, transport, and professional services. “Among the sectors included in the index, it is in professional services where the extent of restrictiveness [of the Philippines]is highest,” Serafica said. In addition to restrictive policies, anticompetitive business practices also exist, she noted.
Serafica suggested that a government policy on innovation and human resource development (HRD) be implemented to further create an environment conducive to improving competitiveness.She cited a World Bank report where many countries both developed and developing are using innovation as the foundation of competitive industries from agriculture to services. This innovation involves the use of new technologies and practices as well as HRD policies that will ensure a high-quality labor force and a favorable labor market performance.
For more information, you may download the full study at http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/webportal/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1407.pdf.
A study authored by Dr. Ramonette Serafica, research consultant of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), underscores the vast opportunities left untapped in the services sector.
The services sector has significantly contributed to the Philippine economy in increasing employment, investment, and revenue generation. It represents 44.15 percent in gross exports in terms of service value added, Serafica said. “However, there are still vast opportunities left untapped to fully exploit its role in the economy.”
The country’s strong information technology-business process outsourcing industry places the country in a comparative advantage as a net exporter of services, Serafica said.
“The main source of the country’s comparative advantage is its pool of skilled, semiskilled, and low-skilled workers,” Serafica said. Moreover, technological changes in information and communication technology and the business models of multinational companies that are leaned toward outsourcing and offshoring of services have leveraged the country’s human capital.
Serafica added that the Philippines has a strong potential to become a major hub in ship repair because of its strong labor force. Other plus factors are its geographical location which is ideal as a logistics hub for cargo and its deep seashores that make the country suitable as a ship repair hub.
The growing numbers of overseas Filipinos across the globe, more than 10 million to date, are a natural market for Philippine services, Serafica added.
Despite the country’s decades of experience as a supplier of labor, there should be a comprehensive services export initiative to help facilitate the overseas expansion of other services, Serafica said. There should be “an umbrella program dedicated to services exports that would help create the Philippines as a valuable brand in services trade.”
Serafica noted that based on the World Bank’s services trade restrictiveness index (STRI), the Philippines has “one of the most restrictive policy environments for services.” STRI is a gauge of a country’s degree of discriminatory restrictions in financial services, telecommunications, retail, transport, and professional services. “Among the sectors included in the index, it is in professional services where the extent of restrictiveness [of the Philippines]is highest,” Serafica said. In addition to restrictive policies, anticompetitive business practices also exist, she noted.
Serafica suggested that a government policy on innovation and human resource development (HRD) be implemented to further create an environment conducive to improving competitiveness.She cited a World Bank report where many countries both developed and developing are using innovation as the foundation of competitive industries from agriculture to services. This innovation involves the use of new technologies and practices as well as HRD policies that will ensure a high-quality labor force and a favorable labor market performance.
For more information, you may download the full study at http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/webportal/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1407.pdf.
RELEASE DATE: 24 May 2014
For further inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Gizelle G. Manuel/ Mr. Phidel Marion G. Vineles
Ms. Gizelle G. Manuel/ Mr. Phidel Marion G. Vineles
Tel. No.: (632) 892-4059
Email: inquiries@pids.gov.ph
DOST disaster info roadshow off to SOCCSKSARGEN
Now on the homestretch, “Iba Na ang Panahon (INAP):Science for Safer Communities” - a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Office of Civil Defense, turns to SOCCSKSARGEN region for its second to the last leg of information and education campaigns (IECs) for disaster mitigation and preparedness.
The SOCCSKSARGEN leg will be held from May 26-27, 2014 at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City, South Cotabato. The city has just re-organized its City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council for a more effective disaster management program.
The regional IECs constitute a nationwide roadshow which began in March 2014 to arm local government units (LGUs) with disaster information via science-based tools like 3D hazard maps, flood models, Project NOAH website, hazard simulation software, and mobile applications.
Provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, disaster risk reduction and city planning officers, as well as LGU consultants are expected to attend the two-day event which will focus on local hazard risks in the region.
According to DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, INAP “embraces the change in our seasonal climate and weather patterns and the severity of the impact of weather-related natural hazards in the country.”
In recent years, the region, composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the city of General Santos, has experienced its share of natural calamities including heavy rainfall which caused flooding and landslides in 2012. The catastrophe led to the evacuation of hundreds of families in General Santos City and Alabel. Several houses and highways were also submerged in 1-2 meters of floodwater in General Santos as well as in Sarangani province.
Just last April 20, 2014, a twister hit Barangay Tinagacan in General Santos City, reportedly affecting eight puroks.
Through exercises and workshops to be conducted during the IEC, participants will be able to identify hazards in their own localities such as fault lines, previous flood and storm surge episodes, and other calamities that affected and may still affect their communities especially in the face of climate change. They will also have the chance to formulate action plans in response to various disasters including a typhoon as destructive as Yolanda and an earthquake as powerful as that which pummeled parts of Visayas in October 2013.
“Early warning leads to early action,” said Sec. Montejo. “If our local leaders are able to act early, then they will be able to minimize loss and lead their communities into early recovery.”
INAP will be capped by its National Capital Region leg set for May 29-30 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. (STII)
The SOCCSKSARGEN leg will be held from May 26-27, 2014 at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City, South Cotabato. The city has just re-organized its City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council for a more effective disaster management program.
The regional IECs constitute a nationwide roadshow which began in March 2014 to arm local government units (LGUs) with disaster information via science-based tools like 3D hazard maps, flood models, Project NOAH website, hazard simulation software, and mobile applications.
Provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, disaster risk reduction and city planning officers, as well as LGU consultants are expected to attend the two-day event which will focus on local hazard risks in the region.
According to DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, INAP “embraces the change in our seasonal climate and weather patterns and the severity of the impact of weather-related natural hazards in the country.”
In recent years, the region, composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the city of General Santos, has experienced its share of natural calamities including heavy rainfall which caused flooding and landslides in 2012. The catastrophe led to the evacuation of hundreds of families in General Santos City and Alabel. Several houses and highways were also submerged in 1-2 meters of floodwater in General Santos as well as in Sarangani province.
Just last April 20, 2014, a twister hit Barangay Tinagacan in General Santos City, reportedly affecting eight puroks.
Through exercises and workshops to be conducted during the IEC, participants will be able to identify hazards in their own localities such as fault lines, previous flood and storm surge episodes, and other calamities that affected and may still affect their communities especially in the face of climate change. They will also have the chance to formulate action plans in response to various disasters including a typhoon as destructive as Yolanda and an earthquake as powerful as that which pummeled parts of Visayas in October 2013.
“Early warning leads to early action,” said Sec. Montejo. “If our local leaders are able to act early, then they will be able to minimize loss and lead their communities into early recovery.”
INAP will be capped by its National Capital Region leg set for May 29-30 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. (STII)
Reforms must be continued and if needed, expanded beyond 2016, VP BINAY CITES POSITIVE IMPACT OF REFORMS INITIATED BY PRESIDENT AQUINO
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay stressed the need to continue and if needed expand the reforms initiated by President Aquino beyond 2016, saying these reforms have ushered the Philippines’ economic turnaround highlighted during the recently concluded World Economic Forum (WEF).
“We also need to acknowledge the positive impact of the reforms initiated by President Aquino,” the Vice President said.
“These reforms triggered renewed interest in the Philippines and a re-appraisal of our economic potential. We therefore make our commitment to continue and, if needed, expand the reforms initiated by president Aquino beyond 2016,” he said.
The Vice President said the hosting of the WEF has again put the Philippines in focus.
“The successful staging of the World Economic Forum shows without a doubt that the Philippines has earned its rightful place among the emerging economies of the world,” Binay said.
The WEF held its East Asia meeting in Makati for the first time in 23 years. The conference tackled a wide range of topics, from economy to climate change and was attended by more than 600 delegates from 30 countries.
He also acknowledged that the initial stages of the ASEAN economic integration will be faced with challenges, but he described them as “birthing pains.”
“There will surely be challenges as a result of integration in the initial stages. These can be considered birthing pains. But I am confident that the spirit of mutual respect, collaboration, and friendship that characterizes the ASEAN spirit will help us overcome the challenges as individual nations and collectively as ASEAN, so we can move our economies forward,” he added.
He stressed that the ultimate goal for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries “is to ensure that whatever economic gains that will accrue from integration will improve the lives of our people, eradicate poverty, and allow every citizen to share the benefits of development.”
“We are all in agreement that economic expansion is meaningless if it does not help every citizen rise above their present circumstances,” he added.
PRESS RELEASE
24 MAY 2014
REFERENCE: OVP MEDIA
Huwebes, Mayo 22, 2014
DOST launches first food processing innovation center
QUEZON CITY---The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently launched the country's first ever food processing innovation center at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) in Matina, Davao City.
The P5.3M food processing innovation center is a joint undertaking among the DOST, PWC, Department of Trade and Industry, Food Processing Association of Davao, and the Davao City Government.
“(The center) aims to produce value-added agricultural and fishery food products by becoming the hub for innovations and technical support services for the food processing industry in Davao region,” said DOST Region 11 Director Anthony C. Sales.
The services offered by the food processing innovation center included food testing, information, packaging and labeling design, consultancy services, trainings, and seminars.
DOST hopes that the center becomes a springboard for Davao’s food processors to reach local and global standards in processing technology.
“Food processing contributes more than 40 percent of the Philippines’ major manufacturing output,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Carol M. Yorobe during the launching.
Usec. Yorobe said that the establishment of a food processing innovation center in every region of the Philippines is part of DOST’s S&T interventions for the food industry.
Housed within the PWC grounds at the heart of bustling Davao City, the center is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant and boasts of fabricated equipment by DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute as part of the Department’s High-Impact Technology Solutions program.
The Center's equipment hastens the production process and improve food and packaging quality in order to enhance product marketability and enable products to withstand transport.
Among these pieces of equipment are the vacuum fryer which allows frying of vegetables, root crops, mangoes , and jackfruit without eliminating their color and natural flavor; spray dryer which provides a faster and more efficient drying method and better control of powder quality; and the water retort which offers retortable pouch packaging as a low-cost, environment-friendly, and more convenient alternative.
Retort refers to the method of heat sterilization that frees food products from pathogens, making the food shelf stable.
The food processing innovation center is also equipped with a vacuum evaporator for coco honey, tomato paste and condensed milk; freeze dryer for meats, fruits, and vegetables; vacuum packaging machine ideal for foods stored and packed in retortable pouches like cereals, nuts, cured meat, chips, and the like; and the immersion freezer which ensures faster cooling process.
“Effective technology application and deployment are possible with the partnership of government and the academe,” Yorobe added.
Davao Region’s pioneering food processing innovation center also serves as a common service facility for food technology students and professors.
(S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)
The P5.3M food processing innovation center is a joint undertaking among the DOST, PWC, Department of Trade and Industry, Food Processing Association of Davao, and the Davao City Government.
“(The center) aims to produce value-added agricultural and fishery food products by becoming the hub for innovations and technical support services for the food processing industry in Davao region,” said DOST Region 11 Director Anthony C. Sales.
The services offered by the food processing innovation center included food testing, information, packaging and labeling design, consultancy services, trainings, and seminars.
DOST hopes that the center becomes a springboard for Davao’s food processors to reach local and global standards in processing technology.
“Food processing contributes more than 40 percent of the Philippines’ major manufacturing output,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Carol M. Yorobe during the launching.
Usec. Yorobe said that the establishment of a food processing innovation center in every region of the Philippines is part of DOST’s S&T interventions for the food industry.
Housed within the PWC grounds at the heart of bustling Davao City, the center is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant and boasts of fabricated equipment by DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute as part of the Department’s High-Impact Technology Solutions program.
The Center's equipment hastens the production process and improve food and packaging quality in order to enhance product marketability and enable products to withstand transport.
Among these pieces of equipment are the vacuum fryer which allows frying of vegetables, root crops, mangoes , and jackfruit without eliminating their color and natural flavor; spray dryer which provides a faster and more efficient drying method and better control of powder quality; and the water retort which offers retortable pouch packaging as a low-cost, environment-friendly, and more convenient alternative.
Retort refers to the method of heat sterilization that frees food products from pathogens, making the food shelf stable.
The food processing innovation center is also equipped with a vacuum evaporator for coco honey, tomato paste and condensed milk; freeze dryer for meats, fruits, and vegetables; vacuum packaging machine ideal for foods stored and packed in retortable pouches like cereals, nuts, cured meat, chips, and the like; and the immersion freezer which ensures faster cooling process.
“Effective technology application and deployment are possible with the partnership of government and the academe,” Yorobe added.
Davao Region’s pioneering food processing innovation center also serves as a common service facility for food technology students and professors.
(S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)
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