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16/09/2026

Finders Vol. 27 No. 50- Sept 16-22, 2026

15/09/2026

SAFE FOOD, BETTER HEALTH: DOST Misamis Occidental Conducts Food Safety Orientation in Ozamiz City

In line with continuing efforts to enhance the Complementary Food Production Facility and strengthen local food safety practices, DOST Misamis Occidental successfully conducted a Food Safety Orientation on August 26, 2026.

The training took place at the Complementary Food Production Facility Training Hall, IBJT Compound, Carangan, Ozamiz City. It was actively participated in by 9 production staff (6 males and 3 females, including 1 PWD) who are at the forefront of the city's complementary food production.

Ms. Melanie O. Laude served as the resource speaker, guiding them with essential food safety standards. This orientation serves as a step in upgrading the skills of the staff and ensuring that proper food handling protocols are met. More importantly, this activity prepares the facility for its upcoming Food and Drug Administration - License to Operate (FDA-LTO) application.

Through science, technology, and safety standards, DOST and the Ozamiz Complementary Food Production team continue to work hand-in-hand to deliver safe, high-quality, and nutritious food products for the community!

15/09/2026

Bringing Learning Closer, Opening Futures: DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Deploys e-Turo Digital Learning System in Berwer

TANGCAL, Lanao del Norte — For learners in communities where distance, resources, and circumstances can sometimes limit access to opportunities, bringing technology closer can also mean bringing possibilities closer.

This vision took a concrete step forward as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN led by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, PhD, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Lanao del Norte, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and deployed the 𝗲-𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗢 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 (𝗲-𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗢 𝗗𝗟𝗦) at Berwar Integrated School, Camp Bilal, Barangay Berwar, Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

Through the guidance of the entire DOST System headed by Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., and through DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, the initiative forms part of the Science for Peace Program: Science and Technology Solutions for Peaceful and Productive Communities, implemented by DOST SOCCSKSARGEN in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) under the foresight of Secretary Atty. MEL SENEN SARMIENTO, and complemented by the Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) Program.

At the heart of the initiative is a simple but far-reaching vision: to make science, technology, and learning opportunities more accessible to communities — and, through them, create greater room for people to learn, participate, and shape their own futures.

Developed by RYR Innovations, e-TURO DLS is designed to support education through digital learning resources, AI-assisted content generation, automated assessment functions, and learning management features that may complement existing curriculum requirements and teaching and learning strategies.

For DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, however, the significance of e-TURO goes beyond the technology itself.

It directly speaks to the agency's Pillar of Well-being — recognizing that well-being also means having opportunities to learn, participate, and imagine a better future. “𝗠𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆,” says RD Malawan.

The deployment in Berwar puts this principle into practice by bringing digital learning resources closer to teachers and learners who will experience the system firsthand in their classrooms. Rather than viewing technology as an end in itself, the initiative places it in the hands of teachers and learners who can give it purpose — using it to make lessons more accessible, provide learners with another way to understand, and help teachers integrate technology into their teaching practice.

The deployment also carries a deeper significance as an intervention under the Science for Peace Program. Here, science and technology are positioned not only as tools for innovation, but as instruments that can contribute to peacebuilding, participation, and community development. The program's “Agham na Ramdam” vision comes alive when science reaches places where people can actually experience its benefits — in the classroom, in the hands of teachers and learners, and within the wider community.

When knowledge becomes more accessible and learning opportunities become more attainable, science becomes something communities can feel, use, and build upon.

In this sense, e-TURO serves as a bridge: between learners and opportunity, between communities and possibilities, and between where people are now and where they aspire to be.

The MOA formalizes the pilot implementation of e-TURO DLS at Berwar Integrated School for 2026–2027, covering selected Grade 6 classes with approximately 80 learners and selected BIS teachers. The pilot will include deployment and operationalization of the system, provision of necessary hardware, software and connectivity support, teacher and school personnel training, technical assistance, monitoring, and baseline and endline assessments. Importantly, the pilot is designed not only to introduce the technology but also to generate evidence on its usability, effectiveness, cost-efficiency, scalability, and potential applicability in other educational settings.

This makes Berwar more than a recipient of a digital learning system. It becomes a learning ground for understanding how science and technology can respond to the realities of geographically isolated, conflict-affected, and underserved communities. The lessons gathered here may help inform future education and technology interventions and guide how similar opportunities can be brought closer to other communities.

The ceremonial turnover was accompanied by the signing of the MOA between DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, and DepEd – Division of Lanao del Norte, represented by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Edwin R. Maribojoc, CESO V represented by Ms. Rowena Lontayao, SDO Lanao Del Norte Education Program Supervisor in Science. The partnership also brings together the Municipality of Tangcal, community and peace partners from Camp Bilal and the JTFCT-MILF, Berwar Integrated School, RYR Innovations, and other stakeholders.

During the program, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN emphasized that the initiative is intended to grow beyond the ceremony and into the everyday experiences of the school community. The e-TURO DLS was formally turned over to Berwar Integrated School as the identified pilot school, marking the transition from installation and training to actual classroom implementation.

From here, its impact will ultimately be measured not by the presence of a digital system, but by what it enables — a lesson made more accessible, a teacher better equipped, a learner given another avenue to understand, and a community given another opportunity to move forward.

For DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, the e-TURO deployment reflects a broader commitment: science and technology must reach people where they are and respond to the realities they face. As the pilot begins in Berwar, the hope is that e-TURO will become more than a digital learning resource. It can become a bridge to learning, participation, opportunity, and possibility — helping demonstrate how science and technology can contribute not only to better learning, but to stronger and more empowered communities.

Because when science reaches the people, and people are given the tools to help shape their own future, that is 𝗔𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗱𝗮𝗺. 𝗠𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗮. 𝗠𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗼. 𝗠𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓, 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔.

15/09/2026

DOST formalizes collaboration with DENR, ISPSC; inks pilot implementation of Project KALIKASAN in Cervantes during the 2026 Handog sa Pangulo in Laoag City.

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ilocos Region, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and the Municipality of Cervantes formally forged partnership for nature conservation through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Project KALIKASAN during the DENR’s Handog ng Pangulo, Luntiang Bukas at SM City Laoag, Ilocos Norte today.

DENR Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna led the activity with DOST Ilocos Region Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, DENR Ilocos Region Director Atty. Ronnel C. Sopsop, and ISPSC President Dr. Mario P. Obrero.

Project KALIKASAN which stands for Kiosk for Advocating and Learning through Innovative Knowledge Advancement of Safeguarding and Appreciating Nature is a DOST-funded project under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. It aims to bring science-based information on biodiversity and environmental conservation closer to communities and stakeholders. It will be piloted at the Bessang Pass Natural Monument/Landmark in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. Through an interactive kiosk, the project will provide information on the area’s biodiversity, natural resources, conservation efforts, amenities, and communities, giving visitors, students, and local residents an accessible learning tool.

With the partnership, DOST contributes its expertise in science, technology, and innovation; DENR provides technical guidance on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation data collection and sharing; ISPSC contributes academic and technical support for systems development; and the Municipality of Cervantes supports local implementation and community engagement.

Through the MOA, the partners commit to making environmental education more accessible and encouraging communities and customers to understand, appreciate, and help protect the protected areas. Upon completion of the project, the kiosks will be stationed in Cervantes municipal hall and in the Bessang Pass Natural Monument Landmark.

15/09/2026

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.

15/09/2026

Mula sa Bukid, Balik sa Bukid: Sampaguita Twin’s Turns Rice By-Products into Resources

Technology is helping a growing rice enterprise in Cagayan turn post-harvest by-products into useful resources, demonstrating how innovation can improve productivity while supporting a more sustainable agricultural cycle.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), led by Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., together with Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and DOST Region 2 Regional Director Dr. Virginia Belgeria, visited Sampaguita Twin’s Buying Station and Rice Mill Co. in Cagayan as part of the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW).

Managed by Eduardo Santos Carpio, the enterprise provides rice milling, grain trading, and post-harvest storage services to farmers and grain suppliers in Solana, Tuao, Sto. Niño, and Piat.

With technology upgrading support, the rice mill has strengthened its post-harvest operations, allowing faster processing, improved grain quality, better storage, and reduced dependence on weather conditions. These improvements contribute to higher productivity and income while helping the enterprise remain competitive.

More importantly, the rice milling operation demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be put to productive use.

Rice hulls generated during milling, for instance, can serve as biomass fuel for the mechanical dryer, providing an alternative energy source while reducing the amount of waste from processing. Rice bran, locally known as darak, can likewise be utilized as an ingredient in animal feed, particularly for hogs.

Other agricultural materials may also be processed into organic soil inputs, such as compost combined with animal manure, which can eventually be used to support crop production.

Through these practices, materials generated from rice processing gain value beyond their original purpose. What begins as palay from the farm can become rice for consumers, bran for animal feed, and rice hulls for energy, while properly processed organic materials can return nutrients to agricultural land.

This creates a cycle that gives deeper meaning to the concept “From the Farm, Back to the Farm”—maximizing the value of agricultural resources, reducing waste, and creating additional opportunities from every harvest.

The experience of Sampaguita Twin’s Buying Station and Rice Mill Co. highlights how government technology interventions, coupled with the initiative of local enterprises, can generate benefits beyond improved milling operations. By strengthening post-harvest systems and making better use of available resources, technology can help build more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural communities.

15/09/2026

Cagayan Valley RSTW Highlights Push to Bring STI Closer to Communities

Bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to communities took center stage as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Tuguegarao City on September 9, 2026.

Anchored on the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the three-day celebration brought together government leaders, researchers, academe, industry, enterprises, and communities to showcase how STI can address local development needs.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. called for science to move beyond laboratories and prototypes and into communities where it can create tangible impact. He emphasized stronger cooperation among researchers, government, industries, and communities to turn innovations into solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang likewise emphasized that STI must reach every Filipino, particularly at the grassroots. He highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation and imagination within communities so that people can access technology and develop solutions responsive to their own needs.

Cagayan Province Governor Edgardo B. Aglipay stressed that innovation becomes more meaningful when governors, academics, industries, and communities combine their expertise and resources. Such partnerships, he said, can help transform innovative ideas into opportunities while addressing pressing societal concerns.

These messages were reflected in the technologies and programs featured during the RSTW, which highlighted STI applications in agriculture, education, enterprise development, sustainable transportation, and disaster resilience across Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

Among the featured initiatives were the eTuro Project, which supports learning through technology; the Isabela Natural Dyes Hub, which promotes locally sourced materials; and DOST programs such as the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), and Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Research capabilities in the region were also showcased through electric mobility solutions developed by Cagayan State University (CSU), including e-Trikes and C-Trikes, demonstrating the potential of local research and engineering to support cleaner transportation.

Disaster preparedness and response also formed part of the celebration through HANDA sa Bagong Pilipinas: Building a Disaster Resilient and Future Ready Nation. A highlight was the turnover and operational demonstration of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) for Tuguegarao City, alongside capacity-building activities and the MoCCoV Skills and Operations Olympics.

The activities underscored that the value of innovation lies not only in developing new technologies but in ensuring that these are effectively adopted and used to address real challenges.

Through the 2026 Cagayan Valley RSTW, DOST and its partners provided a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and expanding opportunities for technology adoption across the region.

Ultimately, the celebration reinforced the vision of “Agham na Ramdam” — science and technology that move from research and ideas into solutions that make a real difference in the lives of Filipino communities.

15/09/2026

Photo Release on Marching Band Competition Champion

MARCHING BAND COMPETITION CHAMPION. Banda Buenaventura of the City of Baliwag proudly receives their championship trophy and cash prize from Governor Daniel R. Fernando and PHACTO OIC-Department Head Limuel Jan J. Lobederio during the awarding ceremony of the 3rd Marching Band Competition at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan recently. INSET: The majorettes from the winning band are all smiles during the parade.

Buong pagmamalaking tinanggap ng Banda Buenaventura mula sa Lungsod ng Baliwag ang kanilang tropeo bilang kampeon at perang insentibo mula kina Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando at Nanunuparang Puno ng PHACTO Limuel Jan J. Lobederio sa awarding ceremony ng 3rd Marching Band Competition sa Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Lungsod ng Malolos, Bulacan kamakailan. INSET: Ang mga majorette ng nagwaging banda na pawang nakangiti habang pumaparada.

15/09/2026

“PDIC 101: Understanding Deposit Insurance” initiative engages local media in Bohol

“PDIC 101” goes to Tagbilaran City. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) sustained their collaboration for the conduct of “PDIC 101: Understanding Deposit Insurance” press conference, which equipped the media with better understanding of the PDIC’s mandates and the protection provided by deposit insurance. Photo shows the “PDIC 101” discussion held on September 10, 2026 and led by PDIC Vice President Jose G. Villaret, Jr. (Corporate Affairs Group) (seated, center) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) conducted the first regional run for 2026 of the “PDIC 101: Understanding Deposit Insurance”, a sustaining media education initiative that empowers members of the local media with deeper understanding of the PDIC’s mandates and the importance of deposit insurance in the financial well-being of Filipinos. The “PDIC 101” was held in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Central Visayas Regional Office and Bohol Provincial Information Center on September 10, 2026, in Tagbilaran City.

Recognizing the role of media in amplifying the PDIC’s messages of depositor protection and financial stability, the Corporation maintains open communication with local media to further encourage the public to save in banks and be protected by PDIC’s deposit insurance of up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) of P1 million per depositor, per bank.

Aside from providing critical information to the media, the PDIC 101 also provides a venue for reporters to raise their questions and clarifications, thereby clarifying for the public the Corporation’s multi-faceted roles as the state deposit insurer, co-regulator of banks, statutory receiver of closed banks; as well as a pillar of financial stability.

PDIC Vice President Jose G. Villaret, Jr. (Corporate Affairs Group) led the PDIC 101 through an engaging discussion and dialogue with Bohol media representing various television, radio, print, and online media networks. VP Villaret underscored the PDIC’s core functions and highlighted the enhanced protection more than a year after the implementation of the MDIC of P1 million per depositor, per bank. The MDIC took effect on March 15, 2025.

From March 2025, when the new MDIC took effect, to March 2026, total deposits across the Philippine banking system grew by 9.81 percent, a significant increase within just one year. Notably, deposits with balances above the P1 million MDIC recorded the strongest growth, at 10.32 percent over the same period, demonstrating the public’s positive response to the increase in the MDIC, as reflected in stronger deposit growth and, ultimately, heightened depositor confidence in the banking system. This growth is particularly compelling, as it suggests that the enhanced MDIC may have strengthened confidence not only among fully insured depositors, but also among depositors with larger balances, reinforcing overall trust and stability in the banking system.

Since 2024, the PDIC and PIA have been collaborating to enhance public access to financial information, particularly on the benefits of saving in banks and the protection provided by deposit insurance. This is also aligned with the government’s thrust for financial inclusion. Through its extensive nationwide network, the PIA helps the PDIC reach more audiences to help them make informed financial decisions. Through consumer education and collaboration with partner-agencies like the PIA, the PDIC continues to play a key role in protecting depositors and maintaining public confidence in the country’s financial stability.

15/09/2026

Pasigueños to benefit from financial education program

Photo 1: A financial education partnership for Pasigueños. (From left to right) BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig City administrator Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero, and BDO Foundation trustee Evelyn Salagubang show a copy of the signed memorandum of agreement. (Photo courtesy of BSP)

Photo 2: Towards financial inclusion. Families and relatives of persons who use drugs are some of the beneficiary groups of the financial education partnership project of BSP, Pasig LGU, and BDO Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Pasig City Anti-Drug Abuse Office)

Photo 3: Advocating good governance through financial education. Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto delivers his remarks during the ceremonial signing of the partnership at the temporary city hall of Pasig City.

PASIG CITY — Vulnerable sectors facing financial challenges in Pasig City will now have an opportunity to learn practical financial management skills, improve their economic well-being, and build long-term financial resilience.

In line with the city government’s efforts to promote participatory good governance and responsive public service, BDO Foundation and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) partnered with the City Government of Pasig to expand access to financial education to relocated families, micro-entrepreneurs, persons recovering from drug use, solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and many others.

Aligned with BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, the financial education program for Pasig City stakeholders aims to complement the local government’s existing livelihood and social reintegration initiatives.

"After completing livelihood and skills training, they also need to understand how to manage and sustain a business," said Zenaida Concepcion, officer-in-charge of the Pasig City Anti-Drug Abuse Office. "Financial assistance is available through the local government, but financial education helps ensure that beneficiaries are equipped to make informed decisions and improve their quality of life."

For BDO Foundation president Mario A. Deriquito, the financial education program in Pasig will also support national and global development goals: "Empowering people with financial knowledge contributes not only to stronger families and communities but also to broader national development goals of reducing poverty, promoting decent work, and building inclusive and sustainable societies."

The initiative forms part of BDO Foundation's continuing financial education advocacy, implemented in partnership with BSP and various public and private sector organizations, to help more Filipinos build healthy financial habits and achieve greater financial security.

Finders News Publishing

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