DOST - Samar PSTO

DOST Samar PSTO Provides Manufacturing Productivity and Cleaner Production Consultancy to BANIG in Basey, Samar

BASEY, Samar – In its continuing commitment to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of local enterprises, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST VIII), through the Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO), conducted a Manufacturing Productivity and Cleaner Production consultancy services for the Basey Native Industry for Growth (BANIG) in Basey, Samar.

Samar PSTO initiated the consultancy activity led by Engr. Joseph Albert O. Lledo, together with Engr. Philip John V. Condes and Mr. Jincent I. Mercado, who served as members of the consultancy team. The activity aimed to assess the organization's current production processes, identify operational inefficiencies, and recommend productivity improvement measures and cleaner production strategies.

The Manufacturing Productivity and Cleaner Production Consultancy Services are interventions provided by DOST VIII designed for business enterprises in improving operational efficiency, reducing waste generation, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing product quality. Through systematic assessment and analysis of manufacturing operations, the program provides science-based recommendations that enable enterprises to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.

During the consultancy visit, the team conducted interviews with production personnel and carried out an on-site assessment of BANIG’s production facilities and operations. The assessment examined various aspects of the organization’s manufacturing activities, including workflow efficiency, workplace organization, material handling practices, resource consumption, production bottlenecks, and waste management systems. The team likewise identified opportunities for process improvements that could enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and promote more sustainable production practices.

The activity demonstrates DOST VIII’s continuing commitment to empowering local industries through technology-driven solutions and consultancy services that promote both economic development and environmental sustainability. By providing technical assistance and expert recommendations, the agency supports enterprises in becoming more productive, competitive, and resilient in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

🎉 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐈 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒! 🎉

The DOST Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office proudly congratulates the successful 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐈 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 from Samar Province.

Your dedication, perseverance, and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have brought you one step closer to achieving your dreams. May this milestone inspire you to continue striving for excellence and become future leaders and innovators who will contribute to nation-building.

Padayon, Iskolar ng Bayan! 🌟🇵🇭

DOST Samar PSTO Strengthens Coastal Stewardship through Sustainable Coastal Resource Management Training in Daram, Samar

May 29, 2026 - The Department of Science and Technology – Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Samar PSTO), through the DOST-ISLA (Let's CARE) Project – KATHA, successfully conducted the Training-Orientation on Sustainable Coastal Resource Management for fisherfolk of Brgy. Astorga, Daram, Samar at the Brgy. Astorga Covered Court.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Samar PSTO) and Samar State University (SSU), the activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of fisherfolk on the sustainable management, conservation, and protection of coastal and marine resources. The training likewise emphasized the vital role of coastal communities in safeguarding marine ecosystems while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

The activity was formally opened by Ms. Sheila Mae C. Pica, Science Research Specialist II of DOST Samar PSTO, who highlighted the importance of science-based approaches and active community participation in promoting sustainable fisheries and coastal resource conservation.

Serving as resource person was Mr. Alex N. De Luna, MFT, Agricultural Technologist from the Office of the Provincial Fishery Officer, who facilitated discussions on Coastal Resource Management and JAO No. 1, Series of 2014 on Blue Swimming Crab Management. His presentations provided participants with valuable insights on responsible fisheries management, sustainable harvesting practices, and the protection of marine resources that support the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Also present during the activity was Ms. Jessica D. Barredo, Project Technical Staff of DOST Samar PSTO, who assisted in the facilitation and successful conduct of the training.

This activity forms part of the continuing implementation of the DOST- KATHA Project, spearheaded by Dr. Evelyn Bacarra-Tablante, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST Samar PSTO, which seeks to empower agri-fishery communities through science, technology, and innovation interventions that promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive development.

Together, let us protect our coastal resources today and build resilient communities for generations to come.

📢📢

(LIVE) 2026 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships – Qualifiers Announcement Join us live for the official announcement of the qualifiers for th...

DOST Samar Strengthens Digital Connectivity in Sohoton Tourist Area Through STARLINK Initiative

BASEY, Samar — In a significant step toward strengthening ecotourism services and digital connectivity in Samar, the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII (DOST8) through the Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) formally turned over a STARLINK satellite internet unit to the Sohoton Services Cooperative on May 28, 2029, in Basey, Samar.

The Sohoton Services Cooperative manages the well-known Sohoton Cave and river cruising activities within the Sohoton River area, one of Eastern Visayas ecotourism destinations. Prior to the intervention, the facility had no stable internet connectivity and only relied on peso WiFi services and WiFi phones for communication and internet access.

The provision of the STARLINK unit aims to equip the tourism facility with reliable and accessible internet connectivity to improve communication, operational efficiency, tourist services, and online promotion of the Sohoton ecotourism site.The intervention was provided under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program of DOST, which seeks to improve the socio-economic condition of communities through science, technology, and innovation-based interventions.

Leading the turnover activity were Engr. Joseph Albert O. Lledo, Engr. Philip John V. Condes and Mr. Jincent I. Mercado of the DOST8 Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office.

Present during the ceremony was Dr. Evangeline Ritaga, Municipal Tourism and Development Officer of Basey, Samar, representing Hon. Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada. Also in attendance were the officers and members of the Sohoton Services Cooperative, who are the direct beneficiaries of the project.

As part of the continuing support for the sustainable development of the Sohoton ecotourism area, DOST Samar PSTO also announced the provision of a Modular Ecology-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDOWW) Treatment Facility, also funded under the CEST Project. The intervention aims to promote environmental protection and sustainable wastewater management in the tourist destination, further strengthening Sohoton’s position as an ecotourism attraction in Samar.

The initiative reflects DOST’s commitment to empowering local communities through appropriate technologies and sustainable development programs that contribute to inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.

DOST Samar PSTO Empowers Farmers through Sustainable Conservation Practices Training in Daram, Samar

May 28, 2026 - The Department of Science and Technology – Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Samar PSTO), through the DOST-ISLA (Let’s CARE) Project – KATHA, successfully conducted the “Sustainable Conservation Practices Training” for the farmers of Brgy. Marupangdan, Daram, Samar at the Brgy. Marupangdan Covered Court.

The activity brought together local farmers for a meaningful learning engagement focused on sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, climate resilience, and responsible resource management. Discussions highlighted practical approaches on vegetable production, nursery management, and insect pest management to strengthen local agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The training featured resource speakers from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), namely Ms. Maria Mara P. Picorro, Agricultural Technologist I, who discussed Vegetable Production; Ms. Adelfa V. Gadin, Administrative Officer IV, who shared valuable knowledge on Nursery Management and Insect Pest Management Control; and Mr. Johnie M. Liguid, Administrative Aide II, who conducted the demonstration activity for the participants.

Also present during the activity from DOST Samar PSTO were Ms. Sheila Mae C. Pica, Science Research Specialist II, and Ms. Jessica D. Barredo, Project Technical Staff, who provided support in the successful conduct and facilitation of the training.

The activity forms part of the continuing commitment of DOST Samar PSTO, spearheaded by Dr. Evelyn Bacarra-Tablante, Provincial Science and Technology Director, to empower communities through science, technology, and innovation while promoting inclusive and sustainable agri-fishery development in Samar.

Through initiatives like this,
DOST Samar PSTO continues to cultivate resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods toward a greener and more progressive future.

DOST Samar PSTO Brings STARBOOKS “Library in a Box” to Old San Agustin NHS in Basey

BASEY, SAMAR — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII – Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) successfully conducted the installation and turn-over of two (2) STARBOOKS units to Old San Agustin National High School in Basey, Samar on May 28, 2026.

The activity forms part of the continuing implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program of DOST8 Samar PSTO in the municipality of Basey, Samar. Through the provision of STARBOOKS units, DOST aims to strengthen access to science, technology, and innovation resources in local communities and educational institutions.

STARBOOKS, or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS, is a flagship digital library initiative of the DOST – Science and Technology Information Institute (STII). Dubbed as the “Library in a Box,” STARBOOKS is an offline digital information system containing thousands of science and technology resources including digitized books, research materials, videos, journals, livelihood technologies, and educational content accessible even without internet connectivity. The initiative seeks to bridge information gaps, particularly in remote and underserved communities across the country.

The activity was spearheaded by DOST Samar PSTO led by Engr. Joseph Albert O. Lledo, STARBOOKS Focal Person, together with Engr. Philip John V. Condes, CEST Program Focal Person, and Samar PSTO staff Mr. Jincent I. Mercado. Representing Hon. Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada of Basey, Samar was Dr. Evangeline Ritaga, Municipal Tourism and Development Officer.

Also present during the event were faculty members of Old San Agustin National High School, members of the Sohoton Services Cooperative and Rawis Balantak Tourism Services Association. who participated in the orientation and training activities.

During the program, Engr. Lledo conducted the users’ training on STARBOOKS, introducing participants to the features, functions, and available learning resources within the digital library system. The training aimed to ensure effective utilization of the technology in supporting education, research, and community learning initiatives.

Meanwhile, Engr. Condes facilitated a discussion on Gender and Development (GAD), emphasizing the importance of gender responsiveness and inclusivity in community development programs and institutional practices.

The installation and turn-over of the STARBOOKS units highlight DOST’s continuing commitment to bringing science and technology closer to communities and empowering educational institutions through accessible knowledge resources and capacity-building initiatives.

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 🌱💡

The Department of Science and Technology – Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Samar PSTO), together with the Local Government Unit of Catbalogan City, successfully conducted a series of learning visits to various DOST Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) in Bicutan, Taguig City on May 21–22, 2026, as part of the City’s continuing engagement under the Smart and Sustainable Cities Program (SSCP) and preparations for rSCENE 2026.

On behalf of Dr. Evelyn Bacarra-Tablante, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST Samar PSTO, Ms. Emelyn A. Maglahus, Supervising Science Research Specialist, led the DOST Samar PSTO and LGU Catbalogan delegation together with Atty. Dennis Cosmod, City Administrator of LGU Catbalogan. The activity served as an avenue to explore relevant technologies, research-based programs, and possible science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven solutions that may support the priority development programs and long-term vision of Catbalogan City.

Through the engagement, the delegation gained valuable insights on textile innovation, science education, digital technologies, industrial innovation, food and nutrition, and advanced manufacturing opening opportunities for future collaboration toward a smarter, healthier, more innovative, and future-ready Catbalogan City.

This learning visit reflects the continuing commitment of DOST Samar PSTO and LGU Catbalogan City to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to the community transforming ideas into opportunities and partnerships into sustainable development.

📸 For more information and highlights of each visit, captions are provided in every photo featured in this post.