The Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST R02) in cooperation with the Batanes State College and the Provincial Government of Batanes conducted the 2019 S&T Caravan in the province of Batanes on March 11-16, 2019 with the theme “Empowering the Ivatans thru Science and Technology”.

On day one, Opening Program was held at the Human Resource Training (HRTC) of the Provincial Capitol, Basco, Batanes. It was graced by the Undersecretaries of DOST, Usec. Carol M. Yorobe of Scientific and Technical Services and Usec. Cristina Rowena L. Guevara of Research and Development.

Invocation and singing of National Anthem and Batanes Hymn was led by the renowned BNSHS Voices. It was followed by the Provincial Director of PSTC Batanes, Ms. Nora Garcia, who acknowledged the guests and participants of the S&T Caravan coming from business sectors, local government, national line agencies and academe.

A warm welcome message was given by Governor Marilou H. Cayco followed by an Opening Remarks from Regional Director Sancho A. Mabborang. Inspirational messages from the two undersecretaries was delivered with a presentation of DOST technologies by Usec. Guevara.

During the awarding, Certificate of Ownership were given to SETUP graduates, SETUP ISS Assistance to new SETUP clients, FDA-LTO Certificates to 11 MSMEs, PORTASOL to  six LGUs and Juan Time Digital Clock to LGU Itbayat and LGU Sabtang.

The opening program was concluded by a closing remarks of  BSC President, Dr. Alfonso R. Simon.

Right after the program, official opening of S&T Fair located at Basco Plaza was done through ribbon cutting by the Gov. Cayco, Usec. Guevara, Usec Yorobe, RD Mabborang, PD Garcia and Pres. Simon. Different products assisted by DOST-PSTC Batanes were showcased during the said exhibit. The main attraction is the introduction of Ivatan Beer which is made from local sweet potato, a joint project of DOST and BSC through its Product Development and Training Center.

After the viewing, opening of the Science on the Move Exhibit located at Basco Gymnasium through balloon puffing was successful even with the bad weather. Ms. May Pagsinohin, Executive Director of Phil. Foundation for Science and Technology was also present and tour the visitors around the exhibit.

In the afternoon, launching of different DOST assisted project was made: Tubig-Talino Project wherein a TLA was awarded to Ms. Susan Antas; Tawsen Food Processing in San Antonio, Basco of Tawsen Agri-Venture; and Waste Recycling Project which is a joint project of DOST with PLGU Batanes. A visit to Batanes Jail for the livelihood project also with the PLGU-Batanes was made. Simultaneously, lectures by Speakers/ trainors from different councils and institutes of DOST and other partners in advocating S&T culture at the HRTC was also being done.

On day two, continuation of Women’s Economic Empowerment Training was accomplished to support the Women Micro Entrepreneurs (WME) improve their products and market strategies. Speakers are from DOST and the Phil. Commission on Women.

Another worthy training is on the waste recycling in which the use of Shredder and Plastic Densifier was demonstrated. Product from the said training was then presented to Governor Cayco during a short meeting in the afternoon. She gave her full support to the project and is very positive in eradicating plastic wastes in the province. She vowed to support the project by hiring staff for the said project which will man the operation. The objective is to lessen the plastic wastes in Basco Eco Center in 2 to 3 months’ time.

Day Three, continuation of training on WEE training and processing area ocular inspection was also accomplished. At the same time, Engr. Mark Hizon conducted a lecture on Investigatory Project to Itbud Integrated School at Itbud, Uyugan.

The Science on the Move Exhibits which ran from March 11 to March 20, benefitted around 2900 students from different schools in the province including the walk-in clients. The exhibit featured interactive exhibits that enhance learning of basic science concepts and processes which are effective tools in rediscovering science in its essence.

Opening program was held at HRTC Batanes Capitol

Awarding of TLA on Tubif Talino to Ms. Susan Antas

Project visit at Ivana Seaweed chips project

Launching of S&T Fair

Ivatan Beer tasting