DOST R02 PSTO Nueva Vizcaya

18/08/2026

l 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡-𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙆𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙥𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

The Department of Science and Technology Region II, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office of Nueva Vizcaya (PSTO Nueva Vizcaya), continues to support disaster preparedness and community resilience through the deployment of an Automated Rain Gauge (ARG)at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Building of the Local Government Unit of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with and through the initiative of the LGU Kayapa, recognizing the importance of localized, timely, and reliable rainfall information in strengthening the municipality’s preparedness for hydrometeorological hazards.

The ARG continuously measures and records rainfall and transmits near real-time data through PhilSensors, a web- and mobile-based platform developed by the DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI).

Through PhilSensors, the LGU, MDRRMO, and other disaster risk reduction stakeholders can remotely monitor rainfall conditions, access historical rainfall data, and use localized information to support timely advisories, early warning, risk assessment, and evidence-based decision-making.

The deployment addresses the need for reliable, site-specific rainfall information, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and rainfall-induced landslides. More importantly, it strengthens the capacity of the LGU and communities to anticipate risks, prepare for potential hazards, and respond more effectively when disasters occur.

Through the collaborative efforts of DOST Region II, DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, and the LGU Kayapa, science, technology, and innovation are being brought closer to communities—helping build a safer, more prepared, and more resilient Kayapa.

Science and technology at the service of safer communities.🌧️📡🤝

10/08/2026

: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚, 𝐍𝐕𝐒𝐔 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬-𝐢𝐧-𝐚-𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬

To strengthen food innovation and food safety awareness, DOST R02-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with Nueva Vizcaya State University, successfully conducted a training on Noodles-in-a-Cup Production and Food Safety for Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

The training aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in producing noodles-in-a-cup while emphasizing the importance of food safety practices to ensure product quality and safety. The activity also supports the promotion of livelihood opportunities and value-added food processing technologies among partner organizations.

The program formally opened with welcome messages from Dr. Maria Teresa A. Fulgencio, Director of the NVSU Processing Center, and Engr. Jonathan D. Nuestro, Provincial Director of DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, represented by Ms. Florita D. Sinot. Both highlighted the importance of collaboration in empowering communities through science, technology, and innovation.

Participants first attended a lecture on food safety facilitated by Dr. Maria Teresa A. Fulgencio, where they learned the fundamental principles of safe food handling, sanitation, and quality assurance essential in food processing.

This was followed by a hands-on lecture and demonstration on noodles-in-a-cup production conducted by Dr. Teresita B. Barangay and Prof. Florie Jean C. Vicente, who guided the participants through the preparation process, proper formulation, processing techniques, and product packaging considerations. The participants then applied their learnings through a return demonstration, allowing them to gain practical experience in producing the product.

In his response, Sir Benjamin Lucas, representing the participants, expressed his appreciation to DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya and NVSU for the meaningful learning opportunity. He emphasized their strong commitment to adopting the noodles-in-a-cup technology, assuring that the group is serious about producing the product and putting into practice the knowledge and skills they acquired during the training. Their commitment demonstrates their readiness to translate the technology into actual production and contribute to food security and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

23/07/2026

| 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧, 𝗡𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

To strengthen the province’s ginger industry and promote value-added processing, the Department of Science and Technology Region 02 – Provincial Science and Technology Office - Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with the Nueva Vizcaya State University-College of Human Ecology, successfully conducted the Capability Enhancement Training on Ginger-Based Processing on July 22–23, 2026, at the NVSU Production Center.

The two-day training brought together 30 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ginger farmers, processors, and other stakeholders to enhance their knowledge and technical skills in producing innovative ginger-based products. Participants attended lectures and hands-on activities covering food safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and appropriate processing technologies to ensure product quality, safety, and market readiness.

The training was facilitated by faculty members from NVSU-College of Human Ecology, who demonstrated various processing techniques and shared practical knowledge on developing value-added ginger products, including ginger wine, ginger ice cream, pickled ginger, ginger candy with carrots and katmon, ang ginger concentrate.

The activity supports DOST Nueva Vizcaya’s continuing efforts to promote technology adoption, product innovation, and enterprise development while advancing the proposed ginger industry development initiative in the province. It also complements the province’s recognition as the Ginger Capital of the Philippines by strengthening the capabilities of local producers and processors and encouraging product diversification and value addition.

Through science, technology, and innovation-driven interventions, DOST R02–PSTO Nueva Vizcaya remains committed to empowering local MSMEs and farming communities, creating greater market opportunities, increasing the value of agricultural products, and contributing to the sustainable growth of Nueva Vizcaya’s ginger industry.

03/07/2026

l 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝟎𝟐 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐖𝐓𝐑𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧, 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚

𝑵𝑼𝑬𝑽𝑨 𝑽𝑰𝒁𝑪𝑨𝒀𝑨 – The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 2 (DOST R02), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Nueva Vizcaya, officially commenced the implementation of two community water supply initiatives through separate inception meetings for the installations of SAFEWTRS Technology for safe drinking water in Barangay Muta, Kasibu; and Barangay Dagupan, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya.

The inception meetings marked the formal launch of the projects, bringing together DOST personnel, barangay officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to discuss the project objectives, implementation timeline, roles and responsibilities, and expected outcomes.

Funded by DOST R02 under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology, the projects aim to provide sustainable access to safe and potable drinking water in communities with limited access to reliable water treatment facilities. The Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) of Muta and Dagupan will serve as the implementing agencies, while PSTO–Nueva Vizcaya will provide technical assistance and oversee project monitoring throughout the implementation period.

During the meetings, DOST presented the rationale behind the projects, highlighting the need to address the communities' limited access to safe drinking water.

Under the projects, one SAFEWTRS (Safe Water Treatment and Refinement System) equipped with a stainless-steel storage tank will be installed in each barangay to treat water from existing spring sources. Once operational, the systems are expected to provide residents with a reliable source of safe and potable drinking water while helping reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.

To ensure compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW), quarterly water quality testing will be conducted throughout the implementation period to monitor the safety and quality of the treated water.

The inception meetings also served as a venue to strengthen collaboration among project partners and reaffirm their commitment to the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the initiatives.

In Barangay Muta, Kasibu, the activity was graced by Barangay Captain Hon. Agosto S. Pantal, who expressed the barangay's support for the project and its anticipated benefits to the community.

Meanwhile, the inception meeting in Barangay Dagupan, Quezon was attended by Barangay Captain Hon. Suanding B. Ampay, Chief of Police PMAJ Santy C. Ventura, and RPSB Team Leader PCPT Charly B. Dawi, whose presence underscored the strong partnership among the local government, law enforcement agencies, and DOST in advancing community development initiatives.

Through these initiatives, DOST II continues to harness science, technology, and innovation to address essential community needs. By expanding access to safe and potable drinking water in Barangays Muta and Dagupan, the Department reaffirms its commitment to improving public health, promoting sustainable development, and bringing Science for the People closer to every Filipino community.





installation

23/06/2026

DOST, NVSU, LGU Santa Fe Launch ₱2M Smart Agriculture and Digital Governance Projects

SANTA FE, Nueva Vizcaya – The Department of Science and Technology Region II (DOST R02), in partnership with Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Fe, formally convened for the ceremonial awarding of two community development projects amounting to ₱2 million, aimed at advancing agricultural innovation and strengthening local governance in the municipality.

The ceremonial awarding highlighted the implementation of two strategic projects: “Establishment of a Pilot Smarter Vegetable Production Center Using Hydroponics in a Rain Shelter” under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program and “Strengthening Local Governance through System Connectivity in Santa Fe” under the Smarter and Sustainable Communities Program. These initiatives are expected to enhance food production efficiency, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and improve public service delivery through digital connectivity and systems integration.

In her message, Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region II, emphasized that while research and technology development remain core functions of DOST, their true value is realized when these innovations are effectively utilized by communities. She underscored the importance of translating research outputs into practical and scalable solutions that directly respond to local needs and improve public service delivery.

Dr. Bilgera further highlighted that digitalization and system connectivity have become essential tools in modern governance, especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that embracing these technologies enables local government units to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, strengthen data management, and deliver faster and more reliable services to constituents.

She also stressed that DOST continues to support initiatives that address real community challenges and are backed by strong local commitment. According to her, sustainable development is achieved when stakeholders actively collaborate, adopt appropriate technologies, and take ownership of project implementation.

Citing the importance of starting with manageable initiatives and building momentum over time, Dr. Bilgera encouraged LGU Santa Fe and its partners to sustain their efforts and continuously expand their innovations. She expressed confidence that the awarded projects will contribute to smarter governance, more efficient service delivery, and long-term community development that will directly benefit the people of Santa Fe.

In his welcome message, Hon. Eddie Caramat, representing Mr. Bengio W. Segundo, Municipal Planning and Development Officer (MPDO) of LGU Santa Fe and Project Leader of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, warmly welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the project for the Municipality of Santa Fe, highlighting its role in advancing local development and innovation-driven governance.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jonathan D. Nuestro, Provincial Director of DOST R02 – PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, delivered the opening remarks, reaffirming DOST’s commitment to empowering local communities through science, technology, and innovation-based interventions that address development gaps and improve quality of life.

The ceremonial awarding was led by representatives from DOST Region II, LGU Santa Fe, and NVSU, signifying their shared commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of the projects.

Messages of acceptance and support were delivered by Hon. Tidong A. Benito, Vice Mayor of Santa Fe, and Hon. Liwayway C. Caramat, Municipal Mayor of Santa Fe. Both officials expressed their gratitude to DOST and NVSU for their continued support and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects for the benefit of their constituents.

Further expressing institutional support, Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., President of Nueva Vizcaya State University, represented by Dr. Glaizalyn Batara-Lictawa, Department Chair of Agricultural Biosystem Engineering, College of Engineering, emphasized the university’s role in providing technical expertise, research-based solutions, and capacity-building support to maximize the impact of the initiatives.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Charity M. Casem, Head and Project Leader from the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU Santa Fe, represented by Ms. Marivic S. Alfonso, Senior Agriculturist. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in ensuring the success of the projects.

17/06/2026

10/06/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝟎𝟐 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚

𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐆, 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚 – In line with its continuing efforts to strengthen the local cacao industry and enhance quality assessment systems, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 2, under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, conducted a Sensory Evaluation Training for cacao on June 9, 2026.

The activity is part of the province’s initiative to develop a recognized provincial cacao flavor profile for Nueva Vizcaya, recognizing that cacao flavor is inherently dynamic and influenced by multiple factors such as variety, soil conditions, climate, and post-harvest practices. Through science-based sensory evaluation, the activity aims to establish a consistent reference for quality assessment and product characterization rather than a single fixed flavor.

The training was spearheaded by the Provincial Science and Technology Office – Nueva Vizcaya through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, which aims to provide science-based interventions that empower communities and support sustainable economic development.

The activity gathered cacao farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), associations, processors, and other cacao stakeholders from across Nueva Vizcaya to enhance their knowledge and skills in evaluating cacao quality using scientific and industry-based methods.

Serving as a resource speaker and trainer was Mr. John Irv Bitoon, a licensed food technologist trained in sensory evaluation by the DOST-PCIEERD and a faculty member of the College of Industrial Technology at Cagayan State University, Carig Campus.

Before the hands-on activities, Mr. Bitoon provided participants with an overview of the global cacao industry, discussing current trends, market opportunities, and the increasing importance of quality standards in cacao production. He also presented the critical stages of post-harvest processing—from fermentation to drying and roasting—emphasizing their significant influence on the development of cacao flavor attributes and overall bean quality.

The training included lectures and practical exercises on cacao sensory evaluation, cut testing, and roasting techniques. Participants were trained to identify desirable flavor attributes and common defects in cacao beans, enabling them to develop a shared sensory language for evaluating quality and consistency across local production.

According to DOST Nueva Vizcaya, the activity forms part of the province’s broader initiative to strengthen the cacao value chain by building local expertise in sensory evaluation and quality profiling. Developing a common understanding of cacao flavor characteristics is expected to support future efforts in establishing a standard provincial cacao profile for Nueva Vizcaya, which can serve as a reference for quality improvement, branding, and market positioning.

Through science, technology, and innovation-driven interventions, DOST continues to empower cacao stakeholders and contribute to the growth of the cacao industry in Nueva Vizcaya, creating opportunities for higher-value products, improved market access, and increased income for local producers.

10/06/2026

08/06/2026

: DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya Advances Circular Economy Adoption Through ACCELERATE-CE Training

The Department of Science and Technology Region II – Provincial Science and Technology Office Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with the DOST Circular Economy Program, successfully conducted the Advancing Capacity and Collaboration to Equip, Lead, and Enable Readiness, Adoption, Transition, and Ex*****on Towards Circular Economy (ACCELERATE-CE) Training on June 2–3, 2026, at the NVSU Mini Theater in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The two-day training gathered representatives from micro, small, and medium enterprises; local government units; and other development partners across the province to strengthen awareness, knowledge, and practical understanding of Circular Economy (CE) principles and their application in local communities and industries.

In his welcome message, Engr. Jonathan D. Nuestro, Provincial Director of DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, expressed his gratitude to the resource speakers and participants for their commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives in the province. He emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and communities in facilitating the transition toward a circular economy. He emphasized that innovation and shared responsibility are key to achieving long-term economic growth while protecting the environment.

Dr. Francis N. Baleta, Science and Technology Fellow III under the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and Program Leader of the STI4CE Program, provided a comprehensive discussion on Circular Economy concepts, sustainable waste management practices, and DOST's Circular Economy initiatives. He emphasized the importance of the 10Rs Framework—Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover—as a strategic approach to minimizing waste, extending product life cycles, and maximizing resource efficiency. He also introduced participants to the Science, Technology, and Innovation for Circular Economy (STI4CE) Framework, highlighting the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in accelerating the country's transition toward a circular future.

Complementing these discussions, Ms. Mary Beatrice V. Sanchez, Project Technical Assistant V of DOST-ITDI, presented the country's ongoing efforts toward building a Circular Philippines. She underscored the importance of partnerships and collective action among government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and local communities in translating Circular Economy principles into tangible and sustainable outcomes.

Meanwhile, Ms. Marie Francoise Therese E. Modesto, Project Technical Specialist II, shared practical approaches and local opportunities for accelerating Circular Economy adoption in Nueva Vizcaya. She encouraged stakeholders to integrate circular strategies into their programs, operations, and development initiatives.

Beyond the lecture sessions, the training included interactive workshops where participants assessed current practices, identified opportunities for circularity, and developed actionable strategies for their organizations and communities. The workshops brought together participants from different sectors, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. They presented group outputs that showcased innovative ideas and proposed actions for integrating Circular Economy principles into business operations, local governance, education, and community development programs.

Through the ACCELERATE-CE Training, DOST-PSTO Nueva Vizcaya reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainability, innovation, and resource efficiency by equipping local stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative networks necessary to support the province's transition toward a more resilient and circular future.

03/06/2026

l 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓–𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬

As part of its continuing efforts to promote innovation and sustainable technology adoption among local enterprises, the Department of Science and Technology – Provincial Science and Technology Office - Nueva Vizcaya conducted a Technology Needs Assessment on May 21, 2026, in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya for possible projects under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program in the renewable energy sector.

Among the prospective beneficiaries assessed was the First Novo Vizcayano Travellers Transport Cooperative (FNVTTC), represented by its Chairperson, Mars B. Cabungal, a cooperative currently operating Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a mode of public transportation serving the Solano–Bayombong route. The cooperative is being assisted through the Service Contracting Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), while DOST is exploring possible technology interventions through SETUP, particularly on the upgrading of EV batteries from conventional battery types to lithium batteries to enhance efficiency, improve performance, extend operating hours, and support sustainable transport services.

Also assessed was Sober Food Hub, a DOT-accredited restaurant and food hub located in Poblacion South, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, owned by Nathaniel Mamauag. Guided by its “Life’s Better Sober” philosophy, the enterprise is known for its health-conscious dining, wellness-focused community initiatives, and signature Asian comfort food and beverages. The enterprise has also been assisted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its support programs aimed at market expansion, production scaling, and job retention. As part of DOST’s technology assessment, the business is being evaluated for the possible adoption of solar technology as a renewable energy solution to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy costs, and strengthen sustainable business operations.

The assessment activity was led by Mr. Rommel N. Simbol, Senior Science Research Specialist, and Mr. Dominique P. Medina, Project Technical Aid V, who conducted the on-site evaluation and assessed the technology needs of the prospective beneficiaries. They were joined by Dr. Mary Ann D. Carpiso, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Center Manager, who participated in the visit for project validation, monitoring, and assessment as part of the Regional Program Management Office of SETUP.

Through initiatives such as this, DOST continues to identify and provide appropriate science and technology interventions that support innovation, sustainability, energy efficiency, and enterprise development in Nueva Vizcaya.