DOST - Southern Leyte PSTO

20/08/2026

What’s new in science and technology across Eastern Visayas? 🔬✨
Discover the latest STI stories in the 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒&𝐓 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫, the official newsletter of DOST Eastern Visayas.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ff17cb7968.html

20/08/2026

𝑫𝑶𝑺𝑻 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒚𝒕𝒆, 𝑷𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈’𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝑺𝑬𝑻𝑼𝑷 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑴𝑶𝑨 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈

A shared vision for growth and a stronger local enterprise took center stage as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Southern Leyte and Paking’s Broiler Poultry Farm formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Representing DOST was PSTD Director Dr. Ramil T. Uy, while Engr. Delfin Sy Jr. and Dr. Francis Ann Sy represented Paking’s Broiler Poultry Farm during the signing.

The signing marks more than the beginning of a government-assisted project—it marks a commitment to a better future for the enterprise. Through approximately ₱1.5 million in SETUP assistance, Paking’s Broiler Poultry Farm will be supported in upgrading its production capabilities and adopting technologies that can help make its operations more efficient and competitive.

For Engr. Sy, Dr. Francis Ann Sy, and their team, the agreement represents an opportunity to turn years of hard work and determination into greater possibilities. For DOST, it is another opportunity to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to a local entrepreneur and help transform business aspirations into sustainable growth.

Witnessing the signing were Mr. Emmanuel E. Lagdamen, Assistant Provincial Director (APD) for Finance; Mrs. Karen Gladys C. Delizo, Assistant Provincial Director (APD) for Technical Operations; and Ms. Jema B. Gisulga, SRS II and Provincial SETUP Focal Person.

The MOA symbolizes what can happen when government support and entrepreneurial determination come together—creating opportunities not only for one enterprise, but also for the community it serves.

With the agreement now signed, Paking’s Broiler Poultry Farm takes another step forward—with technology as its partner, DOST as its ally, and a vision for growth as its driving force.

19/08/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝

The Provincial Science and Technology Office of Southern Leyte, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Saint Bernard – Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Office, conducted a STARBOOKS Orientation and Users’ Training on August 19, 2026 at Malinao Multi-grade Elementary School in Barangay Malinao, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, providing teachers and learners with greater access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning resources.

The orientation and training was facilitated by Engr. Silvestre V. Cabidog, Jr., Science Research Specialist II of PSTO Leyte, who guided the participants on the features and utilization of STARBOOKS as an offline digital learning resource.

The provision of STARBOOKS aims to address the school’s limited access to educational materials, particularly the absence of a library and limited resources that affect the teaching and learning experience in Mathematics and Science. With the STARBOOKS unit, teachers and learners can access a wide range of offline STEM content that can supplement classroom instruction and provide additional opportunities for exploration and learning.

A total of 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 (𝟐𝟒) 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 enrolled at the school are expected to directly benefit from the technology. Increased access to educational knowledge and interactive learning materials can help enrich their learning experience, strengthen their interest in science and technology, and potentially open pathways toward future educational and career opportunities in STEM.

The initiative forms part of the STI interventions under the DOST-Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project entitled “Empowerment of the Mamanwa Community in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte thru STI Interventions,” which aims to support the Mamanwa community through STI-based interventions, particularly in strengthening their rattan products and other community-based livelihood activities.

18/08/2026

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 🔔

DOST-SEI is now accepting applications for the 2027 DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships.

📋 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮
• Grade 12 students graduating in SY 2026-2027 who belong to the STEM strand or are among the top 5% of their non-STEM graduating class
• Grade 12 graduates from previous school years who have not yet enrolled in college and meet the same STEM/non-STEM requirements

🔗𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸
https://science-scholarships.ph

Submit your application 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟭𝟳 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Don’t miss the opportunity to start your journey toward a future in science and technology!

18/08/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐨𝐜 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

The Provincial Science and Technology Office Southern Leyte conducted a STARBOOKS Orientation and Users’ Training on August 18, 2026 for the teachers of Canlugoc Elementary School in Sitio Canlugoc, Barangay Lunas, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Serving as the resource speaker was Engr. Silvestre V. Cabidog, Jr., Science Research Specialist II of PSTO Leyte, who introduced the participants to the features, functionalities, and various science and technology resources available through STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic- and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS). The training included a demonstration on how to navigate the system, search for relevant materials, and utilize its digital content as an additional resource for classroom instruction and learning activities.

The STARBOOKS is part of the STI interventions provided by DOST to the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Lunas under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST)-funded project entitled “Project BUILD: Bamboo Utilization and Innovation for Livelihood and Development in Sitio Canlugoc, Barangay Lunas, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.” The project is being implemented by BLGU Lunas, with the YISEDA Producer Cooperative as its beneficiary.

The STARBOOKS is intended to complement the project's broader objectives by providing an accessible source of science and technology information for the community. Its installation at Canlugoc Elementary School also extends the reach of the intervention to the school’s 64 enrolled learners, allowing teachers and students to access educational and reference materials that can support learning and encourage greater interest in science and technology.

The orientation equipped the teachers with the knowledge and skills to maximize STARBOOKS as an additional learning resource. The participants were guided on how to access and utilize its collection of science and technology-related materials, videos, references, and other educational content for classroom instruction, research, and other learning activities.

15/08/2026

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial office held a ceremonial turnover of funds for two Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)-based projects during the commemorative program for the 26th Cityhood Anniversary of Maasin City on Monday, August 10.

One of the projects was for the City Government of Maasin, which received P1.8 million for the third year of implementing the “STI Ecosystem Development Towards Smart and Sustainable Maasin City” project.

The other project was for the Barangay Local Government Unit of Hinapu Gamay for its women’s association, which received P212,000 as a grant-in-aid for the project titled “STI-Based Interventions for Rural Community Development in Southern Leyte.” (MMP, with DOST SLFO)

15/08/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐃 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧! 🎂
The entire DOST Region VIII family extends our warmest birthday greetings to our Regional Director!
May this special day bring you joy, good health, and renewed strength as you continue to lead DOST VIII in advancing science, technology, and innovation for the people of Eastern Visayas.
Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making STI truly felt in our communities. May the year ahead be filled with even more meaningful milestones.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐃 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧! 🎂

The entire DOST Region VIII family extends our warmest birthday greetings to our Regional Director!

May this special day bring you joy, good health, and renewed strength as you continue to lead DOST VIII in advancing science, technology, and innovation for the people of Eastern Visayas.

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making STI truly felt in our communities. May the year ahead be filled with even more meaningful milestones.

12/08/2026

📸 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐓𝐈 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Day 2 of the three-day review and validation continues with focused discussions among stakeholders on the proposed strategies, priority areas, and interventions for Southern Leyte’s Provincial STI Plan and Roadmap.

The discussions aim to further refine the Plan and ensure that STI-based initiatives are responsive to the province’s development priorities, emerging opportunities, and the needs of its communities and local industries.

12/08/2026

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

MAASIN CITY, SOUTHERN LEYTE | 12 August 2026 — The Provincial Government of Southern Leyte, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Southern Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office and other partner agencies and stakeholders, convened the 1st Provincial Jackfruit Management Council (PJMC) Meeting at the 2nd Floor, PGO Boardroom, Capitol Site, Asuncion, Maasin City.

Vice Governor Rosa Emilia “Milai” Gaviola Mercado graced the activity and delivered the opening message, underscoring the Provincial Government's support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the jackfruit industry and creating greater opportunities for farmers and communities across Southern Leyte.

The meeting highlighted the implementation of Executive Order No. 03, Series of 2026, which established the PJMC as the province’s coordinating and advisory body for jackfruit industry development. Updates on the province’s jackfruit program were also presented, including the increasing number of fruit-bearing trees, from 1,478 in 2024 to 3,157 in 2026, as well as ongoing efforts to organize jackfruit growers and expand plantation areas.

As a member of the Council, PSTO Southern Leyte, represented by Ms. Jema B. Gisulga, presented the proposed Integrated Agricultural Products Processing Center in Southern Leyte, which seeks to strengthen value-adding activities and reduce post-harvest losses through science, technology, and innovation. The proposed initiative includes technologies for processing jackfruit into vacuum-fried jackfruit, dehydrated jackfruit, vacuum-fried jackfruit seeds, and jackfruit marmalade, while promoting the fuller utilization of the different parts of the fruit.

The PJMC meeting strengthens collaboration among the Provincial Government, DOST, LGUs, national government agencies, academe, farmers, and other stakeholders toward building a sustainable, competitive, and innovation-driven jackfruit industry in Southern Leyte, creating greater value and livelihood opportunities for local farming communities.

12/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓𝟖 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐏𝐇 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST VIII), through the Office of the Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Services (ARD FAS), in coordination with the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Southern Leyte, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Southern Leyte, conducted a preparatory meeting on August 11, 2026 for the upcoming GeoRiskPH Training, scheduled to be held in Southern Leyte on September 22–23, 2026.

The meeting focused on the necessary preparations, coordination requirements, and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the two-day training.

The upcoming training aims to strengthen the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in disaster risk reduction and management through the appropriate use of science-based tools and technologies. The activity is particularly significant to Southern Leyte, given the province’s continuing efforts to enhance the preparedness and decision-making capabilities of its local governments.

The GeoRiskPH platform and related tools provide valuable science-based information that can support risk assessment, land-use and development planning, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and other disaster risk reduction and management functions. More importantly, capacitating concerned technical personnel and DRRM practitioners in the effective use of these tools can contribute to better-informed decision-making by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The meeting also included discussions on the “Prepared for the Bigger Ones” with the Walk-the-Fault Activity scheduled for November 23–26, 2026. The activity aims to further strengthen disaster preparedness and risk awareness and enhance stakeholders’ practical understanding of earthquake hazards.
Present during the preparatory meeting were Dr. Ramil T. Uy, Provincial Director, PSTO–Southern Leyte; Mr. Emmanuel E. Lagdamen, Supervising SRS, PSTO–Southern Leyte; Hon. Rolito D. Manalo, S&T Committee Chairperson; Mr. Nykon De Veyra, DILG Representative; Dr. Danny Atienza, Department Head, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO); and Mr. Raul A. Inocando, Jr., Department Head, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), together with concerned DOST-8 personnel.

Through the collaborative efforts of DOST-8, local government units, and partner agencies, the preparatory meeting underscores the importance of strengthening coordination and ensuring readiness for the successful implementation of the GeoRiskPH Training and other disaster preparedness initiatives. These efforts contribute to DOST’s continuing commitment to building safer, more prepared, and disaster-resilient communities across Eastern Visayas.