S&T Trip with the Stars

August 26, 2011

After days of rescheduling due to suspension of classes, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agreed to accomodate us to visit their compound. At the assembly area, we left at around 7:30 in the morning, ready for the six-hour exposure trip.

Three agencies arranged by DOST gladly met us and introduced some of their exhibits:

• Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)
• Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
• Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI)

Expectedly, each of the RAPD students was attentive; taking down some notes as the various speakers told us about their institute's history, mission and vision, and services.





Touring the lab at the FNRI

 

Listening to an expert at the ITDI



Interacting with an expert at TAPI

 

On one note, the supposedly six-hour trip was shortened to three hours due to unexpected circumstances. By noon, the "call of nature" was telling them that it was time to rest and respond to grumbling stomachs. On the contrary, instead of going back to school, they were requesting to use the time to visit another institute inside the compound.*

I was given the opportunity to supervise and accompany all the RAPD students. It was (half) a day full of new discoveries about what science and technology is all about, specifically, in the real world. Each had his or her own way of devouring information bombarded at varied speeds.  Each was unique, expressing ways of interests to the topic being discussed. Some were open. Some were a bit bored. But at the end of the day, it was evident that learning outdoors was always described in one word: FUN.

 

The author (in yellow) with RAPD students with brochures and their gold lab journals.
[L-R. 1st row: Jaclyn Chua-Yap, Renz Pangilinan, Jane Abucejo, Kimo Bello, Leona Lao, Jul Mar Esteban. 2nd row: Arlo Sanico, Joma Daquioag, Ryan Tuzon. 3rd row: Paul Abella]

  

My warmest gratitude to the Stars. Till the next trips! :)
-Bick Lloren

----------------------

* later that day, PTRI called to confirm the time of visit, however, it was a surprise notice. 
**photos courtesy of Ms. RMBB (SARS adviser)

Nagsimula lang sa Isang Paglalakbay

            FNRI (Food and Nutrition Research Institute)

            Director: Mario V. Capanzana, Ph.D.

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631

Mission: As the lead agency in food and nutrition research and development in the country, the FNRI provides accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.

Vision: OPTIMUM NUTRITION for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment- friendly and globally competitive technologies.

Services: 

             The FNRI offers contract and joint researches, food analytical testing, food processing facility development, nutritional analysis, and many other services.  

ITDI (Industrial Technology Development Institute)

Director: Dr.  Nuna E. Almanzor

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631

Mission: To make local industries globally competitive.

Vision: Excellence in propelling development as provider of technologies and services for the industry

Services:

               ITDI conducts services such as chemical and biological analysis, nutritional labeling, and brand development. They also offers their facilities such as chromatographies, analyzers, and different analytical equipments. 

TAPI (Technology Application and Promotion Institute)
Director: Mr. Edgar I. Garcia
Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631
Mission: TAPI shall promote an effective and efficient innovation system towards the adoption and utilization of inventions, innovations, and services.

Vision: A strategic partner in advancing national socio-economic growth by advocating a culture of innovation and promoting globally-competitive and useful technologies.

Services:

               They provide financial support and improvement services . They help Filipino inventors hold their intellectual properties and provide different technological innovations to the Philippines.

Project Title: 

The Product Design of Cucurbita maxima as Potential Street Food

            The field of food science, although seen by some as a useless and silly field, proves to be one of the best fields to work in, since there remains much to work on and possibilities in the field are numerous, given that the world is plagued by numerous famines and droughts, not to mention the constant threat of malnutrition. In light of this, the agencies of the Department of Science and Technology prove very accommodating to researches in this field. The services provided by these agencies provide extensive help to researches on many fields, not just in food science, while still giving the research room to grow and expand to fit the needs of the actual inventor/researcher. Although sufficient enough to research and develop technologies on its own, the Department and its agencies are welcoming to other individuals/institutions that seek to improve on their products and give them twists to give them more use to the buying public and inadvertently, give the products added advantages over competitors in the market. Overall, the Department makes true its promise to help in the industrialization, modernization and overall improvement of the Philippines through creation of technologies and support of those who prove capable on developing them.

           In the development and testing of the product we seek to create, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute prove capable on assistance and guidance, especially on the fields of fortifying and increasing the nutritional value of the product. Testing on the possible untoward effects our product may have is also a field that they can provide assistance. In the creation of an effective packaging, sealing and labeling strategy, the Industrial Technology Development Institute proves to be the institution of choice. The technical assistance they can provide on increasing the general acceptance on the product, such as ways to make it look more pleasing to the eyes or making it look more appetizing may prove invaluable in our research. To help fund our project, or to protect it against intellectual theft, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute is the agency to turn to. In its quest to provide financial and legal assistance to researches that may improve the lives of Filipinos and promote a national growth through science and technology, we may find ourselves at its gratitude for assistance and guidance it may provide. 

            The possible improvements and assistance that coalition with these agencies may provide will ultimately decide on the success or failure of our project.The guidance that they may provide may prove to be the turning point in our research.

                                                                                                                    Jann Eldy Lim Daquioag

                                                                                                                                       IV- Photon

                                                                                                                             Jul Mar F Esteban

                                                                                                                                           IV-Truth

The Top 10 Finalists

What makes Pisay stand out among other high schools? One of the answers can be, Science and Technology Research or popularly known as STR, one of the dreaded subjects since junior year. This subject focuses on the training in research skills and implementation. Students are known keep up with the demands the subject such as accomplishing laboratory journal and submission of tons of paperworks.

As breather to advance subjects, students are required to take special courses called, electives. Research and Product Development (RAPD) is an elective offered only to senior students at the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus. The irony is enrolling in an elective that is closely related to STR is very evident, but as a note, investing in something that is not easy is always worth the sacrifice.

               So for this year, who enrolled in the elective, RAPD? Proud for picking their partners, each member passionately describes what makes each of them special and why enroll in this type of elective.


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TEAM PEACH

            Leona Jean Agapay Lao; IV-Muon

           Matalino, masipag, mabait. At masipag ulit. Siya si Leona Jean Agapay Lao o mas kilala bilang Leona. Isang araw, napadaan siya sa STR unit. Wala pa siyang napiling elective kayat nagsign-up siya. At yun ang rason kung bakit siya napadpad sa RAPD. Siya ay isang matiyaga at responsableng tao. Sa ilalim ng kanyang salamin ay isang malikhaing isip; siya'y magaling sumulat ng mga istoryang makabuluhan. Ito ay isang patunay na ang mga iskolar ng bayan ay hindi lamang matatalino, kundi may kani-kanilang talento.

            Anthony Kimo L. Bello. In Hawaiian, his name - Kimo - means James.

            He remains to this day an enigma. Quiet and obscenely intelligent, Kimo Bello is a boy clad in glasses and born on the 11th of March (a Pisces, known for their friendliness and good nature), who gets superbly high grades and manages to remain, well, good-natured. He is currently in IV-Truth. The silent parts of him often conceal the whole picture of who he really is, though, hence why most people describe him with the same few adjectives, because Kimo is like the moon: we've only ever gotten to see one side of him.

            He enlisted himself into RAPD because with no actual preferences for his senior elective, the sign-up sheet posted outside the STR Unit with Ma'am Ana Victoria Lloren's name printed on it was all too inviting.

             Today Kimo attends elective every 12:50 in the afternoon, and everytime he arrives he is the same Kimo - still very much quiet, still very much intelligent, still very much the friendly nerd that we all know him for. ;D

TEAM MUDRA MUKULA

            The pair is both Lithium 2012, it is actually mukula mudra which is one hand gesture in yoga. 

            Liza Mae Jane Lisondra Abucejo is from IV - Tau, she is commonly called as Jane. Jane is a nice friend, she is fun to be with. Jane chose RAPD as her elective for some reasons. One is because of the name of the elective, Research and Product Development. Any person must have wondered what the elective is all about. And another one is because of the wonderful teacher of the elective, Ma'am Bick, which was also our STR1 teacher last school year and we can say that a class with Ma'am Bick is fun and awesome.

            Arlo Ricardo Quintos Sanico; IV Graviton
            Si Arlo ay isang napakapayat na nilalang. Siya ay isang napakasipag na kagrupo na kayang  gawin ang mga asignatura ng mag-isa.  Siya ang parang pinuno ng aming grupo. :) Napakaresponsable rin niya at dahil wala na akong masabi tungkol kay Arlo, sasabihin ko na lang na ang payat niya talaga. :)

          Ang rason kung bakit pumasok si Arlo sa RAPD ay dahil inisip niya na baka makatulong ang RAPD sa STR2 niya.

TEAM GWAPOs

          Good Working Adorable Persevering Outstanding Students

          Paul Irah Carag Abella - a tall, dark, and handsome guy from IV-Gluon. He is also hardworking and very caring. His main domain is sports. Once you see him play, you'll think he's from NBA. But he also cares about his studies. Actually, the main reason that he joined RAPD was to advance his knowledge in preparation for BS Pharmacy in UP Manila.

          Ryan Joseph Caballes Tuzon – a man from IV-Muon who has talents when it comes to singing. He also participates in some athletic activities like Frisbee and Basketball. But when it comes to academics, he takes it seriously giving him high good grades. The main reason that he joined RAPD was also, to prepare for his future course - BS Pharmacy in University of the Philippines Manila.

          Together, these two great men form the team, GWAPOs.

BANI TEAM

           Rafael Mallari Pangilinan of IV Graviton, or Renz, to most students is just a simple yet interesting person.  Never has one day passed that the class was not filled with laughter and excitement with Renz by their side. Usually people would think of him as a loud person, but deep inside he is also emotional and can relate well to other people. He works diligently as if his life depended on it. He just does what is needed of him. No questions asked. That’s truly a characteristic one must possess in order to achieve success. A born leader, he tries to help everyone, including, I, his partner in this elective. He is intelligent, kind, hardworking, friendly, diligent, and a lot more things. No words can describe Renz truly as a person, friend, and partner.

               Rafael Pangilinan is a very talented student. Instead of enrolling in other electives, he chose RAPD. Why is that? 

          He values learning rather than entertainment. The elective Research And Product Development (RAPD) is feared by many since it is being linked to the hard science and technology subject. Hence, less interested people. But Rafael was different. He chose to be different. All along, his heart was set on one goal, and one goal only. That is to achieve more in the field of his interest. He also devotes his time to learn and teach others in need of help. Rafael is a strong speaker, analyzer, and examiner. His characteristics, along with his passion, drove him to enter the glorious elective.
 
­­          Who is Jaclyn Aimee Ty Chua Yap of IV- Truth?         

She has a prominent forehead.
She has curly hair.
She has a very light complexion.
She has no eyes.
She is a very fun groupmate.
in fact, she is a very NOISY groupmate.
She is a responsible student.
And of course, She is a very good friend...
P.S. ...but most of all... She is chinese!

         "I have always wanted to develop products. That’s what Science and Technology Research subject is for, right? Personally, I wanted to learn more on the process of manufacturing, packaging, ang shipping, then selling. I believe that it is what bring life to the community. Healthy competition and economy are the best thing to  learn. Also, I want to discover the different tricks used and the setbacks experienced during an actual business. So for me, RAPD is the best elective that will suit my preferences and abilities."

I-TEAM

           Noong Setyembre 20, 1996 humigit kumulang apat na daang libong tao ang ipinanganak at isa na dito si Jul Mar Esteban. 

            Si Jul Mar o mas kilala sa pangalang Buko ng kanyang mga kaibigan ay isang mag-aaral ngayon sa Mataas na Paaralan ng Agham sa Pilipinas sa pangkat ng IV- Truth. Si Buko ay isang mabuting kaibigan at hindi maipagkakailang matalinong tao. Isa siyang taong simple kung manamit, simpleng magdala ng sarili ngunit kung iyong kakausapin ay ASTIG kung bumanat. Mahilig tumawa si Buko kahit na kung seryoso man ang usapan hahaluan niya ito ng kaunting tawanan upang maging masaya pa rin ang usapan. 

            Si Buko ay isang taong hindi mahilig gumawa ng mga bagay-bagay ngunit kung meron siyang napag-interesan ay gagawin niya ito sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Hindi ko masasabing agad-agad niya itong makukuha dahil siya ay hinay-hinay at pasensyoso at kung minsan bahala na si batman.  Sa isang grupo masasabi kong mas magandang miyembro si Buko dahil kung may ibibigay kang gawain  ay gagawin niya ng walang patumpik-tumpik. Sa asignaturang ito ay nagiging masaya ang gawain tuwing kami ang magkasama kasi hindi lang kami nagpapakandahirap kundi kami ay nagkakatuwaan habang kami ay natututo. Masasabi kong si Buko ay matalino, mabuting tao at higit sa lahat ay isang matapat na kaibigan. 

            "Sumali ako sa asignaturang ito dahil bata pa lang ako mahilig na akong mambutingting mga bagay-bagay ay gumawa ng kahit ano. Siguro dahil gusto ko yun kaya ako naging interesado sa pagpapaunlad at paggawa ng mga bagay gamit ang agham at teknolohiya. Isa pa ay dahil galing ako sa pamilya ng mahihirap at nagbebenta ng mga bagay –bagay at kung may magawa man akong isang bagay pwede ko itong ibenta at pagmulan ng pera para makatulong sa buhay. Kaya para sa akin pinili ko ang RAPD upang habang ako ay natututo nagagawa ko pa rin ang gusto kong gawin habang ako ay umuunlad sa buhay. "

 

 For this year, it's a battle between five teams to pioneer  development and marketing of food science projects of PSHS-MC.

TEN INDIVIDUALS.

FIVE TEAMS.

ONE GLORY.

WHO WILL BE THE LAST TEAM STANDING IN THE JOURNEY TO STR FAME?

notes: 
1. all photos courtesy of www.CartoonStock.com
2. for more information about the RAPD elective, visit: https://sites.google.com/a/pshs.edu.ph/diliman-str/home/electives/rapd/on-the-spotlight

 

And It All Began......

Food and Nutrition Institute

          Director: Mario V. Capanzana, Ph.D.

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631

Mission: As the lead agency in food and nutrition research and development in the country, the FNRI provides accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.

Vision: OPTIMUM NUTRITION for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment- friendly and globally competitive technologies.

Lab Facilities and Services: The services that FNRI offers involve the measurement of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other elements. Their labs have equipments such as Gas and Liquid Chromatography that enable them to measure these things.

Industrial Technology Development Institute

          Director: Nuna E. Almanzor, Ph.D.

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631

Mission: To make local industries globally competitive

Vision: Excellence in propelling development as provider of technologies and services for the industry

Lab Facilities and Services: The services ITDI offers are related to product standardization and packaging. Their labs are built to test how a product meets the standards. They also offer help with regards to the economic matters of production.

Technology Application and Promotion Institute

          Director: Edgar I. Garcia, Ph.D.

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines 1631

Mission: TAPI shall promote an effective and efficient innovation system towards the adoption and utilization of inventions, innovations, and services.

Vision: A strategic partner in advancing national socio-economic growth by advocating a culture of innovation and promoting globally-competitive and useful technologies.

Lab Facilities and Services: The services TAPI offers deals with the patenting and protection of the idea. They provide consultations and programs to help small inventors make the most of their innovations.

_________________________________________________________

How these institutions can help our project:

 Feasibility Study of Malunggay (Moringa Oliefera) Butter Cookies (2011):

FNRI can help us with the confirmation that our product can indeed alleviate malnourishment in our country. Meanwhile, ITDI can help us with the packaging and the marketability of our product. This will make sure our product gets sold. And lastly, TAPI can help us in making sure were not being copied by someone else.

-Paul Irah Abella and Ryan Joseph Tuzon

IV-Gluon and IV-Muon

Trip to the Land of Science and Technology

Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)

Director: Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor

Address: The DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila

Mission: To make local industries globally competitive

Vision: Excellence in propelling development as provider of technologies and services for the industry

Lab Facilities:

PROCESSING EQUIPMENTS: Dehydration Line, Spray Dryer, Drum Dryer, Cabinet Dryer, Laboratory Freeze Dryer, Super Critical CO2 Fluid Extractor, Canning/Bottling Line, Horizontal Retort (3,000 202 X 306 cans), Exhaust Box (12 feet), Semi-automatic Can Sealer (30 cans per minute), Pulper/Finishers, Steam Jacketed Kettles, Steam boilers, Vacuum Fryer, and Ambi-hi-lo Storage Cabinets.

ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENTS: Protein Analyzer, Fat Extractor, Spectrophotometers, pH meters, Fluorometer, Chromameter, Ellab Potentiometer w/ Fo Calculator, Refractometers, Salinometers, and Laminar Flow Cabinet.

Services: Research and Development, Technology Transfer and Contract Projects, TEsts and Analyses, Food Engineering SErvices, Metrology, Process Engineering, Post Harvest Handling/Near Farm Processing/Packaging, Packaging Research and Development, Cleaner Production, Enterprise Module, Energy Audit, Industry Training and Skills Development, Scale Up Production Facilities, Technical Information and Promotion, Library Services, and Other Services

Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)

Director: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana

Address: DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila

Mission: As the lead agency in food and nutrition research and development in the country, the FNRI provides accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.

Vision: OPTIMUM NUTRITION for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment- friendly and globally competitive technologies.

Services: Contract/Joint Research, Technology Commercialization and Transfer - Food technologies, Food Pilot Plant Services/Technologies Business Incubator (TBI) , Food Processing Facility Development in the Regions, Food Analytical Testing Services, Food Demonstration, Information and Consultancy Services, Food and Nutrition Databases and Applications, Publication and IEC Materials, Training, Recipe Development and Sensory Evaluation, Library Services, Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory Services, and Diet Counseling/Wellness Clinics

Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI)

Director: Josephine R. Santiago

Address: DOST Complex, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila

Mission: TAPI shall promote an effective and efficient innovation system towards the adoption and utilization of inventions, innovations, and services.

Vision: A strategic partner in advancing national socio-economic growth by advocating a culture of innovation and promoting globally-competitive and useful technologies.

Services: Academe/Industry Prototype Development Assistance Program, DOST Expositions and Fairs Program, Technology-Based Enterprise Development Assistance Program, Investors' Forum Program, Promotion Materials Assistance Program, DOST Technology Training Center Program, DOST Display and Exhibit Center/Business Assistance Center, Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program, Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program, Venture Financing Program, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program - DOST-Academe Technology-Based Enterprise Development Program, S&T Experts Volunteer Pool Program, Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program, Industry-based Invention Development Program, Invention-based Enterprise Development Program, Invention Testing and Analysis Assistance Program, Tax and Duty Exemption Invention Assistance Program, National Invention Contest and Exhibits, Travel Assistance for Inventors, Invention Guarantee Find, Investors' Forum and the Inventor's Consultation Proogram, Inventors TRaining and Invent School Programs

---

How these institutions can help our project:

The Production of a Nutrient Enriched Cookie through the Incorporation of Kalabasa (Cucurbita maxima) and Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)

Edineille Magaru Geronimo & Aldea Mae Narida Contreras, Batch 2008

The Industrial Technology Development Institute helps a lot of common Filipinos who are in need of help in their business by solving their financial problems, manufacturing problems and so on. During the field trip, we saw the different products that are supported by them and gave us thoughts on how we would improve the quality of our product and also gave us ideas on how we will manufacture our product.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute is known as the research arm of the government in food and nutrition. The FNRI offers plenty of services about food and nutrition. The institute can help us in analyzing the nutritional content of our product, giving us exact values of the nutritional content. The institute can also help us improve the recipe that we are going to use.

Lastly, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute can provide financing support, consultations for agricultural productivity enhancements, and other programs. This institute can help us by aiding us financially and can also help in patenting of the product.

-- Arlo Sanico (Graviton) & Jane Abucejo (Tau)

Once upon a time

The institutions visited by the RAPD students last August 26 can be found inside the DOST Complex, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

ITDI

Industrial Technology Development Institute

What about:

Under the reorganization of Executive Order No. 128, dated January 30, 1987, NIST was renamed Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and remained one of the R&D institutes under the DOST. It is directed by Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor, whilst Engr. Severino T. Bernardo is the deputy director for research and development. ITDI currently has ten technical divisions. ITDI's focus ranges in chemicals and energy, food processing, environmental and biotechnology, materials science, and packaging technology, with each of these areas corresponding to a particular R&D division.

Mission:

To make local industries globally competitive     

Vision:

Excellence in propelling development as provider of technologies and services for the industry, while addressing the national call for job creation to help alleviate the plight of the less-privileged sector of society

Facilities/Services Available:

The ITDI has an array of facilities and services that they offer, including, but is not limited to, the following—

Chemical Testing Facility	Biological Testing Facility	Physical Testing Facility	Brand Development
Gas Chromatograph Atomic Absorption Spectophotometer with Graphite Furnace UV-Vis Spectophotometer Mercury Analyzer High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph Ion Chromatograph Automatic Kjeldahl Nitrogen Analyzer Crude Fat Analyzer Flash Point Tester Refractometer	Grass polygraph Analgesimeter Trinocular Microscope and Photomicrography attachments Spectrophotometer Biological Safety Cabinets, Incubators, Compound Microscope	Aging Oven Viscosimeter Electronic Tensile and Compression Testers Hardness Testers Bursting Strength Tester Melt flow apparatus Heat distortion/Vicat softening apparatus Density gradient apparatus Abrasion Tester Izod Impact Tester	Label Design
			Mandatory labelling requirement Ordinary With graphics Including structure Moc-up labels
	Animal House Facility		Nutrition Labelling
	Toxicity test Pre clinical studies		Proximate Proximate, cholesterol, sugar Complete including vitamins
Processing Equipments	Analytical Equipments	Packaging Facilities	Packaging structure design
Dehydration Line Spray Dryer Drum Dryer Cabinet Dryer Laboratory Freeze Dryer Super Critical CO2 Fluid Extractor Canning/Bottling Line Horizontal Retort (3,000 202 X 306 cans) Exhaust Box (12 feet) Semi-automatic Can Sealer (30 cans per minute) Pulper/Finishers Steam Jacketed Kettles Steam boilers Vacuum Fryer Ambi-hi-lo Storage Cabinets	Protein Analyzer Fat Extractor Spectrophotometers pH meters Fluorometer Chromameter Ellab Potentiometer w/ Fo Calculator Refractometers Salinometers Laminar Flow Cabinet	Blister packaging machine Form fill seal packaging machine Tray lidding machine Vacuum packaging machine	With minimal alterations Custom design Camis box, gift pack
			Package development
			Shelf life testing
			Low acid canned/bottled foods Dried foods-temp accelerated Dried foods- moisture accelerated Perishable foods Juices/drinks-temp accelerated

They also have other services, such as the Cleaner Production assessment by the EBD, contract researches, consultancy, and many more.

FNRI

Food and Nutrition Research Institute

What about:

Established in 1947 as the Institute of Nutrition by the Office of the President, the institution serves as a data-gathering center regarding nutritional statistics in the country. Focusing on the development and marketing of nutritious food, assessment of Philippine nutrition, quality checking and standardization of food safety and quality and the fabrication of technology to combat malnutrition, the FNRI is an essential branch of the Department of Science and Technology. It is currently headed by Dr. Mario V. Capanzana.

Mission:

As the lead agency in food and nutrition research and development in the country, the FNRI provides accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.

Vision:

Optimum nutrition for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment- friendly and globally competitive technologies.

Facilities/Services Available:

Analytical Testing Services
Chemical Testing	Physico-chemical Testing		Microbiological Testing
Nutrients/Nutrition Labeling Moisture Crude Fat Crude Protein Ash Total Carbohydrate Energy Total Dietary Fiber Sugar** Calcium Iron Iodine** Sodium* Potassium* Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid Vitamin A B-Carotene Fatty Acids (saturated & unsaturated)* Cholesterol	PH** Titratable acidity** Peroxide value (oil)** Free fatty acid (oil)** Color** Viscosity** Water activity(Aw)**  *For ISO accreditation                  **Not ISO accredited		Food Aerobic Plate Count Yeast and Mold Count Coliform Count E.coli Detection/Count Bacilius cereusCount Salmonella sp. Detection Staphylococcus aureus Count Water Heterotrophic Plate Count Total Coliform Count Fecal Coliform Count Escherichia coli Count
	Research Consultancy Services
	Food Composition Analysis for Nutrition Labeling and Food Composition Tables Computation of Product Composition Information for "Nutrition Facts" label Development of Food Reference Materials and Organization of Proficiency Test Programs Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Technical Requirements Layouting of Chemical and Microbiological Laboratories
Nutrient Bioavailability Laboratory
Physiological Testing		Research Consultancy Services
Glycemic Index/Glycemic Response of Foods In Vitro Mineral (Iron, Calcium, Zinc) Availability in Foods and Meals Efficacy studies on the nutritional and health benefits of functional foods Body composition using bio-impedance		Nutrient bioavailability

TAPI

Technology Application and Promotion Institute

What about:

TAPI was created to promote the commercialization of technologies and market the services of other operating units of the Department. In 1992, under RA 7459, or the "Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines," another function was added: to administer the Invention Development Assistance Fund for the initial experiments and prototype development and other invention-development related activities. TAPI’s director is Josephine R. Santiago.

Mission:

TAPI shall promote an effective and efficient innovation system towards the adoption and utilization of inventions, innovations, and services.

To attain this mission, TAPI shall:

·         Encourage the use of the intellectual property system and provide IP and IP-related services;

·         Provide comprehensive assistance packages for inventions/innovations;

·         Actively support activities geared towards the promotion of creativity and capacity-building within the innovation system; 

·         Facilitate business development of technologies; and

·         Promote and strengthen partnerships and linkages with and among stakeholders.

Vision:

A strategic partner in advancing national socio-economic growth by advocating a culture of innovation and promoting globally-competitive and useful technologies.

Facilities/Services Available:

Technology Information and Promotion Division

Invention Development Division

Academe/Industry Prototype Development Assistance Program DOST Expositions and Fairs Program Technology-Based Enterprise Development Assistance Program Investors’ Forum Program Promotion Materials Assistance Program - DOST Technology Training Center (DTTC) Program DOST Display and Exhibit Center (DEC)/ Business Assistance Center (BAC)

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Assistance Program Industry-based Invention Development (IBID) Program Invention-based Enterprise Development (IBED) Program Invention Testing and Analysis Assistance Program Tax and Duty Exemption Invention Assistance Program National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Travel Assistance for Inventors Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF) Inventors’ Forum and the Inventors’ Consultation Program Inventors Training and Invent School Programs

AND?

So how does all this end up helping our project in the long-run?

For the project we are about to pursue, the Manufacture of Lato (Caulerpa racemosa) Seaweed Balls, whose original proponents were Claro A. Arriola III, Enrique Noel M. Ebarle. Paul Vincent B. Libo-on and John Carlo B. Timbol of Batch 2005, we found that the most helpful agency for us to consult would be ITDI, particularly for their packaging.

We consulted the people there, and they suggested we use the packaging such as that of dried mangoes or regular squidballs/fishballs. Vacuum packaging costs around 270 pesos per hour of use. Furthermore, we figured that the iodine tests available at the FNRI could have been used by the original proponents to validate the iodine content of their finished products, especially considering FNRI looks like it places high regard towards determining the iodine content, bearing in mind the presence of an iodine laboratory. The institute can also ensure that the seaweed balls are of viable quality.