MykoPlus to help farmers’ double harvest

With enhanced earliness of flowering, fruiting and yield, more farmers in Ilocos region are expected to embrace and benefit from MykoPlus later on.

Dr. Jocelyn T. Zarate, University Researcher at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH) has bared the benefits of using MykoPlus during, the Science & Technology Fora dubbed “Agricultural Productivity” held recently in San Fernando City, La Union.

MykoPlus is a biological fertilizer that contains multi species of microorganism that help plant roots obtain more nutrients and water from the soil, thereby enhancing crop growth, yield and income. “The bio-fertilizer contains a handful of minerals such as zinc and calcium, and growth hormones that can speed up the growth of roots, and enhance their capacity to hold water”, Dr. Zarate said.

Further, it can replace 30% of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium requirements of crops and can speed up and enhance bearing of fruits. It can be used for all types of crops.

During the said activity, samples of MykoPlus were distributed to the participants for them to test it and nourish their respective plants.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zarate cited that they want more Filipinos, especially farmers to know more about MykoPlus which is sold only for P20.00 per pack of 250 grams cheaper than imported fertilizers. For orders, interested groups/ sectors can just to collaborate with UPLB to facilitate their request with ease.

For interested parties, please contact Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, DOST 1 Regional Director through (072) 888-3399 (landline)/ 0917-840-8695 (Globe)/ 0998-962-0232 (Smart)/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e-mail).

DOST releases P1.1-M to Machine Works in Pangasinan to expand operation

Datuin Machine Works (DMW) hopes to expand for its operation after availing the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program on August 9, 2016 here.

For almost 28 years of operation, Engr. Bryan V. Datuin, Manager of DMW in Calasiao, Pangasinan said, they specialized in all kinds of engineering and reconditioning works, likewise, on industrial machineries fabrication.

The P1,128,000 worth of assistance will be used for the acquisition precision machinery used in its series. According to the firm, they want to take advantage of the opportunity to increase productivity especially when it comes to machining in order to increase income and generate additional employment.

Engr. Datuin further said, they have shops in Calasiao and Ilocos Norte to cater to more customers. Among the regular clients of DMW include Philex Mining Corporation, National Irrigation Administration in Region 1 and 2, Universal Leaf Tobacco Corporation, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, Sual Power Plant, Mhel Bhen Bus Line and Barangay Machine Works.

Moreover, the firm plans to link and promote its products and services through social networking sites. The firm also intends to adopt other firm’s promotional strategies like freebies and distribution of calendars and t-shirts.

For more information, you can contact Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, DOST 1 Regional Director through (072) 888-3399 (landline)/ 0917-840-8695 (Globe)/ 0998-962-0232 (Smart)/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e-mail).

DOST provides mosquito traps to sentinel schools regionwide

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Ilocos region has started deploying additional ovicidal-larvicidal (OL) Traps in selected public and private schools regionwide this August.

This was made possible as DOST extended the implementation of the Nationwide Dengue Vector Surveillance (NDVS) until December in the region because of the increasing dengue cases being reported here.

The agency campaign drive hopes to strengthen the government’s initiative to reduce the number of dengue cases and transmission of other virus carried by the vector mosquitoes in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Health and Department of the Interior and Local Government, Mr. Michael John C. Maquiling, NDVS Regional Coordinator said.

Mr. Maquiling revealed that the OL Trap is a three-component system that attracts the Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue virus, to lay their eggs in the trap then kills the eggs and larvae. The developed DOST OL Trap system is a device used to control the Aedes mosquito population. It can serve as surveillance tool to monitor the Aedes mosquito population thus acting as an early warning system to pre-empt any impending dengue outbreaks.

In a statement, Mr. Jayce Andres, NDVS Staff explained that through these ongoing efforts, a total of 141 public and private sentinel schools will continue the implementation of the project.

Moreover, posters about OL Trap and Dengue Awareness will also be distributed to complement the said advocacy.