GOVPH

Rosemarie S. Salazar* and Sonora L. Buñag**

*DOST IX RSTL Head, **Technical Manager, Chemistry Laboratory

Laboratory testing provides objective evidences on the state and quality of rubber and rubber products. It is a scientific approach to ensure compliance to industry regulations and market requirements.

Analytical data of rubber crumb are obtained from chemical and mechanical testing using fit-for-purpose methodology, instrumentation, appropriate management system, and employing competent and skilled manpower.

The Philippine Rubber Industry Association (PRIA) identified the need for rubber testing facilities in the country. In its National Rubber R&D Agenda, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also acknowledged that quality of natural rubber is one of the top issues affecting the competitiveness of the industry.

         The Yuletide season is now in our midst. It opens joy and happiness in the hearts of everyone. To aptly celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the Department of Science and Technology – IX, this year, has chosen the community of Baluno, as recipient of its Outreach Program dubbed as “S & T Day in Baluno”. This will be held on December 17 in the morning.

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office NO. IX (DOST-IX) is conducting the Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz (PNSQ) Regional Competition on December 5, 2012 at Marcian Business Hotel, Zamboaga City. Winners in the regional elimination will represent the region in the PNSQ national competition on December 13, 2012 which will be held at the Nido fortified Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Participating institutions will field a team entry composed of 2 students (one junior and one senior) and an official coach. DOST-IX shall award qualified top two (2) teams with trophies and certificate of appreciation to the official coach while non-winning teams shall receive certificate of participation.

Some 140 local entrepreneurs and representatives of some Local Government Units in Region IX attended the series of SET-UP Forum / Orientation conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX.

The Zamboanga Consortium for Health Research and Development (ZCHRD) through the DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) announces the initial approval of funding support to three (3) local health research proposals in Zamboanga City.

The DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announces the availability of scholarships for Master’s and Doctorate (MS & PhD) degrees in priority S&T areas through the implementation of the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP). Acceptance of the application is now open until April 30, 2012.