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To address the increasing number of water hyacinth clogging the metro waterways and elsewhere, the Department of Science and Technology has just unveiled its locally-developed solution: a machine that scoops up the plants to put them in good use.

 

Developed by engineers from the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), the machine, called the Water Hyacinth Harvester, can collect and hold up to 25 kilograms of water hyacinth per load. When full, the harvester discharges the collected plants to a dumping site or an assisting barge.

 

The harvester mechanically removes water hyacinths using a specially-developed conveyor system. “Mechanically removing the plant is the better alternative because chemical methods are hazardous to plants and animals,” according to the research team. The harvester was launched Feb 15 near the banks of the Laguna Lake in C6 Road, Taguig City.

 

The Harvester, one of DOST’s technology solutions, is a collaboration between DOST-MIRDC and the Project Management Engineering and Design Service Office, with funding of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

 

According to DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, the Water Hyacinth Harvester prototype can still be modified and enhanced, depending on the need or the size and type of body of water where it will be used. “The DOST is very open to the adoption of the technology and also the improvement of the equipment,” he added.

 

 

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Elegant, trendy and chic—these just some of the adjectives thrown at the Philippine tropical fabric (PTF) outfits modeled at the recently heldBagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles fashion show at the InterContinental Hotel Manila. Among the audience were executives, fashion designers and stakeholders of the textile industry who were dazzled at the seeming metamorphosis of indigenous fabrics into classy, eco-friendly fashion pieces.

 

Spearheaded by the country’s lead textile research and development agency, the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI),Bagong Habi: Salinlahilaunched fabrics made of native Philippine plants such as piña, abaca, and banana. The real revelation, meanwhile, was the introduction of newly-developed fabrics made from water hyacinth,saluyot, and maguey. All garments were dyed using natural plant sources, namely: mayana, guava, mahogany, achuete, indigo,talisay,and coconut husk.

 

The featured designers showcased a wide array of stylish garments created from tropical fabrics—from cocktail dresses to office uniforms, bridal pieces, and casual to formal wear for men and women. Special ethnic fabrics from different parts of the country were also incorporated in several designs to pay tribute to local craftsmanship and culture, namelyinabelof Ilocos,piñaandjusiof Aklan,hablonof Iloilo, andinaulof Maguindanao.

 

Excitement filled the grand ballroom as models flaunted their attires individually on the runway with accompanying Filipino music of various rhythms, beats and genres. Meanwhile, through audio-visual presentations, the audience learned of DOST-PTRI’s step-by-step processes in manufacturing various tropical fibers and natural dyes.

 

 

Philippine tropical fabrics seize the limelight in the recent Bagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles fashion show by the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI). Held at the InterContinental Hotel Manila, the fashion show featured DOST-PTRI-developed fabrics, such as water hyacinth, saluyot, maguey, piña, banana and abaca styled into classy and elegant pieces by young and talented Filipino designers. The fabrics were naturally-dyed using native plant sources. They were also enzyme-treated for comfort and a softer drape. (Photo by Henry de Leon, S&T Media Service)

 

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Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo sent a quick response team yesterday to Negros Oriental to assess the damage in earthquake-affected areas. The team, headed by DOST-Phivolcs Chief Mariton Bornas and Senior Science Specialist Mabel Abigania, is composed of geologists, seismologists and information staff from the DOST- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs). They arrived in Dumaguete City yesterday afternoon and will proceed to the Tayasan and Libertad areas in Negros Oriental to immediately conduct post-earthquake assessment.

 

The team will evaluate the extent of damage around the Negros-Cebu area, particularly the hazards caused by the earthquake such as landslides, liquefaction, ground rupture, tsunami and other developments in the areas near the epicenter. The team will also install instruments in gathering intensity reports to determine the strength of ground shaking in various areas.

 

Also, the team will use portable seismic monitoring equipment to accurately identify the position of the epicenter of the aftershocks, and identify and locate the fault plain that caused the main shock. The experts will likewise document the condition in the areas around the epicenter through pictures and video to help them better understand and study the incident.

 

Meanwhile, the information team will conduct on-site lectures on what to do during and after an earthquake and distribute information materials on earthquake and other hazards.

 

“We assure our countrymen, especially those in the earthquake-damaged areas, that DOST-Phivolcs is doing its best to monitor all events related to the Cebu-Negros earthquake,” Sec. Montejo stated. “We are doing this to deepen our own knowledge of what happened and continually provide our people with the relevant information they need to understand this earthquake event and how to cope with its effects.”

 

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Phivolcs bulletin: After two hours of extended observation period in the areas of Negros and Cebu islands that experienced a 6.9 magnitude earthquake of tectonic origin, there were no reports of unusual sea level changes. Hence, tsunami alerts for the Philippines are now CANCELLED. There is no more possibility of tsunami incident in the earthquake area.