The United State Agency for International Development-Science Technology Research, and Innovation for Development (USAID-STRIDE) awarded grants to four ISAT U researches under the Collaborative Applied Research with Industry (CARWIN) grant and STRIDE Prototype Research Innovation Grants (SPRIG)  on March 17, 2017 at the Gallardo Ballroom, Makati Diamond Residences, Metro Manila.

The CARWIN grantees were the studies on “Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid from Heads of Silver-Banded Whiting for Nutraceutical Use: Characterization and Biocompatibility Assessment of the Extracted Hyaluronic Acid” and the “Valorization of Brown Seaweeds Through Alginate Extraction for Fruit and Fish Postharvest Preservation.”

The “Multi-Powered Drying System for Food Processing” and the “Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of a Water Driven S-Turbine/Pump” researches were under the STRIDE Prototype Research Innovation Grants (SPRIG).

Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid from Heads of Silver-Banded Whiting for Nutraceutical Use: Characterization and Biocompatibility Assessment of the Extracted Hyaluronic Acid

The CARWIN granted PhP 10, 990, 078 for the Phase II study of Dr. Bernadeth F. Ticar. The principal investigator will subject the hyaluronic acid (HA) extract from silver-banded whiting to further biocompatibility assessment and characterization. The HA has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and whitening properties. The study is perceived to help not only pharmaceutical companies but fish processing industries, small-scale fishing, fish brokers and fishing industries who will be interested in engaging in HA business.

Valorization of Brown Seaweeds through Alginate Extraction for Fruit and Fish Post-harvest Preservation

The project aims to initiate the creation of brown seaweeds industry that will contribute to the socio-economic development of coastal communities in the Province of Iloilo and in other parts of the country where brown seaweeds are abundant. With a PhP 6, 677, 591.40 CARWIN grant, Prof. Hilario S. Taberna, Jr. undertook a one year study utilizing  the brown seaweeds in coastal waters of San Dionisio Iloilo for this project. The brown seaweeds are the main source of alginate, a polysaccharide used by industries in the production of food, textiles, cosmetics, and biomedical and pharmaceutical products. Alginate could also be used as an edible coating to prolong shelf life of fruits and fishes. Through different processes, the project involves extraction and will ascertain the potential of different local brown seaweed as raw material for alginate production, and its specific industrial application. With Ephrathah Farms Corporation that produced organic fruits and vegetables and Unifish, Inc. the extracted alginate will be used as coating materials to mangoes and silver-banded whiting fish for preservation.

Multi-Powered Drying System for Food Processing

Dr. Renerio S. Mucas identified the problem faced by the residents of Bgy. Tiabas, San Dionisio on sustaining a substantial source of income from dried green seaweeds for Kropek production. The drying of seaweeds is through an open air method and during rainy and wet season the flow of income for marginalized seaweeds farmers is hampered. With a Php 1M assistance from the USAID-STRIDE, a multi-powered drying system for dried seaweed production was developed. The project helped the community in food production regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. The project will be developed in partnership with the Magamay nga Kristyanong Katilingban (MKK) Consumer’s Cooperative.

Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of a Water-Driven S-Turbine Pump

Hydropower is a sustainable and renewable energy source that does not pose any danger to the environment. However, the progress of hydropower plants is impede by the high cost of its construction and maintenance. This concern is the focus of Engr. Salvador M. Senorio’s less costly and equally efficient S-turbine/pump that pumps water with a corresponding flowrate into turbines to generate electricity for hydropower applications. The USAID-STRIDE granted PhP 857, 850 for the fabrication, installation, testing, and evaluation of a pilot model water-driven S-turbine/pump system to be showcased in a village. The project is expected for the development of a new type of hydraulic turbine that will simply use water power to generate ample electricity in areas where there are available water rapids or streams, reduce in the dependence on the use of fossil fuels for potable water supply and irrigation projects to help address local food security and, electrification of homes.

To foster inter-cultural and educational exchange between the Japanese and Filipino youth and international cooperation as well, 20 members of the Japan-based student organization My Education, Relations and Respect You (MERRY) in Osaka Kyoiku University visited Iloilo Science and Technology University on March 1, 2017.

With the objectives to gain more knowledge about the educational system of the Philippines, to exchange ideas with Filipino students about the difference between Japan and the Philippines and to meet and interact with Filipino students, the guests engaged in different activities at the University EdTech Center.

After eating lunch with ISAT U students, the guests paid a courtesy call to Dr. Raul F. Muyong who later gave some lectures on ‘Achieving Quality Education for Global Integration: The Philippine Experience.” With the ISAT U students, the visitors enjoyed the pamphlet making and presentation activity.

The ISAT U visit was part of the Work Camp organized by the non-governmental organization Love Our Brethren (LOOB), Inc.

The MERRY list of Japanese Campers who visited the University were  Ms. Nao Nahada, Ms. Shoko Okamura, Ms. Yurie Aomutsu, Ms. Akiko Fukumoto Ms. Marina Adachi, Ms. Ayame, Mawatari, Ms. Ayaka Kono, Ms. Juria Takahashi, Ms. Yuna Onishi, Ms. Chihiro Horio, Ms. Chiho Ikeda, Ms. Misa Okazaki, Ms. Kae Masuda, Mr. Shuto Takamari, Mr. Taichi Ibaraki, Mr. Shunsuke Nakayama, Mr. Masashi Takemoto, Mr. Shoya Okayama and Mr. Hidesato Watanabe,