The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is offering free online, webinar training in support of forest-based and allied sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOST-FPRDI’s Chief Training and Manpower Delivery Services Section (TMDSS) Dr Maria Cielito G. Siladan emphasised the importance of online platforms in continuously providing technical assistance to DOST-FPRDI’s client.
According to a press release, she stated that DOST-FPRDI believes that the physical distancing the country is currently experiencing should not hinder learning. Thus, the Institute is shifting to the use of online platforms to continuously provide technical assistance and training to its clients.
The virtual technology training webinars are divided into three levels:
Level 1
It is a lecture-type discussion that provides an overview of the DOST-FPRDI technology. It will discuss the science behind and the advantages of the technology, as well as its potential as a business venture. The session will last for not more than 1.5 hours and will be conducted via Google Meet.
Level 2
It involves showing an audio-visual presentation detailing a step-by-step guide to the processes and technologies. This level aims to provide an opportunity for the participants to appreciate the technology by watching the processes involved and discussing them further with DOST-FPRDI experts afterward. Like Level 1, this session will last for not more than 1.5 hours and will be conducted via Google Meet.
Level 3
This is supervised, face-to-face, hands-on skills training. After going through levels 1 and 2, those who have decided to learn the skills can progress to this stage. It will be conducted at DOST-FPRDI for a maximum of only five participants per session to abide by minimum health protocols and social distancing. The training will be arranged by the interested parties with the TMDSS staff.
Among the interesting topics featured is bamboo-framed face shield production held 30 June and the recent webinar training conducted on 4 August about the charcoal production and briquetting.
Electronic certificates of participation will be given to Levels 1 and 2 attendees, while a certificate of completion will be awarded to those who will undergo the Level 3 training.
The training schedule and registration details are posted at the DOST- FPRDI Facebook page.
The government has been rolling out skilling initiatives for various sectors in the country. OpenGov reported that DOST in partnership with the Department of Agriculture has been helping Western Visayas farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusinesses in improving the packaging of their products.
The partnership aims to enhance the market competitiveness of agriculture and fishery products in the Western Visayas region. Department of Agriculture (DA-6) had provided DOST-6 with a PH 7.5 million (US$ 152,915) funding support last month so it could aid at least 100 beneficiaries. The partnership helps in the technical and aesthetic parts, the Department of Agriculture is responsible for identifying beneficiaries.
The initiative works on the competitiveness of the businesses specifically in aesthetics, longer shelf life, better protection of the products, keeping the buyers informed of the nutritional label, and to better compete with imported products.
The training being provided is primarily aimed at the Department of Agriculture field workers. For the enterprises, it is more on packaging design, material selection, labelling, and actual product packaging for test marketing.
The funding is also being used to develop a technical manual for agri-fishery product packaging and capacity building of agribusiness enterprises, as well as the Department of Agriculture and local government personnel assisting farmers and fisherfolk.
