DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS
By: Jean Oliver S. Garcia
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

 The research team developed not only a resilient

study desk for kindergartens but also a warning
system when earthquakes occur, a safety
infrastructure for students to use, and a learning
tool to passive disaster preparation of
kindergarten.
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

 "The Big One", a cataclysmic event that the

Department of Science and Technology-
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has been
forewarning for years, is expected to reach up to
magnitude 8.5. Such massive force can
substantially destroy populated areas in Metro
Manila, including residential areas, businesses,
and schools.
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
 To help educational institutions become more
prepared for quake-related disasters such as
“The Big One”, a group of researchers from the
Philippine Normal University (PNU), De La
Salle University, and Technological
University of the Philippines developed a
high impact-proof automated study desk for
preschool children.
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

 Called “LAMESA” for Life-Saving Automated

Mesa to Endure Seismic Activity, the desk
serves as a “a survival tool and a teaching aid to
initiate ‘active’ disaster preparation,” according
to PNU’s Dr. Marie Paz E. Morales, research
team leader.
LOCAL EXPERTS DEVELOP QUAKE-
PROOF DESKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

 LAMESA is equipped with an accelerometer, a

device that senses motion, which feeds seismic
measurements to a Wi-Fi-enabled
microcontroller. This microcontroller then
simultaneously triggers the actuator which
causes the table top to fold 16 degrees upward.

 LAMESA likewise has a built-in alarm system

that activates when vibration levels are above-
normal. Further, it has a 13-bit liquid crystal
display which shows the intensity level and
instructs people to evacuate when needed.
DOST LEADS IN BUILDING FIRST 3D
PRINTING R&D CENTER IN PH
DOST LEADS IN BUILDING FIRST 3D
PRINTING R&D CENTER IN PH
 The Philippines’ first 3D printing R&D
institution will soon rise in the country. Called
the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen), it
will promote research and development in
Additive Manufacturing commonly known as
three-dimension (3D) printing technology.
DOST LEADS IN BUILDING FIRST 3D
PRINTING R&D CENTER IN PH
 The AMCen will feature two state-of-the-art
research facilities that will focus on Additive
Manufacturing research and development.
Additive Manufacturing allows rapid fabrication
of various three-dimensional objects ranging from
small parts to structures as big as bridges. It has
limitless potentials—from aircraft and
automobile to medical and fashion applications.
DOST LEADS IN BUILDING FIRST 3D
PRINTING R&D CENTER IN PH
 The DOST tapped Dr. Rigoberto Advincula, a
Balik Scientist and Case Western Reserve
University professor, as consultant for AMCen.

 “The AMCen presents a unique position for the

Philippines as it will be one of the first
government-led centers in the ASEAN region
that aspires to be a game-changer leading to
Industry 4.0 goals,” says Dr. Advincula.
DOST LEADS IN BUILDING FIRST 3D
PRINTING R&D CENTER IN PH
 AMCen is likewise seen to strengthen the
country’s capabilities in 3D printing and
advanced design and manufacturing in the
following areas:
 1) aerospace and defense,

 2) biomedical/healthcare,

 3) printed electronics,

 4) agricultural machinery,

 and 5) automotive.

(By Enrico P. Belga Jr, DOST-STII)

BACTERIA HELP RICE GROW MORE
ROOTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT, RESEARCH
SAYS
 Results of a study reveal that a certain bacteria
can induce larger and more extensive root system
when applied to planted rice, thereby improving
drought tolerance.
BACTERIA HELP RICE GROW MORE
ROOTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT, RESEARCH
SAYS
 The study was conducted by a group of scientists
from the Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice), along with students from Muñoz
National High School in Science City of Muñoz,
Nueva Ecija.

 Led by Dr.Roel R. Suralta of PhilRice, the

researchers reported that rice applied with a dose
of the bacteria Streptomyces mutabilis showed
improved drought tolerance because of its larger
roots and more extensive root system.
BACTERIA HELP RICE GROW MORE
ROOTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT, RESEARCH
SAYS
 The study aims to improve the root system of rice
grown in uplands where water is scarce.

 “Upland areas are 100% dependent on rainfall to

support rice production,” said Suralta. “Due to
the uncertainty of rainfall brought by climate
change, these areas become more and more prone
to the occurrence of drought stress,” he
explained, adding that 10 to 15 percent of all rice
fields in the country are considered as upland.
BACTERIA HELP RICE GROW MORE
ROOTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT, RESEARCH
SAYS
HOW WERE THE EXPERIMENTS DONE?

 In the study, the researchers used a method

called inoculation which is likened to vaccination.
A particular microorganism called Streptomyces
mutabilis isolated from Binangonan, Rizal was
used for inoculation. Identified as a plant growth-
promoting bacteria or PGPB, Streptomyces
mutabilis supply the host plant with nutrients
and enzymes.
 To prepare the inoculation, Streptomyces
mutabilis was grown in a broth filled with
nutrients. The broth was then applied to a
sterilized soil sample and later on, to the soil
where the rice seedlings will be sown.
 Results of the first experiment showed that rice
seeds treated with Streptomyces mutabilis
expressed longer shoot and roots three days after
germination (the process by which an organism
grows from a seed) as compared with untreated
seeds. Inoculated rice also had more and longer
root hairs, thus its roots can absorb more water
and nutrients.