SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan, September 16 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the local government of San Fabian, is holding a Science and Technology (S&T) Caravan here from September 14 to 16 to bring science and technology to the countryside.
Dr. Armando Ganal, regional director of DOST in the Ilocos, said the three-day event in Pangasinan is a pilot project conducted by the agency in the entire region to make the people feel that science and technology is for all.
“During the S&T Caravan, we will cater all sectors in the municipality so, they could use the knowledge on science and technology to improve their lives,” Ganal said during a press conference in this town on Wednesday.
He said that among the novel programs featured during the caravan are the STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) and the RxBox which would benefit the academe and the health sectors, respectively.
STARBOOKS, he said, is a stand-alone information kiosk that contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio) which can be accessed even without internet connection.
On the other hand, Ganal said “the RxBox program is a biomedical telemedicine device designed to provide better access to life-saving health care services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide.”
The device can capture medical signals with its built-in sensors (i.e blood pressure monitor, pulse oxymeter, electrocardiogram, fetal heart monitor, maternal tocometer and temperature sensor) and saves the data in an electronic medical record called CHITS or Community Health Information Tracking System, he said.
Meanwhile, the DOST also offers free calibration services at the public market of San Fabian that will enable fair commerce and promote consumer welfare through right measurement of services and products offered.
Aside from these, Ganal said the DOST also conducts technology fora, livelihood trainings and seminars, information campaign, poster making contest, S&T exhibits, training on meal management and food handling, invent school program, among others during the caravan.
Executive Order No. 128 mandates the Department to “provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people.” (JNPD/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)