DOST’s Regional Metrology Laboratory extends free calibration services in Ilocos Sur
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office I (DOST-I) extends free calibration of weighing instruments in various municipalities in Ilocos Sur through its Regional Metrology Laboratory (RML).
This initiative of DOST-I is part of the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program in collaboration with the Local Government Units to assist the different stakeholders in the communities to avail of free calibration of weighing scales and balances used by Barangay Nutrition scholars, Municipal or Barangay health workers and in the public market.
This free activity is called the Calibration Caravan that recently served 10 municipalities in Ilocos Sur, namely: Candon City (March 23), Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia (June 14), Suyo (June 15), Nagbukel and Narvcan (June 16), Galimuyod (June 17), Quirino (June 23), Cervantes (June 24), and Salcedo (June 25).
Following the minimum health standards and the guidelines being implemented by the authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disinfection of samples was done before the calibration.
This intervention also addressed the health and nutrition issues with the findings during the Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) regarding the absence of calibrated weighing scales in the community that may have resulted in inaccurate data obtained by the barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars during Operation Timbang (OPT).
Engr. Raymond Espe, Engr. Marlon R. Orpilla, and Cyrille Ann B. Manalon led the said activity together with the dynamic PSTC-Candon Field Office staff.
After the Caravan, the team was able to serve 824 clients along with their 1,116 weighing scales with a value of Php 312,480 worth of assistance that was freely given to the municipality. To ensure the quality of service provided, all the equipment were stamped with calibration stickers as proof of calibration.
