Second Group of Israeli Medical Delegation Assists the Philippines in its Fight Against COVID-19

A group of Israeli medical response team is now in the Philippines for a 5-day mission to share Israel’s experience and best practices in treating COVID patients with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

The Israeli delegation, which arrived in Manila on July 26, is composed of infectious diseases and COVID-19 specialist Dr. Guy Choshen; Shira Peleg, head nurse and nursing manager at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center's Emergency Department; Eyad Jeries, trauma coordinator at Galilee Medical Center; and Chaim Markos Rafalowski, disaster management coordinator at Magen David Adom (MDA).

The Philippine government has a series of activities lined up for the four-member Israeli delegation of medical experts so they can observe the country’s COVID-19 response and to share their current local clinical guidelines for COVID-19, infection control protocols, hospital management, and other practices.

Mr. Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, highlighted during the welcome ceremony the dramatic improvement of the relationship between Israel and the Philippines over the past few years and even during the pandemic. “Israel has shown its commitment to the Philippines. We will do whatever we can in order to assist and share our knowledge and of course, we are also extending to learn and enhance our knowledge in the different challenges that the Philippines have,” he explained.

“As members of the global community we must continue moving as one towards the protection of the entire human race and the scale of this pandemic requires that it is the only rightful response. In our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic we can only truly be safe when everyone is safe regardless of nationality, religion, cultural background, or social stand,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said as he welcomed the second batch of Israeli health experts.

For his part, NTF Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, who was represented by Ret. BGen. Augustus De Villa, noted that the arrival of the Israeli medical experts in the country is crucial, as the country scales up its COVID-19 response efforts in response to the entry of the Delta variant.

“While the national government is now focused on scaling up the implementation of our prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegrate (PDITR) strategy and impose stricter border control in all points of entry, we know that there is still much to be learned and much to be done,” Galvez in his message read by De Villa.

This is the second delegation of medical experts from Israel who visited the Philippines. The first group, which focused on sharing Israel’s best practices in implementing a national vaccination campaign, completed their four-day mission to Manila in June.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Israel has granted significant assistance to the Philippines to help its fight against COVID-19. The Israeli government turned over several donations consisting of personal protective equipment to the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police for use of their frontliners. Education equipment were donated to the Department of Education to aid distance learning. Israel also continues to share its experience and knowledge in emergency and pandemic response with the Philippines through webinars, courses, and joint meetings.

Despite low budget, there is high public trust in science- DOST

Despite decreasing budget allocation, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is still one of the most trusted government agencies in the Philippines.  

DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said this during the Southeast Asia Science Advice Network’s (SEA SAN) first webinar themed "Rebuilding Public Trust in Science" in collaboration with the International Network for Government Science Advice–Asia Regional Chapter (INGSA–Asia). 

The webinar was held on the July 28, 2021, from 10.00 to 11.30 AM.  The SEA SAN featured members of the SEA SAN and INGSA-Asia as part of the panel of speakers with experts in social science, media and communications.

In the talk, Usec. Guevara cited the first quarter poll of PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., an independent, non-commissioned, national poll covering areas such as state of the economy and national issues, done on March 20 to 29, 2021 where DOST was named third most trusted government agency in the Philippines.  

Citing another source, Usec. Guevara related: “According to the Wellcome Global Monitor Trust in Scientists Index, globally, 18% of people have a high level of trust in scientists, while 54% have a medium level of trust, 14% have low trust, and 13% have no opinion. A rating of 30% and above means ‘high’ trust.” Wellcome is a foundation based in UK, which funds health research, leads policy and advocacy campaigns, and builds global partnerships.

In the Wellcome Index, the 2018 Index shows countries where people are most likely to have high trust in scientists. The Philippines is ranked 16th in the Index, between New Zealand and Iceland, with 32% high trust, 52% medium trust, 13% low trust and 3% have no opinion.

The DOST, being one of the frontline agencies during the pandemic, faced many challenges.  This included the shift needed for the effective roll out of science information and instructions in quarantine restrictions and safety protocols. With the introduction of technologies churned out by the agency, to deal with the pandemic, the DOST R&D Communications Team, composed of science communicators from DOST R&D agencies, provided a series of communication activities such as virtual pressers, social media infographics and informative videos which were regularly disseminated to the public.  

From 2007 to 2017, research and development (R&D) received a steady budget increase and averaged at about 0.65% of National Budget (GAA).  However, the share of R&D in the government budget in the last two years significantly decreased from 0.75% in 2019 to 0.37% in 2021.

“The COVID-19 crisis presented an opportunity for science and technology to shine the light on responsive government and governance,” says Usec. Guevara.  “To rebuild trust in science, our top decision-makers need to appreciate science and technology and have science advisers in the decision-making process.  We need to continue solving pressing national problems with S&T to continuously increase science literacy as everyone can relate to national problems.”

ISRAEL for the first time will host the Miss Universe Competition this December

Israel Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov “I fully hope that in December we will be celebrating not only the new Miss Universe here in Israel, but most importantly, the end of the world pandemic.”  

The global MISS UNIVERSE® beauty pageant will be held for the first time in its history in Israel. The city of Eilat was chosen to be the host city of the competition, which will mark its 70th anniversary this year.  

Israeli producer Tali Eshkoli and Los Angeles-based producer Assaf Blecher are responsible for bringing the Miss Universe pageant to Israel, which will be run by the Miss Universe organization in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the Eilat Municipality. From the end of November, competition contestants will arrive in Israel for three weeks of TV events, broadcast live around the world. These include the semi-final and final events, the national costume show, and other gala events such as the red-carpet event, events in the community, charity events and more. The 70th Miss Universe Competition will once again be hosted by legendary entertainer Steve Harvey.  

Delegations from about 100 countries are expected to attend the pageant in Israel, including more than 1,200 members of official delegations, hundreds of journalists and TV crews, thousands of pageant enthusiasts and tourists, more than 100 American celebrities, including top-tier artists and world-famous judges. Every year, the event is widely covered in the media and it will add Israel to the map of countries that have previously hosted the prestigious pageant.  

The choice of Israel as the host country once again underscores Israel’s attractiveness, its rich history and the wide variety of spectacular tourist and resort sites that Israel has to offer pageant viewers around the world. An international event of this scale will positively impact awareness and image of Eilat and Israel as a leading tourism destination and a world-renowned international brand.  

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global community that empowers women to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success.  The organization’s programs provide the women who participate an international platform to affect positive change through influential humanitarian and professional efforts. The contestants and titleholders are leaders and role models in their communities, develop personal and professional goals, and inspire others to do the same.

Israel Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov: “We in Israel are delighted to host the 70th anniversary celebrations of the iconic Miss Universe pageant. Israel is a beautiful land of creativity and innovation and we have successfully faced the COVID-19 crisis head on. Therefore, today we are among the first countries to host an international event – the unifying Miss Universe.  

Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi: “We are proud to host the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Miss Universe pageant in Eilat – a year-round sea and sun resort. We see this event as an opportunity to leverage Eilat and the Negev as an attractive tourism destination.  

Tourism Director for India and the Philippines Sammy Yahia: “What a great opportunity to host Ms. Universe this December in Israel. I know that some Filipinos were crowned with this prestigious competition. I wish all participants good health and good luck and I look forward in seeing you all soon".  

Tali Eshkoli, Miss Universe producer in Israel: “The State of Israel once again proves that it stands alongside leading countries in the world that are capable of hosting international events of such significant size. Without a doubt, we have a great and extraordinary opportunity to expose Israel to hundreds of millions of viewers around the world, and I thank the Ministry of Tourism and the Eilat Municipality for their fruitful cooperation.”  

Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization: “Israel has been on our shortlist of host countries for a number of years due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, myriad of cultures and appeal as a global tourist destination,” said “As we sought an impressive location for our 70th anniversary celebration, it became clear through our conversations with acting mayor Lankri and the Israeli Ministry that Israel has the best resources to host Miss Universe in December.”  

The Philippines was already crowned four Filipina Miss Universe, Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in !973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 and Catriona Gray in 2018. 

#missuniverse2021 #todayPh2021

DOST presents a Wave of Technologies to Ensure Water Sustainability in Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 presented the water-related technologies that the agency funded with over P800M for the PH Water Masterplan and to encourage collaboration among stakeholders in Water research and development (R&D).  

Titled as “Wave of Action: Forum on Ensuring Water Sustainability through S&T,” the event is packed with numerous water-related technologies and programs set to enhance the country’s water management capabilities.  The event was broadcasted live via the DOST-Science for Change Program (S4CP) Facebook page.  

“Besides the problem of access to clean water supply, our country is also prone to tropical cyclones that lead to severe flooding,” explains DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. “For this reason, DOST has included among its priorities the provision of S&T interventions, not only on water supply and sanitation, but also for its management.” 

According to DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang: “The water supply landscape in the rural areas and cities present a different set of concerns that require unique intervention. As a sustainability mechanism, alternative water collection and small-volume impounding technologies and wastewater treatment and management strategies are continuously being developed and adopted to mitigate water-related issues.”

Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara shared: “In the industry sector, DOST-PCIEERD has implemented over 70 projects amounting to over P300M since 2016 while in the agricultural sector, DOST-PCAARRD invested over P500M for 40 projects which have produced useful technologies for the environment, industry and governance.” 

To accelerate these water initiatives, DOST also supported 22 projects for over P270M through the establishment of niche centers in the regions for R&D and academe-industry partnerships under the Science for Change Program (S4CP). 

A project under DOST-S4CP Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program, “Enhanced Forecasting Model for Complex Water Supply Systems”, was featured in the forum.  This project aims to achieve optimal water supply distribution in the east zone with forecasting models for Angat, Ipo, La Mesa and its water treatment plants.  

Another project under the DOST-S4CP Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), the Mountain Engineering R&D Center, was also featured.  This Center, with a budget of P 62.6M, is implemented by the University of the Cordilleras. It will enhance the industrial competitiveness of the Cordilleras in the field of agriculture, tourism, and mobility through mountain engineering solutions and promote social and human development through upland water security, and environmental sustainability. 

The Forum focused on water-related technologies designed for industry and agriculture.  One of the technologies highlighted is the Philippine Groundwater Outlook project by the Ateneo de Manila University funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).  With a budget of P15M, the project aims to deliver consistent, accessible and transferable assessments of climate and population change in regional groundwater resources. This will provide a framework for delivering monthly groundwater flood and drought reports, to better inform stakeholders of risk at local and regional levels.

Another is the Post-Treatment of Food Processing Wastewater Effluent for Nutrient Removal by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).  For this project, the proponent conducted a characterization study on the effluent of CENMACO before and after the existing wastewater treatment and developed the appropriate post-treatment design system for the removal of excess nitrogen and phosphorus in compliance with the DENR effluent standards. The outputs of this project can also be potentially adopted and transferred to other similar industries with the same problems on excessive nutrients in their treated wastewater.

Agriculture management has significant dependence on water sources.  The DOST-funded Project SARAI from UP Los Baños developed two smart water management technologies: 1. Evapotranspiration-based Irrigation Scheduler and Calculator (ETCal) and Water Advisory for Irrigation Scheduling System (WAISS). These user-friendly technologies aim to achieve higher water use efficiency by providing the end-users practical information on irrigation scheduling and recommendations. Another is the Philippine Groundwater Health Index for Agricultural Areas project at UP Diliman.  Both agricultural projects are funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).  

“As you have seen, the DOST has started its massive initiative on the water and to scale up for a wider utilization and reach,  we need your support in the adoption of these technologies,” says DOST Undersecretary Guevara. “We can achieve more if we work together. Join us in this wave of action and let us make change happen.​”

NRCP - SIARGAO FOR RAMSAR, PH WETLANDS OF NAT’L IMPORTANCE

It was 2016, almost 5 years ago, when the Philippines successfully listed Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area as one of the seven (7) Philippine Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Sites in the world. It is the last of the listed Ramsar for the Philippines.

Today, the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the local government of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, bid Siargao for Ramsar after it has recorded to be a home of 110 species of plants and 403 species of animals from the aquatic and terrestrial habitats through the project “Assessment, Inventory and Biological Field Surveys of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island” funded by NRCP.

A virtual presser will be held on July 26, 2021 at 1:00 in the afternoon in conjunction with the webinar on the Mangrove Biodiversity of Del Carmen: A presentation of NRCP Projects. This is also in celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on the same day. The presser is intended for the Philippine media to widely disseminate this initiative and for the council to intensify the local government’s bid for Siargao to become a Ramsar.

The resource persons of the presser include Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, NRCP President Gregorio E.H. del Pilar, NRCP Executive Director Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay, Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina “Baby” Matugas Coro, Del Carmen Vice Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II, and Siargao Project Team led by NRCP member Dr. Cecilia Banag Moran.

The very first Ramsar site of the Philippines was in 1994 when the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu was listed. Five years after, three (3) sites were listed in 1999 -  Naujan Lake National Park, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The next were the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. According to Article 2.2 of the Ramsar Convention, wetlands should be selected for the list of their international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology. There are nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance and Siargao is highly considered for Criterion 1, to wit, A wetland should be considered internationally important if it contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region. The criteria can be accessed at https://ramsar.org

Likewise, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website states that the Convention's mission is on the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.

In the webinar, NRCP will present the research results of Siargao Biodiversity Project, Assessment, Inventory and Biological Field Surveys of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island”, on July 26, 2021, 9:00 AM via a webinar. The results of the study are inputs to LGU’s bid for Ramsar site.

The mangrove forests in Del Carmen will be on spotlight in this activity. Siargao Island, better known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, will show the megadiverse Del Carmen mangrove forest, as the study was able to record 19-mangrove species in the area. This is out of the 54-mangrove species in the world. With this, Del Carmen has 35.19% of the world mangrove species. It is notable to share that a remarkable record of new 90 species of marine flora were identified.

Project leader Dr. Moran will share the presentation titled, Spotlight Siargao: Diving into the Surfing Capital’s Better Kept Secret, Del Carmen’s Biodiversity! She will be joined by her team who will share the results of their component studies in flora and fauna. The team include, Dr. Anna Pauline O. de Guia (Mammals), Ms. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos (Amphibians), Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos (Reptiles), Mr. Perry Buenavente (Insects), Dr. Rosario Rubite (Flora), Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos (Marine Fishes), Dr. Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez (Birds), and Ms. Marivene M. Santos (Decapods Crustaceans).

With the rich diversity of Siargao, listing it for global importance should be considered for its conservation and sustainability. The presence of a threatened and endemic flora and fauna and possible new species, aside from the high diversity in the area is sufficient support for the Del Carmen Mangrove Forest to be listed under Ramsar for its long-term conservation and sustainable utilization. Both Del Carmen, Siargao Mayor Proserfina M. Coro and Vice Mayor Alfredo M. Coro III are actively pushing for the Ramsar listing and will present their plans and programs for the sustainable development of Del Carmen.

Participants will be able to dive into the best kept secret of Del Carmen through the webinar. NRCP welcomes everyone to join the activity, register at https://bit.ly/NRCPSiargaoBiodiversityWebinar-Register. The more people will discover the hidden beauty and treasures of Siargao, the more people will support the conservation of the area.

Participants of this webinar include Local Government Units of Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), Wetlands International, Philippines Program, SIPLAS - PAMO / PAMB, DENR-BMB, House of Representatives for Natural Resources, and the Ecology, Senate Committee Chair for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, NRCP Members of Division V, VII, and XIII, DOST agencies, institutes, councils, offices.

How do you make your plate GLOW?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, glow means “to shine with”.

Because of the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, a way to shine your plate is by adding more of these foods.

Adding these to your plate can also make your own health “glow”.

Fruits and vegetables or “glow” foods, in general, are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system.

Several published studies show that regular consumption of vegetables and fruits helps lower risks to cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and bone fractures.

These are rich in fiber which helps in normal bowel movement, and in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

Thus, fruits and vegetables can help prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Despite the proven health benefits of regularly eating recommended amounts of food from the Glow or body-regulating food group, remained low through the years.

Based on the National Nutrition Surveys (NNS) conducted by Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), household fruit consumption in the country declined from 54 grams in 2003 to only 34 grams in 2018-2019. 

Meanwhile, vegetables consumption slowly increased from 111 grams in 2003 to 127 grams in 2018-2019.

The Pinggang Pinoy and the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by DOST-FNRI promotes the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables.

In the same way, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared 2021 as the international year of fruits and vegetables to raise awareness on their important role in improving human nutrition.

Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables for adults means eating one piece of medium size fruit or one slice of big fruits such as watermelon, papaya or pineapple and 1.5 cups of vegetables for male and one of cup vegetables for female in every meal. 

Here are some tips to achieve this:

Make sure in every meal half of your plate is composed of vegetables and fruits, with slightly more vegetables than fruits. Eat fruits and/or vegetables during snacks.

Drink fresh fruit juices.

Start a fruit and vegetable garden at home.

Parents should be a model to children in showing them that fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly. 

The DOST-FNRI has several initiatives to help promote fruit and vegetable consumption. 

The DOST-FNRI has developed recipes utilizing indigenous vegetables. 

These recipes can be downloaded via the DOST-FNRI website, while the procedure of some recipes can be watched on the DOST-FNRI YouTube channel.

Educational games and puppet videos are also available to encourage vegetable consumption among children.

The DOST-FNRI has a model urban vegetable garden in its office known as Oh My Gulay (OMG)! sa FNRI to encourage vegetable gardening in offices.

With these initiatives, DOST-FNRI aims to help promote Glow foods.

Let your plates glow with fruits and vegetables daily!

Ligtas ba ang pagkaing pinadeliver mo?

 “Bumili ako ng pancit sa isang online food business. Ilang oras matapos namin itong kainin ay nagka-diarrhea ang pamilya ko”. 

Ito ang kuwento ni Anne na bumili ng pancit sa isang food business na nag-popost sa isang social media.

Katulad ka ba ni Anne? Mahilig ka din bang bumili sa mga online food business?

Ngayong panahon ng pandemya, madami ang nagtitinda ng mga pagkain online. 

Halos lahat na ng pagkain ay makikita online-- mula sa mga prutas, gulay, karne, mga ulam, kakanin at syempre, ang mga desserts tulad ng cakes.

Mahalagang maging mapanuri sa mga pagkaing binibili online. 

Dahil hindi nakikita, naaamoy o nahahawakan ang mga pagkain ng malapitan, walang paraan para masuri ang mga pagkain kung sariwa ito, lalo ang sa mga perishable food items gaya ng prutas, gulay at karne.

Sa mga lutong pagkain naman, hindi nakakasigurado kung malinis itong naihanda o kung gaano na ito katagal naluto bago i-deliver.

Ang pagkaing hindi na sariwa o panis na pagkain ay maaaring magdulot ng sakit. 

Kapag nagkasakit ay pwede magka-diarrhea, magsuka, sumakit ang tyan o lagnatin. 

Kapag bumibili ng pagkain online, narito ang ilang mga tips para makasigurong ligtas ito:

Makakasigurado sa kaligtasan ng pagkain kung bibili sa mga kilalang food businesses. Bago bumili, tingan sa online page kung mayroon ito business at health permits o humingi ng kopya nito kung wala makita sa online page.

Pagkatapos tanggapin ang delivery ng pagkain, siguraduhing maghugas ng kamay.

Maglaan ng lugar sa inyong bahay kung saan ilalagay ang mga pagkain na binili sa labas o online. 

Bago ipasok sa iyong kusina, ilipat sa malinis na lalagyan ang mga pagkaing binili.

Kapag bumili ng lutong pagkain, maaari itong lutuin o initin muli para makasigurado sa kaligtasan nito.

Kainin agad ang mga pagkaing binili online. Dalawang oras lamang dapat nagtatagal ang pagkain sa room temperature.

Para naman sa mga online food business owners, siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng pagkaing inihahanda at ibebenta para sa mga customers. 

Ugaliin ang pagsunod ng standard food safety practices, gaya ng paghuhugas ng kamay, pagusuot ng face mask, hairnet at apron, paggamit lamang ng mga sariwang sangkap at paglilinis ng mga kagamitan na ginagamit sa pagluluto.

Ang Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) ay nagsasagawa ng mga webinars o online trainings para sa mga food business owners na nais matuto sa mga wastong food safety practices lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya.

Importante na ang pagkaing inihahanda ay hindi lamang masustansya kundi ligtas din.

Iwasan ang magkasakit sa panahon ng pandemya. Siguraduhing ligtas at masustansya ang pagkaing kinakain.

US Chief Presidential Medical Adviser Fauci lauds Philippines’ work in biomedical research, calls for government support for R&D

MANILA– Dr Anthony Fauci, the Director of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Chief Medical Adviser to President Joe Biden on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 , lauded Filipino scientists for their work in the global advance of biomedical research.  Dr. Fauci, an American physician-scientist and immunologist, gave this remark during the 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting held by the Department of Science and Technology - National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST).   

In his keynote speech, Dr. Fauci commended the collaborative research done over the years between the Philippines and NIAID funded programs focusing on human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and tuberculosis co-infections.  He cited the participation of the Philippines in multi-country networks which helped ensure Filipino scientists to be part of the core contributors in advancing biomedical discoveries that have made AIDS a preventable chronic disease.  

“Filipino scientists have helped lead the way in the studies of tuberculosis—particularly multi-drug resistance TB.  The work in the Regional Prospective Observational Research on Tuberculosis  network has been especially important and promising,” related Dr. Fauci.  “With continuing support from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, the Philippines is sure to make significant contributions to the global fight against TB.”  

Dr. Fauci also highlighted the key role of Philippine institutions in infectious diseases research in dengue, malaria and other infectious pathogens. In particular, he  lauded the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine that receive NIAID funding in the past  as a center of excellence in research in tropical medicine.  

“Hopefully, this institution and others will continue to receive Philippine government support so that they will remain competitive for both funding and talent,” shared Dr. Fauci.   “Given its track record, I also can foresee great value in the Philippines expanding its scientific leadership role in the Asia Pacific region.

The Philippines, through the DOST is set to be a co-host in the upcoming 2022 Emerging Infectious Diseases of the Pacific Rim conference along with the US NIH and  Japan’s Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).  The event is expected to strengthen the long-standing global scientific partnership and highlight the continuing commitment of the Philippines to the research enterprise worldwide.  

The DOST-NAST Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier gathering of the Philippine science community. Public- and private-sector institutions and stakeholders convene to formulate science-based recommendations for the President and Cabinet members.   For this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting with the theme: Covid19 Pandemic: Learning from the Past, Coping with the Present, Moving to the Next, the NAST aims to identifyt he existing gaps and problems in health care delivery and health infrastructure that  are critical in the development and implementation of strategic programs to confront the pandemic . The global crisis has   affected all of the countries of the world, impacting on all sectors  of society and global, regional and global recovery can only be possible with a whole of society approach and accelerated through collaborations and partnerships of countries, in solidarity. 

Israel-Philippines Conclude 1st JCM on Science and Technology

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Israel and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines virtually held the 1st Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting on Innovation, Science, and Technology on 30 June 2021 to discuss and agree on the priorities and specifics of the collaboration.

 

MOST Chief Scientist Avi Domb expressed his excitement in pushing through the collaboration with the Philippines. He also wished that the two countries will have long-term cooperation and will continue to discuss and prioritize the areas. Artificial Intelligence (Robotics), Agriculture (Water Management), and Health (Biomedical Engineering and Drug Discovery) are the initially identified topics.

 

DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina Guevara conveyed her appreciation that the meeting is convened to discuss joint activities to be pursued under the umbrella of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Scientific Cooperation signed on 03 September 2018. Undersecretary Guevara also emphasized that Israel is a valuable and priority partner for the DOST and hoped that the partnership will be fruitful and will benefit the people.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Philippines expressed its intention to send experts to Israel for training on drip irrigation systems, biomedical engineering and drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, among others. They also discussed joint development of AI applications for government or public service and emergency response. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on potential and priority areas of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines.

 

In attendance to the 1st JCM are the delegation from MOST headed by Prof. Avi Domb - Chief Scientist; Philippine delegation from DOST headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara - Undersecretary for R&D; Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv headed by Philippine Ambassador to Israel H.E. Macairog Alberto; representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Pnina El-Al - Director, Culture, Education and Academic Cooperation Department; and Israel Embassy in the Philippines headed by Mr. Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Visited Godel & Vesmach where I've tasted the best chocolate delicacies!

Ever wonder why we love chocolate? because cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, causes the brain to release these ”feel good” chemicals, called endorphins, it interacts with the receptors in our brain that reduce the perception of pain, and can help trigger a positive feeling in the body.

Ive always have this love for chocolate, having to search for diferent brands online or offline, that which will suit my kind of taste, have tasted alot of already, but only few, i' would say, passed my choice of taste. 

Thus i was grarteful, when i got invited to join the Godel Chocolate & Vesmach Company tour. Got me excited, since its about chocolate, which i'm so fond of.

The company staff was so nice, they greeted warmly, and toured us to their 26 years old estaishement. 

https://www.youtube.com/godelchocolate

First, we went to the building where their chocolate is being processed. Step by step, we learned how tedious and meticulously this chocolate have to passed through to come up to its delicate end product.

After that, we went to vesmach, where we were shown thier complete line if cooking, baking materials from oven to utensils, name it they have it. Its a state of the art brands they're ve toured us there. 

Having been in this field of industry for quite long now, they dont stop in improving their craft. 

What a joyful experience to have visited this company! 

If you wanted to see their products and technologies, you may visit or contact them thru their websites here

http://www.vesmach.com/

TekNegoShow Special Edition to Launch this July 8!

DOST-ITDI will be launching the TekNegoShow Special Edition on July 8, 2021 at 9:00 in the morning with a LIVE opening ceremony,  broadcast of its pre-recorded first episode, and virtual presser to be held via the Zoom Meeting platform.

 

With the Special Edition of ITDI’s online business talk show, DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones expresses her hopes of more businesses getting interested in adopting ITDI-developed technologies and availing themselves of its various testing services. 

 

DOST-ITDI’s Technological Services Division, through its Information and Documentation produces the online science-business talk show which broadcasted its maiden episode on October 22, 2020.  Originally airing for one season or 13 episodes, the Special Edition, however will feature four technologies and two newly-opened research facilities geared toward augmenting business-coping mechanisms of industries to the current COVID-19 crisis. 

 

To ensure content substance, TekNegoShow Special Edition will air narratives and insights of technology generators, business people, and the consuming public. This way ITDI can provide the public virtual experience of the technology and a way to interact with technology generators and companies that have adopted these or made use of the facilities.

 

Invited to the opening ceremony are personalities with known interests in industrial technology and prospective technology adopters on:

1. I- Salt processing technology;

2. Abaca fiber-reinforced composite;

3. Nanoclay production;

4. Biodegradable plastic;

5. Multi-Industry Modular Innovation Center or MMIC; and

6. Development of Multiple Materials Platform for Additive Manufacturing Project or MATDEV-AMCen.

 

Guests from the Regional Offices and  partner companies, DOST agencies, media friends, and associates are expected to attend the launching. 

 

DOST-ITDI will broadcast six episodes beginning July 8 with a weekly Thursday afternoon (1:30) show date via Facebook TekNegoShow and Youtube ITDI DOST.

By: AMGuevarra\\ ITDI S&T Media Service