DOST S&T Fellows Program Invites you to Watch the Second Episode of S&T Features: A Spotlight on 3D Printing

Taguig City – After its pilot episode on October showcasing mental health, the second episode of S&T Features will now put a spotlight on the 3D Printing industry in the Philippines on 28 December 2022, 10 AM via Facebook Live of the DOST S&T Fellows Program.

The S&T Features is an online show which aims to promote the S&T Fellows Program by showcasing the accomplishments and involvements of the S&T Fellows in their respective DOST agencies. For this episode, it will highlight the engagement of Dr. Mark Christian Manuel, an S&T Fellow assigned to the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), in the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the country’s state-of-the-art hub on additive manufacturing.

“Our goal in the S&T Fellows Program is to engage the skills and expertise of our Filipino researchers, scientists, and engineers to undertake research and development in the various agencies of DOST, and I am glad that we have one that can steer the path in the growing industry of 3D Printing in the country,” said Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah J. Buendia. 

“The 3D Printing industry in the Philippines is making a rise and is expected to have significant impact on various industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, architecture, construction, among others. I want to see the Philippines to be at par with other countries when it comes to 3D Printing and my contribution as an S&T Fellow particularly with AMCen provides an opportunity for me to make that dream a reality,” expressed Dr. Manuel.

To further discuss AMCen’s numerous engagements and works with stakeholders and partners, Dr. Manuel will be joined by Engr. Joseph Alfred Garcia, Officer-in-Charge-Supervising Science Research Specialist, Materials and Process Research Division at the DOST-MIRC and Mr. Voltz Gaviola, Marketing Manager at the Makerlabs Electronics, one of the AMCen’s industry partners.

To watch the second episode of  S&T Features, kindly visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/STFeatureEpisode2 and click “Going” to be notified when we go live. 

To know more about the DOST S&T Fellows Program, please follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DOST.STFellows. For inquiries, you may send us a message via email at sntfellows@dost.gov.ph 

DOST Balik Scientist Discovers Alternative Cooking Fuel to Replace LPG Stoves in Homes

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Balik Scientist hosted by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Laoag, Ilocos Norte is set to provide clean cooking fuel alternatives to Filipino homes.  

Dr. Fiorello B. Abenes, a Professor Emeritus in CalPoly Pomona University in California, USA and a Balik Scientist hosted by MMSU leads the technology transfer and commercialization of MMSU’s Village-Scale Nipahol Technology (VSNT). Nipahol Technology may also be used as cooking fuel and is seen to replace Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves.  

“Dirty cooking is still a problem in many of the rural areas of the Philippines. The use of firewood or charcoal emit unhealthy levels of particulates and noxious gases that affect the respiratory track, mostly affecting women. Ethanol as cooking fuel is cleaner,” says Dr. Abenes. “We have developed a prototype that we hope we can scale up and make into a cooking stove suitable for indoor use and in commercial establishments.”

Although the stove prototype is yet to be developed as pressurized, Dr. Abenes and his team at MMSU successfully created a nipahol-fueled stove with burner and functions through the pull of gravity.  The successful adoption of MMSU’s VSNT rests on finding more uses for the ethanol produced from NIPA. The use of Nipahol as cooking fuel will accelerate the commercialization of the VSNT technology. 

Nipahol Technology are the innovations produced from extracting sap from Nipa (Nypa fruticans) into "Nipahol" at a facility housed at the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) of the MMSU. Technologies from Nipa is seen to provide a multitude of uses, given its commercial viability in different portions of the value chain.  

The Balik Scientist Program aims to promote information exchange and accelerate the flow of new technology into the country through strengthening the scientific and technological manpower of the academe and public and private institutions. The Program encourages Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the Philippines and share their expertise in order to promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development, including the development of the country's human capital in science, technology, and innovation.  

 

The enactment of the Balik Scientist Act in June 2018 also paved the way for DOST to grant returning Filipino scientists with competitive benefits such as daily subsistence allowance, health insurance, and roundtrip airfare.  For those interested to become a Balik Scientist, you may contact the DOST Balik Scientist Program Management Office thru email at bsp@dost.gov.ph.  

CONCEPCION PUSHES AGRI-MICROENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR JOB GENERATION

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with the Private Sector Advisory Council led by Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz and the lead for the Jobs sector, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion last Dec. 9 to address job generation in the country.Among the proposals presented by the group were the scaling-up of MSMEs to help generate more jobs, prioritizing the upskilling of workers, and ensuring that the Philippines is prepared to receive local and international investments. 

Concepcion emphasized in particular the importance of helping agri-microentrepreneurs, which he said will also address problems in food security. Concepcion noted how MSMEsprovide more than 62 percent to jobs in the Philippines. Helping grow microentrepreneurs in the agriculture sector is a more challenging task than in the retail sector, he said, and to scale them up will need the participation of large companies.

Concepcion cited Lionheart Farms as an example of a large company successfully helping smaller farmers. The Palawan-based company specializes in organic farming and strives to do all its business locally. Its CEO and Co-founder Christian Moeller presented to the group the concept behind the farm, which is similar to nucleus estate farming. This is a form of contract farming where big companies provide the large initial investments and resources necessary for a farm to profitably operate, and small farmers or cooperatives enter into contract agreements with the larger companies. Lionheart Farms reports that opportunities for entrepreneurship and businesses have risen significantly in the Municipality of Rizal, where it is based, and opened up opportunities for several other small businesses in the area. After only a few years of operation, it has become one of  the largest employers in Palawan.

Aside from Lionheart Farms, other large companies have also realized the benefit of including in their value chain the small companies that support their operations. Among these are Universal Leaf Phils., Bounty Fresh Food, Nestlé, and SL Agritech.

Concepcion said he plans to focus on agri-microentrepreneurs the Kapatid Angat Lahat  (KAL) program, which was first started in 2016 as a way to encourage medium and large corporations to help micro and small enterprises by including them in their value chain.

“We are not talking here of doleouts, but of a sustainable and inclusive way where both parties can benefit and prosper,” Concepcion explained in an earlier statement. “Kapatid Angat Lahat will give access to the farmers a business model that will have mentoring, and access to money and markets,” he said. 

“This is being done now; we need only to scale it up,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of local government. “With the right leadership at the local level, the chances for success are higher. They will also help us pinpoint which LGUs are ready for this,” said Concepcion. Former Department of Agriculture Sec. William Dar will join the KAL as an adviser to its agriculture program. Also being tapped for KAL are Dept. of Local and Interior Government Sec. Benhur Abalos and Piddig, Ilocos Norte Mayor Eddie Guillen. “Mayor Guillen has done it in his town with Universal Leaf Phils. Working together with its president, Winston Uy, they turned around the tobacco industry in that area and made it a leading exporter of tobacco,” he said.

Concepcion said the KAL program can pave the way for a Food Security Council, whose mission will be to ensure food security for the country. “For now we will do our best to make this work,” he said. “The confidence is high because large agri-entrepreneurs and local government will be behind this program,with the President’s blessing,” he said.

FORMER DA SEC. WILLIAM DAR JOINS GO NEGOSYO’S KAPATID ANGAT LAHAT PROGRAM

Former Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar has joined Go Negosyo’s Kapatid Angat Lahat as Head of its Agriculture program. Kapatid Angat Lahat aims to encourage medium and large corporations to help micro and small enterprises by including them in their value chain.
 
“When we first introduced Kapatid Angat Lahat in 2016, we saw that for MSMEs to grow and evolve from micro to small, small to medium, and medium to large, they need the three M’s of money, market and mentoring, which can come with the help of big-brother corporations,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion. Last August 26 at the 2022 MSME Summit, a total of 37 organizations committed to its ideals and signed a pledge which was later presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
 
Mr. Dar served as Secretary of Agriculture under former President Rodrigo Duterte. He was also the first director of the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Research, and served as an executive director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.
 
Along with Dar, Kapatid Angat Lahat will also be guided by inputs from the Department of Local and Interior Government Sec. Benhur Abalos. “The experience and expertise of former Sec. Dar and Sec. Abalos will be of great help in finding solutions to how we can uplift our micro-farmers,” Concepcion said. The Go Negosyo founder recently presided over a meeting that brought together former Sec. Dar, National Irrigation Administration chief and former Piddig Mayor Eddie Guillen, Universal Leaf Phils. (ULP) President Winston Uy, and Lionheart Farms CEO and Co-Founder Christian Eyde Moeller. Another meeting is set for January to tackle the role of local government units in encouraging agri-microentrepreneurship.
 
“I would like to believe that there are existing models to improve upon,” Dar remarked, with reference to the success of models adopted by ULP and Lionheart. “Now, with  the coming in of Go Negosyo through the Kapatid Angat Lahat program for agro-microentrepreneurship, we need to elevate these models by way of looking at them through a number of lenses,” he said. Among these lenses are productivity, value chain analysis, sustainability, resiliency and inclusivity.
 
“Private sector cannot do it alone,” said Concepcion. “It needs to work with the LGUs and their leadership. Together we must provide an enabling environment that can help our country’s micro-farmers grow and become entrepreneurs,” said Concepcion. Among the first approaches would be to focus on four key crops, namely rice, coconut, corn and tobacco.
 
Concepcion cited the experience of Guillen in working with ULP and turning the province’s moribund tobacco industry into an exporting powerhouse by examining the industry’s value chain and the socio-economic structures surrounding it. In Palawan, Lionheart Farms is being cited as an example of how a large company can help small farmers using a system similar to nucleus estate farming, where small farmers or cooperatives enter into contract agreements with big companies, who provide the large initial investments and resources necessary for a farm to profitably operate. “Christian Moeller has a fantastic model that can help our micro-farmers,” observed Concepcion.
 
Uplifting the country’s agriculture sector is seen as especially crucial to job generation, a key priority of the Marcos administration and the jobs sector led by Concepcion as a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council.
 
“More than 62 percent of the jobs generated in the Philippines come from MSMEs, and a big part of these MSMEs come from the agriculture sector,” said Concepcion. He explained that the most challenged among these MSMEs are in the agriculture sector, most especially those operating at the smallest scale, or the micro-farmers. “We will aim to scale up our micro-farmers so they can become entrepreneurs, help them grow from micro to small, small to medium, and in the process, create more jobs for Filipinos, especially in the countryside,” he said.
 
Beyond agriculture, Kapatid Angat Lahat will also have programs that will cover other sectors, including retail, where many micro-entrepreneurs can be found.
 

MASHAV Israel Sponsors Repair Materials of Typhoon Paeng-Stricken Familiesin Marinduque

The Embassy of Israel, through its Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), in partnership with Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of Boac, sponsored shelter repair kits to aid the families affected by Typhoon Paeng, which devastated the island province of Marinduque last October 29, 2022.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, together with his wife Gila, personally visited Marinduque on December 7 and 8 to visit the recipients in the barangays of Cawit, Tabigue, and Laylay in Boac, Marinduque. Fifty-three (53) families affected by Typhoon Paeng in the said province benefited from the Israeli Embassy's emergency response assistance.

“This is the first time we have a partnership between the Embassy and Caritas - a very symbolic partnership between the Jewish State of Israel and the Catholic Church of the Philippines,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.

Macau Eliminates Quarantine, Changes to Yellw code+RAT policy

Macau has eliminated quarantine for all people entering the territory, ending a years-long policy which has tanked the city’s economy and put massive pressure on gaming operators.

Starting from today, those entering the territory from anywhere except mainland China will be given a Yellow health code for five days, but will not be subject to any type of quarantine.

The Yellow code allows for entry into almost all of Macau’s venues, except certain public facilities.

The measure comes less than a week after Macau implemented home quarantine for arrivals from outside China who could prove residency in Macau. The move was welcomed by locals but operators called for a full elimination of quarantine and easing of testing requirements for mainland Chinese visitors in order to actually boost the economy.

During the five-day period of Yellow code, entrants are required to conduct daily rapid antigen tests and upload them to Macau’s health code. If all results are negative, the code changes to Green. If the result is positive, home isolation will be required.

Despite the change, anyone arriving to Macau by plane, boat or other vehicle will be required to present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 72 hours of departure, before departing.

Entrants will no longer be required to take a nucleic acid test at the borders and the previously mandated NAT on the third day after arrival has been canceled.

All entrants to Macau will be allowed to depart immediately to Hong Kong, Taiwan or other foreign countries, but must stay eight days in Macau before entering mainland China.

Reversal and revival

Macau’s entry rquirement change comes amongst a large wave of infections in the SAR, with the government previously predicting that up to 80 percent of the population could become infected.

Daily cases average between 80 and 100, a figure which would have previously placed the entire city under lockdown and resulted in the likely closure of the SAR’s casinos.

Under the current wave, the city’s Health Bureau director said that expectations are for the peak to be reached within one to two weeks.

The estimate could bode well for visitation during Chinese New Year, one of Macau’s peak Golden Week periods, giving a strong boost to January GGR, as the holiday falls during the month.

It could also give a much-needed impetus to the gaming concessionaires in the first month of their new gaming concessions, which come into effect on January 1^st

Balik Scientist Program & National Council for Health Research & Development

During the past two (2) decades, the brain drain has worsened in the Philippines. In an effort to counter this phenomenon and to capitalize on the Filipino emigrants’ expertise, the Balik Scientist Program (BSP), through the Presidential Decree 819, was established in October 1975.   It was revitalized in 2007, with the necessary policies and funding support.

The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) aims to promote information exchange and accelerate the flow of new technology into the country through strengthening the scientific and technological manpower of the academe and public and private institutions. The program’s objective is to encourage Filipino scientists and technologists to return and reside in the Philippines and share their expertise for the development of the country.

The transfer of the Balik-Scientist Program (BSP)  from the DOST Central Office to the three sectoral councils of DOST in May 2013 aims to strengthen, institutionalize and give more focus on each of the Council’s priority programs. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) focuses on evaluating BSP Applicants for the health R&D sector.  This move aims to strengthen  the implementation of the priority programs identified in the DOST-PCHRD’s National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) for the health R&D sector through the provision of expertise by the Balik Scientists.

For the past six (6) years (2007 to present), there were a total of approximately thirty-eight (38) BSP awardees in the health sector.

  

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) is one of the three sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is a forward-looking, partnership-based national body responsible for coordinating and monitoring health research activities in the country.

Hybrid Electric Road Train Technology of the DOST Eyed to be Adopted by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)

In the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s (CEZA) pursuit to become a self-sustaining industrial and commercial investment area, the support and use of local technologies are at the forefront. This may be exactly what the CEZA Secretary Jaime R. Escaño had in mind when he envisioned a more efficient means of transporting goods in and around CEZA. 

The HERT was originally developed as an alternative mass transport system in areas experiencing heavy traffic congestion. The Filipino-designed and developed HERT has locally available parts.  It is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and a battery generator, has rubber wheels, and runs on existing roads. It features a regenerative brake system and does not emit smoke, making it environmentally friendly. The HERT offers the best solution to the transportation requirements presently faced by CEZA.

Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-MIRDC met with Sec. Escaño and other officials of the CEZA on November 14-15, 2022, to look into possible areas of collaboration to address CEZA’s transportation requirements.  

The DOST-MIRDC team’s inspection and visits to various sites in Sta. Ana, Cagayan yielded fruitful results.  The local government of Sta. Ana and CEZA envisioned the Port of Irene and the Port of San Vicente as the prime ports of the country due to their strategic location on the Eastern side of the Philippines. CEZA is looking for ways to boost the current transport system in anticipation of the escalation of economic activities within the port area.

This collaboration may also possibly tap the involvement of the academe.  In another project, the DOST-MIRDC, in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices and state universities, has established Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs) that are specially designed to cater to the peculiar metalworking needs of the regions.  MEICs are located inside the campus of a state university recommended by the DOST Regional Offices.  In the case of Region II, the site of the MEIC is inside the Cagayan State University campus.  MEICs can also contribute to the success of the HERT project with the CEZA as these facilities may be used in the development of the HERT. 

With major stakeholders on board, the benefits of using locally developed technologies such as the DOST’s HERT will not only bring out the innovativeness of our best engineers and technicians but will also prove that our Filipino experts and local capabilities are able to address pressing challenges that are specific to the needs of the community. by Kai H. Negado

DOST-Developed Mass Transportation Alternatives Eyed by DOTr as Potential Technology-Based Solution to Easing Passenger Transfers within NAIA Terminals

Bicutan, Taguig City -  The Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System is being considered as a means to connect terminals 1 to 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).  

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum welcomed Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista as the two department heads signed a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the partnership of the DOTr with the DOST, through the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC). 

Present to witness the MOA signing was Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), who presented to the DOTr Secretary alternative mass transportation technologies developed by the Center: the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System; Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and Hybrid Electric Train (HET). 

Mass transportation alternatives developed by the DOST-MIRDC: L - Automated Guideway Transit (AGT), center - Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and R - Hybrid Electric Train

DOTr Secretary Bautista immediately saw the benefits of adopting these home-grown mass transportation technologies, particularly the AGT which offers the best solution to make transfers to various terminals of the NAIA easy and convenient. 

Aside from the AGT, the HERT is also seen as a possible alternative to buses for the EDSA Carousel and the articulated buses for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in the country.

To formalize these concepts, the DOTr and DOST agreed to work on the preparation of a project proposal for further consideration by the two agencies.  Should this proposal later progress and be implemented as a joint project, the public can expect to have safer and more convenient public transportation.  

By: Zalda R. Gayahan

Technology Information and Promotion Section Technology Diffusion Division

Local 463 Direct Line: 8837-0479

Metals Industry Research and Development CenterGeneral Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Tel.: 837-0431 to 38

www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph

https://facebook.com/dostmirdc

DOST presented opportunities to scientists at Consumer Electronics Show and Silicon Valley, US

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in an effort to strengthen emerging technologies such as Semiconductor Manufacturing Services (SMS), Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Space Technology industry in the Philippines, presented engagement opportunities to scientists during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2023) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA and Business Mission in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California, USA from January 5-11, 2023. 

CES is the most influential technology event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This year, CES 2023 highlighted technologies on sustainability, digital health, metaverse, electric vehicles, transportation, and mobility from over 4,000 exhibitors, providing various insights and possibilities for the Philippines to utilize market intelligence and benchmarking

Agwa from Israel, an AI-assisted indoor home vegetable-growing device (left) and Gul.AI a Philippine-made mobile AI-powered plant growing system for optimum yield

The Philippine delegation, composed of the DOST, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) sought possible partnerships with governments and key industry players through the Philippine Business Forum highlighting the country’s investment-ready environment. DOST participated in one of the World Electronics Forum (WEF) where DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia presented technologies and programs of the Philippine government which are at par with emerging global technologies. 

DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia presented DOST’s programs in 2023-2028 at the World Electronics Forum together with officials from DTI, DICT, PEZA, SEIPI, and PTIC, and participants from the government and industry sectors

Technologies observed in CES 2023 include 1) SentiV from France, a scouting robot for monitoring field crops; 2) Agwa from Israel, an AI-assisted indoor home vegetable-growing device; 3) Land Evaluation Engine by satellite data and AI from Japan, an application for monitoring the lands of interest from space. Similarly, DOST Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) has ongoing project counterparts such as 1) Robot for Optimized and Autonomous Mission-Enhancement Response (ROAMER), designed for detecting banana plantation monitoring, 2) Gul.AI, a mobile AI-powered plant growing system for optimum yield, and 3) DATOS, an AI-powered engine land feature detection from satellite images. The striking similarity in the functions between ASTI’s projects and CES technologies demonstrates the relevance of its R&D activities and their potential to address society's needs.

“Similarly, as we vision to continuously be abreast with countries with cutting-edge technologies, we explored potential investment opportunities and areas for cooperation particularly with startup companies and universities in Silicon Valley,” says DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia. “We also recognize the importance of having a pool of experts in achieving this vision, hence we have the commitment of continuous knowledge transfer and developing our home-grown science and engineering workforce through the Balik Scientist Program,” she added.

The DOST is the lead government agency that provides central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensures that the result from there is geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people. 

Kabayan OFW 2022 at Gonegosyo at 17

Go Negosyo’s Kabayan 2022 last Saturday was an overwhelming success. There was, of course, the pleasant and unexpected gift from the President of P200,000 each to the nine outstanding OFW awardees of our Kabayan Awards. The announcement by the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos was met with thunderous applause from the crowd.

It was a day of appreciation of our OFWs. Our own sponsors gave away millions in cash and Negosyo packages – loans, motorcycles, sari-sari store packages, you name it. Our mentors were there to coach active and aspiring entrepreneurs, while all day, on stage, we had speaker after speaker imparting their knowledge about running a small business, using social media for promotions, making smart investment decisions, and generally equipping our audience of OFWs and their families with the right tools and mindset to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.

The President, in his message, said it well: Through entrepreneurship, our OFWs will now have the option to come home for good, with the ultimate goal of making working abroad a choice rather than a necessity.

OFWs, especially, are in an advantageous position to become entrepreneurs. Right now, their dollars can go a long way; even longer if they invest in small businesses.

Our awardees during Kabayan 2022 are proof-positive that, yes, OFWs make good entrepreneurs. They already have an appetite for risk. By going out and trying their luck in a strange land, they have the heart and the will to improve themselves, to explore the unknown. That many of our OFWs have succeeded and thrived is such a promise to what more they can do once they come home.

I mentioned during my speech at Kabayan 2022 the story of two outstanding OFWs, Alvin Esperida and Elpidia Abel. Alvin used to work overseas as a supervisor in a construction company. When the pandemic struck, he decided to return to the Philippines and opened a small store selling essential goods at low prices. His business attracted a bit of social media attention, and before he knew it, it grew and soon became a warehouse, which he named Bodega ni Tatay. The store continues to sell affordable grocery items and now employs around 40 people from low-income families in the community.

Elpidia is quite a legend in OFW circles. She has won many accolades for her work in helping her fellow OFWs, and it is not surprising to see why. She taught herself how to bake, to carve fruit, and to sew gowns using upcycled materials. She never had formal training, but got by on grit and passion, and she even went further. She now uses her free time to empower and share her skills to her fellow OFWs. She is also a cancer survivor.

They are just two of nine OFWs whose stories are certainly inspiring. We have OFWs who freely share their knowledge and experience. Angelito Castro worked overseas for many years in the aquaculture industry. He lost his job during the pandemic, and though he was offered to work again as an OFW, he chose to return to the Philippines and build his own freshwater fish hatchery. He now earns as much as he did when he was an OFW. Not only that, he shares his knowledge about aquaculture through social media, and free seminars and training. Like Elpidia, he has received awards for his dedication to teach fellow Filipinos about fish farming.

Then there are OFWs who are dedicated to making the lives of our kababayans a little better. Cebuano Anthony Leuterio founded Filipino Homes knowing how much home ownership means to every hard-working OFW. He used to lead a global organization engaged in marketing, and is now applying his leadership prowess in out-of-the-box solutions to real estate investing.

Another out-of-the-box awardee is YouTube content creator and former OFW Jeffrey Guansing. His channel, Harabas, went viral for its ‘catch and cook’ content and his initiative to help preserve the environment by planting mangroves and performing coast clean-up drives.

Industries that took a beating will certainly need the help of OFWs like Malou Prado. She is the owner and CEO of MPQ Travel and Tourism, and is currently based in Dubai. She recently launched a branch in the Philippines, and is the only Filipino national to be nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Middle East Excellence Award 2022. During the 7th Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards, MPQ Travel & Tourism clinched a gold award for Best Travel Company.

Our garments industry can use the likes of Marvin Intal. Marvin was an OFW for more than four years; when he had enough savings, he started Intal Garments. His early stage of venture was not easy since he had to remotely manage his business when he was still in Qatar. Despite the hardship, Marvin was able to put up with the demands of doing business and grow Intal Garments.

Then there are OFWs who showed how digital technology can help small businesses. Mardel Delos Santos, owner of Ledam’s Collections and known to her online followers as Ledam, is one of the most successful online sellers in the Philippines. She started her online business with only P4,000, selling Divisoria goods in Japan where she worked as an OFW. When Facebook Live was rolled out, she quickly joined the trend and was able to rapidly grow her business.

OFW Mark Durotan let his hard years as a seaman propel him to found two businesses: Diko’s Food Processing and Diko’s Integrated Farms, both rooted in his sense of community and passion for organic agriculture. His natural leadership skills and perseverance helped him overcome personal hardships and obstacles in his initial ventures into business. Ever the leader, Mark continues to establish farmers’ associations and gives free talks and consultation to his fellow farmers.

I am sure there are many more OFWs and stories out there. We hope that as we continue to explore how we can grow entrepreneurship in the Philippines, we will have more of them.

SMNI News Launches EntrePinoy Revolution with Dr. Carl E. Balita

I'd say our country is truly blessed, with not just natural resources and many things, but especially with people who are truly and genuinely for the good of as many or the general welfare 

Having had attended this launch SMNI News EntrePinoy Revolution with Dr. Carl E. Balita Ang Mabuting Balita ng Negosyo, made me realize many important points and things.

One is that, the key to any success is in preparedness. 

And how can one be prepared, Dr Carl says, is through education.

Education is evolution, transformation, revolution. We need to educate ourselves. We learn by many ways, in school, at home, with our experiences, with others, in situations, in life, etc.

We can actually learn and connect with those, who have years of experienced in their fields, through their books, talks, programs etc.

Let us learn from them, that can prepare us, to face the adversities that may come our way Ver.Ma Shaine Donna Viral Nestor MaCleotilde

Concepcion Elated as ASEAN Leaders Prioritize MSMEs Digitalization

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of the ASEAN economy and their digitalization will be vital in achieving inclusive growth in the region. This appeared to be the view of the leaders of the ASEAN as it wrapped up two days of top-level meetings at the ASEAN 2022 Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, according to Go Negosyo founder and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Chair for the Philippines Joey Concepcion.

“I am elated that the leaders were unanimous in saying that MSMEs are the true engine of growth in ASEAN,” said Concepcion, as he reiterated that, in the region, MSMEs comprise 99 percent of all establishments, contribute 85 percent of jobs, and 45 percent of GDP. He also expressed optimism as the leaders recognized the role of governments in helping MSMEs.

“We’re all moving in the same direction,” said Concepcion, noting how the ASEAN leaders affirmed how digitalization among MSMEs can enhance competitiveness and productivityacross the region.

“To upgrade, upskill and  upsize our MSMEs, digital transformation is vital,” said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his address at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (BIS). “This is in addition to our efforts to enable our systems to catch up with the rapid development of the digital economy,” the President said.

MSMEs are also most vulnerable to the uncertainties, said NeakOknha Kith Meng, Chair of the ASEAN BAC during his opening statement at the summit. He recommended to make economic integration a priority to achieve faster economic resilience at national and regional levels. “Otherwise, we are helpless amid all the uncertainty especially our workforce and our MSMEs,” he said.

Concepcion shared that digitalization and cooperation are central to the regional mentorship program called the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) program.AMEN aims to share best practices and know-how among MSMEs in the ASEAN. It is the legacy project of the Philippines’s 2017 chairmanship of the ASEAN, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the union.

“With AMEN, MSMEs can learn from other small entrepreneurs and mentors across the region. Mentors can also exchange knowledge and learn from each other on a regional scope,” saidConcepcion, whose non-profit mentors thousands of MSMEs in the Philippines every year.

“Our goal is to scale up our MSMEs through access to what we call the three M’s of MSME development – that is,  mentorship, money and market – using both traditional and digital platforms,” he said.

Phase 1 of AMEN was piloted in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in 2019, with 127 entrepreneurs and 48 mentors participating. Phase 2 is now on its build up stage and is set to be implemented across the ASEAN. Both phases of the project were funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.

“AMEN plans to train, in each ASEAN country, between 1,000 to 2,000 MSMEs each year. This we hope will one day grow to a network of thousands of confident entrepreneurs, able to grow and generate more jobs in the ASEAN, creating an inclusive economy and bringing prosperity for all,” said Concepcion.

Hacking is the New Security -

We are Armada Innovation Labs Corp., a Cyber Security Company focusing on Web Application Security Solutions such as Web Application Penetration Testing, Bug Bounty Enablement, and Web Application Firewall Solutions. We are working with industry leaders in terms of Web Security such as F5 and Fortinet and we also specialize in securing Cloud Solutions in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.

Our speakers for the event are Angel Redoble, First Vice President and Group Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT Group and Smart Communications, Louie Castaneda, the Country Manager of Fortinet Philippines, Mary Joy Abueg, PhD, President of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines and P/Lt. Arnel Hawthorne, Section Chief - Cybersecurity Incident Response of the Philippine National Police.

We have confirmed guests from the government sector specifically from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and some local government units. We have also confirmed attendees from several top corporations in the telecommunications, banking and finance, water and power industries to name a few among our list. Our friends also from Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer, along with other outlets will also be there.

We will introduce a unique and highly effective “Cybersecurity Business Model " and we want to raise public awareness that data privacy and cybersecurity are major concerns that companies and agencies need to work on not just for government regulation and compliance.

Visit here: Armada Fb page

iCCP thru Laura Vicuña Foundation is reaching out to Children

Everyday, the number of children being abused, exploited, and trafficked continue to rise. The Laura Vicuña Foundation has helped 3,000 of these children and has given them the chance to regain the childhood that they deserve. To be able to continue to help, LVF needs our help.

This year, ICCP aims to raise a significant monetary donation for the foundation. We are appealing to your generosity in helping us put together a sizeable amount that will help provide for the 3,000 abused, trafficked, and exploited children under LVF's care. No donation is too big or too small.

ICCP will personally hand over the donation to the Laura Vicuña Foundation on December 12, 2022. We look forward to receiving your monetary donation until December 11, 2022.

Below are the convenient ways to share:
BDO
Dela Rosa Rada Makati Branch
Savings Account #005370227064
Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
Gcash
09060236755
Paypal
paypal.me/israelchamberph
Dragon Pay
https://www.iccp.ph/membership-registration-form/
PayMongo
Email secretariat@iccp.ph for your payment link.

The Biggest Processing and Packaging Event, ProPak Philippines Set this February 1-3 2023!

Gathering   various   industries  engaged  in the latest in  packaging  and  processing technologies and connecting them with the business community,

ProPak Philippines makes a comeback at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on 1-3 February 2023.

ProPak   Philippines   will   highlight  innovations   and   advancements in processing, manufacturing, and  packaging  technology,   connecting international  suppliers  to local and regional buyers in food, drink, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Joining the event are companies engaged in processing machinery, technology, and materials  in  the  sectors of labeling, quality assurance, testing  & measurement, maintenance, and their related fields of automation, instrumentation, transportation, refrigeration, storage,  and  pollution control. 

Also represented  are businesses  involved  in  labeling,  printing, water treatment  equipment,   plastics processing, and wrapping machinery.

Among ProPak Philippines’highlights are the Sustainability Square, an interactive exhibitor zone  where  visitors   may   learn   about how the  packaging   industry  and extended processing sectors (food,  beverage,  pharmaceutical,  cosmetics, etc. adopt  the  Sustainable  Development Goals; and  ProPak Connect,  a  business-to-business online supplier platform and a content hub that facilitates targeted onlinemarketing  activities such as supplier and buyer sourcing,  networking,  interactive product and machine demos, and virtual and hybrid events.

Another highlight is the Department of Trade (DTI) Packaging Awards which will recognize innovative packaging ideas by MSMEs, Women, Youth, PWDs, and IP-led companies, as well as the association pavilions of the Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines and Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PROMAP).

The three-day exhibition will also feature conference and training courses from the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP); packaging consultations for MSMEs, talks andworkshops in manufacturing and packaging, led by DTI, PROMAP, and the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA).Among the early conrmed exhibitors are the Asia Integrated Machine Inc., MiuraSingapore Co. Pte. Ltd.; Krirub Industrial Sales; Formway Trading & Services Inc.Rieckermann Machinery  & Industrial Solutions; Aumpack  Inc.; Conveying and Information Classication: General Packaging Co. Inc.; Wolf Packaging Machines Co., Ltd.; Loopex Packaging ProductsInc.; Elixir Industrial Equipment Inc.; Victorious Team Provider Corporation; and theVCP Trading International Corporation.ProPak Philippines 2023 is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, theDepartment   of   Science   and  Technology, Philippine Association  of Food Technologists   Inc. (PAFT),   Philippine Pharmaceutical   Manufacturers Association(PPMA),   Production   and   Operations   Management  Association   of   the   Philippines (PROMAP),   Philippine   Printing   Technical   Foundation  (PPTF), the  Association   of Laguna Food Processors Inc. (ALAFOP), the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc.(AFFI),  the Filipino International  Franchise Association (FIFA), One Town, One Product (OTOP), Australian  Institute of Packaging  (AIP), World Packaging Organisation (WPO), Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA), GS1 Philippines, and the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and a lot more.

About Informa Markets ProPak  Philippines is organized  by  Informa  Markets,  a divisio  by  informa  plc. Informa Markets  creates platforms  for industries and specialist markets to trade,innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets  including Healthcare  &  Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. For more information, 

Visit here www.informamarkets.com.

1st Orange Cup Golf Tournament with DCCP Community

On Friday November 4, the DCCP Community came together at Orchard Country Club, Cavite for the 1st Orange Cup Golf Tournament. With nearly 80 players and over 100 guests in total, this event which had initially been planned for 2020 was a great success. In attendance was Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines for the ceremonial tee off.

A special moment of appreciation for our sponsors, without whom this could not have been possible:

Gold sponsors BDO Unibank, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Signify, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Wellcare Health Maintenance, NYK-Fil Ship Management, Inc., TDG Crew Management, Inc.

Silver sponsors Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), Van Oord, Royal HaskoningDHV

Bronze sponsors Spliethoff, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. Epsilon Maritime Services, Baliwag Navigation, CSC Manila Inc., Island Overseas Transport Corporation, Mra Offshore Corp., East-West Seed, Magsaysay People Resources (Magsaysay Maritime Corporation), Windmill Gourmet Inc., Davies Paints Philippines Incorporated, Vroon-Fil Ship Management

Raffle & Give-away sponsors:

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Signify, Urban Greens Hydroponic Systems Inc., Handelaar, Windmill Gourmet, Bespoke Doors & Furniture

PCHRD’s projects on Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health take the spotlight on this month’s Talakayang HeaRT Beat

Hosted by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), this month’s episode of Talakayang HeaRT Beat, a press conference, will put a spotlight on four  PCHRD-supported projects under the Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health R&D Program. This R&D program focuses on the development of local innovative biomedical devices for Filipinos. The first face-to-face press conference after the pandemic will be held on 25 November 2022, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Luna Function Hall, 2F, World Trade Center.

PCHRD Executive Director, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya will present the recent updates and accomplishments of the following projects under the Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health R&D Program:

1. iFix: Design and Fabrication of External Fixator - Led by Dr. Emmanuel Estrella of the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila), the project aims to develop customized external fixators for orthopedic surgery, which are used to support the bones and keep them in place during treatment from injuries such as bone fractures.  

2. PETALS: Operating Room Programmable Electronically Targeted Active Lighting System - Implemented by UP Manila through its project leader Dr. Catherine Co, PETALS project will develop a cost-effective lighting system that will illuminate structures located in hard-to-reach areas such as deep structures or curved surfaces. The project intends to solve the common problems encountered in surgical lighting which plays a crucial role in the surgical process and operating time.

3.  iBlood: A Compact Device for Measuring Intraoperative Blood Loss in Used Surgical Gauze and Laparotomy Packs - Led by Dr. Catherine Co of UP Manila, the iBlood project aims to develop a cost-effective tandem of software and hardware that will accurately estimate the volume of blood loss in laparotomy pack and gauze used during surgery

4. Establishment of  Surgical Innovation and Biotechnology Laboratory (SIBOL)- To support the country's pursuit for locally-developed biomedical devices, Dr. Edward Wang of the University of the Philippines Manila leads the Surgical Innovation and Biotechnology Laboratory or S.I.B.O.L. program. This program aims to foster local innovation of surgical and other biomedical devices adapted to the health needs of the Filipino as well as serve as a platform for capacity-building activities and knowledge exchange between scientists and engineers.

An open forum will immediately follow Dr. Montoya’s presentation. The project leaders namely Dr. Samuel Grozman, Dr. Catherine S. Co,  Dr. Edward H.M. Wang  as well as PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya will be present to answer questions from the media and guests. 

Another highlight of the event is the relaunching of the Philippine Biomedical Devices Innovation Consortium (PBDIC). PBDIC is a network composed of experts in biomedical devices which aims to promote cooperation among partner institutions in the field of biomedical device innovation and recommend policies in developing biomedical devices and products. 

 

DOST-MIRDC LAUNCHES THE MOLD TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CENTER TO STRENGTHEN THE COUNTRY’S LOCAL MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES

The Philippines, with its aim to strengthen its manufacturing sector, partnered with the Republic of Korea through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) to establish the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC). As the recipient of the ODA, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the DOST-MIRDC and in partnership with the Korea Association of Machiney Industry (KOAMI), developed the MTSC to address the need for acquiring equipment and developing our local expertise in the die and mold industry.

From left to right:  Mr Reynaldo D. Lignes Acting Director, BOI; Atty. Norma B. Tañag Zone Administrator CEZ; Mr. Kapseok Yoon, Vice President, KOAMI; Mr. Cheon Kyo Park, Director General of KIAT; Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, DOST; Mr. Ahn Eung Soo, Secretary, Embassy of Korea; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director; Mr. Jaime L. Diaz Vice President, PDMA, Inc., during the ribbon-cutting of the MTSC on November 10, 2022.   

Over a hundred people were present during the ceremony held on November 10, 2022. Partners from Korea who provided the MTSC with the much-needed equipment were in attendance, along with DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia, local die and mold industry partners, and representatives from other government agencies who were part of the success of the establishment of the MTSC.

An official signing of the record of hand-over was also held during the event, which marks the beginning of the operation of the MTSC. 

PH Exporters urged to join the 2022 National Exporters’ Week

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), in partnership with the Export Development Council (EDC) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), is set to resume the onsite conduct of the National Exporters’ Week (NEW) activities on 01-07 December 2022. 

Last year, the NEW focused on global trends, export empowerment, and recovery through innovation, digital transformation, and new technology. This year, the NEW focuses on discussions and activities that will pave the way towards "Exporting Breakthroughs" for Philippine-based exporters and the Philippines as an exporting nation. It emphasizes the need to harness the experience, expertise, and knowledge of both public and private stakeholders in international trade and the need to build on our competitive advantage by pursuing innovation and diversification and cultivating a competitive mindset among all stakeholders. 

"The thematic discussions and activities during 2022 NEW aim to capacitate Philippine exporters, particularly MSMEs, as they go through their exporting journey from developing their products and services, creating their marketing and promotion strategies, and delivering to their customers. We urge all our exporters to grab this opportunity to listen, learn, and participate in the diverse export-related topics and export marketing activities that will happen this 1st week of December.  To be globally competitive, we must actively engage, learn and seek opportunities for continuous development," Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Assistant Secretary Glenn G. Peñaranda said.  

Meanwhile, PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz Luis Jr. expressed optimism that despite the many challenges, the export industry can achieve its growth target of nearly $120 billion to $130 billion from exports of goods and services in the next five years. 

“The next Philippine Export Development Plan is more aggressive, highlighting technology and stronger collaborations towards innovation, skills upgrading, and integration to help counter the negative impacts of issues such as red tape, supply chain disruptions, increasing business costs, climate change, and other challenges,” said Ortiz Luis Jr., also EDC Vice Chairman. 

Every first week of December is declared Exporters' Week per Presidential Proclamation 931, Series of 1996. The government and the private sector commit to working together continuously to sustain export promotion and development.   

For this year's celebration, a series of activities are organized for the Philippine exporters and would-be exporters free of charge. Four (4) Usapang Exports sessions will be lined up with extensive export-related topics, business-to-business matching activities, and an exhibition featuring exporters, export enablers, and e-commerce platforms and service providers. The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City. To register, visit the link: https://bit.ly/UsapangExports2022.   

Exporters will also be able to reach out, network, and seek guidance from our Export Enablers in the Exporters and Export Enablers’ Exhibit on 05-06 December 2022, which will feature export-related services of government agencies, financing institutions, startups, and other trade-related organizations. 

As part of the 2022 NEW activities, DTI-EMB also collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines for the ARISE Plus Philippines' The Green Transition: Opportunities and Challenges for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.   

It will bring together international and national experts and practitioners to create awareness of the new agenda for sustainable growth of the EU, also called the 'Green Deal,' and to discuss the related opportunities and challenges for Philippine exporters and MSMEs in accessing the EU market. 

Part of this collaboration is the institutionalization of the partnership of DTI and ITC for the SheTrades Hub in the Philippines, which was launched earlier during the 2020 National Export Congress. It aims to increase the international competitiveness of women entrepreneurs.  

Philippine exporters with exemplary performance and contribution in 2021 will be recognized during the Exporters' Night.   

The culminating event for this year’s NEW, the 2022 National Export Congress (NEC) will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 07 December 2022. The NEC will cover the discussions on how the government aims to pave the way for exporting breakthroughs in the next six years. You may register at: https://bit.ly/NEC2022Registration.   

You may follow DTI-EMB on Facebook (fb.com/dti.export) and Twitter (@dtiexport), and Instagram (@dti.export) for more updates.  

website:  www.dti.gov.ph/ www.tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph

PBBM appoints Fereira as new CITEM Executive Director

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export trade promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), mandated in promoting the Philippines as a reliable source of quality export 

products and services in the global market, announced that Dr. Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D. has been recently appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as its Executive Director. Fereira took his oath of office before DTI Secretary Fred Pascual at the DTI Main office. 

He enters the country’s trade promotions industry bringing with him three decades of experience in the fields of science, business management, marketing, diplomacy, and now government service. 

In 2018, Fereira was appointed as the Special Envoy of the President of 

the Philippines to the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also served as the First Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Philippines from 2004 to 2011.

The new executive director was also a former President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the country’s biggest business and management organization composed of top business luminaries. His stint in MAP became his springboard to diplomacy as he led and chaired various private and government trade missions to different countries. 

Fereira’s government career includes leadership roles at the National 

Development Corporation (NDC), Philippine International Trading 

Corporation (PITC), First Cavite Industrial Estate (FCIE), Manila Gas, and Land Bank Realty Development Corporation (LBRDC) among others. 

Fereira was conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Technology 

Management by the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP). He also holds an MBA degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Marketing Management Development from Syracuse University in New York. He graduated from the University of the Philippines with a bachelor's degree in microbiology. 

After completing his post-graduate studies in lunar microbiology, Fereira 

worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 

under the Apollo 11 “First Man Moon Landing” project, as the first Filipino 

Lunar Microbiologist who examined the moon rocks brought back by Neil 

Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins.

Before Fereira’s appointment, CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. 

Lourdes D. Mediran served as the agency’s officer-in-charge (OIC).

Philippine Blockchain Week to Offset 500 Tonnes of Carbon FootprintThrough KlimaDAO

Manila, Philippines -- Philippine Blockchain Week aims to be a carbon-neutral event by partnering with KlimaDAO to offset its carbon footprint.KlimaDAO will facilitate the retirement of 500 tonnes of carbon for the seven-day event. It has been calculated that the event itself will have a carbon footprint of 228 tonnes of carbon dioxide, factoring in the emissions derived from the event, including food, event activities, as well as flights and hotel stays.

KlimaDAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that is driving the development of the Voluntary Carbon Market by building infrastructure that makes the market more transparent and accessible. By utilizing carbon credits, which are hosted on the Polygon blockchain, users can offset their emissions in just a few clicks using the KlimaDAO Retirement Aggregator. “KlimaDAO is building public, open infrastructure, that anybody can use to manage their carbonfootprint. Given that the carbon markets are here to support investment into the planet, we think the transparency and efficiency of our technology is a significant and important step forward. Fundamentally, this technology will maximize investment into the planet, by prioritizing market transparency and accessibility for customers and carbon project developers alike.” Alex Taylor of KlimaDAO said.In

 participating in PBW2022, Taylor said they would like to demonstrate how easy blockchain technology is to use, and showcase some of the most innovative and impactful Web3 technology that has been developed to-date.

Dr. Donald Lim, the lead convenor of the Philippine Blockchain Week, said that KlimaDAO is just one of the many examples of how blockchain can improve lives.

“KlimaDAO is an important partner of this event. This partnership is a reminder that we can achieve progress but not at the expense of the environment. We must always take into consideration the impact of our business to nature and how we can help ease the problem of climate change,” he said.

Dr. Lim reiterated that the Philippines could benefit a lot from blockchain and has the edge among its Southeast Asian neighbors to be the capital of Web3 technology. The country has 73 million plus internet users and has the most crypto wallet downloads in the world in 2021.

“There are many things to learn about blockchain and how it can be used in banking, arts and culture, the environment, and such. And what’s great about this technology is its transparency. Blockchain may be difficult to define, but it’s easy to get into. With the Philippine Blockchain Week, we hope to immerse Filipinos in this technology to see its benefits, including how we can use it to address the impact of climate change” Dr. Lim said.

The Philippine Blockchain Week is powered by the following major sponsors 1inch, Tetrix, NChain, GCash, Coins.ph, DVCode, Ark of Dream, iPay88, and Maya.

For more information, visit www.PhilBlockchainWeek.com

Manila is set to Welcome the World to Inaugural Philippine Blockchain Week 2022!

November 28-December 4, 2022 at Newport World Resorts

New York, NY, November 1, 2022 -- Philippine Blockchain Week is proud to welcome international and local thought leaders from the digital and blockchain industries from 

November 28 to December 4, 2022, at the Newport World Resorts in Manila. Early Bird tickets are now available www.PhilBlockchainWeek.com.

With a population of 110 million people that has a median age of 25, and the highest internet and NFT penetration rate of a digital population, the Philippines is at the intersection of innovation, early adoption, and job creation for the global digital sector.Philippine Blockchain Week was created by a group of the country's cutting edge thought leaders from web2 and web3 to facilitate this education, opportunity, and growth in the 

Philippines. Spearheaded by Donald Lim, who is considered the Father of Digital Marketing in the Philippines, and Chezka Gonzales, a pilot and Founder of Women of Substance NFT, they have assembled an all-star team of partner organizations including Fintech Alliance.Ph, Institute of Corporate Directors, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), International Council of Small Business PH (ICSB), JCI Manila, Rotary District 3830, NFT 

Philippines, Women in Blockchain Philippines, Women in Blockchain Asia, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), as well event sponsors Newport World Resorts and Philippine Airlines. 

Producer Donald Lim shared “Philippine Blockchain Week has two goals: to fortify Filipinos with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to be competitive on a global scale in industries of the future; and to showcase the Philippines as the “Blockchain Capital of Asia”. 

Among the planned activities for Philippine Blockchain Week include featured sessions with renowned experts about blockchain, fintech, the metaverse, VC-startup matchmaking, an NFT & Gaming expo, multiple after-parties, and networking events.

Producer Chezka Gonzales, added “We are proud to facilitate space where global business opportunities will be created. Now that the world has opened up again, it is a prime time to connect, collaborate and launch successful ventures.”

Other key partners in Philippine Blockchain Week include Rico Pang, Group CEO, Sanctum Global Ventures; Kate Hancock, Founder, Metaverse XYZ; Daniel Robbins, CEO IBH Media; Oscar Tan Abing, Jr., Founder & CEO, Anotoys Collectiverse; Jay Ha, Co-founder, IP3; James Lim, CEO, 

Meta Persona; Tara Kwon, Co-founder, Hyped Collective and Janelle Barretto, CEO, JB7 

Consulting.

Early bird tickets are available in a limited quantity at www.PhilBlockchainWeek.com For more information or for interview requests please contact: media@49GlobalMedia.com

Join the action!

https://twitter.com/philblockchain

https://instagram.com/philippineblockchainweek2022

https://facebook.com/philblockchainweek

#PhilippineBlockchainWeek, #PBW, #web3, #crypto, #NFTCollection, #NFTs, #NFTCommunity

Hybrid Electric Road Train Technology of the DOST Eyed to be Adopted by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)

In the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s (CEZA) pursuit to become a self-sustaining industrial and commercial investment area, the support and use of local technologies are at the forefront. This may be exactly what the CEZA Secretary Jaime R. Escaño had in mind when he envisioned a more efficient means of transporting goods in and around CEZA. 

The HERT was originally developed as an alternative mass transport system in areas experiencing heavy traffic congestion. The Filipino-designed and developed HERT has locally available parts.  It is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and a battery generator, has rubber wheels, and runs on existing roads. It features a regenerative brake system and does not emit smoke, making it environmentally friendly. The HERT offers the best solution to the transportation requirements presently faced by CEZA.

Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-MIRDC met with Sec. Escaño and other officials of the CEZA on November 14-15, 2022, to look into possible areas of collaboration to address CEZA’s transportation requirements.  

The DOST-MIRDC team’s inspection and visits to various sites in Sta. Ana, Cagayan yielded fruitful results.  The local government of Sta. Ana and CEZA envisioned the Port of Irene and the Port of San Vicente as the prime ports of the country due to their strategic location on the Eastern side of the Philippines. CEZA is looking for ways to boost the current transport system in anticipation of the escalation of economic activities within the port area.

This collaboration may also possibly tap the involvement of the academe.  In another project, the DOST-MIRDC, in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices and state universities, has established Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs) that are specially designed to cater to the peculiar metalworking needs of the regions.  MEICs are located inside the campus of a state university recommended by the DOST Regional Offices.  In the case of Region II, the site of the MEIC is inside the Cagayan State University campus.  MEICs can also contribute to the success of the HERT project with the CEZA as these facilities may be used in the development of the HERT. 

With major stakeholders on board, the benefits of using locally developed technologies such as the DOST’s HERT will not only bring out the innovativeness of our best engineers and technicians but will also prove that our Filipino experts and local capabilities are able to address pressing challenges that are specific to the needs of the community.

by Kai H. Negado

Technology Information and Promotion Section

Technology Diffusion Division

Local 463

Direct Line: 8837-0479

Metals Industry Research and Development Center

General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631

Telephone Numbers: 837-0431 to 38

www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph                          https://facebook.com/dostmirdc

DOST introduces 2023 call to R&D programs and scholarship opportunities co-funded with international partners

FRIDAY, November 25, 2022 - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - International Cooperation launched through a webinar today the timeline of the call for proposals for the year 2023 - 2024 for research projects and scholarship opportunities co-funded by China, Taiwan, Japan, India and France.  The event entitled “R&D Initiatives and International Call for Opportunities Webinar,” is held virtually on the third day of the DOST National Science and Technology Week.

Led by DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia, the webinar focused on the joint research initiatives of the DOST with its bilateral partners and scholarship opportunities.

“Through strategic collaborations, we were able to tread new heights of scientific breakthroughs and innovations,” says Undersecretary Buendia.  “We need to strengthen our international collaboration for science, technology, and innovation across fields and disciplines. The Philippines has a pool of talented and globally-competitive students, scientists, and technical experts that with ample support they can unravel their utmost potential.  To continue maximizing our opportunities, we must be efficient in navigating our bilateral and multilateral partnerships, to further develop a strong S&T Human Resource and R&D landscape in the country.” 

One of the funding opportunities is the DOST-Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Joint Research Program.  Identified priority areas are Health, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.  To date, DOST has supported 8 projects since its inaugural offering in 2020.

Another funding program is the DOST-Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Joint Research Program.  This is a bilateral exchange program jointly conducted by Filipino and Japanese researchers in accordance with their mutual agreement on international scientific collaboration. It aims to 1) contribute to scientific advancement by conducting bilateral research (including seminars) in a specific research field and 2) provide opportunities for young researchers of Japan and the Philippines to meet, interact, and exchange ideas to build a robust S&T community in the region.  Since 2018, 6 projects have been completed and 4 ongoing. 

The Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) and Taiwan Economic Cultural Office (TECO) Joint Research Project is an avenue for collaboration between Filipino and Taiwanese scientist and researchers on Virology, Nutritional Genomics, Artificial Intelligence, Green Technology, Nanotechnology, Materials Informatics, and among others. A maximum funding allocation of Php 10 million is set for the whole duration of the project (2-3 years).  Since the Program began in 2011, the DOST and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Taiwan have supported the implementation of 46 joint projects. 

One of the active programs of DOST with France is the French-Philippine Hubert Curien Partnership “Science for the People” (PHC-SFTP) Researchers’ Mobility Program.  The PHC-SFTP is a Hubert Curien French-Filipino Partnership which aims to support the scientific mobility of Filipino and French researchers, and facilitate the establishment of joint research projects between the two countries.  Three (3) projects are being currently implemented by both countries set to be completed in December of this year.

For foreign co-funded scholarships, DOST offers the University of Alberta in Canada and the DOST- Science Education Institute (SEI) agreed to implement a graduate scholarship program in priority S&T fields. This scholarship program aims to create a mechanism for master’s and doctoral students from the Philippines to study and conduct research at Alberta with support provided jointly by the DOST-SEI scholarships and UAlberta. SEI provides for the tuition fee, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, relocation allowance, and pre-travel expenses. On the other hand, the university grants the international student differential tuition fee. Ongoing foreign scholarships co-sponsored by DOST include the (i) MECO-TECO Sandwich Scholarship Program, (ii) DOST-Newton PhD Scholarships, (iii) PhilFrance-DOST Fellowship, as well as (iv) PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine in Italy.

For further inquiries of the funding programs and scholarships, interested applicants may reach out to the DOST-Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation at the 2nd Floor ADMATEL Bldg. DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig.  Applicants may also send an email at itcu-mail@dost.gov.ph; oasis.ic@dost.gov.ph or call at (02) 8837 2943/8837 2930.  

Philippine Blockchain Week is here!

The first-ever Philippine Blockchain Week – a week-long event that aims to put the Philippines at the forefront of Blockchain innovation in the region. Taking place at Newport World Resorts, Manila from November 28-December 4, 2022, Philippine Blockchain Week represents a major collaboration of the private sector with the support of the national government, driving collaboration and innovation to solidify the Philippines’ position as the region’s fastest-growing Web3 market.

The 3-day conference (November 29 to December 1) boasts an all-star lineup of innovators from multiple industries who will lend their insights, including TRON DAO founder Justin Sun, E! Entertainment Co-Founder Larry Namer, 1inch Network co-founder Sergej Kunz, NFT.NYC Co-Producer Ian Utile, The Web3 Show’s Chris Snook, IP3 Co-Founder David Uslan, Miami NFT’s Erik Lapaglia, ZenAcademy founder Zeneca, Marvel’s Anthony Francisco, and Tier One’s Blacklist International. 

In addition to the keynotes, talks, panel discussions, and fireside chats, there will also be multiple Side Events, an NFT & Gaming Expo & tournament, multiple After-Parties, and exclusive Networking Events. Aspiring disruptors will even have the chance to join John Aguilar’s The Final Pitch! The winner of the event will be invited to join the show on CNN Philippines. We will also have a pop-up store of the number 1 burger according to Good Morning America called Bored & Hungry. Live NFT drawing and drawing workshop by Marvel artist Anthony Francisco. 

As spearheaded by Donald Lim, known as the Father of Philippine Digital Marketing, and Filipina Pilot Chezka Gonzales, Founder of Women of Substance NFT, Philippine Blockchain Week is being supported by a who’s who of partner organizations, including Fintech Alliance. Ph, Institute of Corporate Directors, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), International Council of Small Business PH (ICSB), JCI Manila, Rotary District 3830, NFT Philippines, Women in Blockchain Philippines, Women in Blockchain Asia, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), and the Department of Tourism, in addition to the event, sponsors Newport World Resorts, Gcash, Maya, Coins.ph and Philippine Airlines and schools and universities.

Meet the Level Zero Artists Live at their Concert this December 11!

Happening on December 11, 2022, at Amoranto Sports Complex – Filed Oval Featuring Al James, Pricetagg, Jp Bacallan, the Maneuvers/Street Boys /UMD Selection, DJ Jennifer Lee, Urban Crew, V2 sisters, King Murph with 1008 With 100 Models and Influencers Plus Surprise Guests. VIP productions will provide the car and bike show.

Tickets for the raffle is PHp 100.00 and 2 tickets can already get you in at the venue with 2 raffle tickets already that you can buy using Yogo.ph. Part of the proceeds of the concert is for the benefit of “the gift 6, #alaykapuspalad2022” to purchase basic needs for the less fortunate families and indigent communities all over the Philippines in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippines. Eagles is the first-born fraternal socio-civic organization in our country. Raffle prizes to be won are brand new sedan car, 30 motorcycles, more than 100 units of smart watches, phones, laptops, and other gadgets,

200 JVE device with pods , and 10 winners of 5,000.00 cash.

Level zero is set to be nationwide event with 20 key cities already signed up including a grand celebration in March 2023 at the Philippine arena

Presented by LZ Media and produced by Master J. For more information about the Level Zero event: https://www.facebook.com/levelzero.II