7 Modern Day Heroes Advance Virology Research in the Philippines

The ongoing pandemic highlighted the need to have our own virology experts and an institution that will provide a venue for scientific collaboration in human, animal, and plant virology. Thus, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines or the VIP. Recognizing that the journey towards its establishment is long and arduous, seven (7) virology experts were engaged through the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) to assist the VIP’s flagship projects implemented through the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI). The recently concluded virtual Exit Report Presentation held on May 3, 2022 highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of these Balik Scientists in “Building a Safer Future” as advisers to the VIP.

Higit na nakita ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng sariling virology experts sa Pilipinas ng dahil sa kasalukuyang pandemya. Dahil dito, nanguna ang DOST sa pagpapatatag ng Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines o VIP. Bagamat matagal tagal pa bago tuluyang matapos ang pisikal na imprastraktura ng VIP, naumpisahan na ng programa na makakalap ng pitong eksperto na tumulong na maisagawa ang walong proyetko ng VIP sa pamamagitan ng Balik Scientist Program. Lahat ng ito ay ibinahagi ng atin mga Balik Scientists sa kagaganap lamang na BSP Exit Report Presentation na pinamagatang “Building a Safer Future” nitong Mayo 3, 2022.

Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña emphasized that “not only will we be able to conduct innovative and pioneering research that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country, but we will also be prepared for future pandemics, bioterrorism, and the prevention of re-emergence of endemic diseases.”

Saad ni Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña na hindi lamang ito makakatulong sa advancement ng virology research sa bansa, kundi maihahanda din nito ang Pilipinas sa mga parating pang pandemya, bioterrorism, at mga endemic diseases.

Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara stated in her opening message that these research projects “will address our country’s need for diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics and will lead us to succeed in research strategies toward our next COVID-19 pandemic response.”

Dagdag ni Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara sa kanyang panimulang mensahe na ang mga proyektong ito na inumpisahan ng ating mga Balik Scientist ay sagot sa mga pangagailangan ng bansa pagdating sa diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics na siyang gabay sa paghahanda sa mga susunod pang pandemya.

As a VIP Adviser, US-based infectious disease drug discovery expert Dr. Homer D. Pantua trained VIP researchers on developing diagnostic tools for African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and mentored graduate students on ASF-related and AI-based swine health monitoring system. Dr. Pantua was also able to establish a linkage with Kansas State University and build an inter-agency partnership between the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry, ITDI, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

Bilang isang VIP adviser, si Dr. Homer D. Pantua na isang batikang eksperto sa infectious disease drug discovery ay nagsagawa ng training kasama ang mga lokal na VIP researchers sa pagawa ng diagnostic tool para sa African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). Siya rin ay naging gabay sa mga estudyante na nais matuto ng ASF-related and AI-based swine health monitoring system. Naitatag din ni Dr. Pantua ang magandang pakikipagunayan ng Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry, DOST-ITDI, at PCAARRD sa Kansas State University.

Another VIP Adviser, Dr. Elpidio Cesar B. Nadala, Jr., introduced resources to local researchers to do bioinformatics analysis of genomes of target viruses during diagnostic and development and conduct several webinars on biosafety and biosecurity which are two very important issues in the establishment of the VIP. As an expert on microbiology, virology, and medical biotechnology, Dr. Nadala emphasized the need for “rapid, sensitive, and specific tests” to effectively control the spread of the virus.

Nagbigay kaalaman naman si Dr. Elpidio Cesar B. Nadala, Jr. sa bioinformatics analysis ng mga genomes ng target viruses. Siya rin ay nagsagawa ng ilang webinars sa  biosafety at biosecurity na dalawa sa mga importanteng talakayin sa pagpapatatag ng VIP. Bilang isang dalubhasa sa larangan ng microbiology, virology, at medical biotechnology, binigyang diin ni Dr. Nadala ang importansiya ng “rapid, sensitive, and specific tests” upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng virus.

Meanwhile, microbiologist-virologist Dr. Lourdes M. Nadala called for the full enactment of the Senate Bill 2241 into law and hoped for a more efficient procurement system to sustain the momentum for the establishment of the VIP. Another VIP Adviser, Dr. Teodoro M. Fajardo, Jr., a molecular virology and molecular biology expert, appealed for an increase in budget in S&T-based R&D.

Samantala, nagsumamo naman ang microbiologist-virologist na si Dr. Lourdes M. Nadala na maisabatas na ang Senate Bill 2241 na siyang magiging daan upang magkaroon ng masmabisang procurement system para mapanatili ang operation ng VIP. Pinarating din ni Dr. Teodoro M. Fajardo, Jr., na isang eksperto sa molecular virology at molecular biology, ang importansiya ng pagkakaroon ng malaking pondo para sa S&T researches. 

In addition to their technical involvement with the VIP, Dr. Myra DT. Hosmillo of the University of Cambridge in the UK also highlighted her involvement in numerous activities emphasizing and promoting the role of women in science, while Dr. Christina Lora M. Leyson expressed her satisfaction in engaging young students through her online lectures.

Ipinahiwatig din nina Dr. Myra DT. Hosmillo ng University of Cambridge, UK at Dr. Christina Lora M. Leyson mula sa Univeristy of Georgia ang kahalagahan ng kababaihan at kabataan na mamulat at maging parte ng iba’t-ibang S&T researches.

In his report, Australia-based VIP Adviser Dr. Leodevico L Ilag was able to identify and recruit leading experts as active collaborators and train future personnel of the Institute. Dr. Ilag also collaborated with Dr. Pantua on developing a potential vaccine for ASF.

Si Dr. Leodevico L Ilag naman ang siyang naging katukatulong ni Dr. Pantua sa pagsasaliksik sa potensiyal na bakuna laban sa ASF. Siya rin ay nagtrain ng mga researchers na magiging parte ng VIP.

Expressing PCAARRD’s support and commitment to the initiatives of the VIP in livestock and plant health, Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora recognized the VIP Advisers and their contributions, “May this be just a beginning of a long-term partnership of the VIP and our fellow Filipino experts!”

Sa kagalakan, ipinarating ni Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora ng PCAARRD ang mga katagang, “Nawa ito ay umpisa lamang ng pangmatagalanag relasyon ng VIP at mga kapwa Pilipino nating mga eksperto!”

“By working together and gaining as much support as we can for the VIP, we bring the country closer to our goal of generating scientific solutions that address pressing health and agricultural concerns of Filipinos. We look forward to working with you in building a promising future for Philippine virology research and, ultimately, for our communities.” Dr. Jaime C. Montoya concluded.

“Sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga Balik Scientist na tuluyang mailunsad at maitatag ang VIP, hindi malayong makamit ng Pilipinas ang solusyon sa kalusugan at agrikultura. Dahil dito, maipaparating natin ang isang magandang kinabukasan ng virology research sa bansa at higit lalo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino,” saad ni Dr. Jaime C. Montoya.

The BSP was established in 1975 to counteract the nationwide concern on “brain drain” or the emigration of highly trained professionals from our country, in search of a better standard or living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide.

Itinatag ang BSP noong 1975 bilang tugon sa “brain drain” o ang pangingibang-bayan ng mga Pinoy scientist.

Through the program, foreign-based Filipinos are encouraged to return to the country and impart their knowledge and expertise for the advancement of research and development in the country, as well as address development gaps.

Sa pamamagitan ng programa, hinihikayat na mapabalik ng Pilipinas ang mga Fiipino scientist upang makapagbahagi ng kanilang mga karanasan at makabagong kaalaman sa ikauunlad ng bansa.

DOST-S4C Program Summit Kicks Off in Bacolod; Numerous Visayas Businesses, MSMEs, Communities Feature Funded Projects

Bacolod City – The Department of Science and Technology provided funding for the agricultural, pharmaceutical, herbal supplement manufacturing, and regional science communities among the sectors in the Visayas Region that received funding from the Science for Change Program (S4CP).  This was revealed during the kick off event held in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, entitled: “Science for Change is Science for the People.”  The summit highlighted positive changes brought about by the S4CP-funded projects in terms of regional development and industrial competitiveness from the lens of the researchers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. 

The summit is set to showcase the accomplishments of its four (4) subcomponent programs: 1) Niche Center in the Region for R&D Program (NICER), 2) Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Philippine Economy Program (CRADLE), 3) Business Innovation through S&T for Industry Program (BIST) and 4) R&D Leadership Program (RDLead) in all the regions in the country. For its first leg, the event featured programs/projects in the Visayas Cluster on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the SEDA Hotel. 

“We have come a long way in our efforts to ensure change through accelerating R&D in the country. With S4CP, R&D transforms communities through the projects that our various stakeholders are undertaking,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. “Our summit aims to boast the impacts of our different R&D undertakings. You will hear success stories straight from the project leaders, industry representatives, and beneficiaries themselves,” added de la Peña.  

"Now that we have set the foundation of the Science for Change Program, let us sustain its traction and encourage more R&D participation from the various sectors, more importantly from the industry,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang. “With more RDIs, SUCs, HEIs, and private firms engaged in research, we envision more society-centric solutions and demand-driven technology development initiatives thereby bringing S&T closer to every Filipino"

“Regional support is the key to national development. If we improve and empower our stakeholders in the regions, progress on a national scale follows,” explained Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  

Under the NICER Program, wherein grants are provided to qualified Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), 42 projects were established across 17 regions in the country with Php 2.23  billion approved grants implemented by 47 HEIs and Hospitals. Among the 42 NICERs is the establishment of the Eastern Visayas Center for Crustacean Research and Development at Samar State University (SSU). With the dwindling supply of crustaceans (crabs, shrimps, prawn), the center with now state-of-the-art facilities and technologies will immensely help the local government units (LGUs) of Eastern Visayas with the information and strategies for policy formulation in fisheries and aquatic resources management and sustainable utilization. Collaboration at this level guarantees socio-economic impact in the region.

The CRADLE Program on the other hand, is a collaboration between private companies and universities or research and development institutes (RDIs). Here, the industry identifies the problem while the HEIs or RDIs undertake R&D. To date, 86 projects with Php 388.6 M approved grants have been implemented by 36 HEIs and 87 Industry Partners across ten regions. In the Visayas, MCPI Corporation, a leading natural carrageenan manufacturer and exporter, partnered with the University of San Carlos (USC) to develop three product lines, namely Cold-soluble Powders, Bioplastic Sheets, and Bioactive Hydrogels. The results of the studies will help the industry design bioplastic with desired rigidity and strength, constitute powders that dissolve in tap water without heating, and prepare hydrogels for biomedical use.

In BIST, financial assistance to Filipino private companies is provided for the acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies for R&D. Currently, there are four BIST projects, with Php 43.3 M approved financial assistance. Herbanext, a 100% Filipino-owned company in Bago City, Negros Occidental, manufactures botanical ingredients, nutraceuticals, functional food products, herbal drugs and herbal cosmetics. The company received an interest free loan worth 11.7 M. Through the fund, the company acquired premier art extraction equipment and modern pilot scale machinery that allows increase in potency and therapeutic quality and reduces issues in shelf stability and microbial load, a problem common in manufacturing herbal products.

“Herbanext is more empowered to do more research and more confident in the quality and safety of our herbal products. In the not so distant future, we look forward to the export of world class Filipino Herbal Medicine,” testified Mr. Philip Cruz, President of Herbanext Laboratories, Inc. 

Furthermore, addressing regional disparity does not only entail having R&D facilities and technologies, it also involves human resources. One of the sub-components of the S4CP is the RDLead Program which aims to develop and strengthen research capabilities of the academe and RDIs nationwide with innovative direction and leadership from local S&T experts. So far, we have a total of 65 RDLeaders engagements in 17 regions and 56 host institutions capacitated in research.  

In Visayas, Dr. Esperanza Maribel Agoo of Bohol Island State University, an expert in Plant Taxonomy, Conservation, and Ecology shared, “There is a need to tap the university’s existing resources in manpower and facilities for them to gain more impactful researches. Notably, there is also a need for the institution to be more aware of the research priorities of funding agencies and for researchers to collaborate more among themselves and at the regional, national, and international level.”

The S4C Program opened the opportunities to research institutions and industries to invest in R&D to improve their processes, operations, and profits. With these R&D investments, Visayas sees industry revitalization and progress in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, herbal supplement manufacturing, and other collaborative research and partnerships. 

“We will continue capitalizing in R&D,” underscored Guevara, thus, the need to pass the S4CP Bill into law. The bill intends to support R&D initiatives that address the needs of the people. With the extensive collaboration and efforts, DOST hopes to continue delivering S4CP-funded projects all over the regions and support from stakeholders will ensure lasting change happens.

The next president must bring the country together

Next week, the Philippines will elect a new president, along with other national and local officials. Highly charged and emotional is an understatement in describing the upcoming elections, but one thing I agree with is that it will be a crucial one.

The country today finds itself at a critical juncture. It just emerged from a pandemic that still threatens to cripple its economy, and the highly globalized nature of the world’s economy is amplifying the effects of a war that is happening far from our shores.

Whoever wins the May 9 election will be thrust in the middle of several crises and a highly leveraged situation. Will our next president choose to continue the approach to our COVID response in the last two years? Where will our MSMEs rank in their priorities? We asked the two leading candidates these questions during Go Negosyo’s Kandidatalks series on our Facebook page.

Vice President Leni Robredo said she has always supported MSMEs, as evidenced in her Angat Buhay projects. If elected, she said she would allocate P100 billion in a stimulus package for MSMEs as part of the country’s COVID recovery plan so that small businesses can retain their employees. Special loans will help businesses with their infrastructure, providing safe spaces and better ventilation to make them ready for the new normal. MSMEs will get expanded access to credit through direct lending from state-owned banks; tax incentives will also be given to social enterprises. She also wants to integrate MSMEs into the public sector procurement system, explaining that the government, being the biggest consumer in the country, should look beyond prices and consider carefully the impact of its procurements.

She plans to strengthen market linkages by linking small businesses with wider markets, bridging the gap with local industries to become part of the value chain. She also plans to digitize systems and eliminate red tape to aid ease of doing business.

Former senator Bongbong Marcos, meanwhile, will focus on adding capacity and capability to our country’s small businesses. He said he would rationalize taxes and allocate portions of the Internal Revenue Allotment to MSMEs, strengthen the country’s agriculture and transport sector, and continue President Duterte’s Build Build Build program, even extending it to digital and power infrastructure. Agriculture, particularly, has a special place in his plans, as he would like to see more mechanization, R&D, special loans for farmers, cooperatives, infrastructure, and vertically integrated solutions to agricultural productivity that take cues from his father’s projects such as Kadiwa, Food Terminal Inc., and Masagana 99. He plans to develop renewable energy sources and improve the country’s transport system, not just for people, but also for goods.

He recognizes the importance of mentoring, and said LGUs can help in this regard by getting professionals to mentor and help them assess the soundness of their business plans. Further, he will start MSME projects in areas where COVID cases are low and vaccination rates are high.

It heartens me to see that all of the candidates for president have expressed their desire to help the country’s MSMEs. They recognize that they make up 99.5 percent of the businesses in the Philippines, and generate millions of jobs for Filipinos. They know that MSMEs are very sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, have the least resiliency when their cash flows are disrupted, and are the most in need for access to markets, money, and mentorship.

To many of our countrymen, entrepreneurship is one way out of poverty. To the country as a whole, our MSMEs will play a big role in generating the six percent GDP growth we need to pay back the trillions in national debt, which has ballooned in the last two years because we needed money for our pandemic response. Go Negosyo’s focus has always been on bringing prosperity for all. Throughout the 16 years that it has served the country’s entrepreneurs, we provided continuity amid uncertainty. Not even the pandemic stopped us from continuing our mentorship programs across the Philippines.

The pandemic is yet another issue that needs attention. We have learned so much over the last two years, not just about the nature of the virus and the disease it causes, but also about the importance of public-private sector cooperation. I spoke recently at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. It should make every Filipino proud to know that the Philippine response to the pandemic was cited for the successful collaboration of the government and the private sector in overcoming difficulties in testing and procuring vaccines, not to mention controlling outbreaks through mobility restrictions. Those measures would not have met with the same success had it not been for teamwork. The bottomline is, we cannot have a divided nation in the face of a virus that doesn’t care about political colors.

Whoever wins this May, my hope is that the victor will reach out to the defeated, recognizing that although they may have been opponents, they are certainly not enemies. The winner must resist the temptation to reinvent the wheel and risk reversing our gains in our fight against COVID. This is true both on the national and the local level, that much we have learned. Our efforts to keep infections low, help our healthcare facilities, and increase vaccinations would have failed had it not been for the cooperation of the LGUs.

What the country needs most at this point is continuity and a steady hand at the wheel. Our duty as citizens is to respect the process. We cannot continue to be divided at this point. When we go in different directions, nobody wins.

Ako for #107 AKKK (Ang Kabuhayang Kayang Kaya) Partylist this May 9!

Its good to know that we have good people who are for  the general welfare of our MSMEs, which is the backbone of our economy 

Having attended their zoom meeting this day, i get to know the importance of their causes. 

The AKKK Partylist (Ang Kabuhayang Kayang Kaya)  envisions to be a leading reliable and responsive advocacy organization that shall assist in the establishment, development and promotion of livelihood opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a sustainable convergence livelihood and social entrepreneurship framework

With their nission to provide holistic trainings to proprietors, managers and manpower for world-class management skills on global best practices and sustainable livelihood frameworks.

To promote and support local products for national and international market opportunities.

To facilitate technical and financial support and opportunities to viable projects of MSMEs.

To assist in the rehabilitation of livelihood that has been affected by natural and man-made adversities.

To partner with other government and non-government organizations for the realization of the goals and aspirations of this organization.

To ameliorate micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the establishment of start-up desks and jumpstart programs for new and struggling enterprises

To set-up an enterprise center, a one-stop shop to assist MSMEs in their

operational and management needs.

To partner with other government and non-government organizations

for the realization of the goals and aspirations of this organization

Let us support AKKK and their causes this coming election May 9

vote #107 AKKK for partylist!

It was no less than the Philippine President Duterte who have endorsed this Partylist! 

BBM – SARA TANDEM SURE WIN SA MAY 9, 2022 NATIONAL ELECTION!

Ang BBM - SARA UNITEAM ay sumusuporta sa pagkakaisa ng ating bansa kaya’t ang  tatlong malalaking grupo ng relihiyon sa Pilipinas  tulad ng sumusunod: (INC) Iglesia Ni Kristo na pinamumunuan ni Eduardo Villanueva Manalo, El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International  o  mas kilala bilang El Shaddai na pinamumunuan ni Brother Mike Velarde, (KJC) Kingdom of Jesus Christ na pinamumunuan ni Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy at iba pang relihiyosong grupo kabilang na ang The Filipino Chinese Volunteer Group kasama ang  koalisyon ng ilang grupo ng boluntaryo, mga tsuper,  mga sibilyan, mga organisasyon ng kabataan, grupo ng mga propesyonal at mga tao sa iba't ibang antas ng pamumuhay at lipunan  ay sumusuporta sa kilusang BBM-SARA Uniteam. Magkaisa tayo upang makamit natin ang tagumpay ng ating bansa!  Kaya’t ating iboto sa darating na election sa Mayo 9 ay ating isulat sa  balota  BBM-SARA Uniteam tayo upang makamit ang pagkakaisa ng ating bansang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay tayong  mga  Pilipino!         

BBM and Sara Uniteam Formally Endorsed by the Filipino Chinese Volunteer Group

MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Group for BBM and Sara Uniteam formally announced their  support to the candidacy of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr (BBM) for president and Sara Duterte Carpio for vice president of the country.

In a press conference at Cafe Felisa of Aloha Hotel held last May 2, 2022, the Filipino Chinese group headed by "Mr. Magiting" lead the announcement.  

"We would like to officially endorse our support to BBM and Sara Uniteam. We believe in his platform", said Mr Magiting in front of the media.

They said that they wanted to see the continuation of the progress made during the Marcos era where peace and order reigned.

In order to further solidify their support, the Filipino Chinese businessmen expressed more jobs and foreign investments from their group once BBM and Sara are in the office since they believed that their leadership would be conducive to the business environment of the country.

The group is a long time supporter of the Marcos family and is very impressed by the way Marcos Sr has run the country.  They believed that the son will continue the Marcos legacy

"A great leader should embody maturity, consistency, decisiveness, courage, and strength.  And he [BBM] has that", said the emcee and fellow supporter of the press conference.  She also saw that BBM is a true gentleman as she recalled the way she met and shook his hands during an assembly.

The group also expressed their experience that the family of BBM is close and promotes positive Filipino family values.

The Viral Awards 2022 who are awarding bloggers and media personalities also awarded BBM the top choice for presidential aspirant of the year.

DICT Inaugurates Robinsons Magnolia Office to House key Digital Infrastructure Program Initiatives

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) inaugurated its Robinsons Magnolia Office today, May 2, 2022, which will serve as the new home base for the expansion and management of its key initiatives under the Digital Infrastructure Program. The program aims to close the digital divide through providing quality, affordable, and extensive connectivity for Filipinos.

The extension office will house several programs and projects of the Department, including the National Broadband Program (NBP), National Government Portal (NGP), National Government Data Center (NGDC), Free Wi-Fi for All Program, and the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB).

DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Ray Caintic, President & CEO Frederick Go of Robinsons Land Corporation, Undersecretary Maria Victoria C. Castro, Undersecretary Alan A. Silor, other DICT executives, directors, project managers and media partners graced the event.

“The country direly and desperately needs a common digital infrastructure, a common set of data centers capable of hosting hyperscaler cloud services, and a common array of digital transformation centers to help capacitate government agencies and communities. Digitalization no longer serves as the better choice—it is the only choice,” Chief Caintic asserted.

“With our new home base, we will coordinate and manage all our key programs that are crucial and necessary to finally better the access and connectivity across our archipelago. The work the DICT teams will do here will create, improve, and make connectivity better and faster, and also ensure that our communications are secure and at par with global standards of cybersecurity,” he added.

 

Secretary Caintic also extended his gratitude to Mr. Frederick Go for the partnership, stating that the extension office will aid in the efforts of the Department to make digital transformation a reality: “Robinsons Cybergate Magnolia is built precisely to be a tech-friendly environment, designed specifically for efficiency and sustainability through its green building features. With this partnership, I am confident that the quality of development will further complement the high quality of services of our key projects in these premises,” he said.

 

In turn, Go recognized the key role of public-private partnerships in advancing the national ICT agenda.

“The DICT, under the strong leadership of Secretary Caintic, has made big advancements in building up the foundations of a far more extensive national digital infrastructure in the country. Through our partnerships and aligned efforts, we commit to always put the welfare of our people in mind. With that, I call on the private sector to extend its full support to our government,” Mr. Go asserted.