DOST invites you to watch the pilot episode of S&T Features S&T Fellows Program to showcase Mental Health Research

“Mental Health is our agenda.”

This is the theme of the pilot episode of the Science & Technology (S&T) Features to be premiered on 25 October 2022, 10 A.M. via Facebook Page of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) S&T Fellows Program. 

 

In line with the recent celebration of the Mental Health Week in the country, the first episode will showcase the research and development studies on Mental Health in the Philippines. The online discussion will put a spotlight on the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (DOST-PCHRD) efforts in creating the National Mental Health Research Agenda as well as their current R&D initiatives.

 

“Two years since the inception of the DOST S&T Fellows Program, the S&T Features will highlight the contributions of our brilliant hired S&T Fellows. By featuring the Fellows’ current R&D projects and programs, we hope to encourage more Filipino S&T experts to join us in the program and help us in shaping the country’s R&D landscape,” remarked Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and Officer-in-Charge of Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development.

 

“This is a good opportunity for us to discuss Mental Health as a research agenda. We have been hearing promotions and advocacies on Mental Health awareness but seldom on the research that is happening in the country,” said Dr. Sarah Jane Jimenez, S&T Fellows assigned to DOST-PCHRD. Dr. Jimenez will lead and moderate the online discussion.

 

In addition, among the guest speakers are Mr. Jules Carl Celebrado, Program Head of the Mental Health R&D Program in DOST-PCHRD and Dr. Arsenio Alianan, Jr., Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology in Ateneo De Manila University and a member of the Mental Health Research Advisory Group (MHRAG).

 

The S&T Features is an online activity which aims to promote the S&T Fellows Program by showcasing the accomplishments and involvement of the S&T Fellows in their respective DOST agencies.

 

To watch the pilot episode, kindly visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/STFeatureEpisode1 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 

Pinoy’s current fish and seafood consumption and the decline in marine resources

A typical Filipino diet comprises of rice-vegetables-fish combination with fish found as the main source of protein for most Filipinos. However, despite the archipelagic nature of the Philippines and the diversity of fish and seafoods available in the country, a high proportion of Filipinos was found to have protein inadequacy.

These are among the highlights of the study, The State of Fish in Nutrition Systems (FINS) in the Philippines published by Oceana and MRAG Asia Pacific, in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Institute (DOST-FNRI).

Based on the 2018-2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), only 55.1% of households meet the recommended protein intake. The gap is even more stark among individual population groups that are in dire need of this nutritional intake. Only 17.1% among pregnant women, 19.1% among lactating mothers, and 27.2% among the elderly are meeting the recommended intake, according to the same survey in 2018-2019.

“Fish & seafoods are the main source of good quality protein of Filipinos, thus, availability & accessibility must be ensured. If the situation persists and left unattended, this may result to higher medical costs for the management of illnesses as resultant factor of nutrient inadequacy,” Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST-FNRI Director said.

Fish and seafood consumption among Filipinos has been declining over the years. The highest was in 1982 at 113 grams per person per day, and down to its lowest at 94 grams per person daily in 2018-2019.

“Let us remember that restoring the ocean could feed a billion people a healthy seafood meal a day. This rings true in our country. Our fisheries support communities and in fact, the Philippines ranks second in the world with population highly dependent on healthy and vibrant oceans for nutrition, livelihood, and coastal protection. But we need to be vigilant in ensuring that the human-induced pressures on our ocean which caused an alarming decline of fish population, such as rampant illegal fishing in our municipal waters and continuing destruction of marine habitats, are stopped,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana Vice President

Among the findings of the study was the undervaluation of coral reefs’ contribution to food and livelihood security considering that these provide 50 times more employment than commercial fishing in Exclusive Economic Zones. These fish species are also important in supporting various life stages of fishes, including galunggong.

Seafoods that are gleaned from intertidal zones, like invertebrates and shells, as a steady source of important nutrients for Filipinos, are underappreciated. Another problem revealed by the study was the unreported catch of commercial fishing that contributes to underestimation of fish and seafood supply.

Ramos added that the findings in the FINS study “should fire us up to restore the once-deep seated relationship that we had with our ocean and make it the wellspring of health, livelihoods and well-being of our people. Let’s learn from some of our local government champions who have set the standards high for nutrition, wellness and ecological integrity as priority programs for their constituents.”

The study found that fish from aquaculture like tilapia and bangus, offer lesser nutrients, such as protein and iron, per serving compared to a diverse option of pelagic species like galunggong, matambaka and tuna from wild capture fisheries. Tilapia and bangus are the commonly consumed fish by Filipinos, comprising 26% of total seafood consumption per individual.

Moreover, aquaculture employs fewer people and is more capital intensive, while wild capture fisheries, primarily contributed by marine municipal fishers, provides more livelihood and food security.

“Let us be better stewards of our ocean and enhance the well-being of the present and the future generations,” said Ramos.

This was echoed by Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Director of DOST-FNRI who said that “with food security as one of the new administration’s priority agenda, we hope that the direction of development in the fisheries and fishing industry will be towards achieving better nutrition for Filipinos.”

The study was conducted to determine the role of Philippine fisheries in terms of food security and livelihood at both the national and regional scale; assess future risks to food security and livelihood in the Philippines; and provide advice on policy options to strengthen the contribution of fish in nutrition systems in the face of ecosystem change.

IDSI’s Statement on US VP Kamala visit to Palawan & proposed additional EDCA bases

World needs more bridges, not bases.

We call for steady leadership, diplomacy, and peace from all parties, amid worrisome developments and some parties provoking for military escalation in our region, all over the world.

Let us learn from the wisdom of our ASEAN neighbors who continue to engage all major powers to the benefit of their national interest and development, without provoking or alienating any country…

Despite its diversity, ASEAN has been relatively peaceful for decades because it was able to balance the great power politics of the Cold War, allowing it to become the fastest growing region in the world. Our neighbors are engaging constructively not only with China and the US, but with Russia, India, Australia, etc..

Today, we need to focus on building more bridges, not bases. On economic cooperations, not military provocations.

Let us not repeat the same mistake. The Philippines has experienced the cost of being part of a proxy war between two powers. In World War 2, Manila was the most destroyed in Asia because Japan and the US bombed each other in the Philippines, leading to almost a million Filipinos dead — with no added benefit to the Filipinos, more for the US! Other Southeast Asian nations had far less deaths and damages.

None of our ASEAN neighbors accepted the US offer to add military presence or join in castigating or isolating other nations. Kamala has the lowest approval rating in modern times, under a President with also low support from his own people, similar to House Speaker Pelosi going to Taiwan to improve her electoral chances but at the cost of heightening tensions in and militarising Asia… Biden’s 2022 National Strategic Security announced an all out war vs China (currently on all fronts, initiated by the US, except for direct military confrontation)...

The Philippines must avoid becoming the unnecessary central battleground of any powers.

A mutual defense agreement under current terms requires the Philippines to enter in any fight of the US and her allies regardless if we agree or not. Since China has no interest in invading the Philippines, what benefit is there for the Philippines to give up its sovereign decision-making to the US?

Despite a disputed area between China and the Philippines, we have achieved relative peace under compromise and negotiations, our Filipino fishermen reported increase catch, on top of very significant economic benefits to develop our economy (which keep growing across various sectors in trade, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, education, etc.)— all gained, not from military alliances, but from peaceful engagements.

The cost of the next conflict will be unimaginable, and not for the benefit of our Filipino people.

President Marcos graced the 8th Balik Scientist Program Convention 2022 at PICC

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized Balik Scientists and their respective host institutions during the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held on 14 October 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

“As we all know, the world we live in has become more and more dependent on technology. We live more and more of our lives in the digital world. We have been confronted by a pandemic that again look to science for solutions, for vaccines protocols, for strategies, for technologies that would help us out of a particular problem,” said President Marcos in his Keynote Speech.  “Because of the pandemic, we have learned that it is science that will provide for us the answers to future.”

The President assured that his administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino.

The Balik Scientist Program Convention is a yearly gathering that aims to establish stronger ties and research collaborations. This year’s event dubbed “Kasangga sa Paglinang ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” highlighted the activities, accomplishments, and research contributions of selected Balik Scientists and the latest in their respective fields ranging from health, agriculture, aquatic, industry, energy, and emerging technologies. It likewise showcased how Balik Scientists contributed to the attainment of the mission and vision of their host institutions and to addressing national concerns.

Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said, “I am glad see that patriotic spirit is still lingering among our Filipino scientists. The pandemic did not hinder them to be give back to the country.” Through the commitment and dedication of Balik Scientists, seven laboratories were built and established at the height of the pandemic. One of these laboratories is the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Laboratory situated in the University of San Agustin. The NMR is led by Balik Scientist Dr. Julius Lopez and is committed to provide support in biomedical identification and drug discovery. It is classified as the first laboratory in the Visayas Region, second in the Philippines, and fourth among the ASEAN countries.

“The program targets to award a total of 101 Balik Scientists in 2023 with plans to increase target by 10% per annum should target be achieved,” as mentioned by Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and OIC of the Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah J. Buendia. 

President Marcos and the DOST urged more Filipino scientists to come home with Balik Puso service. It was emphasized that with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11035 institutionalize the Balik Scientist Program in 2018, the Program has been offering better incentives and privileges to Balik Scientists. 

Science, technology or innovation expert or professional, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, who may be a resident of another country or a Philippine-resident for not more than three (3) years, are qualified and encouraged to avail of the BSP. 

A week-long celebration of the 47th Anniversary of the National Housing Authority (NHA)

MANILA – To celebrate its 47th anniversary, the head of the National Housing Authority (NHA) on Monday highlighted the projects the agency has carried out in the past two months under the new leadership.

In a press conference, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai cited as an example the launch of the government's Build Better and More housing project, which aims to meet housing needs and end the country's housing backlog.

Tai, now in his first 71 days in office, said in his first week in the NHA, he approved the release of PHP270 million for the “Emergency Housing Assistance Program,” which provides financial assistance to victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake in provinces. of Abra and Ilocos Sur on July 27.

The distribution was held on August 11, 2022, benefiting 26,280 families.

NHA also provided housing units to 431 beneficiaries from San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on September 6, 2022.

Out of 431 beneficiaries, 154 are from Pleasant View Residences, 128 families from St. Joseph Ville, 104 families from San Jose del Monte Heights, and 45 from Rising City Village.

Tai also led the unveiling and blessing ceremony of the NHA's housing project for members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at Malacanang Park, Manila on September 9, 2022.

"This symbolizes the agency's gratitude to the PSG personnel for their courage and continued loyalty in serving the country, especially for their courage in protecting and ensuring the security and safety of our beloved President and his family," he said. .

Tai also hopes to renew the NHA charter that expires in 2025. ( TPE News TV )

African and Eurasian Nations Commit to Strengthen Resources for the Conservation of Rapidly Declining Migratory Waterbirds

Countries Flock Together for Waterbirds in Budapest

 

Budapest, 30 September 2022 - The Eighth Meeting of the Parties (MOP8) to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) held under the theme “Strengthening Flyway Conservation in a Changing World” concluded today in Budapest, Hungary with the adoption of 16 resolutions and new guidelines aiming to improve the conservation status of 255 migratory waterbirds listed under the UN-backed treaty. Species covered by AEWA include iconic species such as the White Stork, Red-breasted Goose and the Black Crowned Crane.

The decisions were made just days after the release of a major new report warning that half of the world’s bird species are in decline and one in eight threatened with extinction.

Through commitments made by the MOP, countries across the African-Eurasian Flyway recognize that implementing AEWA at national and regional levels helps not only to protect waterbirds, but also makes a significant contribution to tackling the triple environmental crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Improved management of the wetlands and other habitats that waterbirds depend on is an essential part of maintaining the healthy ecosystems needed to sustain human communities in all parts of the Flyway.

“Despite the current economic crisis, we have seen countries come together here in Budapest to strengthen the Agreement’s ability to coordinate conservation measures between countries all along the flyway which stretches from the high Arctic to the southern tip of Africa and east to the Arabian peninsula and western Asia. Additional resources provided to AEWA will be dedicated to coordination of species action plans, as well as strengthening waterbird conservation more broadly across the African continent,” said Jacques Trouvilliez, the Agreement’s Executive Secretary.  

AEWA MOP8 was the first major inter-governmental nature conservation meeting hosted by Hungary, with over 200 people attending including delegates from 45 Contracting Parties, 50 representatives from non-Party countries, inter- and non-governmental organizations as well as many national and international experts.

“Efforts of a single country are not enough to protect waterbirds, as they are exposed to many threats during the course of their migration. We can only protect them properly if all countries along their migration routes have the legal regulatory instruments and measures in place to ensure that they find adequate habitats and feeding areas. It is also important that these measures are coordinated. And that is unthinkable without international cooperation” said Dr Zsolt Semjén, Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary at the opening of the meeting.

Over the course of the four-day meeting, delegates considered a number of reports, including the latest conservation status report on the species listed under the Agreement published in 2021. This showed that an alarming 43 per cent of AEWA waterbird populations are in long-term decline and 33 AEWA species are globally threatened with extinction.

Among the decisions agreed by AEWA MOP in Budapest was the adoption of a new International Action Plan for the Common Eider, a declining sea-duck species covered by the treaty. The adoption brings the total to 31 action or management plans – among the most powerful tools for reversing population declines, when implemented at the flyway level.

The final days of the meeting saw other highlights, including a total of 15 side events, the presentation of the AEWA Waterbird Conservation Awards to Mr Hichem Azafzaf  (Tunisia) in the individual category and BirdLife South Africa in the institutional category, as well as the recognition of the European Commission as a Champion Plus – under the Migratory Species Champions Programme – for its generous support and commitment to the AEWA African Initiative.  

The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is an inter-governmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds that migrate along the African-Eurasian Flyway. The Agreement covers 255 species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle.

With Cameroon joining AEWA as a Party on 1 October 2022, a total of 82 countries and the European Union will have signed the environmental treaty, which has a geographic range covering 119 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Greenland and the Canadian Archipelago.

Launched in 2014 by the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in collaboration with the Secretariat of AEWA, the Migratory Species Champion Programme is a fundraising scheme which has been recognized by several institutions. It is open to governments, companies, organizations and individuals willing to make a financial commitment of at least three years for one or more specific initiatives that fall under AEWA and the CMS Family umbrella. It offers a portfolio of initiatives that contribute to the implementation of a large programme targeting a species, a group of species or a cross-cutting issue. 

MNL Beer Fest – October Beer Festival Celebration at Greenfield District this October 14-16!

The MNL Beer Fest is a three-day event that features over 100 different imported, local, and craft beers from October 14 to October 16 at the Greenfield District Mayflower Parking in Mandaluyong. Being the only event in the Philippines that consistently brings beer enthusiasts from across the region together since 2018, this event proves that Filipino beer is truly world-class and worth celebrating. With artisanal beer culture slowly gaining traction in terms of popularity in the Philippines, the MNL Beer Fest hopes to bring in both patrons and newcomers alike.

Guests attending this event would surely have a unique experience because not only that they will be able to try as many beers as they want, they can personally have a chat with the respective brewmasters & beer ambassadors. According to Event Director, Cherry Genato, one of the primary goals of this year’s MNL Beer Fest is to educate first-timers about the locally produced craft beers. In this event, guests will get basic information that allows them to distinguish beers based on their unique beer styles, production method, and flavor profiles.

For a minimal admission fee of Php 250, you get one (1) beer serving and bonus to get FREE TASTE from some of the local brewers! One can get very overwhelmed with that alone.

Asia Brewery Inc. will be participating with their Brew Kettle Beer & Asahi Beer.
Watch out for the recently launched Heineken Silver at the event and a wide array of Imported beers from Booze Online. 

Participating Local Craft Beer breweries at the MNL BEER FEST are 

Beer Bunny, Bulul, Crows Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Drink It now Pare, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Gypsy Brewing Guild, Jade’s Temple Microbrewery, Katipunan Craft Ales/PCK, Manila Mashers Homebrew Club, Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery, Nipa Brew, Nitro, Oros Brew Shop, Palm Tree Abbey, Sagada Craft Brewery, Brewed Statement, Bellas Brujas Rak ‘en Roll,  The Marc’s & Tony Brewing Co. Three Bulls Craft Beer and Brewery, Tipsy Cream Manila,  Treeline Ales and  Weekend Craft Ales. 

This event is open for all and is located at the Outdoor Setup in the Mayflower Parking of Greenfield District in Mandaluyong from October 14 to 16, 2022, from 4pm to 12midnight. 

For More details on the Philippine Craft Beer Festival visit :

https://www.facebook.com/MNLcraftbeerfestival

https://www.facebook.com/craftbeer.ph

https://www.facebook.com/mnlbeerfest