Redefining Tech Trends with NORDIC Innovation Forum 2023

Redefining technology trends involves identifying new and evolving technologies that have the potential to disrupt existing industries and markets. This involves staying up to date on advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, 5G, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and many more. Companies must assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of each trend and determine how they can incorporate them into their businesses in a way that provides a competitive advantage. Additionally, they must be prepared to adapt to changes in the technology landscape as new trends emerge and old ones become obsolete.

The Philippines has the potential to be a leader in technology and to take advantage of the latest trends. Here are some steps that the Philippines can take to get ahead in technology:

💡 Invest in education and training: Encouraging technology education and providing training programs to develop a skilled workforce will be key to the Philippines staying competitive in the technology sector.

💡 Promote entrepreneurship and innovation: Supporting startups and small businesses in the tech sector can drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth.

💡 Foster a supportive business environment: Creating a favorable business environment through favorable tax policies, streamlined regulations, and access to capital can help attract foreign investment and stimulate technological development.

💡 Develop infrastructure: Investing in modern and reliable infrastructure, such as broadband networks and data centers, can help create the foundation for technological innovation and growth.

💡 Collaborate with international partners: Building partnerships with technology leaders from around the world can bring new ideas, knowledge, and investment to the Philippines and help it stay at the forefront of technological development.

By taking these steps and staying informed about the latest technology trends, the Philippines can position itself to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits offered by technology in the coming years.

The Nordic Innovation Forum organized by NordCham Philippines is a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and inspiring collaboration between the public and private sectors in the Philippines. By bringing together experts and leaders from the Nordic countries and the Philippines, the Forum has the potential to drive innovation, promote technological development, and help both countries stay ahead of the curve in technology trends.

Through presentations, breakout sessions, exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities, attendees of the Nordic Innovation Forum can gain insights into the latest technology trends, exchange ideas and best practices, and forge partnerships that can help drive growth and innovation in the Philippines.

By leveraging the experience and expertise companies developing these technologies, the Philippines can tap into new ideas, knowledge, and best practices that can help it stay ahead in technology trends and achieve its goals for economic growth and development.

We invite you to sign up for this event happening on 22 March 2023 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Glass Pavilion of Dusit Thani Manila.

DOST invites future innovators in Metro Manila and South Luzon to avail research funding

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) holds the second leg of its Call for Proposals 2025 campaign at Acacia Hotel in Alabang today to encourage researchers in availing research and development (R&D) funding. The event converged members from industry, the academe, government agencies, communities, and associations to share their ideas and support the country’s innovation environment.

“Anticipating future changes and laying out strategic investments for innovation are key factors to national progress,” says DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “We believe R&D output creates the foundation for our country’s continuous development.  The proposals submitted today may be the next inspiring initiative towards a better future for the Philippines.”
For years, DOST invested in high-impact and sustainable programs that are significant in addressing national concerns.   This is aligned to the research priorities along four major areas, namely: human well-being promotion, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.
One of the funded R&D projects in support of the country’s fight against the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the study led by Dr. Benedict Maralit of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) related to biosurveillance or the monitoring of COVID-19 cases through whole genome sequencing of the virus from patients. This project aims to use genomic epidemiology perspective to track the virus and develop a deeper understanding of its characteristics. 
As early as 2012, the DOST through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) invested more than 900 million pesos in Omics research for health.  This funding was used for programs in human multi-omics research which identified possible genetic markers among Filipinos associated with non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes and heart attack. This investment also gave way to the establishment of the PGC not only in Luzon but also its satellite facilities in Visayas and Mindanao, and the launch of the Clinical Genomics Laboratory, the services of which were in the forefront of the response and genomic biosurveillance during the height of the pandemic.
With the rising oil prices and the negative impact of global warming, DOST poured funds into the E-mobility program which supported the electrification of the transportation system.  It brought about the development of e-trikes, e-boats, and the conversion of tricycles in the country.
With the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, an entire ecosystem of an electric transport was developed which also included chargers for the electric vehicles, researches on storage, as well as parts that can be locally fabricated for the maintenance of these new vehicles.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of DOST pursued its Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs) in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) Sector. The council brands its initiatives and outputs as GALING, an acronym for Good Agri-aqua Livelihood Initiatives towards National Goals.  In 2016-2022, the council funded programs and projects that led to significant findings in genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and smart farming. Moreover, PCAARRD also noted important milestones in socioeconomics including impact assessment and policy, as well as in technology transfer and promotion.
In August 2015, the National Research Council of the Philippines initiated the country’s first comprehensive research program for Lake Lanao, the second largest lake in the country. Six projects were funded for a comprehensive study of the physical, chemical, biological, socioeconomic, and political impacts of the lake. The projects were conducted by NRCP members from Mindanao State University-Institute of Technology (MSU) and MSU-Marawi to save the lake from degradation caused by human activities. The results of the project provided valuable baseline data for future research and recommendations for the holistic conservation of the lake, which supplies 70% of the power requirements of Mindanao. This initiative is the Council’s call for SAKLAW (Sustainable Communities), a priority area under the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA), that supports the protection and sustainability of Philippine lakes.
Some of the priority areas for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology, include energy; construction; utilities; transportation; food; process; mining and minerals; metals and engineering; advanced materials and nanotechnology.   Some Health Research and Development, priority areas are Drug Discovery & Development (Tuklas Lunas®), functional foods, nutrition and safety, reemerging and emerging diseases, OMIC technologies for health, diagnostics, biomedical engineering for health, digital and frontier technologies for health. For agriculture, priority research areas in crops include mango, coffee, and sugarcane.  DOST is also looking for R&D projects in managing economically important emerging pests and animal feeds resource enhancement.   
“From health innovations, nutrition, agricultural and aquatic breakthroughs, to technologies that will support our industry, most specially the MSMEs, R&D promotes excellence and provides the potential to elevate our country’s status and encourage economic growth,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia.  “We hope that through this Call Conference, we may again fund the next big milestone in supporting our country’s socio-economic goals.
The period of submission is from March 1 to May 31, 2023.  Interested parties may visit the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) at this website https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/

Ridge-to-Reef approach: the needed integrated gov’t response to climate change, says environmental expert

“There have been many government initiatives over the years in response to climate change, but there’s still a lot to do in terms of integrating these plans and programs,” said Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

 

Although 1.5 °C is a global target, the temperature increase and associated impacts will vary locally, according to the 2019 Study on the Implications of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

There are significant risks associated with 1.5 °C warming, including impact on the poor and the most vulnerable, but risks associated with warming are substantially lower at 1.5 °C than 2 °C warming. Limiting warming to 1.5˚C, according to the IPCC, will however require prompt and immediate adaptation and mitigation actions. 

Cruz, in his presentation on “Unprecedented Climate Change: Unprecedented Response,” at the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) cited that the government, especially at the level of local government units (LGUs) already made plans and have existing programs, but these are not fully integrated. He highlighted that the risks and vulnerabilities to climate change across a ridge to reef landscape are interconnected and hence requires integrated adaptation and mitigation measures within the ridge to reef/watershed ecosystem management (R2R/WEM) framework. The ASC is organized by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP). 

The R2R/WEM framework to promote resilience of human and natural systems entails an integrated land use and development planning process where climate adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) are framed in consideration of its interactions with ecosystem protection, soil, water and biodiversity conservation, socioeconomic development, and other sectoral goals within a landscape. The R2R/WEM-based planning process will also require the engagement of concerned NGAs and LGUs along with other stakeholders in formulating an integrated plan for the pursuit and achievement 

of climate change adaptation, mitigation, DRR, and other sectoral goals.   

Cruz emphasized the need for an S&T-based adaptation and mitigation response where policies, plans, and programs hinge on change mindsets, building up skills, policy reforms and practices, and multi-agency collaboration. He also suggested that there should be sustained efforts in building knowledge and understanding on the interactions of various ecosystems; impacts of climate change and land use on ecosystems; responses of human and natural systems to adaptation and mitigation; and assessment of risk associated with multiple hazards.

Further, Cruz underscored the crucial need for continuous monitoring of changes in watersheds and ecosystems in response to climate change, land use and other human activities to build empirical datasets, knowledge and tools for science-based land use and development planning.

The Global warming of 1.00C has been reached in 2017. At the current warming rate of 0.2 per decade, global warming of 1.50C could be reached and even surpassed between 2030 and 2052 unless proactive and drastic measures are implemented soon. Beyond 1.50C rise in average global temperature, Cruz said that we are looking at marked increase in the magnitude of impacts associated with extreme rainfall, floods, droughts, heatwaves, sea level rise, and intense tropical cyclones that will eventually put greater pressure to our lives, especially those living in highly vulnerable communities.  (Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, S&T Media Service)

DOST Balik Scientist Discovers Antimicrobial Compounds for New Antibiotics from Philippine Biodiversity

DOST Balik Scientist discovers antimicrobial compounds for new antibiotics from Philippine biodiversity

A Department of Science and Technology – Balik Scientist makes headway in drug discovery and development in the country by isolating antimicrobial compounds to be used in formulating new antibiotics. 

Dr. Julius Adam V. Lopez is a DOST Balik Scientist hosted by the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City. His work focused on capacity-building initiatives in handling the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology among Filipino researchers in the Visayas and Mindanao region. Through this initiative, he wasable to isolate and elucidate the structure of novel and/or bioactive compounds from cultured marine actinomycetes in the biobank of USA using the NMR.

Specifically, Dr. Lopez used the NMR to purify the marine samples and identify β-lactamase inhibitors which prevents antimicrobial resistance and improves efficacy of antimicrobial treatment. This study has been done under the Philippine marine (PHILMARINE) - beta-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) project also in USA.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. has expressed his excitement about the potential impact of Filipinos gaining knowledge on using the NMR, stating that “Advancing our efforts in drug discovery and development and building the NMR competency within the Visayas and Mindanao regions shall help us address perplexing health issues and opens avenues for locally available, accessible and practical solutions. The NMR is a powerful tool to study molecular structures and dynamics of complex systems and widen our understanding of the world we live in which includes discoveries of anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics.

DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia added “We need to strengthen and optimize our country’s R&D portfolio in drug discovery and development. Through expertise engagement like the DOST Balik Scientist Program, we can be part of R&D milestones such as creating the first team of Filipino NMR spectroscopy experts who all have the capacity to discover and formulate new drugs. This engagement willalso create a big difference in the earning potential of local pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.”

 DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Julius Adam V. Lopez has extensive experience in natural products chemistry and NMR Spectroscopy. He took his doctor’s degree in Hokkaido University, Japan. By using advanced NMRtechniques, Dr. Lopez then led the discovery of new cytotoxic cyanobacteria termed as wewakazole B andnew   fatty   acids   amides,   columbamides   which   are   the   fundamental   blueprint   or   structures   for  severalmedicinal drugs.

In this engagement with USA, Dr. Lopez developed an NMR training module with both theoretical andpractical   aspects   of   the   NMR   spectroscopy.   He   served   as   trainer   on   theory   and   practical   skills   forresearchers from the academe and industries such as University of San Agustin, Mindanao State University– Iligan Institute of Technology, Central Mindanao University, University of Southern Mindanao and DOST Regional Office VI.

Widening the skillset among Filipino researchers especially for researchers outside the greater Manila inusing the NMR creates significant implications for the development of new antibiotics and other drugs. Thepresence of an NMR in the Visayas will fastrack isolation and identification of novel compounds as theseaddresses logistics requirements of spending cost to ship samples to Manila.

The Balik Scientist program is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and is part of thePhilippine government’s efforts to build a strong science and technology ecosystem in the country.

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

DOST-I Head visits projects in Pangasinan

The visit in Pangasinan by OIC-RD Tabaog led to the meeting with former DOST-I Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal and a visit to the PSTO-Pangasinan field office located at PSU Urdaneta. Jennifer Fernandez, Science Research Specialist II exhibited some of the products of assisted-SETUP firms in Districts 4, 5, and 6 and shortly discussed how the program helped improve their products, production processes, and businesses. 

In PSU-Urdaneta, OIC-RD Tabaog and Dr. Ganal dropped by the soon-to-be-opened Solid Freeform Fabrication Research Laboratory (SoFFReL), a 3D printing facility. Also, they provided novel ideas and suggestions to improve the Sea Salt Center proposal research and development projects.

PSU President Elbert Galas welcomed DOST officials as a courtesy to the DOST-I OIC over lunch with representatives from PSU and DOST-I. The two passionate leaders exchanged fruitful ideas to further magnify the strong partnership of DOST-I and PSU to bring science closer to the youth and the people of Pangasinan. 

Thereafter, a tour of the PSTO-Pangasinan enabled OIC-RD Tabaog to meet and interact with the PSTO-Pangasinan staff where she expressed her gratitude for the good job they are doing in the province. 

On the other hand, the PSU Bayambang staff and Food Innovation Center (FIC) team, headed by Campus Executive Director Ian D. Evangelista, were pleased to welcome OIC-RD Tabaog. After a brief tour of the facility, Meryl A. Bernardino provided an outline of the center's activities for better appreciation of the DOST officials. 

OIC-RD Tabaog praised them for their efforts and continued support. She also pledged that DOST-I would, in turn, continue to directly support and collaborate with all of the university's research and development initiatives.

By Monique C. Esguerra

DOST-I empowers Pangasinan salt manufacturer with cGMP and Food Safety Training

The training aimed to give awareness on basic food hygiene and cGMP, to identify different food hazards and causes of food contamination, and to assess the sanitary condition and practices of each firm in conformity with GMP, basic food hygiene, and food safety requirements. 

Nine participants from B.S. Cuison Enterprises and Libring Salt Refinery attended the training. 

Hero D. Galamgam, Project Technical Specialist I, DOST-I Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), discussed the importance of food safety and cGMP. He highlighted that every food handler must undergo food safety training for them to produce clean and safe food products. Afterwards, Mr. Galamgam checked how effective each participant was, through simulation of hand washing. 

To ensure food safety in the region, DOST-I committed to continue to collaborate with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and consumers by providing lectures and assessment to businesses as part of their application in obtaining a license to operate requirement and to raise awareness for the benefit of the general public.

By: Catherine L. Lictao  

RCEP Gains Traction

PASAY CITY—Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual expressed optimism on the Senate’s concurrence to the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, following the sponsorship of no less than the Senate President himself Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Loren Legarda. 

During the sponsorship speech of both Senators Zubiri and Legarda on 15 February 2023 at the Senate Plenary, the senators have delivered their respective statements on the benefits and support programs needed to ensure effective implementation of RCEP once the Philippines becomes a party.   

During the sponsorship, Senate President Zubiri presented the objective of RCEP, which is “establishing clear, stable and predictable rules in doing trade and investments in the region so that it will be more convenient and competitive for our businesses and investors.” 

He argued that the “Philippines cannot afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world or even send a signal to that effect.”  Further, he said, it has the support of various trade and industry associations in the country and that international bodies and organizations have recognized the value and importance of RCEP. 

“It provides a stable platform so that countries in the region (which account for 30 percent of global trade) can optimize their participation in the global economy or, more specifically, the global value chain,” he further said. As the only RCEP signatory state that has not yet ratified the Agreement, he called upon his colleagues to support RCEP. 

“While various countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia, have reported gains in RCEP, the Philippines is put at a disadvantage and missing out on a lot of opportunities,” Senator Zubiri added. 

On the other hand, Senator Legarda reported that RCEP underwent thorough consultations and lengthy discussions entailing 28 full rounds of negotiations, eight (8) regular and 10 intercessional Ministerial Meetings covering eight years.  This resulted in a negotiating outcome that would provide numerous economic opportunities for the Philippines while protecting the country’s interests. For instance, while RCEP offers better market access for key Philippine agricultural products, sensitive agricultural products were excluded from further liberalization.  

To fully utilize the opportunities provided by the RCEP Agreement, Senator Legarda emphasized the “need to create comparative advantages for our economic sectors. It all boils down to finding our niche and seizing opportunities, and defining our role in the regional and global marketplace.” 

“It binds us with the other participating countries -- will help us achieve the right conditions to expand our markets for goods and services, create more jobs, build opportunities to strengthen the various economic sectors in ways that will make them more competitive, and more importantly, assist our MSMEs in participating in cross-border trade, as well as in regional value chains,” Senator Legarda said. 

Secretary Pascual, on the other hand, recognized the call of the agricultural sector for enhanced support to help them become more competitive in international markets and allow them to fully reap the benefits that RCEP provides. On this note, Secretary Pascual said that "I welcome the proposal of Senators Zubiri and Legarda to set up an Oversight Committee on RCEP implementation to ensure that appropriate assistance programs for local stakeholders, especially the agriculture sector, are provided." 

He further added that "RCEP will greatly complement the country's national policies and programs in agriculture, MSMEs, services, e-commerce, intellectual property, competition, and sustainable development. These, in turn, will facilitate the entry of more foreign investments that will aid in employment generation." 

Various business and industry organizations have recently expressed support toward the ratification of RCEP, taking note that the Agreement will bring in more business and employment opportunities in the Philippines.