Pinay Business Mavericks, Science Community Leaders headline DOST Book Launch

Filipina business mavericks and science community leaders are the authors of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science for the People Book Series--five books packed with anecdotes, experiences and learnings through the use of science, technology and innovation from people deemed as mavericks in their own fields.  Each book contains features on how different sectors of society used the outputs of research and development (R&D) for upgrades and improvements.

 “In communicating our work, we are often asked to create a narrative, to tell the story—the story in the journey to discovery,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.  “The SFTP Book Series is a testament to the dedicated work done—with each step taken leading to the road where science meets and serves our people.  It is hoped that the experiences gained, the challenges faced and overcame, and the little triumphs will serve as the foundation of future successes to benefit the succeeding generations who will live in and love our only country.”  

“The literature of the times reflects human nature and the ability of people to cope, in any given situation,” says DOST Undersecretary for Research & Development, Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “Science, technology, and innovation (STI) is a topic worthy of being immortalized in pages of books to be read again and again. Given the pivotal role of STI in the rehabilitation efforts of the country during and after the pandemic, promotion and encouragement to read about STI is a critical endeavor.”

Five books were launched on November 23, 2021 through an online event spearheaded by the DOST-Office of the Undersecretary for R&D.  Science for Innovation, authored by Filipina business titans Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. and Maret Follosco-Bautista of CLFG Capital Corp. with DOST Secretary de la Peña, is a book promoting technopreneurship and highlights the advantages of having technology business incubators (TBIs), with anecdotes and strategies that fresh graduates, entrepreneurs, and companies alike can use to bring an idea to market.  

Science for Change is a book from DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina Guevara and DOST Secretary de la Peña on the contributions of the Science for Change Program (S4CP) to the development of the country.  The book breaks down the four components of the endeavor dubbed “Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness” that promote inclusive innovation, R&D expertise, applications, and collaborations between the government, the academe, and the private sector.  

Science for Cooperation is a book reflecting on the importance of international collaborations in the S&T sector, including the advantages of Science and Technology bilateral and multilateral linkages authored by DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Leah J. Buendia and DOST Secretary de la Peña. The book Science for Human Capital, authored by DOST-Science Education Institute Director Josette T. Biyo and Secretary de la Peña is a book set to spark the Filipino youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), through the success stories of DOST-SEI Scholars.  

The late DOST Undersecretary for Regional Offices Brenda Nazareth-Manzano conceptualized the fifth book Science for Communities - a book that will show how S&T can empower communities.  It was continued and finished posthumously by DOST Regional Director Ernesto M. Granada and Secretary de la Peña.  

The Science for the People Book Launch is part of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week celebration.  The SFTP books will be available for free download starting today at the DOST-S4CP website through the link: https://s4cp.dost.gov.ph/

DOST Holds First NICER Summit to Boost Regional Development

December 3, 2021--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Science for Change (S4C) through its sub-program Niche Centers in the Region for R&D (NICER) today held its first NICER Summit.  The online event entitled “Conference on Accelerating STI in the Country through a Regionally Inclusive R&D” showcased 37 innovation hubs spread across 17 regions in the country. 

“Our NICER Centers are actively taking on the challenge of elevating the products, commodities, and expertise of the Regions through the development of smart and innovative solutions and strategies,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña.  “Through inclusive innovation  where no Region will be left behind and  a properly supported R&D network, our country will be able to sustain itself and remain resilient, particularly in difficult times.” 

“The NICER Program has catalyzed collaborations among academe, National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and private industry which in turn, contributed to accelerating the country's social and economic development,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “Through the establishment of these NICERs,  Filipino researchers were able to advance their role from the status quo of peer-centric R&D towards a society-centric R&D. This advancement ensures that the researchers are focused on achieving socio-economic impact from their research efforts in addition to training young scientists, frequent publications, and technology development. Through society-centric R&D efforts and inclusive innovation, the Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved.”

One of the highlights of the event is the E-Mobility R&D Center led by Cagayan State University and the University of the Philippines-Diliman.  The Center will design, develop, fabricate and assemble e-Trike that could be adapted in the region.  The focus will be on the reduction of overall weight by improving body shell design and choosing lightweight materials for the E-trike.  This innovation center will be redesigning a lightweight chassis; improving mechanical energy transmission systems, and determining optimal electronic/electrical systems with respect to the mechanical design for the tricycle. 

In addition, a COVID-19 responsive design will be considered to ensure physical distancing and prevent the spread of viral infections. After assembly and integration of the different parts to create the whole e-Trike, its performance will be tested in actual road conditions. Further, the center will design the electrical and electronic components of an Electric Tricycle and determine the viability of the conversion of conventional tricycle to e-Trike.

The event called for the universities and research institutions in collaboration with the government agencies and the private sector to join the aspiration of pursuing inclusive innovation. The next Call for Proposals is on March 2022.

With all the stakeholders engaged so far in the establishment of the NICERs, it is evident that academe-industry-government collaboration really works and indeed boosts regional development. “We are excited how these collaborations and partnerships will grow, continue to expand, and give birth eventually to new national research, development, and innovation institutions. We need the commitment, support, and assistance of everyone in making it happen in the not-so-distant future,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang.

Last September 21, the House of Representatives approved the Science for Change bill, in its 3rd and final reading. It is hoped that the Senate will soon start discussing the S4CP bill. By institutionalizing the S4CP, a massive increase in R&D investments will address issues that hold back the Philippines from fully benefiting from science, technology, and innovation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mayor Randy Salamat is Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Man of the Year for Public Service (LGU)

November 11, 2021, a mix of Business leaders and Public Servants were gathered together at the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines for Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) 2021.  ALA is an avenue where exceptional leaders are recognized for their efforts in making their companies and organization shine. It also gives recognition to outstanding public servant who always puts the welfare of their constituents, the Filipino people in general, first and foremost. 

Asia Leaders Awards put on the spotlight for the second time to this millennial mayor, who despite his young age and experience has made his hometown, the “Hidden Gem of the South.”  ALA 2021’s  Man of the Year for Public Service is no other than, Mayor Randy Salamat.

“Sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Maraming Salamat pong muli sa Asia Leaders Awards sa pagbibigay ng gantimpala sa aking liderato sa ilalim ng #ResponsablengSerbisyo para sa ating bayan ng Alfonso. Maraming Salamat din po sa pagkilala bilang isang negosyante na patuloy na lumalaban sa gitna ng pandemya para sa patuloy na pag bangon ng ating ekonomiya sa pamamagitan po ng pagbibigay ng hanap-buhay sa ating mga dakilang empleyado. To God be the highest glory.” – Alfonso Mayor Randy Salamat

Mayor Salamat, the youngest Chief Executive Official in Cavite proved to his constituents and the entire Philippines that young blood may do better so long as armed with optimism, determination, and a clear vision to take on the lead. He has shown consistency on his kind of hands-on leadership

He has initiated many projects for his constituents, not only focusing on the development of infrastructure, policies, to help the seniors and constituents of his hometown, Alfonso, Cavite but also projects for the benefit of the children, in health care and education. Not forgetting the environment, he also took the forefront in combatting climate change by his green initiatives. 

On the side, Mayor Randy is also a successful entrepreneur. Just recently, he was also cited by the American Association of the Philippines as recipient of the Outstanding International Hospitality Entrepreneur award, because of his innovation and grit in launching different restaurants even during pandemic, thus giving jobs to more people who are in need and displaced by this global health crisis. 

Get to know more of Mayor Randy’s projects and initiatives on his social media pages; Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayorrandysalamat; Instagram: www.instagram.com/randy_salamat and  Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC1_CTlV0k_dlEjWEX0jPjqw

Congressman Michael Romero received the same award from ALA and as a nation builder. Other Business leaders who won Man of the Year on different categories were: Mr. Ronald Mascarinas of BAVI, Mr. Jonathan So and Mr. Carlito Macadangdang. 

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different organizations and embassies. Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.

UNITED CITY FC ANNOUNCES FIRST BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP - GRAVITY SPORT ADDS UCFC TO ITS GROWING SPONSORSHIP PORTFOLIO

United City Football Club (UCFC) announces Gravity Sport as its official blockchain partner in another landmark sponsorship deal for an Asian football club.  

UCFC becomes the first Asian football club entering into a fully executed commercial & technology partnership with Gravity Sport. This consumer-focused universal blockchain solution enables sports teams to build & monetize content, data security, and entertainment in a custom-built digital asset ecosystem.  Gravity Sport has previously signed a partnership with Italian side Parma Calcio.

With the rise of blockchain, NFTs, and metaverse in the country, UCFC is positive that this partnership will pave the future of football and how fans will have ownership of the club's collectibles and put a new meaning to tokenization.

"We are proud to have reached another milestone in our vision of how we think Club football not only in the Philippines shall evolve over time, and we would like to thank Gravity Sport for its vision to see the potential in partnering with UCFC as well as Orchid Sport & Entertainment, which helped us to complete the deal." States Eric M. Gottschalk, President of UCFC. 

"We will be the first regional football club to integrate blockchain into its operations from merchandise, membership, data analysis & security. Therefore, it allows our fans to get closer to the players through our dedicated fan tokens and exclusive NFTs, which will be launched ahead of the 2022 season".   

Through the Gravity Sport blockchain technology and NFT marketplace, United City will be able to create innovative fan-owned assets such as exclusive digital player cards, including interviews, match highlights, and goals scored. Such assets can be obtained using the unique UCFC fan tokens and can be traded among fans.

"The partnership with Gravity Sport and the use of blockchain technology will allow UCFC to make another step forward in unlocking new revenue streams and to become a sustainable football business that does not rely purely on match-day revenues or sponsorship income alone," states Gottschalk.  

Also, it will connect to new global audiences with mass adoption, delivering next-generation adoption & future-proofing engagement.

As a digital economy enabler, Gravity Sport commercializes, hosts & operates the complete platform in partnership with the rights holder.

"Gravity Sport is tremendously proud to add United City FC to its growing portfolio of international sports properties, following our jersey partnership with Parma Calcio in August, "commented Stuart Gallacher, Founder at Gravity Sport. 

"The Philippines is a very interesting market for us as the country is poised to reach new economic heights in the near future while its young, tech-savvy population is naturally equipped to easily grow into the new area of "blockchain technology".

"And just like us, UCFC is fast evolving, has a clear, futuristic vision while displaying strong values which assures that our ambitions are closely aligned. We are excited to innovate jointly with UCFC as we believe we have an incredibly exciting global blockchain NFT marketplace which will benefit all stakeholders, players, media, and of course the strong fan audiences that UCFC already has."

The Gravity Sport partnership is extended across all the UCFC football and esports properties, and while effective immediately, it will fully kick off early next year alongside the 2022 season. 

ABOUT UCFC: United City Football Club (UCFC) is a SEC registered Filipino Professional Football Club that aims to promote and build values such as equality, diversity, leadership through sports. 

UCFC is a member of the Philippines Football League (PFL), the Philippines' professional level of men's club football in the country. The Club is currently the 4x defending national champion in the PFL and the first Philippine team to qualify and to win a match on the AFC Champions League level when the team featured against Beijing FC during the AFC Champions League Group stages in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  

As a mission, the Club stands to help re-invigorate young athletes, families, and the local community through discipline, hard work, and passion. The ambition is to be the best of the best in Asia - be it on the football field, esports, or within the community - and provide a pathway and equal opportunities for the next generation of young talent in their pursuit of sporting & educational excellence.

The Club recently announced its move to the Pampanga / Tarlac region, where it plans to set up its youth football academy in Clark City and to and build its football stadium while making use of the already existing stadium facilities in New Clark City in the meantime. 

As part of the move, United City FC will be renamed to United Clark FC by the end of 2021, while its Esports division will simply be called UCFC Esports.

The UCFC Esports division was successfully launched in June 2021 and currently features three professional teams participating in titles such as Valorant, League of Legends: Wild Rift as well as E-football (PES / FIFA), with more teams such as "Mobile Legends" etc. to be added in 2022.

Grab Philippines Grabs Two Asia Leaders Awards 2021 as a Service Company Dedicated to Innovation and Technology

Attended by its Managing Director, Grace Vera Cruz—Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing service and app, received Innovative and Tech Company of the Year for Services honors in the recently concluded Asia Leaders Awards 2021, further cementing its important and groundbreaking solutions to improve commuter experience while decongesting urban traffic.

Creating Safe Communities for All

Midyear, Grab Philippines launched its innovative online platform GrabAcademy, in collaboration with Microsoft, to give riders and delivery partners nationwide “free and equitable access to new learning and development opportunities to ensure competitiveness in a digital economy.”

The platform adheres to the three pillars of (a) safety across platforms, (b) growing within the platform, and (c) thriving beyond the platform.

Thus, it promotes essential courses like taxation, road safety, vehicle sanitation, data protection, crime prevention and detection, anti-harassment, and food handling in cooperation with the Food Safety and Hygiene Academy of the Philippines.

“Technically, Grab is promoting to make its riders and delivery partners as stewards of safety on the platform as well as their communities.”

Going Viral with Exemplary Service

Grab Philippines recently went viral with #LugawIsEssential Grab rider Marvin Wenceslao Ignacio, who impressed both customers and netizens for his extraordinary calm and composure in defending lugaw or congee as essential food stuff. 

He served as testament not only to Grab’s exemplary trainings and programs to orient riders on how to properly and excellently handle food and various situations with customers, but also to the support of Grab who continually backs its employees up.

“Every time we hear Grab being mentioned, we’re super proud because it’s our company!” Kuya Marvin shared, cementing Grab’s position as a premier services as well as customer- and employee-oriented company.

Joining the Best in Asia Leaders Awards 2021Grab Philippines received their recognition last November 11 at the Embassy of Singapore in Manila alongside business luminaries from various industries in joint celebration of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Philippines and to the Filipino people amidst the pandemic.

Other companies who received citation from Asia Leaders Awards this year were the following: 247 AI, Alfamart, AstraZeneca, Dynaquest, FICWSI, Fredley Group of Companies, Frontrow Enterprise Philippines, iACADEMY, JCI Makati, JC Premiere, KMV Asia Development Corporation, Mer-nels, PH Global Jet Express Inc, Reyes Haircutters, Santos Knight Frank Inc., and Siomai King by JC Worldwide.

Asia Leaders Awards continues to be an avenue where business leaders are recognized for their outstanding efforts to make their companies shine while giving back to the community through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different organizations and embassies. Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.

Check out https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards for more of the event details.

VIRRCO Art in celebration of World AIDS Day at the MET Live Dec 4-18!

One-Eyed Women Art Exhibit
World AIDS Day Exhibit
December 4 to 18, 2021
Venue: Met Live Mall Atrium,
Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City

The Artist

Oftentimes, hear a famous artist in the western world but rarely in the far-east in southeast Asia. There is one artist who stands out, his name is Rommel Rico aka Virrco. According to Virrco.net Virrco is a New York-based artist who transforms his artworks into wearable art. He has done two well-received solo exhibits in New York and is known for his "Fishwives" artworks and colorful Filipiniana artworks as a tribute to his Filipino roots. The Virrco Artshow is his 2nd solo exhibit in the Philippines.

Virrco works as a project manager in the US. He is also a Physical Therapist and a Registered Nurse in the US. A rare talent who comes from the Philippines with so much passion for artwork paintings. Who is Rommel Rico aka Virrco. A humble beginning in the province of Romblon.

Who is Rommel Rico as a person aka Virrco? Rommel Rico is a US registered nurse working currently as a project manager with a big US-based pharmaceutical company. He paints and helps the Duyan Project or Project Red Ribbon.

Virrco's Inspiration
Who inspired you to paint? None inspired me to paint. Can't attribute it to a person. But can attribute it to NY as a place. NY will surround you with different kinds/forms of art, it awakened the artist in me.

Artist Name- Virrco
You are using Virrco, why that name? My subjects are women and guess it is influenced by the strong-willed, independent, and well-accomplished women in my family, my friends, and workplace. Always been fascinated by the trait and characters that they always manifest in my paintings. VIRRCO IS A COMBINation of the family names of my grandparents. It is a tribute to them. a combination and a product of all of them. Believe that if not for their genes and experiences, wouldn't be who I am. VI for VIctorio, Rs for Ruga, Repil and Royo, CO for Rico.

Past Projects
Some of your work was an exhibit in New York City. Yes, had two exhibits done in NYC. In the building gallery where I work in 2nd avenue and 42nd st. It's one of my first 2 abundance paintings, showcasing Filipino people with their harvest. It is a tribute to my roots as a Filipino. Also had two one-man exhibits in queens, one showcasing Filipiniana arts again showcasing Filipinos with baskets in Filipiniana attire, and the 2nd showcasing colorful watercolor art and acrylic which we converted as wearable art, like shirts, dresses, scarves, etc.

Advocacy
Heard that you are helping the less fortunate with your paintings. My artwork helps the children with HIV and Aids under the care of Duyan project. These children are survived by their grandparents or aunts and uncle. These families have difficulty buying food to place on their table, so buying Medicine is not their priority. Can't fathom how difficult their situation is. Just really heartbreaking.

Tell us about your advocacy and upcoming projects. Really wanted to help more these children of Duyan. In my little way, hoping to shed light on them, not only through the income coming from art but as well as to encourage other people to share their blessings with these children.

Fun Facts
3 fun facts about you. One is that I'm afraid of heights, Two I love coffee, 4 to 6 cups q day, and three I wish to paint in Europe someday

Future Upcoming Projects
2022 will be à busy year. There is a line up of Exhibit in the US(LA, Las Vegas, New York) Canada and Australia. We will update you soon régarding this developments.

Visit here www.virrco.net

#WorldAidsDay2021 
#Virrco4Duyan

Asia Leaders Awards Celebrates Excellence in Leadership!

Awards do not only acknowledge success, they recognize many other qualities like the skills, abilities, efforts, and even struggles. Most of the award giving bodies across the country particularly on the business side commonly focuses only on the front end, looking at the tangible measurement of achievements. But this is not how it goes with Asia Leaders Awards.

Asia Leaders Awards annually acknowledges industry leaders who are making significant changes not only in their respective fields, but also going beyond to help improve other people’s lives. ALA also take into consideration company efforts in promoting the Philippines as a premier business hub in Asia.

Founded by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, the first Filipina and first Woman President of American Association of the Philippines after 74 years and founder of Tag Media Group, Asia Leaders Awards  piloted in 2018 and has given several awards to deserving individuals and companies from various fields since then, recognizing global excellence among its awardees. It honors businesses providing above standard services to the public by showcasing innovation at the same time embracing social awareness with their Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

ALA’s core group is meticulous in all ways, from preparations to the selection committee, up to the lineup of their judges.  They make sure all the nominees are deserving, all the judges are honorable and all preparations are at par with the excellence they are promoting. The awards committee is made up of Foreign Ambassadors, officers of esteemed organizations and accomplished individuals from different industries. 

ALA awards venue is always grand, by the likes of hi Shangrila and the Embassy of Singapore.  The Embassy of Singapore symbolises leadership, exclusivity and power, very appropriate to recognize few and exceptional individuals and companies. 

As the years go by, Asia Leaders Awards only gets bigger and bolder, with each year surpassing the previous year’s level of success. ALA only competes with its own standard of excellence.

And by the way, each year, ALA takes on different themes, aptly fitted to the current year’s situation. This year, as we are all picking up from the degression caused about by the pandemic which started early part of 2020, the theme is about Hope and Optimism, coinciding with the colors of the year, yellow and gray. Two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another. Unity regardless of the differences. 

Indeed, Asia Leaders Awards is the only award giving body that emanates excellence in all aspect of execution, celebrating leadership at its finest!