Israel turnovers 16,000 antigen test kits to the Department of National Defense

The Ministry of Defense of the State of Israel through the Israeli Embassy in Manila, donated 16,000 units of antigen test kits to the Department of National Defense of the Philippines to help its fight against COVID-19.

Israeli diplomats Ambassador Ilan Fluss and Defense Attaché Mr. Raz Shabtay turned over the antigen test kits to Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana.

“Friends support each other in times of need. Israel is a friend of the Philippines and will continue to assist and share its expertise in various fields. I am proud to deliver this Israeli assistance today to support the Department of National Defense of the Philippines in keeping this country safe and secure,” Ambassador Fluss said.

“The relationship between Israel and the Philippines, particularly the relationship between both defense ministries, is never as strong as it is now,” Mr. Shabtay said. “We are delighted to be able to support once more, in the form of contributing 16,000 antigen test kits, to help the Defense Forces of the Philippines in fighting this current Global Pandemic,” he added.

Israel continues to assist the Philippines in combatting COVID-19. In 2021, the Israeli government turned over personal protective equipment to the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police, two Israeli delegations of medical experts assisted the country’s national vaccination campaign and shared Israel’s local clinical guidelines for COVID-19 infection control protocols and hospital management. Israel also continues to share its experience and knowledge in emergency and pandemic response with the Philippines through webinars, courses, and joint meetings.

The handover ceremony was held at the DND Headquarters in Quezon City on February 9, 2022. In attendance were Asec. Jesus Rey Avilla, Usec. Ricardo Jalad, Director Franklin Gali, BGEN Edgar Cardiñoza, Usec. Raymundo de Vera Elefante, and staff members of the DND and the embassy.

BSP Talks Episode 2 highlights Balik Scientist and Host Institution Matching

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program, in collaboration with Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), released the second episode of the BSP Talks titled “Match Tayo!” on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 11 AM via Facebook Live.

BSP Talks Episode 2 highlighted the different ways a Balik Scientist can match with a Host Institution. To demonstrate these, prospective applicants to the Program were shown as they interacted with select reputable R&D institutions.

In its first segment, an aspiring Balik Scientist identified a potential Host Institution they can partner with in pursuing R&D activities that matched their expertise. It shows how an expert can discover the appropriate Host Institution for them by looking at the potential host’s R&D priority areas and aligning this with their research interest.

The UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) was featured as an established research institute for the advancement of its four thematic areas for R&D: marine biodiversity and ecosystems, archipelagic oceanography, marine biotechnology, and coastal and marine climate change. The Institute takes pride in research spanning from the molecular level to ecosystem scale, which has brought on opportunities for more research endeavors.

In fact, MSI hosted 8 Balik Scientists from 2016 to 2019 alone and had several researches funded by the DOST. It has been home to Balik Puso experts such as Dr. Michael Roleda, Dr. Zenith Gaye Orozco, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, Dr. Charissa Ferrera, Dr. Janelli Lea Soria, Dr. Wilfred John Santiañez, Dr. Irene Rodriguez, and Dr. Charina Lyn Repollo.

Showcased in the second segment is Caraga State University (CSU), which demonstrated how a Host Institution can also reach out and tap a prospective Balik Scientist depending on their needs.

“In reaching the University’s vision and goals, we need more Balik Scientists,” Dr. Mark Anthony Lavapiez stressed, after acknowledging that Balik Scientist engagements in CSU empowered their capacity and capability to implement research.

With its 12 Research Centers, CSU is a Higher Education Institute (HEI) partner of the DOST in strengthening R&D in the region. It has recently hosted 4 Balik Scientists, namely, Dr. Anthony Halog, Dr. Julian Cacho, Dr. Engielle Mae Paguican, and Dr. Christian Mark Salvador.

The last segment showed how in some cases, the Program’s Secretariat may also assist in matching a prospective Balik Scientist with a potential Host Institution. This was illustrated with the matching of the BSP applicant with the DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).

As one of DOST’s R&D institutes, ITDI has been developing relevant technologies and is continuously contributing its R&D innovations to DOST’s efforts, most especially in the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

The VIP has been gaining ground with the support and expertise of Balik Scientists namely, Dr. Teodoro Fajardo, Dr. Myra Hosmillo, Dr. Elpidio Cesar Nadala, Dr. Lourdes Nadala, Dr. Christina Leyson, Dr. Leodevico Ilag and Dr. Homer Pantua.

ITDI also hosted and collaborated with Dr. Eufemio Barcelon, Dr. Mario Castillo, Dr. Arnold Lubguban, Dr. Dexter Rasonabe and Dr. Cynthia Goh under its major research areas.

Indeed, more and more S&T experts are taking interest in the Balik Scientist Program. Along with this, we also recognize the important part that Host Institutions play and why Balik Scientist and Host Institution matching is needed.

The Balik Scientist Act determines that Host Institutions may be public or private academic institutions, government agencies or locally registered industries who are undertaking research and development initiatives. More importantly, Host Institutions must be committed to ensure that Balik Scientists could accomplish their R&D activities for greater advancement of science, technology, and innovation.

Upon matching of the Balik Scientist and the Host Institution, viewers were left with a teaser for the third episode which focuses on the next step of the application process—how to accomplish the BSP Terms of Reference.

Watch the BSP Episode 2 here: https://www.facebook.com/balikscientist/videos/941813909794145 

Visit: https://bsp.dost.gov.ph/ for furher information about the program

 

Rising Dragon Beauty & Wellness Corporation Founder and CEO Leo Ortiz, honored at Asia Leaders Awards at Singapore Embassy Manila

Mr Leo Ortiz at Singapore Embassy Manila 

Who would have thought that a cum laude nursing graduate would end up selling beauty products instead of landing in a hospital to pursue his career in his chosen profession?  And would eventually be a CEO of his own company at a very young age?

The Rising Dragon

Unable to find a nursing job after graduation, He joined a network marketing group instead but after two years, he did not earn much. Armed with perseverance and his learnings from this experience, and his realization of great opportunities in marketing, he jumped into another venture. 

He got his first million selling contact lenses! And this was the start of his successful entrepreneurial journey. He had his share of business ventures which failed, but it never deterred him from pushing forward and looking for next opportunities. 

Leo now directly oversees 50 employees and hundreds more in various industries, including beauty, resort and restaurant management, skincare services, and wellness. Ortiz also owns and runs The Oia-Santorini and Kai resorts as well as Elite Contact Lens, Gluta Spa, and Beauty Vault.

With his string of successes, Leo did not fail to give back to the community. He shares his blessings by outreach projects most especially during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia and just recently held its ceremony inside the Embassy of Singapore.  

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.

 

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

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

“Men and Women Who Matter” with Leo Ortiz as American Association of the Philippines' Young CEO of the Year

One organization, foreign as it may sound, is undoubtedly more Filipino by its heart and actions. Established primarily before for the welfare of Americans and Filipino Americans in the country, they proved to the world that they could do and give more. 

AAP also give out recognitions to other organizations and individuals showing excellence on what they do and at the same time not forgetting to share blessings to other people through whatever means. 

AAP just recently held a recognition event entitled “Men & Women who matter.” Giving citations and awards like this is a noble way of promoting excellence in leadership and inspiring like-minded capable leaders to do more than what they can in extending help to others not only this time of pandemic but as always. 

It is indeed an honor for individuals in the Business to be part of their “Men and Women who matter.” The roster of awardees were: 

* Woman of the Year – Pharmaceutical: Ms. Lotis Ramin, Country President, AstraZeneca Philippines, Inc.

 *Woman of the Year – Health & Wellness: Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, Co-founder and CEO of Skin Magical

 *Man of the Year, 

Agri-Business: Mr. Ronald Daniel Mascarinas, President, Bounty Agro Ventures

* Man of the Year – Humanitarian: Mr. Sam Verzosa Jr., CEO, Frontrow Enterprise

* Man of the Year – Hall of Fame Excellence: Mr. RS Francisco, President, Frontrow Enterprise

 *CSR Company of the Year:  FrontRow Cares

 *Young CEO of the year:  Mr. Leo Ortiz, Founder and CEO, Rising Dragon Beauty and Wellness Corporation

Leo Ortiz with his billboards around Metro Manila and SLEX with his brand endorsers is truly making a difference in skincare nowadays with his successful product line and health drinks. Just in early 30s, Leo is one dynamic young leader who keeps on innovating with the new launch of different products even during this pandemic. He just received also at Embassy of Singapore an award under Asia Leaders Awards for his influence and contribution in giving jobs to the Filipino people. 

Established in 1949,  AAP was founded on the concept of community interest, welfare and responsibility, the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).  It is composed of Americans, Filipino Americans, Filipinos and other nationalities  binded together by their common objective, establishing a whole host of beneficiary programs aimed not only to help the Americans and the Amerasians in the Philippines, but the Filipino people as well. 

AAP do community missions focusing on the education and general welfare of those in deep need. They initiate cultural activities, fund-raising dinners, and social gatherings to further their objectives of helping out and Leo Ortiz, the young CEO always keeps on giving for the indigents and those in need. 

To know more about AAP, their projects and initiatives, visit https://www.americanassociation.org.ph/

HOR on Ways and Means, DTI push for DOST-Science for Change Program to maximize investment incentives for industries

To strengthen industry sector and boost the country’s economic growth, the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means convened with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last Monday, February 7, 2022, to support the industry sector through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science for Change Program (S4CP) by maximizing the investment potentials of foreign and local investors in the Philippines. 

Albay Representative Joey Salceda said S4CP outlines how our R&D investment will help improve every facet of the economy and our society.  The transformative power of scientific development enables a country to flourish despite barriers like a health crisis by funding the research and development (R&D) capabilities of private companies, most specially the Micro-Small-Medium-Enterprises (MSME).  

In the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means hearing, the DTI presented the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) which outlines the consolidated list of industries that are eligible for tax incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprise (CREATE) Act. 

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba mentioned that the SIPP plays an important role as catalyst and engine for industrial development and national industrial revolution to transform and upgrade industries and produce more diversified and sophisticated products. It is aligned to DTI’s New Industrial Policy (i3S) which is focused on innovation and S&T focused strategy for the development of globally competitive and innovative industries. 

Undersecretary Aldaba stated that identifying the SIPP and its activities have undergone rigorous assessment that enable them to identify industries with existing and latent comparative advantage and to leverage this by providing incentives that are performed-based, targeted, transparent and time-bound.

In her presentation, Undersecretary Aldaba also stated that one of the activities that will qualify for incentives is the commercialization of R&D investments through DOST’s Science for Change Program (S4CP). 

In a separate statement, DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara expressed appreciation for the support of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and the DTI in the S4CP.  “The hearing highlighted the advantages of the whole-of-government-approach, as it brought together the diverse roles of the DTI and DOST in supporting industry.  The HOR in turn, ensures that these efforts are strengthened and sustained through legislation of needed policies that enable innovation and help industry to adapt and flourish.  

The S4CP is one of the banner programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) initiated in 2016 to catalyze inclusive innovation and development across the 17 regions of the country. It has four (4) components programs that capitalize on increasing R&D investment, continued capacity in science and technology and improving industry competitiveness: 1) Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER); 2) Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Philippine Economy (CRADLE); 3) R&D Leadership (RDLead); and 4) Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry. These endeavors provide an enabling platform for government, academe, and industry collaboration to engage in R&D to foster inclusive innovation and sustain industrialization in pursuit of socio-economic development.

The S4CP portfolio shows that NICER and CRADLE have made significant progress in distributing R&D funds among the regions. There are now 42 NICERs established in 17 regions with funding totaling to PhP2.94 Billion while CRADLE has provided PhP339.5 Million for 76 industry-academe collaborations. The BIST has 4 approved projects for a total financial assistance of PhP43.3M. The RDLead has engaged 65 local experts and capacitated 46 institutions with PhP59.91Million grants awarded. 

This effort for inclusive innovation must be sustained and this could be done through the institutionalization of the Program. The pending S4CP bill in the Senate once passed, will secure the grant of more funds for R&D and ensure the sustainability and provide more opportunities for academic institutions and private companies to be globally competitive. 

To know more about the S4CP, you may contact the DOST-Science for Change Project Management Office at 2/F ADMATEL Bldg., DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, with telephone numbers (02) 8837-2943/ 8837-2930.  You may also send an email to s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph. or visit here: www.s4cp.dost.gov.ph

“KAPON FOR ALL PETS” Launch by PAWS to Solve Stray Problem

Many communities all over the country have long dealt with the issue of stray dogs and cats. For many years, the only programs that the local government units (LGUs) have in place are impounding activities and vaccination drives. Unfortunately, these measures only scratch the surface of the issue and do not preventively address the problem of homeless animals at its root.

Strays come from owned pets. Pets get pregnant or get other pets pregnant and once they give birth, people give the puppies and kittens away. There are always takers for the puppies but when they are all grown up, sometimes they end up on the streets. Spay-Neuter (SN) programs for stray dogs also do not address the problem of stray dogs who end up sick, with a contagious skin problem, or with transmissible venereal tumor since no one really brings them to the vet. The SN groups for stray dogs quickly realize that they are to run as "mini-shelters" themselves, and so they end up bringing the sick dogs to the vet. The SN groups for stray dogs will eventually run out of steam, enthusiasm, manpower, and funding, especially as long as owned pets keep reproducing. Owned pets, therefore, must be spayed or neutered to solve the problem of pet homelessness for the long term.

As part of its mission to prevent cruelty to animals and to offer sustainable solutions to the issue of stray dogs and cats in communities, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has long promoted Spay-Neuter (Kapon) programs for companion animals. Since 2009, PAWS operates a low-cost spay-neuter clinic in Quezon City and gives free spay-neuter to indigent pet owners. In addition, its “KabaliCAT” project implements Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-and-Release (TNR) activities for managing stray cats in neighborhoods. Also, all dogs and cats that are available for adoption from PAWS’ animal shelter are spayed/neutered.

PAWS’ newest campaign is its “Kapon for All Pets” program which proposes incentives to be offered by local government units to veterinary clinics operating within their cities and municipalities. A three-way partnership between PAWS and participating LGUs, the program seeks to provide free or affordable kapon procedures for pets owned by the LGUs’ constituents.

Participating veterinary clinics within the city or municipality will be working alongside the local government to implement the program. The LGUs that will take part in the program will be included on PAWS’ List of Progressive Kapon-friendly Cities and Municipalities, a list that the organization will be putting out on all of their social media channels in celebration of World Spay Day on February 22, 2022. The first ten (10) LGUs to implement the Kapon for All Pets fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will receive P50,000 worth of surgery materials from PAWS and a plaque of recognition as a “Pioneer KAPON FOR ALL PETS LGU Partner”.

PAWS believes that providing free or affordable kapon for pets is the long-term and sustainable solution to pet homelessness. It is not having bigger pounds, turning pounds into shelters, or putting up new signages proclaiming that a building is now an ‘animal rehabilitation center’. “Kapon for All Pets” is proof that private-public partnerships can promote animal welfare, which is directly connected to public health issues and the eradication of rabies. LGUs that are interested to work with PAWS to implement the “Kapon for All Pets” campaign within their jurisdiction may email PAWS’ Executive Director, Anna Cabrera at kapon@paws.org.ph.

Medical Depot PH CEO Rodolfo Medina for Rising Tigers: Nation Builders 2022

Mr. Rodolfo Medina Jr., from the Medical Supply Business joins the roster of the Top 50 Rising Tigers of the Asia Pacific to be featured at the newest business magazine, Rising Tigers: Nation Builders launching in March, 2022. 

Mr. Medina Jr. is the CEO of Medical Depot, a one stop shop chain of stores for all your medical supplies needs. It currently has 28 branches in strategic areas in Metro Manila. Medical Depot is highly recognized in the medical equipment and supplies industry with over 150 employees

Rodolfo Jr. grew up exposed to their family’s medical supply business since he was a young boy. At 8, he started to help in the family business, from sweeping the floors, stocking the shelves, taking orders and cashiering and even cleaning out the toilets. At 14, he was given his first store to manage. 

“I was running my store operations successfully and it wasn’t long before that I managed to land a deal with big private and public institutions. I was 16 years old then. By then I wasn’t only handling local business deals but international ones as well. I learned how to place import orders from China, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, India, Spain, etc.” – shared Medina

Medical Depot has now 28 branches nationwide. They are gearing for 100 stores by the end of 2023. They also have an official store in Lazada, for a wider reach and more convenient buying experience.

“Now at 28, I now interact and work with the top executives from the industry such as Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, Omron, 7/11, etc. Together, I encourage and try to lead the initiative for a collective support for the mission in innovating the healthcare industry in the Philippines. “ he added.

Medina acknowledges that the key factor to their success is the heritage branch in Bambang, with their noble mission of making these medical equipments, tools and supplies affordable to the Filipino people. 

For more information about Medina’s company, visit https://medicaldepot.com.ph/ ; https://www.facebook.com/medicaldepotph/  

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow

“With 2022—The Year of the Water Tiger promising 365 days of positive changes, business must be stable, and finances will flow smoothly throughout the year with grit on its side.” – shared Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Founder and CEO of Tag Media Group. 

Asia Leaders Awards take the opportunity to recognize this young hard-working CEO from the medical supplies business, Mr. Rodolfo Medina Jr.,  among the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific through the launching of the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Magazine.

Rising Tigers: Nation Builders

Launching on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC in Taguig, “Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” is another brainchild of Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee.

This new publication will feature the best and the brightest individuals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

Billionaire Robert Laurel Yupangco, one of the ALA board said, “Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that despite all the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” 

To know more about Rising Tigers: Nation Builders and Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.