200 Men and Women Participate in Nude Artistic Installation in Israel

200 men and women participated in a nude artistic installation by the American artist Spencer Tunick in the desert landscape around Arad. The photographic installation is designed to support the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum in Arad. As part of the artwork, the artist used a white body paint that had never before been used. 

In a cooperation with the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the Arad Municipality, the Dead Sea Revival Project, Spencer Tunick has returned to the Dead Sea region after two earlier installations that won international acclaim and helped raise awareness of Israel as a tourism destination. 

Participants in the project say that, this project is expected to be one of the most daring and controversial ever undertaken by the artist. Tunick has created installations in, among others, New York, London, Vienna, Barcelona and Sydney. Today, Arad joins this illustrious list, hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. 

About 200 people who agreed to participate in the installation arrived in Arad in the early afternoon and disrobed somewhere in the desert landscape surrounding Arad. The event took about three hours, during which the artist positioned the volunteer models and the camera, according to the background and the light etc. 

The installation is designed to draw world attention to the importance of preserving and restoring the Dead Sea, as well as the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum to be built in Arad, under the initiative and leadership of Ari Fruchter who recruited Tunick for the promotional campaign. 

Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov: “Every image published by the artist represents a tourism boost for Israel. Millions of people from around the world see the beauty and the tourism potential of Arad and Dead Sea. As Israel opens it skies to vaccinated tourists, we look forward to welcoming them once again to the unique landscapes of the Dead Sea region, one of Israel's leading tourist destinations. "  

Spencer Tunick: “It is difficult to hide the fact that the Dead Sea is disappearing and the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum is our way to create awareness of this fact. My visit to Israel was an experience for me and I am always happy to return here and photograph in the only country in the Middle East that allows art such as this.” 

Tallest 3D printed Rizal Monument to Rise in DOST

The tallest 3D printed monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal will soon rise and be unveiled at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) complex in Bicutan, Taguig to celebrate Rizal Day.

To commemorate Rizal’s 125th year of martyrdom on 30 December 2021, the DOST will lead the unveiling of the 12.5 feet tall 3D printed statue, a fitting memorial to the works and accomplishments of Rizal, not only as our national hero but also as a scientist. 

The design is inspired by studies and works of scientists, historians and artists of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), depicting the national hero as a medical scientist, an engineer/surveyor, an agriculturist, and a naturalist-environmentalist. 

The monument dubbed as “Dr. Jose P. Rizal, The Filipino Scientist,” was 3D printed at the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Center of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) using Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), a material known for its high mechanical properties that can withstand impact and high temperature, UV, and has chemical resistant quality. 

The structure is further reinforced using steel structure inside the monument that is designed to withstand winds of 330 kph and a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

This work of art and science is designed by Professor Jose Manuel Sicat, with Rizal the Filipino Scientist as the embodiment of innovation and positive change thus bringing science closer to the people.

“We are paying tribute to the many works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal especially in the field of science,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. “We believe that this project is a good inspiration for our youth of today to maximize their capabilities and capacity to learning, like Dr. Rizal, there is no circumstance that could stop us from learning.”

The project also showcases the capabilities of the local engineers in creating a massive, complex structure using additive manufacturing technology.

By Joy M. Lazcano, DOST-STII, S&T Media Service

Israel’s Borders Open to Everyone, March 1st Only RT-PCR tests required

Starting tomorrow, March 1, 2022, Israel will allow entry to all tourists regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, as decided by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, with the involvement of Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov.  

 

Prime Minister Bennett said, “We are seeing a steady decline in the mortality rates across the world therefore, we see it is time to gradually open tourism.”  Under the new guidelines, tourists of all ages, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will be allowed to enter Israel provided they present a negative RT-PCR test before arriving, and take an RT-PCR test upon landing in Israel.  So far, only those vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to enter Israel after the country closed its borders to foreigners for the first time in March 2020.  

 

Bennett elaborates stating, “Our indicators must be in sync with the situation on the ground, we must be certain that what we are telling the public is in sync with what is to be expected.  In order to maintain public trust and to be sure that the government's guidelines are being implemented, we need to open up when the situation improves - and it is improving significantly."  

 

With the new guidelines being put into effect, it will also be easier for Israeli nationals to enter the country.  Like all travellers to Israel, they only have to undergo a RT-PCR test on arrival whereas the antigen test is no longer required prior to departure.  Unvaccinated locals will no longer have to be quarantined if the RT-PCR test at Ben-Gurion International Airport comes back negative.  

 

Regarding the situation in the country, Bennett emphasizes, “At the moment, the situation in Israel is good, which is the direct result of correct and dynamic management.  Though Israel is opening to tourism, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and, in the event of a new variant, we will act quickly again."  

 

Sammy Yahia, Israel’s Director of Tourism to India and Philippines, is thrilled with the new guidelines stating, "This is the news we have been waiting for since the first wave of the pandemic brough the world to a standstill two years ago.  We are confident that visitor numbers will gradually recover to pre-pandemic numbers as consumer confidence grows in line with the gradual easing of restrictions.  Our first, and most important priority is the safety and wellbeing of all those who wish to travel to Israel, and starting next week, I look forward to welcoming Indian tourists back to my beautiful country.”  

About Israel:  

Whether road trips, city trips, swimming, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours or family vacations, the Israeli State Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities, and sights in the Holy Land. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Israel is no more than a seven-hour flight from India. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, including houses several UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country, displaying an intriguing contrast between the ancient and modern periods.  

Experience the dynamic vibe of Israel.  

For information about the different tourism offerings, visit www.goisrael.com  

For the most up to date information on the guidelines and requirements for entering Israel, visit https://israelsafe.com

Digital Animation, Game Dev’t get boost with Philippine Skills Framework

As the world of work rapidly evolves, the need to create mechanisms and systems to upskill and reskill Filipino talents becomes more imminent.  

The Philippine Trade Training Center - Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), the project direction unit of the Philippine Skills Framework, along with 10 other government agencies, is in full force as it launches the Philippine Skills Framework for Digital Animation and Game Development this March 9, 2022.  

“Fresh from the 36th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Trade Training Center, we are very ecstatic to launch the PSF for Game Development and Digital Animation – two industries that are highly competitive and rapidly evolving. These two skills frameworks, designed with the help of our industry experts, will surely give these industries a big boost as they upskill and reskill to become more globally competitive,” Executive Director Nelly Nita N. Dillera said.  

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez will grace the program, together with DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba. Industry experts and PSF contextualizers Mark Meily and Paraluman Cruz Javier will also be present at the launch.  

The Philippine Skills Framework is an inter-agency effort to build the skills and competencies of the country’s human capital and better prepare them for the future economy. The first PSF, which targeted the logistics and supply chain industry, was launched last June 25, 2021.  

 

Interested participants may join the launch by registering through https://bit.ly/PSFLaunchDigAniGameDev 

For further information on the release, please get in touch with:

                  

DTI-TPG-Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)

International Trade Center Complex, Roxas Blvd,. corner Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City 

Telephones: (+632) 7263.2878 / 7263.7691 / 8834.1341

Contact Person: Mr. Gerald David   Mobile:  0915.044.1399

Email Address: geralddavid@pttc.gov.ph,  info@pttc.gov.ph  

Website: www.pttc.gov.ph, www.dti.gov.ph

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DOST CRADLE showcases technologies for the environment, wellness and the community

February 24, 2022 - The Department of Science and Technology, through one of its banner programs, the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program held its second symposium in 2022 entitled: “Science in Bloom: Innovative breakthroughs for wellness, community and the environment”.  The online event featured research collaborations and technologies developed for wellness, community and environment sector.  

Through the CRADLE Program, Filipino companies, including small-to-medium enterprises, find value through innovation by partnering with universities or research and development institutes to solve their problems. The industry partner defines the problem to be solved and the academic institutions or R&D Institute undertakes the research. Funding amounts to P5 million, over a period of one to three years, isgiven to the academic institution or R&D institute. The industry partner contributes 20% to then project, in cash or in kind; and promises to adopt the research output.

Leading the event is DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. “CRADLE empowers our local Filipino companies to shift and adapt to the needs of their clientele,” shared Secretary de la Peña.  “The partnership between industry and academe allows sharing of knowledge and insight.  CRADLE improves the capabilities of our local companies and at the same time, broadens the understanding of our scientists and researchers on the needs of industry.”

The power of R&D to change companies for the better is showcased through two projects designed to improve industrial processes and make them environment-friendly.  The partnership of Sarnimian Small Scale Mining Corporation and Caraga State University.   The CRADLE project aims to develop alternative solutions to the waste of gold processing plant called mill tailings.  It seeks to find alternative usage of gold mill tailings and conduct comprehensive analysis on how the developed technology can contribute towards building socioeconomic and environmental sustainability

Another CRADLE project featured is the Driver Air ni Juan-Aluminosilicate Technology for Compact Air Purification which is a partnership between Manly Plastics, Inc., MC Home Depot,  Global One Shuttle Service Inc. and University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).  This project will develop a powerful yet portable air purifier for automotive air filtration systems which works as a particulate filter, harmful gas remover, and anti-microbial filter. It will utilize naturally occurring aluminosilicate minerals in the Philippines through facile modification processes to mitigate the health-related risks of using taxis as mode of transportation. With this new technology and product proposed, these essential products can be provided to the transportation sector without relying on the importation of raw materials

For wellness, the CRADLE project between Adamson University and Compact Pharmaceutical Corporation seeks to determine the Formulation, Quality Control and Immediate-Release Tablets of Fixed-Dose Combinations of Aspirin and Cilostazol.  Cilostazol and aspirin are two drugs used for the management of stroke, thrombo-embolic disorders and ischemic heart disease but are available as separate dosage units in the market. To date, no fixed-dose combination (FDC) of cilostazol and aspirin exists in the Philippine drug market.  Through CRADLE, the project aims to develop a cost-efficient alternative with minimized adverse drug reactions and enhance dosage compliance. 

For the community and the arts, the partnership between Agricultural Sustainability Initiatives for Nature, Inc. and UPD aims to help the coastal communities in Macalelon, Quezon and the local economy by using a science-based approach to increase the supply of oysters and ensure sustainability

Another project for the community is the Custom Made Crafts Center Inc. and DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) partnership aiming to develop a community-based functionalized Philippine handwoven textile solution for non-medical face masks seeking to: 1) To develop water-repellent textile materials using local handwoven indigenous fabrics 2) To develop a WHO compliant cloth masks for non-medical face masks; and 3) To establish an initial market assessment of the developed non-medical face masks

“The R&D developed through the CRADLE program drives economic growth for our local companies and provides an avenue for them to find new processes or new product lines,” says DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “CRADLE also contributes to localization as it allows companies to have tailored solutions that maximizes the use of our local resources.

For companies who are also seeking to explore the benefits of the DOST CRADLE Program, 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. 

DTI celebrates World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2022

In solidarity with different consumer groups in over 100 countries around the world, the Department of Trade and Industry commemorates this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) through the Consumer Care Webinar Series this March. 

The consumer movement, through the Consumers International (CI), marks the 15^th of March as WCRD to highlight issues on consumerism and raise awareness on consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment. This year’s WCRD carries the theme, “Fair Digital Finance,” and calls for a global movement to ensure fair digital finance that is inclusive, safe, data protected and private, and sustainable.  

As a firm response, the DTI – Consumer Protection Group, through its Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), will foster public discourse on fair financial services in the digital world in its Consumer Care Webinar Series. The following are the webinar topics that are lined up for March 2022:  

01 March: Consumer Protection in Digital Financial Services; 

08 March: Consumer Protection and Security Policies of e-Payment Platforms; 

16 March: Tips for Tax Payers and Online Filing of Taxes; 

22 March: Consumer Tips in Managing Credit Cards and Maintaining a Good Credit Standing;  

29 March: Guidebook on Basic Banking and Financial Transactions. 

“The DTI encourages all consumers to observe the WCRD and learn more on digital finance by joining us in our Consumer Care Webinar Series,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo as well as the international celebration of the WCRD on March 15. 

 

The DTI Consumer Care Webinar Series is a regular virtual program conducted through Zoom and Facebook Live, every Tuesday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  

 

For details and updates on the succeeding webinars and details on the March 15 WCRD celebration, consumers are advised to regularly check the DTI Consumer Care social media pages. 

For consumer-related concerns and queries, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline. 

DTI dishes out tips to consumers on making online purchases

In the age of Covid-19, the internet has made online shopping seamless – find an item you love, click the “buy” button and get a package delivered right at your doorstep. The prevalence of online shopping also heightened the use of digital payments such as e-wallets and online banking.   However, these transactions do not always go smoothly and there are still plenty of reasons to safeguard one’s personal and financial information. 

The Department of Trade and Industry - Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) receives queries and complaints from consumers daily. In the recent months, most of those received and acted upon were related to online shopping.  

The DTI reminds the public to be vigilant especially when engaging in online transactions.  The following are some consumer tips: 

• Use hard to guess passwords. Do not use the same password for online shopping websites that you use for logging onto your bank, home, or work computer. Never share your login information with anyone. Secure these passwords but ensure easy retrieval. 
• Always check the website if it has a Secured Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate to confirm its legitimacy. This protects information (such as credit card number, addresses, and password) sent to the website.  
• Select merchants carefully. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number beforehand and review its return policy to avoid product return issues. 
• Check the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) at the beginning of the website. When providing your personal address, make sure that the URL starts with https://. The “s” stands for “secure” and indicates that the communication with the website is encrypted. 
• Keep a record of your transactions. Ask for an Official Receipt/Sales Invoice 
• Check for reviews posted by customers.

“The DTI urges consumers to buy only from secured websites. Be wiser and more alert in order not to be taken advantage of by dishonest online sellers. We also urge online sellers to register their businesses with the government for them to avail of its services and to avoid unnecessary legal complaints.” DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo underscores. 

For consumer-related concerns and queries, you may send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or reach us thru the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.