DOST-BIST funds local pharma for 3D bioprinting on human skin, hopes to reduce animal testing

Monday, March 28, 2022 – Drug development and animal welfare in the Philippines are taking a big leap through the project “Three-dimensional Bioprinted Human Skin Equivalent” that is being funded under the Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry component of the Science for Change (S4C) Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).  The project will be implemented by Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. --- a local pharmaceutical company based in Iloilo.   

The project will enable GalenX to develop its own human skin equivalents (HSE) using a three-dimensional bioprinting technology to be utilized for in vitro biocompatibility studies of topical formulations.  The company currently spends at least P400,000.00 per test in laboratory fees abroad.  With the support from the DOST-BIST program, the company will be able to directly manage testing and open the possibilities for discovering and developing new compounds and even create new products.  

3D printing is a billion-dollar industry worldwide, where replication processes for research and testing are upgraded.  The technology prints equivalents for plastic, metals, and even human tissues.   

Through the DOST-BIST Program, Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. (GalenX will be provided with P10.75M to obtain a 3D bioprinting technology that will be used in its in vitro biocompatibility studies.

The DOST-BIST Program aims to provide financial assistance to Filipino private companies for the acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies so they can undertake R&D. The financial assistance, which may be used to purchase high-tech equipment or to secure technology licensing and/or patent rights, will be refunded to DOST at zero percent interest.

“This BIST project will enable our Filipino scientists and researchers to do groundbreaking work, given the limitless potential of bioprinting,” says DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.  “This project will have a profound impact on the commercial viability of these technologies and hopefully develop a better system for product testing.” 

“This is a very exciting time for our local industries as we have upgraded our R&D capabilities in drug discovery and development,” added Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “3D printing addresses gaps in supply, safety and even provides an avenue for regenerative medicine.  This signals great business potential to big pharmaceuticals and cosmetics companies.”

According to the Cruelty International report in 2015, an estimate of at least 192.1 million animals were used for scientific purposes worldwide. The figure includes experiments on animals to test safety, suitability and other properties such as biocompatibility of products used on human skin such as lotions, cosmetics, ointments, among others. 

This project addresses both the industry and academe's need for a local facility that conducts biocompatibility studies since most research samples are being sent abroad for this type of assays. Product development turn-around time for GalenX will also be shortened since samples will no longer have to be shipped to other countries for analysis. This means a quicker turnaround time and cheaper operating costs for the local company.  

The GalenX laboratory facility that will house the in vitro biocompatibility assays and the bioprinting of HSE will be the first in the country. This would be very beneficial not just to industries seeking local availability of biocompatibility assays but also to academic researchers who are working on the discovery of new or novel compounds where biocompatibility assay is necessary. 

For companies who are also seeking to explore the benefits of the DOST BIST 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

PDRF LAUNCHES TYPHOON ODETTE EARLY RECOVERY EFFORTS

MARCH 22, 2021, MANILA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) launched its early recovery programs this month following its Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) on Typhoon Odette (International: Rai) hardest-hit areas.

With the support of its private sector network and partner organizations, PDRF will implement short to medium-term programs to provide resilient livelihood and shelters to reduce risks in communities. Target areas include selected barangays in Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat, Siargao, and Negros Occidental.

 

“We also see this as a springboard to also open up opportunities for long-term recovery initiatives. Our goal is very simple: it's to develop programs pushing for the resilience agenda by strengthening localization and the communities’ journey to self-reliance. That is to restore communities and provide them with a disaster-resilient,  climate adaptive, safe, and inclusive environment. That way, we can really say that it was built back better,” said PDRF Head of Development Programs and Innovation Trina Aspuria.

 

In a recent virtual briefing, PDRF presented the assessment results and the priority needs of these communities to various sectors which include livelihood, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and infrastructure.

Restoring livelihood

The pandemic has already disrupted the livelihood of cities and municipalities that rely on tourism. The damage brought by Odette has aggravated this. The local government unit (LGU) officials of the sites visited during the PDNA have expressed the need for alternative livelihood sources.

Part of the early recovery program is developing and implementing interventions that will provide immediate and sustainable sources of food and income for fisherfolks, farmers, and micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs). These interventions include building boats, restocking livestock and agriculture starter kits, and providing sari-sari store start-up kits.

 

A key ingredient to how PDRF programs its early recovery efforts is training. PDRF invests in capacity-building activities to ensure that communities are ready for future emergencies and less reliant on aid in terms of livelihood recovery.

 

Each focus sector includes trainings on Business Continuity for MSMEs, Financial Literacy, First Aid, and Basic Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Building resilient Shelters

Thousands of families lost their homes and had to be relocated while others remain displaced. In Bohol alone, over 87,000 families still need permanent shelters. Hundreds of schools and health units were also damaged and destroyed, particularly in Bohol and Dinagat.

The early recovery program aims to provide high-quality roofing kits that will help repair shelters, schools, and health facilities as well as build new evacuation centers. The program will follow the Build Back Better approach, integrating DRR measures into restoring physical infrastructure and revitalizing livelihoods, economies, and the environment.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

The program will also focus on WASH by providing rainwater catchment and water filtration systems for communities without water sources and damaged water systems.

 

MHPSS

 

The program will also provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to island communities in Siargao to address the mental health concerns of residents that have been reported by the LGU. MHPSS sessions will be conducted with heads of households, mothers, teachers, and barangay or community health officers.

Member companies and other partners have expressed support for PDRF’s early recovery program including IsraAID, Manila Water Foundation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, Build Change, Alagang Kapatid, Inc., and Maynilad.

“PDRF was built for emergencies like Odette. And we will be there on the ground aiding in the rebuilding process for a long time to come as we were after Ondoy, Yolanda, and Marawi. If we work together, we could help Surigao and other damaged areas rise again,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

In December 2021, Odette made nine landfalls in Eastern and Central Visayas, affecting 10 million people. PDRF and its private sector network immediately responded to aid the affected areas. Check out how PDRF is mobilizing its private sector network on its response and recovery efforts at bit.ly/PDRF-Storymap-Odette

For more information on how to support communities affected by Typhoon Odette, visit: www.pdrf.org/how-you-can-help/

 

MARCH 22, 2021, MANILA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) launched its early recovery programs this month following its Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) on Typhoon Odette (International: Rai) hardest-hit areas.

With the support of its private sector network and partner organizations, PDRF will implement short to medium-term programs to provide resilient livelihood and shelters to reduce risks in communities. Target areas include selected barangays in Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat, Siargao, and Negros Occidental.

“We also see this as a springboard to also open up opportunities for long-term recovery initiatives. Our goal is very simple: it's to develop programs pushing for the resilience agenda by strengthening localization and the communities’ journey to self-reliance. That is to restore communities and provide them with a disaster-resilient,  climate adaptive, safe, and inclusive environment. That way, we can really say that it was built back better,” said PDRF Head of Development Programs and Innovation Trina Aspuria.

In a recent virtual briefing, PDRF presented the assessment results and the priority needs of these communities to various sectors which include livelihood, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and infrastructure.

Restoring livelihood

The pandemic has already disrupted the livelihood of cities and municipalities that rely on tourism. The damage brought by Odette has aggravated this. The local government unit (LGU) officials of the sites visited during the PDNA have expressed the need for alternative livelihood sources.

Part of the early recovery program is developing and implementing interventions that will provide immediate and sustainable sources of food and income for fisherfolks, farmers, and micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs). These interventions include building boats, restocking livestock and agriculture starter kits, and providing sari-sari store start-up kits.

A key ingredient to how PDRF programs its early recovery efforts is training. PDRF invests in capacity-building activities to ensure that communities are ready for future emergencies and less reliant on aid in terms of livelihood recovery.

Each focus sector includes trainings on Business Continuity for MSMEs, Financial Literacy, First Aid, and Basic Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Building resilient Shelters

Thousands of families lost their homes and had to be relocated while others remain displaced. In Bohol alone, over 87,000 families still need permanent shelters. Hundreds of schools and health units were also damaged and destroyed, particularly in Bohol and Dinagat.

The early recovery program aims to provide high-quality roofing kits that will help repair shelters, schools, and health facilities as well as build new evacuation centers. The program will follow the Build Back Better approach, integrating DRR measures into restoring physical infrastructure and revitalizing livelihoods, economies, and the environment.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

The program will also focus on WASH by providing rainwater catchment and water filtration systems for communities without water sources and damaged water systems.

MHPSS

The program will also provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to island communities in Siargao to address the mental health concerns of residents that have been reported by the LGU. MHPSS sessions will be conducted with heads of households, mothers, teachers, and barangay or community health officers.

Member companies and other partners have expressed support for PDRF’s early recovery program including IsraAID, Manila Water Foundation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, Build Change, Alagang Kapatid, Inc., and Maynilad.

“PDRF was built for emergencies like Odette. And we will be there on the ground aiding in the rebuilding process for a long time to come as we were after Ondoy, Yolanda, and Marawi. If we work together, we could help Surigao and other damaged areas rise again,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

In December 2021, Odette made nine landfalls in Eastern and Central Visayas, affecting 10 million people. PDRF and its private sector network immediately responded to aid the affected areas. Check out how PDRF is mobilizing its private sector network on its response and recovery efforts at bit.ly/PDRF-Storymap-Odette

For more information on how to support communities affected by Typhoon Odette, visit: www.pdrf.org/how-you-can-help/

Displaced workers in Tacloban find new hope for livelihood

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) brought silver lining to local folks as the agency successfully turned over equipment under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program providing livelihood support to displaced carpenters, welders, painters, and other skilled workers in the northern barangays of Tacloban City, March 22. 

These construction workers once lived in the city proper near the Cancabato Bay who were relocated by the local government to northern barangays after their homes had been devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. 

Lack of livelihood is the top challenge faced by these men who had been displaced from their place of work. Some of them are fishermen who, by their current situation, are far off the shore and were forced to shift to the construction industry for employment and income. 

The local government of Tacloban saw this opportunity to capacitate these men thru TESDA trainings and provision of equipment via DTI’s SSF program. This will help them become productive members of the society. 

“Ang role namin ay magbigay ng equipment at magpalakas sa ating mga kababayan. Maaari rin po kayong matulungan ng DTI through our livelihood programs para magkaroon ng tuluy-tuloy na kabuhayan,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. 

SSF is one of DTI’s programs to address bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industries and enhance productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing technical support and processing or manufacturing equipment in a shared system. 

The initiative complements the priority program of the LGU to provide livelihoods in the relocated communities of Tacloban. These areas came from hardly-hit barangays of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and were displaced from their place of livelihood. The project is expected to gen erate jobs and income for the skilled workers in the relocated sites. 

The project amounts to PHP 928,400 for the tools and equipment used for basic construction. The potential beneficiaries are skilled graduates of TESDA NC II and accredited schools for welding, carpentry, and painters. 

Secretary Lopez graced the said launching together with DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Assistant Secretaries Asteria Caberte, Demphna Du-Naga, and Dominic Tolentino, and Regional Director Celerina Bato. 

DTI encourages the promotion of MSMEs to a higher level where they could tap a better production facility for wider market share and be integrated with the global supply chain. 

‘Kwentong Kalikasan’ to feature Mindanaoanstories on forest conservation through videoseries

MARCH 2022 – To put a human face on the issues affecting our forests, the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ), in collaboration with Forest Foundation Philippines, has launched a new project that aims to highlight ecosystem restoration, preservation, and conservation through visual storytelling and video advocacy.*Kwentong Kalikasan is a video advocacy initiative that seeks to feature the stories and works of individuals, scientists, conservationists, champions, and emerging advocates of forest landscapes through a video series in the hopes of multiplying, amplifying, and creatively documenting the positive impact of forest conservation work."We understand the need to come up with tailor-fitted approaches in making forests relevant, and resonate with our communities,”* said Dennis Rosales, Landscape Coordinator of Forest Foundation Philippines, which he said is the reason why the Foundation has collaborated with AYEJ in this visual storytelling initiative*According to the Foundation’s Senior Program Officer Eric Buduan, 30 million hectares of land area in thePhilippines is historically mostly covered with forests. However, commercial logging operations in the 1900s to the 1990s resulted in a significant decline in the country’s forests.*Despite national greening efforts, the sharp decline in forest cover has affected the capacity of the forests to provide ecological goods and services such as biodiversity, water services, and timber and non-timber products, he added.Moreover, Buduan emphasized that forest conservation is not just about tree-planting. Rather, effective forest conservation starts with awareness and understanding of the importance of forests, hence the needfor effective education and advocacy campaigns.Power of visual storytellingKwentong Kalikasan is a two-component series: The first component is a 7-episode TV-magazine show composed of a series of intimate indoor conversations featuring honest stories of Mindanaoans that covertopics like forest conversation, indigenous narratives, biodiversity, science, the environment, and everything in between.*The second component is a 7-part Mini-Documentary Series that will feature profiles of emerging advocates and personalities in the Bukidnon-Misamis Oriental area, zooming in on the human dimension of solutions-making in forest landscape issues.AYEJ Executive Director Val Vestil said that they are now using video as an effective strategy to spread powerful ideas that try to educate, entertain, and inform people on forest conservation initiatives, and inspire courageous action.."The thing about visual storytelling is that we have people at the heart of the story, and these kinds of stories are delivered through interactive and visual media," he said.The project was launched on the occasion of the International Day of Forests last March 21, and featured a panel discussion that was attended by VOX Editor and Motion Designer Joey Sendaydiego, environmental filmmaker Pia Duran, and National Geographic Explorer Gab Mejia.*

"The power of visual storytelling lies in it being an immersive piece, a window that brings the audience to what is happening on the ground," Duran said during the Zoom Session that was attended by over 300 participants from across the country*Mejia added that when beholding the truth to an audience, a meaningful impact can be made."In advocacy, we’re trying to solve issues and in visual storytelling we are able to show the truths, the realities, the nuances of society at large or the issues that we’re talking about, may it be the environment or the forest," he said.Moreover, the project hopes to immortalize the work being done in forest conservation and the people behind it.Some potential episode titles for the TV-Magazine are: "Sendong Survivors Read Out Letters to their Future Selves," "College Students React to Indigenous Knowledge," and "Kids and Adults Draw What They Think Forests WIll Look Like in the Future."Thieza Verdijo, Deputy Director of the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF), and one of the personalities featured in the Mini-Documentary component, said that the XSF is delighted to take part in sharing the stories of the IP communities on Mt. Kalatungan, hoping to spark change in how audiences view the environment.*"We are all interconnected, so let’s work together," she said. XSF is currently supporting indigenous people communities in their efforts to sustain their forest landscapes and promote resource governance.The episodes will be launched twice a month starting April until October this year on the official Facebook pages of AYEJ and Forest Foundation. Following the roll-out of videos, AYEJ will hold a Traveling Film Festival by the end of the year where it will screen the episodes in and around communities and schools in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.AYEJ and Forest Foundation Philippines are still looking for media partners and distributors who will help amplify the video outputs that will be launched later in the year. If interested, email info@ayej.org.*AYEJ is an environmental development communication non-profit based in Cagayan de Oro City committed to enabling communities to be ecologically literate and proactive towards a more livable planet.They have been doing capacity-building initiatives and knowledge product development with partners such as the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, Internews, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

CONCEPCION: WHETHER FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK OR WORK FROM HOME, GOAL IS STILL ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Whether it’s a four-day workweek or a hybrid/flexible work arrangement, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the goal is still to keep the engines of the economy going. 

“Let’s not lose sight of the goal,” said the Go Negosyo founder. Concepcion said that he supports the return of employees to on-site work because it will encourage economic activity. He reiterated the importance of increased economic activity that results from employees returning to the workplace. 

“Many small businesses such as cafeterias and transportation are built around employees’ presence in the offices. Encouraging people to return to the offices will spur economic activity among these MSMEs,” he said. 

However, Concepcion believes that while hybrid work or a continuation of work-from-home arrangement may be possible for white-collar jobs and even BPOs, it may not be the case for employees who need to perform on-site work in manufacturing plants, render essential services, or handle physical goods.  

“People who work in the factories, move goods, or perform services, they can’t do their work from home,” he said. “At this point, we are already learning what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. I’m sure many will be open to the idea of a hybrid work-from-home arrangement, or for four-day workweeks, but we can’t have the same solution for everybody,” he said. 

Moreover, he said that a four-day workweek for everybody might not be ideal as there are businesses that rely on regular work shifts to produce goods for consumers.“ A four-day workweek may not be enough to produce the goods that the market needs or for businesses to stay afloat,” he said. 

The Go Negosyo founder said that imposing a four-day workweek arrangement for all businesses might disrupt workflows and affect costs, especially on businesses that rely on on-site work to be performed.  

It was earlier proposed that workers render 40 hours of work per week over four 10-hour days in order to help businesses cut costs and insulate workers from rising fuel prices. It was made clear, however, that government can only encourage, not obligate, the private sector to adopt a four-day workweek arrangement. The Labor Code does not prescribe the minimum number of working days in a week, and workers’ consent will also have to be sought as the 10-hour workdays will mean setting aside the eight-hour workday. 

“The imposition of a four-day workweek will have to be subject to government policies and guidelines which might take time to revise,” said Concepcion. “Meanwhile, we have to keep the economy open so more industries can offer jobs, and reduce the unemployment in the country.” 

The CEO Summit 2022 Draws a Positive Response from Leading Industry Names

The CEO Summit that will be held in Baguio City this April has received a warm response from leading names in technology.

The much-awaited face-to-face conference post-pandemic will be held at the Baguio Country Club from April 3 to 6, 2022 with this year’s theme as “4IR Ready:  The Era of Digital Transformation.” Over 200 business leaders, industry experts, and C-level executives are expected to gather in the City of Pines for four days of thought-provoking talks and exchange of views.

DTI – CAR Regional Director, Juliet Palpal Lucas enthused: “We welcome the CEO Summit 2022 in the Creative City, Baguio.  This is a timely and significant event just as the economy is set to get back better from the impact of the pandemic.  We are excited to listen to remarkable speakers that are coming for the conference to pitch in trendy technologies and innovative solutions which our business leaders today will surely benefit from.”

Angelo Cenon Valdez, Harper, and Hill Conference and Exhibition, Inc. Managing Director and summit organizer shared: “We saw the strong need for a face-to-face gathering after two years of doing virtual conferences brought about by the Covid19 pandemic.  And where else should we kick it off but in Baguio, the smart city of the North?  We want to create a relaxing atmosphere behind the exchange of opinions and sharing of insights between top conglomerates during the conference.”

The summit is highly supported by the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) which will showcase MicroSME PhilExport products to create access to large businesses participating in the event.

Technology and top companies confirm participation

917Ventures, Globe’s corporate venture builder and home to some of the most successful digital pioneers like GCash, KonsultaMD, Adspark, and many more, confirmed participation in the summit.

Natasha Dawn Bautista, 917Ventures’ Head of Growth and Programs Group said, “Conferences like the CEO Summit are a great platform to sharpen our knowledge and skills, bump into old connections & create new ones, and celebrate the excellence of the Filipinos. I’m looking forward to this year’s summit!”

Crypto Master Traders, Inc., President, and CEO, James Sali Dongla shared, “This is the first time we are joining the CEO Summit and we are excited to showcase our technology solution called ServiCoin, a cryptocurrency which I believe will revolutionize the payment systems for many services and businesses today.”

The CEO Summit’s main highlight will be the presentations of brilliant speakers which will focus on four topic tracks on digital transformation:

Opportunities for Growth

Collaborative Governance

Transformative Leadership

Future of Smart Cities

For more information on how to participate in the CEO Summit 2022, please contact HRTech500, visit www.ceoasiasummit.com, or email: cris@harperandhill.com.

Shopee Launches First #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair of the Year

MANILA, MARCH 17, 2022 - While MSMEs still comprise the majority of registered businesses in the country, a survey conducted by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Ecommerce Office in September 2020 showed that 73% of MSMES still require assistance in digitizing their operations. Shopee remains committed to help MSMEs transition to digital easily and seamlessly as it once again partners with the DTI to launch the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair from March 18-24. This initiative is in line with Shopee’s goal to provide local MSMEs with the support that they need to grow their businesses online.  

 

Through the week-long virtual trade fair, Shopee users will be able to discover and purchase Filipino-made essentials from a variety of shops ranging from snack food, health & beauty, groceries & pet stores, fashion, and more, at discounted rates. This year’s #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair will feature a diverse range of local sellers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This is among Shopee’s many initiatives to empower local businesses to shift online and encourage users to support them. Alongside these virtual trade fairs, sellers are also provided with different marketing tools, training, and initiatives to help them maximize their businesses’ growth on the platform such as Shopee University Summit, where local MSMEs can learn ways to drive their business growth from industry speakers and leaders.  

 

The virtual trade fair will also feature products from beloved Filipino brands such as Splash Personal Care, Zenutrients, Go Natural, Ever Bilena, San Miguel Foods, EQ, Lifeline Clothing, Sweetbaby, and Tala by Kyla.  

 

DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Marievic Bonoan has said, “Being able to provide our local MSMEs with opportunities for growth and development is one of our top priorities at the DTI. We understand the important role e-commerce platforms, like Shopee, play in creating a seamless digital transition for MSMEs. Through initiatives like the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, we believe that we can help these businesses maximize their full potential and make the digital transition smoother.” Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu says, “Supporting MSMEs is at the very core of what we do. We are deeply committed to creating more opportunities to help our local businesses adapt and thrive in the e-commerce industry through initiatives like our #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair. We look forward to this opportunity to once again help our sellers in their e-commerce journey, and also allow our users to support these community-owned businesses.”  

 

Aside from the wide range of products available at the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, Shopee users will also be also enjoy ShopeePay vouchers for 20% off with a minimum purchase of Php 300, valid on all #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair items this March 18-24.  

For more information about the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, visit https://shopee.ph/m/tatakpinoy2022.