R&D generated Agri Technologies, Agri Extension Model, and Natural Resources Valuation set to help PH Farmers, Communities

The agriculture sector communities in the country are seen to benefit from research and development (R&D)-generated technologies of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). 

These technologies include goat production, an automated and water-efficient irrigation system, and a mobile app to identify pests and diseases. Moreover, an improved extension model for conflict-vulnerable communities in Mindanao as well as learning how to create ecosystem services from natural resources, and how it can help build a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem is currently being showcased during the 7th National R&D Conference (NRDC) being held from September 15 to 16, 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

Technologies from R&D

Goat production in the Philippines is mainly seen in backyard farms and treated as a rural asset, especially during times when emergency cash is required. To further establish goat’s status as a “profitable rural asset,” the Isabela State University (ISU) spearheaded a program to enhance the application of artificial insemination (AI) to address production inefficiency.

Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga of ISU will present how the project was able to develop an extender designed for goat semen processing, which can prolong the viability of the sperm cells for use in AI. Dr. Nayga will also present how chevon can be processed into various products.

Meanwhile, sugarcane farmers will benefit from a computer-assisted furrow irrigation system called Automatic Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS). Dr. Marvin M. Cinense of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) will explain how AFIS technology can use real-time irrigation accessible via a web application. AFIS can also increase yield and save water. Dr. Cinense will highlight how a farmer can double or even triple his net income through AFIS. 

Smartphones, with their mobility, contribute a lot in farming. Now, insect pests and diseases can be identified using a mobile application called SPIDTECH, developed through the project, Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI). Ms. Rosemarie Laila D. Areglado of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) led the development of the mobile app. 

Proper pest identification is key to proper pest management. SPIDTECH therefore, hopes to help reduce damages and losses to crops due to insect pests and diseases infestation thus, reducing risk of income losses of our farmers. 

All of these generated technologies are from government funding, but inventions can also be a source of income especially for the technology generator. Mr. Noel A. Catibog, director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) will discuss RA 10055 or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 and how it can reward the agri-aqua innovation ecosystem and encourage researchers and scientists of various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) to commercialize the technologies produced from their research activities. This initiative will be part of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program, which Mr. Catibog will discuss.

 

Assisting the community through R&D

Aside from helping farmers, R&D also helps communities in gaining livelihood opportunities. A project using the case of Bataan Natural Park will show how forest ecosystem services can provided value and create wealth for the community. Dr. Juan M. Pulhin of the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will discuss how their study highlighted the importance of valuation to wealth creation in terms of the Five Capitals Model. 

Dr. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan of the University of the Philippines Mindanao will discuss how communities in conflict-vulnerable areas in the country can still earn from farming through the “Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension” or LIFE Model. Dr. Bayogan will showcase the model’s impact in South Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Zamboanga Sibugay in terms of increasing income, improving agricultural skills, forging strong partnership, and adopting diversified livelihood, among others. 

Learn more from the gains of R&D by joining this free virtual event through DOST-NRDC's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dostnrdc/videos/529702885585108

The 71st PhilAAST Annual National Convention 2022 and Awarding of Eight Leading Scientists

The Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) has concluded its 71st Annual National Convention last September 9, 2022 at the historic Manila Hotel.  This year theme is Accelerating Transformations for Sustainable Development Through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and aims to promote.  

In her welcome message, PhilAAST President Dr. Diana Ignacio said that since their inception, the PhilAAST has recognized the indisputable value of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for national development.  This is the reason why this year's theme focuses on STI and it's role in sustainable development.  

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr delivered a keynote message congratulating the PhilAAST and recognized and commended the invaluable efforts and selfless service of the officers and members of the organization.  He said that the organization has always been a consistent partner of the DOST.  Wealth creation, wealth protection, human wellbeing, sustainability will be the focus of the department to meet the vision outlined by President Bongbong Marcos.  He looks forward to a more rewarding partnership in the future.

Dr Reynaldo dela Cruz, VP of PhilAAST and concurrent chair of the awards committee led the awarding of eight scientists who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.  This year award recipients include:

• Dr Mario A Aurelio - recipient of the Gregorio Y Zara for Basic Research Award for his valuable contribution in the teaching of structural geology and geodynamics which are essential to sustainable development of the Philippines
• Dr Imelda A Ongo - recipient of the Gregorio Y Zara for Applied Research Award for her research, development, and technology innovation focusing on environment, food, and agricultural products.
• Ms Arsenia Sapin - recipient of the Dr Ceferino Follosco Award for Product and Process Innovation for her outstanding commercial and patented technology, innovation in phenolics based products from mango
• Dr Nilo T Bugtai - recipient of the Dr Paolo C Campos Award for Medical Research for being the country's leading pioneer in health technologies and biomedical devices that involve the application of robotic technology and artificial intelligence that are safe, easy to use, affordable and reliable
• Dr Fortunato L Cristobal - recipient of the Dr Lourdes Campos Award for Public Health for his vision of a socially accountable, relevant, and responsive community engaged medical education and health care in Mindanao
• Dr Rinlee Butch M Cervera - recipient of the David M Consunju Award for Engineering Research for undertaking significant research projects in the new frontier of material science and engineering focusing on energy storage and conversion devices, ways to energy applications, and research on green materials
• Dr Anthony Shun Fung Chiu - recipient of the Dr Mike Purvis Award for Sustainability Research for his works in the cleaner production, industrial ecology, and sustainable consumption and production more specifically in the introduction of a four stage eco industrial park development model for Asia and the Pacific, nexus between facility level, cleaner production, and beyond the wall eco industrial networking, advocacy to link science, policy and management and the crafting of policy framework for sustainable framework and production   
• Dr Maria Luz G Sison -  post humous recipient of the Leads Agri Award for Agricultural Research for her lifelong career in studying insect-crops interaction involving important economic crops thus paving the way for better understanding of infection mechanisms, resistance response of crops and effective pest control

PhilAAST Director Dr Ida Dalmacio is the masters of ceremony of the convention. 

Congratulations to all the awardees!

Watch the FB live DOST-ITDI  here

DOST invites public to discover Pinoy innovations at the 7th National R&D Conference

Technologies that transform knowledge to wealth:

Science and technology for wealth creation is the central theme of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) 7th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC).  The free event will be held from September 15 to 16, 2022.  

The event is set to showcase research and development (R&D) projects from DOST and its government partners: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DOTR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine Space Agency.  

According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., “The science of wealth creation stems from the role of innovation in the country’s economic progress.  Through R&D, we can generate technology-based solutions that respond to pressing societal needs such as furthering the income and growth of our local companies; protection of human life and livelihood during disasters; sustainability and protection of our natural resources, and the ensuring the well-being of all Filipinos though health, nutrition, and education.”

“R&D drives progress and wealth,” says DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia.  “The outputs of R&D go beyond new inventions.  Innovation projects fill gaps in technology and prioritizes the use of locally available resources.” 

        

Kadios or pigeon pea is being studied to serve as part of a local skin antibiotic formulation.  

Among the highlighted projects on health is on the use of kadios or pigeon pea as the base of a locally formulated and sourced skin antibiotic from Balik Scientist Dr. Doralyn Dalisay.  Her studies on skin diseases caused by infectious bacteria such as acne, impetigo, and paronychia are made through the collaboration of the University of San Agustin Center for Chemical Biology Biotechnology in Iloilo with pharmaceutical company Maridan Industries, Inc.  

A project on disaster risk reduction is the Impact-Based Forecasting and Warning System (IBFWS) in the Philippines from DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.  The development of the IBFWS will translate hazard information into potential impacts. The new forecasting paradigm will make information actionable, enable anticipatory action, and humanitarian intervention. 

To support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), DOST-PCIEERD leads the Enhancing the MSME Supply Chain Experience by Integrating Cold Chain Solutions–a presentation to be delivered by InsightSCS Corporation.  The single digital platform connects farmer-to-consumer (F2C), business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C), that increases process cycle efficiency by 63% by shortening the agriculture supply chain from eight steps to four steps. 

Furrow Irrigation in La Granja, Negros Occidental

For the agriculture and aquatic technologies, an agriculture innovation to be presented is the automated furrow irrigation system (AFIS) to improve production efficiency and cane yield in sugarcane block farm.  This technology developed by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) helps save water and improve sugarcane yield in farmlands.  With AFIS, water savings of 2,020 cubic meter per hectare (m3/ha) can be generated. Hence, labor cost for irrigation becomes lower due to automation.

Other innovations to be unveiled are technologies set to upgrade the business of MSMEs in the country.  Industry members, the academe, and those interested to see locally-made technologies may join this free event online by registering at 

https://bit.ly/7thNRDC_OnlineReg-virtual.  

21st PELíCULA-Spanish Film Festival 2022

Del 5 al 16 de octubre de 2022, la 21ª edición de PELíCULA PELICULA regresa a 3 países: Filipinas, Malasia y Australia. Y tras 2 ediciones en línea, volvemos a las proyecciones presenciales en 3 salas de Metro Manila: Shangri-La Cinemas, Cine Adarna-UP Diliman e Instituto Cervantes (sucursal de Intramuros). ¡Queremos verte la cara! :) PELíCULA, 21 años abogando por el cine de calidad —ya de vuelta a la Gran Pantalla. ¡Síguenos aquí para información actualizada sobre el Festival!

From 5 to 16 October, 2022, PELíCULA-Spanish Film Festival will be back in 3 countries: Philippines, Malaysia & Australia. And after 2 editions online, we're going back to onsite screenings at 3 venues in Metro Manila: Shangri-La Cinemas, Cine Adarna-UP Diliman & Instituto Cervantes (Intramuros Branch). We want to see your face! :) PELíCULA, 21 Years advocating Quality films —now back on the Big Screen. Stay tuned for further info on the Festival!

PELÍCULA 2022 es un proyecto de: Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Instituto Cervantes en Sídney, Aula Cervantes Kuala Lumpur, Embassy of Spain in the Philippines-AECID Philippines, Embajada de España en Australia, Shangri-La Cinemas y el Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Con la colaboración de: Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas, Embajada de Panmá en Filipinas, Vibal Foundation, Rustan’s, UP Film Institute, La Picara Manila.

#PelículaSpanishFilmFestival

Bukang Liwayway Artworks by New York Artist Rommel Rico at UP College of Medicine

"Bukang Liwayway - Inspiring Hope," is a colorful, dimly lit painting of women waiting for the fishermen at dawn by the beach to buy the day’s catch. True to my signature artwork, these women are one-eyed in Filipiniana with baskets and fishes. One eyed symbolize clarity, focus, clairvoyance and power. They depict hard-working women, patiently waiting for the boats to arrive. The scene evokes resilience, peace, and hope, palpable on the faces of these women.

I want this painting to be an inspiration for all medical students and the faculty of the university. I want these students to remember that there is power in patience, and hard work. Also, that every dawn is a promise of a new day and hope.

Coming full circle, this installation is a great honor for me as an artist. It is a testament that in helping others, we are also helping ourselves.

This painting was sponsored and donated by the UP College of Medicine Batch 1997. In the middle of the pandemic, we did a virtual exhibit, using my watercolor and acrylic artworks depicting the frontliners. All the artworks were converted to wearable art. The exhibit was aptly named – Salamat Fronltiners. That project was part of their fundraising for their projects as silver jubilarians of the UP College of Medicine.

First Freedom Ride Festival 2022

Be part of the growing motorcycle community in the Philippines and join us in the culminating event,the ist Freedom Ride Festival 2022.

Happening on November 25 to 27, 2022 ( Friday to Saturday ) from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex Pasay City.

This is the most awaited motorcycle event of the year, and will be participated by sponsors and enthusiasts. These 3 fun filled days of activities will showcase concerts, motorcycle clinics for kids, motorcade, food bazaar,exhibits and a lot more.

Another highlight of this event is the raffling  off of 3 motorcycles, 2022 Harley Davidson 1200cc Forty-Eight as grand prize, 2022 Royal Enfield 400 Himalayan for the second price and Vespa Racing 60's for the third lucky winner and lots of minor prizes will be given away. Ticket cost is at Php 2,500 and limited to only 1,000 pieces.

Ist Freedom Ride Festival is the brainchild of Mason Bikers-Sons of Luzon Pilipinas. The club started as a motorcycle group comprised of members coming from Luzon Lodge No. 57.

Our members have a sworn in obligations that "I will honor, respect and be loyal to Sons; I will take care and watch over my brothers during and every after ride; I will take care of my cuts the way I take care of my bike; I will honor and respect the patch and the group it represents" says Tony Andaya, one of its founding members.

Now, with over 18 million strong motorcycle riders in the Philippines, the community will continue to grow and the culture to solidly with the goal of promoting motorcycle tourism in the Philippines as well.

And as the saying goes...four wheels move the body and two wheels move the soul...see you all on the 1st Freedom Ride Festival 2022.

PHILAAST on Food Security, Governance, Entrepreneurship in 71st Convention 2022

One year after celebrating its Platinum Jubilee last year, the Philippine  Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST), through its President and DOST Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio, is inviting the Philippines' super body of researchers to join its hybrid annual convention to be held on Friday, September 9, 2022. 

Dr. Ignacio said, "The 71st Annual Convention, which will be keynoted by newly sworn in Science Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., will provide a platform for discussion and interaction on food security, governance, and entrepreneurship as its three pivotal Sustainable Development Programs for the next few years." 

She added, "It serves as a venue, as well for the presentation of the most recent findings and developments related to the impact of the changing environment on current issues, such as energy sustainability."

PHILAAST aims to promote and strengthen the scientific and technological collaboration among its member- and non-member researchers, currently numbering 114,900.

The 71st Convention will bring together great minds from the science and industry sectors. Of special note are the presenters of the Entrepreneurship Program who are also authors of the book "Science for Success." The presenters and authors include Former Science Secretary Prof. Fortunato T. De La Peña; Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe, President and CEO at Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.; and Maria Ester "Maret" Follosco- Bautista, President, and Treasurer of the CL Follosco Group of Companies.  

The book is the second of three books on entrepreneurship launched by DOST under the "Science for the People  Series," which also includes the books "Science for Scale" and "Science for Social Change." These books highlight the triumphs of small and medium enterprises achieved through the help of technological innovation and creative thinking. 

In the Synthesis of Webinars part of the convention, PHILAAST Secretary and DOST- ITDI Director Annabelle V. Briones will be presenting the essence of the Energy Series Webinar, which she said: "... called for the Philippines to accelerate energy transitions through a system-of-systems approach that will consider technology, policy, social, and market systems."   

Also to be announced are the winners of the Dr. Gregorio Y. Zara Awards for Basic Research; Dr. Gregorio Y. Zara Awards for Applied Research; Dr. Paulo C. Campos Award for Health Research; David M. Consunji Award for Engineering Research; LEADS Agri Award for Agricultural Research; Dr. Ceferino L. Follosco Award for Product and Process Innovation; Dr. Michael R. Purvis Award for Sustainability Research; and Dr. Lourdes E. Campos Award for Public Health. 

Expected participants are PhilAAST members, educators, academe and government researchers, industry representatives, and other science and technology practitioners. 

Established in 1951, PhilAAST (formerly PhilAAS) is an association of scientists and technologists in the country that aims to promote science's value in the community. (AMGuevarra\\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service