Ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino ay Lalahok sa MIBF 2023!

Lalahok ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) sa 14–17 Setyembre 2023, 10:00 nu–8:00 ng, SMX Convention Center, Lungsod Pasay. 

Itatampok ng KWF ang mga aklat pangwika at pangkultura na kinabibilangan ng Nananalamin: Tatlong Dulang Sumasalamin sa Kontemporaryong Pamilya ni Luciano Sonny Valencia; Pananalig sa Batà: Kasaysayan at Panunuri sa Muling Pagsasalaysay at Pagsasaling Pambatà sa Filipino ni  Wennielyn F. Fajilan; Mga Kuwentong-bayan ng Timog Cordillera: Ortograpiyang Ibaloy at Kankanaey ni Komisyoner Jimmy B. Fong; Mga Dula ni Njel De Mesa ni Njel De Mesa; Jonas: Nobela sa Wikang Sebwano ni Hannah A. Leceña, at marami pang iba.

Tampok din ang mga aklat ni Tagapangulong Arthur P. Casanova na Mga Drama para sa Dulaang Pambata, Mga Dula para sa Teatrong Pambata, at Batang Mandirigma at Lima pang Dula.

Ang KWF ay naniniwala na ang paglalathala ng mga publikasyon ay isang paraan ng pagtatanghal sa kapasidad ng wikang Filipino bílang wika ng malikhain at intelektuwal na gawain. Isang paraan ito ng pag-iimbak ng karunungan sa iba’t ibang disiplina na Filipino ang wika sa pagsulat at saliksik.

2 Senators Reiterate Promotion of Filipino Language, Dialects

MANILA – Two lawmakers on Friday reiterated their commitment to promoting the use of the Filipino and indigenous languages.

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, emphasized the importance of Republic Act No. 11961 or “An Act Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping and Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program, amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10066, Otherwise Known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009", during the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino’s (KWF) Gabi ng Parangal (Night of Recognition) at Hotel Lucky Chinatown.

In a video message played during the event, Legarda commended the KWF for its continuous efforts in strengthening, expanding, and promoting various languages and dialects in the Philippines, particularly indigenous languages.

She said the law which was recently signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signified a milestone in safeguarding cultural diversity amid the challenges of globalization.

“The reservation, preservation and protection of our arts, culture and language have been among my most valued and consistently upheld advocacies. In my fourth term as senator, we have proposed the cultural mapping bill, a legislative measure that seeks to amend the National Cultural Heritage Act,” Legarda said.

“Under this law, all local governments across the Philippines will conduct cultural mapping of their respective localities, including their languages," she added.

Meanwhile, Senator Lito Lapid expressed concern over the potential loss and neglect of Filipino languages due to modernization and globalization.

Lapid cited the impact of social media on language evolution and challenged language advocates to maintain proper language use on these platforms.

“In today's time, our young people don't just learn languages in schools, on the radio, television or in films. We can't ignore the significant role of social media in the advancement of languages. Many trending words spread regularly across various Internet platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, causing a continuous evolution of our language,” Lapid said in his message delivered by his chief legislative officer, lawyer Abelardo Manlanque.

Lapid added these posed a challenge to language advocates to be present in these platforms and encouraged everyone, including the KWF, to defend the Filipino languages.

"I encourage each of us, led by the Commission on the Filipino Languages, to be defenders and advocates of our languages. This is not just valuing our culture and integrity, but also fulfilling our duty to keep our language alive and meaningful amid constant change)," he said.

The senator also urged those in power to use the Filipino language to spread proper education, technology and economic progress.

Meanwhile, the KWF awarded the prestigious Dangal ng Wikang Filipino 2023 honor to the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, Inc. and individuals Felipe M. de Leon, Rolando B. Tolentino, Pilar “Pilita" G. Corrales, filmmaker Elwood Perez and Carol B. Dagani.

The Seal of Excellence in Language and Culture or the Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Wika at Kultura 2023 award was given to Catanduanes State University, Sorsogon State University, Aurora State University, Quirino State University and the University of San Carlos.

West Mindanao State University received the Dangal ng Wika at Kultura 2023 award.

The KWF also recognized essayists of the year (Sanaysay ng Taon 2023): Mark Anthony S. Angeles (1st Place); Ariel U. Bosque (2nd place); and Joanah Pauline L. Macatangay (3rd place). (By Noemi Reyes, PNA)

DOST OneLab’s poster presentation in Vietnam highlights the role in ensuring food safety

To further promote the importance of the network in ensuring food safety, the Department of Science and Technology’s OneLab project management team joined the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) SEA Section 2nd Annual Conference held on August 1-2, 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The team composed of the project leader and DOST IX Assistant Regional Director for Finance, Administrative Support and Technical Services, Ms. Rosemarie S. Salazar; Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, co-project leader and Director of Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI); and Mr. Admer C. Dablio, Project Coordinator and Quality and CPD Manager of ITDI led the poster presentation detailing the initiatives of the OneLab Network.

Titled “A Networking Success: The Role of the Philippines’ DOST OneLab Network in Ensuring Food Safety for Both the National and International Markets,” the poster presentation posited that many of the member laboratories under the OneLab Network come from testing laboratories which are being utilized to address the increasing needs from various stakeholders for testing of foods and food products to ensure safety and quality, meeting national and international requirements and standards.

Through the network, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in remote areas of the Philippines, they said, can now have access to testing services to check if their food and food products are complying to quality requirements and are safe for consumption.

This innovative solution has, in turn, enabled MSMEs produce globally competitive food and food products that can penetrate the international market through the economies’ Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs), since the products are tested by accredited laboratories based on PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

For years, the network has helped various sectors: (a) the regulatory bodies in the performance of their function to regulate foods and food products for the strict implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013; (b) the big companies and MSMEs which don’t have internal quality assurance laboratories for their food quality and safety assessments, meeting requirements of their own customers; and (c) the policy makers for the development of food safety national and international standards from scientific data of the local settings in the Philippines.

They said that the DOST OneLab has been influential not only in the monitoring of food safety and quality in the country, but as well as in the contribution to the development of food national standards through the technical expertise provided by DOST.

Pesticide residue as food safety issue in SEA countries

Aside from the poster presentation, Dr. Briones served as one of the panelists in a panel discussion on the “Needs of Pesticide Analysis in the Southeast Asia Region.”

The discussion focused on pesticide residue being one of the major food safety issues in the Southeast Asian countries and on the discussion on the needs of pesticide analysis in the Southeast Asian region with the intention to support international trade.

Ms. Edna Callejas-Mijares, RCh., MSc., CEO of Jefcor Laboratories, Inc., for the Philippines, presented “Pesticides Residues in Food and Food Products: Analysis and CODEX Standards for Maximum Residue Limits” which called for the harmonization of standards by adoption of CODEX Standards as provided for in the Food Safety Act of 2013 and she also served as one of the panelists.

Meanwhile, Abigail Grace H. Bion, RCh, MSc, and Science Research Specialist I from the National Metrology Division of DOST-ITDI, is one of the three (3) graduate and undergraduate students who won the Best Student Poster Awards conducted in the annual conference.

Ms. Bion won together with contestants from Indonesia and Vietnam, besting 12 students from seven countries in Southeast Asia which were granted student travel awards by the AOAC SEA.

In June 2021, the formation of a new Southeast Asia section of AOAC International was approved by the AOAC Board of Directors. The new section, AOAC Southeast Asia Section, encompasses 10 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Want to be a DOST OneLab Network member? Contact us at our email address, itdi.onelab@gmail.com.    

By Rosemarie C. Señora, S&T Media Service

#OneLabforTED
#OneDOST4U

DOST establishes vibrant partnership with US private companies through the US-ASEAN Business Council

DOST officials, US-ABC executives, and member companies posed for a photo op at the close of the 2023 Philippine Business Mission

Development of Smart Cities, Quantum Technology, Digital Transformation, Advanced Weather Forecasting, and the facilitation of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) initiatives are among the points of interest of the companies during the annual US-ASEAN Business Council 2023 Philippine Business Mission meeting held at the Manila Marriott Hotel. 

The US-ASEAN Business Council represents over 175 U.S. companies, including many of the world’s largest global firms, with operations in Southeast Asia. In this Business Mission, senior representatives from member companies went to the Philippines to engage with priority stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of U.S.-Philippines business relations.

Led by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., the DOST welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the private sector in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). This strategic alignment is expected to bring benefits, such as knowledge exchanges, technological breakthroughs and finding innovative solutions that can improve the STI efforts of the country.

For DOST, research and development projects on OneLab Network, SETUP and CEST, alongside the areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU are envisioned to be continued. These are R&D programs focused on upgrading and supporting countryside development and empowering the poorest communities in the country, through S&T interventions in health and nutrition, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, livelihood/economic enterprise development, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Notably, it is important to highlight that the DOST and the US-ASEAN Business Council formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019. This MOU stands as a testament to the joint efforts in promoting the development and implementation of government-driven science, technology, and innovation initiatives within the private sector.

PH, US Consumer Protection and Privacy Agencies Hold a 5-day Workshop

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the United States Federal Trade Commission (US FTC) successfully conducted a five (5)-day workshop on Emerging Technological Sector Issues in Consumer Protection and Privacy Investigations and Enforcement on 07-11 August 2023 at Ascott Hotel, Makati City. 

With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Strengthening Private Enterprise to the Digital Economy (SPEED), this workshop brought together esteemed experts from the US FTC, DTI, and NPC. It served as a platform for in-depth discussions on various pressing topics, including the deceptive practices known as dark patterns, generative artificial intelligence, online investigation tools and techniques, and the prevalence of multilevel marketing/pyramiding schemes.

During the opening ceremony, DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary, Atty. Ruth B. Castelo, underscored “As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it has become imperative to safeguard the consumers’ personal information and ensure their confidence in digital transactions and interactions. Throughout this 5-day workshop, we have the privilege of learning from a roster of experts and speakers in the field of consumer protection and data privacy, especially on the topics of tech development, pyramid schemes, dark patterns, and artificial intelligence.”

Meanwhile, USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Jeff Goebel said, “In our efforts, we must not lose sight of the core participants who drive the digital ecosystem – the consumers themselves. For any digital economy to flourish and be sustainable, it is important that consumers have trust in the integrity and fairness of digital markets.  USAID is eager to contribute and support initiatives that would foster a safe and fair digital marketplace, empowering consumers while nurturing economic growth.” 

The NPC Chief of Policy Division, Atty. Ivy Grace T. Villasoto, emphasized that “Our ability to harness the potential of emerging technology must go hand in hand with our commitment to safeguarding and sustaining the trust of our data subjects. Personal data breaches, privacy violations, and unauthorized personal data processing activities can undermine the trust gained and progress we have made so far. Hence, it is paramount that we are equipped to effectively investigate and take the necessary enforcement actions against any violations that may happen.” 

Throughout the 5-day workshop, FTC experts shed light on the prevalence and impact of dark patterns, emerging trends in native advertising and influencer campaigns, and greenwashing. Speakers also discussed how they dealt with unfair and deceptive privacy and security practices by companies that share personal information with third-party providers. In addition, the workshop explored potential deceptive trade practices related to products and services using machine learning and similar technologies. During one of the sessions, the speaker provided an informative overview of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This act empowers parents by granting them control over the type of information that websites collect from their children. Participants had the opportunity to engage with FTC experts who shared their extensive knowledge and expertise on these critical topics.

The presenters from the NPC and DTI emphasized their efforts and initiatives to ensure consumer protection and privacy in the country. The NPC provided updates on the draft guidelines regarding Deceptive Design Patterns, and discussed the complaints received against online lending applications. The DTI presented e-commerce policies, including the proposed Revision of the Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and the proposed Internet Transactions Act. The DTI also shared its technology-based consumer projects, such as e-Presyo, an online price monitoring system that allows consumers to check the prevailing prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs), and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Verification Mobile Application, which enables the public to verify the authenticity of the ICC quality seal attached to imported products.

On the final day of the hybrid workshop, speakers from the US FTC discussed how to better protect consumers from the risks posed by new technologies through enhanced collaboration among regulators, the tech sector, and businesses. During the FTC panel discussions, industry representatives addressed the significance of transparency and the current challenges associated with online ratings and reviews. They also discussed the recommended principles for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concerning consumers.

Everyone is encouraged to follow DTI’s Consumer Care official social media accounts for more information. For consumer-related concerns and queries, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.  confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete immediately; do not use it for any purpose, nor disclose its contents to anyone. Views and opinions expressed herein are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the views of DTI.

DTI Celebrates National Coconut Week with the unveiling of Go Lokal!’s Cocomania

In celebration of the National Coconut Week (per Proclamation No. 142, s. 1987) from August 24 to 30, 2023, the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) proudly unveils its Go Lokal! Cocomania project.

Cocomania is a special showcase of coconut-based products in select Go Lokal! stores. The campaign supports the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) which seeks to uplift the lives and livelihood of coconut farmers and highlight the incredible potential of the coconut industry and its crucial role in sustainable economic development.

Cocomania offers a thoughtfully curated selection of coconut-based products such as artisanal crafts, processed food and beverages, food supplements, personal care essentials, and health and wellness products from the following Go Lokal! MSMEs:

The Soap Farm
Marinduque Land Corporation
Innovative Packaging (Oh So Healthy)
B&C Healthy Snacks
Coco Dolce
Mama Sitas
Star Kaffea Coffee
Coco Wonder (Andy Albao)
AG Nutriceuticals
Lakan
Cocoplus
Galo
Pasciolco
Al Di Foods
Amazing Foods
Theo and Philo
Sol’s Italian Foods
Orich
The SuperFood Grocer
Aretei Foods Corporation
Tigre Y Oliva
Coco Libra
Ralph & MatthewsE

Experience Cocomania in select Go Lokal! inline and pop-up stores strategically located within Metro Manila:

Go Lokal! Concept Store, Makati City
Go Lokal! Pop-up Store at Festival Mall Alabang
Go Lokal! x Common Room PH at U.P. Town Center
Go Lokal! x Common Room PH at Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Go Lokal! Cocomania will also participate in the World Coconut Congress, a significant gathering of key players in the coconut industry, from August 30 to September 1, 2023, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay.

Let’s continue to support our local coconut farmers and MSMEs. Follow #Cocomania’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on the DTI’s Go Lokal! Cocomania campaign, you may also email: DTI-BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan or Go Lokal! Program Manager Maya G. Arcega at bdtp@dti.gov.ph. 

The Appeal of Bananas Delicious Fruit Products from the Philippines are Best-Sellers in the EU Market

The relaxed charm of fourth-generation farmer 35-year-old Raymund Aaron does not show the hard work he puts into successfully running his small family business of manufacturing food products.

The company Villa Socorro Farm and their factory are situated in Pagsanjan, Laguna province, south-east of Manila.

The self-styled 'Banana Chief' of this social enterprise, Raymund, oversees the production and marketing of the company's famous banana chips.

He inherited his passion for agriculture and farming from his father, incorporating a streak of his own.

Right after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Management from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009, Raymund joined the budding family business.

"I wanted to be an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. We used to grow bananas on our land in Pagsanjan, and so, after graduating, doing business using bananas seemed the perfect fit," Raymund shared.

An indirect start

The idea of exporting came through his father's work in marketing for a multinational company, which inspired him to engage in international business.

Starting off in 2008 with an initial capitalization of Php5 million, the company produced banana chips, with the first export in 2014 to the United States.

The Health Safety Certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a requirement of the Philippine authorities, was obtained in 2012, which further added credibility to the business as an exporter.

"We began exporting indirectly through a local company that expressed interest in distributing our products to buyers there."

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) helps reach Europe

Raymund, a regular at the Philippine government’s DTI business matching events, recently returned from a similar event held in Dubai coinciding with Gulfood 2023.

Regular participation in business networking events and seminars since 2015 has provided valuable knowledge and insights on export market access, including the European Union (EU).

Be it the DTI or the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) handling the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, the biggest international food trade show in the country, he always found participation in the trade fairs to be beneficial.

"You never knew who you would meet. I always carried samples of my products along." At one such event arranged by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Raymund established a connection with the Philippines’ diplomatic mission in Switzerland. Soon, samples from Villa Socorro reached a few Swiss companies with the help of this link.

The products were a hit with one distribution company. By the end of 2019, a 20-foot container with 1,000 boxes that cost USD14,000 has been shipped to Switzerland. "It was support from the EMB that helped us pursue direct exports to Europe. We made our first link through them."

Recognizing the support he received, Raymund is always willing to share his skills and knowledge with other entrepreneurs and to contribute to local DTI capacity-building initiatives.

Why the EU?

The EU appears to be a lucrative market for the company as Raymund gradually expands the product range by including sweet potato chips and corn snacks. About 80% of total current revenue comes from exports, while 20% comes from sales at hotels, restaurants, canteens, airports, kiosks, and selected supermarkets in the Philippines.

Villa Socorro's exports to Europe are at 5%, with buyers in Switzerland, Norway and EU member state the Netherlands. Raymund wants to increase business with Europe, specifically with EU member states, which he regards as the best destinations for healthy organic food products made from tropical fruits.

"It is a market that is willing to pay a premium for natural products."

EU buyers' requirements

Raymund's drive to grow specifically in the EU market is evident in his readiness to comply with the necessary requirements. 

The REX number to avail of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme to export tariff-free to the EU was obtained on the recommendation of the buyers to strengthen the business.

The Registered Exporter System (REX) is a self-certification system wherein the origin of goods is declared by economic operators themselves by means of so-called statements about origin. To be entitled to make out a statement of origin, an economic operator must be registered in a database by the competent authorities. The economic operator then becomes a "registered exporter."

Product and packaging development were also adjusted. There is a shift to use a more natural Brown Muscovado Sugar to suit customer preferences in the EU.

The company also created a sub-brand, Farmony, to market its products in the EU. "Farmony creates harmony between farmers, manufacturers, and consumers. Our existing brand, Villa Socorro Farm Sabanana Banana Chips, really targets Filipinos or people looking for Filipino products. We created Farmony to have a product that can easily blend on the shelves of the EU market," Raymund shared.

Social entrepreneur

Being on a farm allowed Raymund to become a social entrepreneur. He understands well the needs of the farmer.

To support banana farmers around his family plantation, Raymund buys 98% of the fruit from the community that he fondly refers to as “partner-farmers."

"We buy bananas from more than 200 farmers in a radius of 5km around our farm. We only plant 2% of the bananas that we use for banana chips," he shared. By processing 600,000 tons of bananas every year, he provides the local farmers with a market for their produce.

He considers himself lucky that things fell into place, enabling him to give back to the community that helped him get to where he is today.

Gearing up for the future

"I am still here. I look forward to expanding our business. Sticking with the snacks theme, we're looking at making use of the abundant farm produce in our region and the rest of the Philippines to create fun and healthy snacks.

Raymund is determined to transform the business into a reliable food company by creating an entire line of banana products and drawing in loyal customers at home and abroad.

The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of European Union (EU) market access and the trade privileges granted under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP+). It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies.

ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU with the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the technical agency for the project.