DOST, PNRI Researchers Get Gold, Silver & Special Awards in Korean Invention Fair

Department< of Science and Technology (DOST)-developed technologies slammed it out in the recently concluded Seoul International Invention Fair or SIIF 2023 held in Seoul, South Korea, held 01-04 Nov. 2023.

Bagging major awards are DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute researchers who brought home gold and silver for the Hemostat Technology and Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP), respectively

Hemostat Technology also bagged two more special awards: Excellent Efforts in Creating an Invention by the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and Best International Invention and Innovation by the National Research Council of Thailand.

PNRI’s technologies excelled among 484 innovations from 26 countries which competed in the on-site evaluation session on 01 November 2023. Every entry was rated based on several criteria such as technicality, marketability, feasibility, and design and explanation

The hemostat is made of carboxymethyl cellulose that is crosslinked and sterilized by radiation. It provides an efficient control of moderate to severe bleeding of wounds, thus vital in emergency cases and medical procedures.

The Carrageenan PGP, on the other hand, is a foliar fertilizer made of red seaweeds that can increase crop yield to more than 20 percent. Irradiation technology breaks down the carrageenan into smaller bits that can enter the plants’ stomata or tiny openings and become plant food instead of being applied into the soil.

Developed by the research team led by Dr. Lucille V.  Abad, the Carrageenan PGP is now commercialized nationwide and available through online selling platforms.

Nuclear technology making traction

“PNRI technologies are already gaining ground in the global arena,” said PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla as he congratulated the winning DOST team. 

“We aim to develop more R&D products and technologies that are highly relevant and developed using nuclear technology,” he added. “This latest award for PNRI researchers will surely inspire the PNRI family to come up with more creative researches.”

Representing the PNRI was Charito T. Aranilla, lead researcher of Hemostat Technology, who received the awards on behalf of the Institute on Nov. 3 in a ceremony held at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) Hall C in Seoul. She was guided and assisted, especially in Business Pitching, by Ronald Alan Pinzon and his Business Development Team.

Other DOST awards

Meanwhile, other DOST technologies also won major awards such as gold for the Flavored Salts by the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), silver for the Lyocell-lignocellulosic Fiber-based Yarns by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, and bronze for the Stabilized Brown Rice (trademark: 𝘒𝘢𝘺𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘨𝘪) by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute and the Salt Washer Machine by the ITDI.

Special awards also went to ITDI’s Gourmet Salt, awarded by Singapore; FNRI’s Stabilized Brown Rice, by the Indonesian Invention and Innovation Promotion Association; and PTRI’s Industry-Scalable Natural Dyes as “Best International Invention” by the VietNam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations.

The SIIF, launched in 2002, aims to help market and promote inventions. According to its website, the SIIF 2023 is under the patronage of the City of Seoul, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations. It is an event where inventors and researchers from all over the world showcase new ideas and products to manufacturers, investors, distributors, licensing firms and the general public. (Framelia V. Anonas, with reports from Gregory Ciocson | Photos by DOST)

Eksibit sa Nanganganib na Wika

Binuksan noong 6 Nobyembre 2023 ang Eksibit sa Nanganganib na Wika sa Senado ng Pilipinas, Lungsod Pasay na pinangunahan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino at Opisina ni Senador Loren Legarda.  Tampok sa naturang eksibit ang mga wikang nanganganib na Arta, Alta, at Ayta Magbukun.  

Arta ang tawag sa wika ng mga katutubong Arta na matatagpuan sa Nagtipunan, Quirino. Mula sa unang talâ ni Lawrence A. Reid noong 1989 hinggil sa bílang ng mga tagapagsalita ng Arta, aabot sa 20–35 na pamilya ang nagsasalita ng wikang ito.Ngunit sa kasalukuyan, sampu (10) na lámang ang natitiráng tagapagsalita ng Arta at tanging matatandang Arta na lámang ito.

Wikang Álta ang tawag sa katutubong wika ng mga Álta na naninirahan sa lalawigan ng Aurora. Ang wikang Álta ay kabílang sa wikang Austronesyano. Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon na lamang 53 sambahayan ang gumamit ng wikang Alta*.   

Ayta Magbukún ang katutubong wika ng pangkat ng Ayta Magbukún. Sinasalita ito sa labindalawang komunidad ng Ayta Magbukún sa Bataan. Sa kasalukuyan, tinatáyang limampung porsiyento (50%) ng kabuoang bílang ng mga Ayta Magbukún sa buong lalawigan ng Bataan ang itinuturing na passive bilingual. Ibig sabihin ay nakakaunawa sila ng wikang Ayta Magbukún, ngunit hindi nakapagsasalita ng wika. Mayroon na lamang 764 sambahayan ang gumamit ng wikang Ayta Magbukun*.   

Sa pagbubukas ng eksibit, inilunsad din ang mga aklat hinggil sa dokumentasyon ng wika at kultura ng Arta, Alta, at Ayta Magbukun.  Itinatampok sa aklat ang paglalarawan sa usapin at suliraning pangwika ng bawat pangkat, at kung paanong nakaapekto ang paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga katutubo noon at sa kasalukuyan sa pagiging nanganganib ng kanilang katututubong wika.  Isa-isa ring inilahad ang kalagayan ng pamumuhay ng mga katutubo at ang mga nagpapatuloy at nananatili pa nilang tradisyon sa gitna ng mga pagbabago, at kung paano ang mga pagbabagong nangyayari at nararanasan nila at nakaiimpluwensiya rin sa kalagayan ng kanilang katutubong wika.     

Dumalo rin sa pagbubukas ng eksibit ang mga kinatawan ng komunidad ng Alta na sina Perlita Marquez, Chieftain at Violeta Fernandez, culture bearer; mula naman sa komunidad ng Ayta Magbukun ay sina Rosita Sison, Chieftain at Irene Cruz.   

Layunin ng eksibit na pataasin ang kamalayan ng publiko at mga institusyon ng pamahalaan hinggil sa usapin ng panganganib ng wika.  Bukas ang eksibit hanggang 17 Nobyembre 2023 sa Ikalawang Palapag ng Senado ng Pilipinas. 

*Sanggunian: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020 Census of Population and Household

PHILIPPINE STARTUPS SHINE AT ASEAN-KOREA STARTUP WEEK 2023 AND ECOTHON 2023

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA – In an extraordinary display of innovation and entrepreneurial prowess, Philippine startups made a significant impact on the international startup scene at two prestigious events held in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023, held on 19-20 October 2023, and the ECOTHON 2023 during the COMEUP Global Startup Festival, held on 8-10 November 2023, showcased the excellence of Philippine startups, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its ILEAP program.

The International and Local Exposure Program (ILEAP) is an initiative by the DTI that supports qualified startups in participating in local or international startup events or competitions. ILEAP is created to provide opportunities for startups to showcase their innovations, network with potential investors, and contribute to the growth of the Philippine startup ecosystem.  

ASEAN-Korea Startup Week: Celebrating Innovation Brilliance 

Thirty (30) startups, carefully selected by the 10 ASEAN Embassies in Korea and the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to venture capitalists from Korea at the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023. 

Among these startups, three Philippine startups showcased groundbreaking ideas in sectors such as AI, e-commerce, fintech, education, and tourism. Mata Technologies specializes in cutting-edge AI solutions, providing virtual tours for real estate in the Philippines. Nanohubs is a pioneering tech company leveraging nanotechnology for transformative products. ChatGenie focuses on conversational AI and chatbot solutions, enhancing customer engagement for businesses. 

Mata Technologies, Nanohubs, and ChatGenie not only contributed to the vibrant ASEAN-Korea startup ecosystem but also represented the Philippines with brilliance on the global stage.  

ECOTHON 2023: Philippine Startup Emerges Victorious 

In a resounding victory for Philippine innovation, Sikai Inc. emerged as the winner at ECOTHON 2023, hosted during the COMEUP Global Startup Festival in Seoul, South Korea. The event, centered around "Eco-entrepreneurs for a Sustainable and Innovative Business Model Development," unfolded on November 9, 2023.

This global triumph marks a significant milestone in the third year of the Philippines' participation, as Sikai Inc. secured its position as the first-time winner at ECOTHON. The competition, spanning the Philippines, Malaysia, Lao PDR, and Indonesia, served as a prelude to the international stage. Sikai Inc., with its focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, stood out among 12 participants from Ecothon winners in the aforementioned countries.

Ecothon 2023 DemoDay Awarding From L-R: Mr.Vahn Marty Cagalawan (Sikai Inc.), Ms. Audwin Mocorro Jr. (Sikai Inc.), Mr. Chris Seung-chan Lee (ASEIC) 

Sikai Inc. was awarded an impressive KRW 3 Million for its software solutions focused on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Notably, Session Groceries and Insiklo PH, Ecothon Philippines' 2nd and 3rd place winners, joined Sikai Inc. in representing the country at ECOTHON 2023. Session Groceries supports local farmers, while Insiklo PH focuses on insect upcycling for a circular economy.

This global competition, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) of the Republic of Korea, ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC), and Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), and supported by the government focal points and implementing partners, emphasized the commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production.

The global stage of ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023 and Ecothon 2023 not only reaffirmed the Philippines' position as a hub for sustainable entrepreneurship but also showcased the nation's prowess in addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. 

Since 2019, the DTI has propelled 221 unique startups into the international market through its ILEAP program and will continue to play a crucial role in supporting qualified startups to participate in local and international events, contributing to the growth of the Philippine startup landscape. 

Secretary Pascual said, “We at DTI remain committed to our goal of strengthening the Philippine startup ecosystem to facilitate their integration in the global value chain. These awards are a clear testament that the Philippine startup ecosystem is on its way to make its mark in the global arena.”

PH’s BOI Grants Green lane Endorsement for Php10.85-B Wind Project in Laguna

Committed to making more green investments happen in the Philippines, the Board of Investments (BOI), through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), awarded a Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to the Kalayaan 2 Wind Power Project of Laguna Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) located in Paete and Kalayaan, Laguna.  

OSACSI Governor-in-Charge Marjorie O. Ramos-Samaniego awarded the Certificate of Endorsement, under Executive Order (EO) No. 18: Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, to LWEC representatives at the BOI’s Main Office in Makati City on Oct. 23, 2023.  

Making it Happen with LWEC. The BOI officials awarded a Green Lane Certification of Endorsement to the LWEC representatives for its wind project in Laguna.  

The project, with an investment cost of Php10.85 billion, is set to start its commercial operations by 2026 and is expected to generate at least 30 direct and 500 indirect employment for Filipinos.  

In addition, the said wind power project aims to harness renewable wind resources to power industries and promote sustainable and greener economic growth. 

Notably, The Blue Circle (TBC), through its subsidiary Laguna Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC), is currently developing the Kalayaan 2 wind power project to spearhead its efforts in increasing its presence in the Philippines, with an overall portfolio of more than 2.5 GW worth of renewable energy projects in development in the entire country.  

The Kalayaan 2 project’s footprint will cover 70 hectares of land with an installed 100.8 MW of clean energy capacity utilizing the latest state-of-the-art wind turbine generator technology.  

Aligned with the Department of Energy’s target of 35% share of renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030, the Kalayaan 2 project will contribute to accelerating the Philippines’ goal to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth in the project’s region and protecting the health and environment of its stakeholders. 

Approved by the Office of the President on February 24 this year, EO 18 aims to expedite, streamline and automate processes on the application of permits and licenses of strategic investments. As the single entry of strategic investments, OSACSI will be facilitating the processing of permits and licenses of the endorsed project to ensure the fast realization of energy investments in the country.

Eksibit sa mga Nanganganib na Wika ng Pilipinas kung Nobiembre 6-16, 2023

Kasama ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, inaanyayahan ko kayong tuklasin ang kahalagahan ng ating mga wika. 

Bisitahin sa ikalawang palapag ng Senado mula Nobyembre 6-16, 2023 ang Eksibit sa mga Nanganganib na Wika ng Pilipinas kung saan itatampok ang wikang Áyta Magbukún ng Bataan, Álta ng Aurora, at Árta ng Quirino. 

Ang pormal na pagbubukas ng eksibit ay gaganapin sa ika-6 ng Nobyembre, 10:00 ng umaga. 

Magkita-kita tayo sa darating na Lunes!

PEZA & PTIC-Taipei Hosts Philippine Investment Forum, Secures PhP 20.6 Billion in targeted Investment Leads and Pledges from Taiwanese Investors

Pasay City – In partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Taipei (PTIC-Taipei), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) led a 5-day outbound mission to Taiwan for the 2023 Philippine Investment Forum, an annual gathering of Taiwan companies and associations interested in investing and doing business in the Philippines. As a pioneer of the ecozone program, PEZA aims to spearhead the investment promotions of the country and inspire more Taiwanese companies to do business in the Philippines.  

PEZA also explored new strategic areas of collaboration with the Taiwan Smart Electric Bicycle Association (TSEBA), a non-profit public welfare social organization integrating and promoting the exchange and development of Taiwanese manufacturers of smart electric bicycles and other equipment and components, for the goal of energy conservation and carbon reduction around the world.  

Finally, PEZA participated in numerous business-to-business (B2B) meetings with potential Taiwanese investors who have been targeting the Philippines as their next investment location. With a total of PhP 20.6 billion in investment leads and pledges from this mission, PEZA has influenced and assured the decision-makers of Taiwan-based global industry players to proceed and finalize their investment plans in the Philippines through PEZA.  

Philippine Investment Forum hosted and organized by PEZA and PTIC-Taipei 

With the consolidation of several trade and investment leads and the alliance with strategic networks for an economic update, this investment forum became an avenue for one hundred fifty-four (154) participants from prominent Taiwanese companies and distinguished associations interested to explore business opportunities and expansion plans in the Philippines.  

The organizers invited notable guest speakers such as Ms. Kristy Hsu, Director of the Taiwan ASEAN Studies Center of Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, Dr. Sharon Wu, Research Manager of Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center, and Mr. Chris Hung, Vice President and Director General of the Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute. Their presentations highlighted the benefits of the supply chain and business models in the Philippines, the current investment opportunities regarding the public/commercial transportation, infrastructure, power storage/power grid, telecoms and collection data and software, and service-oriented potentials.  

Speakers from the Philippines’ side include Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, who accentuated the overview of the Philippine innovation agenda, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, who presented the features and supply chain opportunities of the economic zones, and Atty. Carlos Ocampo of OM Law, who provided the business regulatory requirements and the company registration procedure to guide the Taiwanese investors in doing business in the Philippines.  

As one of the top ecozone investors, Taiwanese locators contribute a total of PhP 33.165 billion in investments, created 38,481 new employment to Filipinos, and supplied $ 529.716 million amount of exports from the Philippines. Director General Panga emphasized that with the newest reinforcement, the Southbound Policy Treaty, PEZA aims to grow more investments and deepen our friendship and economic endeavors with Taiwanese companies. PEZA, with the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PTIC-Taipei, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), industrial park developers and other ecozone stakeholders, will actively promote the eco-zoning of the Philippines towards inclusive and sustainable development. 

Sercomm Spokesperson and Vice President for Corporate Communications Mr. Charlton Chen shared their company’s awe-inspiring growth in the Philippines in a short span of time. To quote Mr. Chen’s speech during the forum, “Having strong collaborations with PEZA, Sercomm reaffirms our commitment to invest our manufacturing facility, production scale, and most advanced technologies in the economic zone.” Sercomm is located in Carmelray Industrial Park Special Economic Zone and is considered as a global industry player in the manufacturing/assembly of internet accessories, parts and equipment, with a sizeable share in major markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. 

For this investment promotion mission to Taipei, PEZA was joined by the leading ecozone developers such as First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Science Park of the Philippines (SPPI), TECO Industrial Park, and the newly approved Taiwanese-owned Philtai Industrial Park. SPPI likewise participated in the Taitronics Taipei exhibition 2023, which showcased the latest technologies and advancements in the fields of automotive electronics, internet of things (IoT), industrial process and automation equipment, green energy, advanced communication technology and next-generation applications. 

On sustainable innovation and development  

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos’ desire of making the Philippines a part of the global chain of electric vehicles, PEZA and PTIC-Taipei held a briefing with TSEBA on electric and smart bicycle-related opportunities in the Philippines.  

TSEBA is an association with around one hundred (100) members with the capabilities in the electric vehicle industry, as represented by its Secretary General Mr. Thompson Su. 

PEZA Director General Panga informed TSEBA that the electric bicycle supply chain in the Philippines is vibrant, featuring the likes of locators Shin-Etsu Magnestics Philippines, Inc. (SEMPI) and Shimano (Philippines), Inc. (SPI), and encouraged the companies during the briefing to explore major investment opportunities through a predictable investment environment and other advantages of locating inside PEZA economic zones in the Philippines.   

More Taiwanese secured pledges and investment leads 

One promising investment lead is a consortium of Japanese and Taiwanese companies that will engage in the business of compostable packaging manufacturing, with a proposed PhP 11.361 billion capital investment. Led by a leading brand of compostable products and resins with offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the consortium is interested in the manufacturing of innovative finished products for applications like compostable packaging and compostable food service applications in the Philippines.  

Meanwhile, a company from the manufacturing and renewable energy industries, mainly in the recycled wastepaper as its raw material and the vertical integration of low carbon papermaking and eco-packaging, signified that they will potentially invest a total of PhP 7.953 billion. The same company is also interested in developing a waste-to-energy plant. 

Another manufacturing company is interested in investing PhP 681.845 million, to expand their business as an Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider. The said company manufactures, assembles, inspects and tests products based on customer design and quality requirements while providing “engineering support” to customers whenever required. 

Meanwhile, a prospective investor has finally decided and undertaken a PhP 484 million investment during a fruitful meeting with PEZA and PTIC-Taipei. It is a company devoted to the development of eco-friendly products of non-asbestos friction materials which are successfully applied to bicycle disc brake system. 

PEZA and PTIC-Taipei also met with one of the largest companies dedicated to precision stampings in Asia, driven to provide the highest quality one stop advanced precision metal stamping and plastic molding service worldwide, and claiming to be the first metal stamping company with the biggest metal stamping equipment in Taiwan. The company informed PEZA and PTIC-Taipei that they plan to initially invest PhP 171 million, upon the recommendation of another long-time PEZA locator who happens to be their largest client. After hearing the prospective locators’ experience, DG Panga emphasized the importance of providing the best aftercare services for locators, claiming that “the best promoter is a satisfied customer.” 

Lastly, an Asian market leading manufacturer dedicated to creating innovative air care products with sustainable sales and growth in the global market is currently in the negotiation process of leasing in a PEZA-registered economic zone.

𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐝𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 P𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐲-𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 W𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚

Isinagawa ang Lagdaan ng Memorandum ng Kasunduan para sa pagtatayo ng Programang Bahay-Wika at Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program para sa muling pagpapasigla ng wikang Inata noong 19 Oktubre 2023 sa Brgy. Celestino Villacin, Cadiz, Negros Occidental.

Kasama sa mga lumagda sa kasunduan ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) Tagapangulo Arthur P. Casanova at Komisyoner Carmelita C. Abdurahman; Gobernador Eugenio Jose V. Lacson ng Negros Occidental; Mayor Salvador G. Escalante ng Lungsod Cadiz; Assistant School Division Superintendent Julito Felicano, CESE na kinatawan ng DepEd-Cadiz Superintendent Arlene Bermejo, CESO VI; Kapitan Arlene N. Verbo ng Brgy. Celestino Villacin, Cadiz; at IP Leader ng Komunidad ng Ata sa Sityo Manara, Garry Consing. 

Ang wikang Inatá ay ang katutubong wika ng mga Atá. Sinasalita ito sa apat na komunidad ng mga Atá sa lalawigan ng Negros Occidental partikular sa bayan ng Cadiz, Sagay, Calatrava, at Salvador Benedicto. Batay sa pagtataya ng mga namumuno sa komunidad ng Sityo Manara, halos nása 10% o 30 miyembro na lámang ang nakapagsasalita ng kanilang katutubong wika sa kanilang komunidad at karamihan dito ay mga nakatatandang miyembro na lamang ng komunidad. Sa kasalukuyan, Hiligaynon at Sebwano na ang wikang ginagamit ng kanilang komunidad sa pang-araw-araw na pakikipag-usap. Sa tahanan, Hiligaynon din ang wikang ginagamit ng mga pamilya sa kanilang komunidad. Kaya naman, ito na rin ang unang wikang natutuhan ng kanilang mga anak.

Isang paraan upang mapangalagaan at muling mapasigla ang mga wikang nanganganib nang mawala gaya ng wikang Inata ay ang paglulunsad ng Language Immersion Program katulad ng Bahay-Wika at Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program (MALLP).

Noong araw ding iyon, ipinagkaloob sa mga Ata ang Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) na pinangunahan ng Pambansang Komisyon sa mga Katutubong Mamamayan o NCIP Rehiyon 6 at 7.