Filipino-made Technology Seen to Solve Solid Waste Concerns

Manila, Philippines – Technology makes life easier, better, and more comfortable.  Our country’s problem on floating solid wastes remains a major challenge for many years now, and various imported technologies have been tried to address this challenge. 

This June, in the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched the Floating Solid Waste Collector System at the Pasig River Esplanade.

“This Floating Solid Waste Collector System will breathe life and hope towards a greener future," said Manila Mayor Maria Sheila Lacuna-Pangan on her hopes for a cleaner and greener environment. "The City of Manila, through the Department of Public Services whose mandate is ecological solid waste management and environment sanitation, is committed to promoting and upholding initiatives and interventions to nurture our environment."

The Floating Solid Waste Collector System represents a significant milestone in efforts to combat the challenges posed by solid waste and invasive water hyacinths in our rivers. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum highlighted its broader benefits during his speech, "this one [floating solid waste collector system] supports the quality of life by making our environment better, and it can also be a source of livelihood and improve the productivity of fishermen or open new livelihood for those that can weave and use the water hyacinths.”

This innovative system is poised to address the persistent issues of solid waste and the overpopulation of water hyacinths in Metro Manila's waterways.

It features three essential components: a water hyacinth harvester, a dedicated trash collector, and a power barge for water hyacinth management. These components work synergistically to prevent flooding caused by clogged waterways, ensuring cleaner and more navigable bodies of water.

The launch of this technology underscores the government's collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable environmental practices and innovative technological solutions. By integrating science and technology with environmental stewardship, the DOST and DENR are paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient Metro Manila.

Project leader, Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo, said that the prototype developed by the DOST-MIRDC will be subjected to performance testing in Cardona, Rizal.  With optimism, the DOST and the DENR are certain that the system will be turned over to the DENR by the end of the year.  Representatives from other local government units (LGUs) in the Greater Manila area were also present at the event, hoping that more LGUs would adopt this technology.

by Ella Vanesa L. Lopez

Drums are Beating in Preparation for the Metals and Engineering Week 2024

The M&E Week is scheduled for June 18-21, 2024, in compliance with Presidential Proclamation No. 144, issued in 2011, which declared the third week of June as the Metals and Engineering Week. This yearly celebration is being held to acknowledge and appreciate the vital contribution of the metals, engineering, and allied industries to the economy’s dynamism.

This annual celebration, a tradition since 2009, offers numerous opportunities for learning and engagement. Key highlights for this year’s celebration include the M&E Industry Forum 2024 and the 3rd National M&E Conference, both set to take place at Hilton Manila on June 21, 2024. Other events include the M&E Skills Competition, an Open House at the DOST-MIRDC compound and Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC) in Cavite, and various free webinars.

Drumbeating M&E Week 2024

The Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) held the M&E Week press conference to promote to the media the upcoming national celebration for the metals and engineering industry.  Executive Director Robert O. Dizon emphasized the importance of media practitioners in disseminating credible and reliable information to the public, stating, "We rely on you to help us spread the good news that we have a metals and engineering industry that makes ways to make the economy more stable."

The event served as a platform for information exchange among industry associations, academic institutions, government agencies, and media representatives. 

"Metals and Engineering Industry for a Brighter Tomorrow: Revitalized, Unyielding, and Sustainable"

Bannered by the theme, ‘Metals and Engineering Industry for a Brighter Tomorrow: Revitalized, Unyielding, and Sustainable,’ insights into the current market situation of the Philippine manufacturing industry were shared and discussed with the media.  This was presented by Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (R&D) and Chair of the M&E Week 2024 Committee.  He underscored the critical role of the M&E industry in meeting the demands of various economic sectors and showcased the Center's R&D programs and specialized facilities designed to support local metals, engineering, and allied industries.

Industry representatives shared their latest technological advancements and initiatives aimed at driving innovation and contributing to the country's pursuit of a brighter future.

Industry partners expressed support for the upcoming M&E Week 2024 during the press conference at the DOST-MIRDC.

Updates, news, and other stories about the metals and engineering industry will unfold as the MIRDC spearheads the observance of the M&E Week 2024.  More information about the industry and the upcoming event are available at the DOST-MIRDC website and FB page, as well as the visit the M&E Week website at www.metalsweek.dost.gov.ph.  

Attendees from the media, DOST Media Core, industry, academe, and government during the M&E Week Press Conference at the DOST-MIRDC Compound, Taguig.

by Faith P. Macatangay

Inaugural Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo Highlights Continuously Robust Growth of Vehicle Industry in PH

Following the record-high sales of vehicles in the Philippines in 2023, the sectors for automotive parts and car care products are logically set to rev up further. Thus, the first Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo Philippines (APVE) is coming as a timely platform for local and international suppliers to convene for trading, networking, and exchange of ideas and innovations about automotive parts, accessories, maintenance equipment, and tools.

The inaugural edition of the three-day sectoral event from June 5 to 7, 2024 is gathering up to 4,000 prospective buyers and sellers from across the country and Southeast Asia. Hundreds of regional and international exhibitors are showcasing the latest products and solutions in the evolving auto parts sector.

“The first-ever APVE Philippines is designed to be a game-changing platform aimed at congregating industry leaders, buyers, sellers, and representatives from the government to unlock emerging and potential growth opportunities in the auto parts sector,” said Rungphech ‘Rose’ Chitanuwat, General Manager in the Philippines of Informa Markets, the organizer of the trade event.

“As we have mentioned previously, APVE is also relevant to several related industries like mining, construction, logistics, transportation, and agriculture. Just like in other nations across the region, the auto parts sector in the country is very promising as it is bolstered along with robustly growing vehicle sales,” she added.

Record-breaking car sales

Standing from L-R: Mr. Eddie Chong President Philippine Automotive Traders Association, Ms. Bianca Pearl Sykimte Director Export Marketing Bureau Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Hon. Jesus Ferdinand Ortega Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Department of Transportation, Ms. Rungphech Rose Chitanuwat Country General Manager Informa Markets - Philippines, and Mr. Alwin Seow, Deputy Event Director, Informa Markets in the Philippines

Overall automotive sales in the Philippines grew by a whopping 21.9 percent in 2023, accounting to a record high purchase of 429,807 units. That exceeded the industry’s annual sales target of 423,000 and even outpaced the pre-pandemic sales levels. Passenger vehicles accounted for 25.4 percent of the actual annual sales figure, while the rest (74.6 percent) is comprised of commercial vehicles.

The local automotive parts sector covers more than 250 businesses that produce and import up to 330 types of parts and components (made of metals, rubber, plastic, and other composite materials). Those companies supply items for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and independent aftermarket (IAM) or the parts replacement market in the country.

APVE also covers suppliers and spare parts for the growing electric vehicle (EV) sector in the country. Through Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), sales of electric vehicles continue to pick up along with the faster EV adoption, encouraging public sector support, and democratizing costs.

Relevant conferences and seminars

Driven by the continuous improvement of economic condition, increase of consumer confidence and the introduction of high technology and innovative aftermarket parts of the vehicle, there is always an affiliated issues connected to the industry. Thus, the inaugural APVE Philippines is facilitating significant conferences and seminars targeted at key stakeholders.

Day 1 is set for the Philippine Board of Investments to arrange a seminar about possible tax incentives for investors. The Electric Vehicle Association Philippines (EVAP) will also hold a seminar session to talk about the State of Philippine Electric Vehicle Industry.

Day 2 of the conferences is about strategic alliances in the industry. The seminar room will hold the Bumper to Bumper Car Show (featuring overlanding and off-road car expo and a certification trainings). Meanwhile, a National Transport Congress is also being hosted by the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives.

Day 3 will be dominated by seminars for haulers and truckers, discussions about automotive trends, and culmination of the Bumper to Bumper Car Show.

The Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo (APVE) Philippines 2024 is ongoing until June 7 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. For more information, visit http://www.apvexpo.com.

EAT’S HERE! The biggest food and beverage expo in the Philippines is now open!

The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, City Mayor of Pasay City; Secretary Frederick Go represented by USEC Joee Guilas, Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs; and Hon. Senator Imee Marcos, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. The VIPs were welcomed by Worldbex Services International’s Executive Committee headed by WSI Founding Chairman Mr. Joseph L. Ang; WSI co-founder Ms. Levi Ang; Managing Director Ms. Jill Ang; Board of Directors Ms. Tessie Roque, Mr. Rene Ramos, and Architect Francisco Flameño.The Grand Opening Ceremonies was also graced by various honorable Members of the Diplomatic Corpse - Embassy of Türkiye; Malaysia Trade Promotions Agency; Embassy of Malaysia; The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Philippines; Embassy of Pakistan; Royal Thai Embassy in Manila; Thai Trade Center Manila of the Royal Thai Embassy; Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila; Embassy of Brunei Darussalam; and the Embassy of the Argentine Republic

The Grand Opening Ceremonies was also graced by various honorable Members of the Diplomatic Corpse - Embassy of Türkiye; Malaysia Trade Promotions Agency; Embassy of Malaysia; The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Philippines; Embassy of Pakistan; Royal Thai Embassy in Manila; Thai Trade Center Manila of the Royal Thai Embassy; Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila; Embassy of Brunei Darussalam; and the Embassy of the Argentine Republic

This year’s theme for MAFBEX 2024 is “Eats Here!”, showing the playful nature of the event by creating wordplay between “It’s here” and “eat” - focusing on using the “location pin”, a navigation symbol marking the dynamic Filipino Flavors across the world. WSI envisions that this symbol will set a benchmark for thousands of visitors from all across the Philippines, making MAFBEX the leading food and beverage expo in the country today!

On its first day alone, MAFBEX 2024 was jam-packed with activities, stage demos, competitions, and food stalls that will leave your tastebuds and cravings satisfied. Get a taste of the country’s food and beverage industry when you visit the Manila Foods and Beverage Expo 2024! Come to the World Trade Center Metro Manila until June 16, 2024! We are open from 10 AM to 7 PM. Skip the long waiting line and get your tickets now at https://mafbex.com/MAFBEX 2024 is organized by Worldbex Services International for the benefit of the ABS CBN Foundation Incorporated. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach us at (02)8656-92-39, or email us at inquire@worldbexevents.com

MAFBEX 2024 is organized by Worldbex Services International for the benefit of the ABS CBN Foundation Incorporated. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach us at (02)8656-92-39, or email us at inquire@worldbexevents.com

Big update plan! of PARAVOX after FULL SENSE win Championship of PARAVOX GOLD RUSH TOURNAMENT [PGRT]SEA Region Representative Flies to Japan,

June 17, 2024 Thailand - PARAVOX announced the results of the PARAVOX Gold Rush Tournament for the Southeast Asia region, sending the champion team FULL SENSE to compete in the Grand Final round in Tokyo, Japan on July 31. They will be vying for the grand prize of 100 million yen.

The intense Group Stage and Playoff rounds for the Southeast Asia region were held on June 15 and 16, featuring top teams from the region such as FULL SENSE, ATTACK ALL AROUND, BLACKLIST ACADEMY,ALTER EGO E-SPORTS, AP.BREN, GEEK FAM, SEM9, BLEED ESPORTS, and many other teams that qualified through the Open Qualifiers.

In addition to the PARAVOX GOLD RUSH TOURNAMENT, which has a massive grand prize of 100 million yen, PARAVOX also announced plans to update the game with additional content to increase the excitement for the Grand Final round and for more players. In June and July, they will introduce new maps, new weapons, new characters, going all out before the upcoming Open Beta launch very soon.

The latest new map from PARAVOX is WATERFRONT. This map area will be filled with numerous obstacles. The height of the structures is at an appropriate level, and you can access and move to different locations by simply jumping. The four surrounding seas have a new gimmick where you may submerge underwater. Therefore, you must consider the risks and rewards when moving and positioning yourself. This new map will bring excitement and add challenges for PARAVOX competitors and players. Everyone can try out this new map now.

And there's a special event for PARAVOX players to kick off the Ranking Season, starting from June 8 until the end of July with the PARAVOX FESTIVAL: RANKING RUSH SEA activity. The top 111 ranked players will have a chance to win a total prize pool of over $7,000 USD. The first player to reach NEO RANK will receive $1,000 USD, and the first 10 players to reach Master Rank will get $100 USD each. Players who reach Master Rank from 11th to 110th place will receive $50 USD each for free.

And besides the new content updates and events, PARAVOX is also preparing to organize new tournaments covering both amateur and professional levels in the future. You can follow the news and cheer for team FULL SENSE in the offline rounds at https://bit.ly/PARAVOX_FB . For those interested in joining the events or playing PARAVOX, it is free to download now at https://bit.ly/PARAVOX_PGRTSEAPR .

Filipino-made Technology Seen to Solve Solid Waste Concerns

Manila, Philippines – Technology makes life easier, better, and more comfortable.  Our country’s problem on floating solid wastes remains a major challenge for many years now, and various imported technologies have been tried to address this challenge. 

This June, in the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched the Floating Solid Waste Collector System at the Pasig River Esplanade.

“This Floating Solid Waste Collector System will breathe life and hope towards a greener future," said Manila Mayor Maria Sheila Lacuna-Pangan on her hopes for a cleaner and greener environment. "The City of Manila, through the Department of Public Services whose mandate is ecological solid waste management and environment sanitation, is committed to promoting and upholding initiatives and interventions to nurture our environment."

(L) One of the barges of the Floating Solid Waste Collector System and (R) key officials and representatives from DOST, DENR, and greater Manila LGUs present during the launching of  Floating Solid Waste Collector System on June 13, 2024 at the Pasig River Esplanade.  

The Floating Solid Waste Collector System represents a significant milestone in efforts to combat the challenges posed by solid waste and invasive water hyacinths in our rivers. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum highlighted its broader benefits during his speech, "this one [floating solid waste collector system] supports the quality of life by making our environment better, and it can also be a source of livelihood and improve the productivity of fishermen or open new livelihood for those that can weave and use the water hyacinths.”

This innovative system is poised to address the persistent issues of solid waste and the overpopulation of water hyacinths in Metro Manila's waterways.

It features three essential components: a water hyacinth harvester, a dedicated trash collector, and a power barge for water hyacinth management. These components work synergistically to prevent flooding caused by clogged waterways, ensuring cleaner and more navigable bodies of water.

The launch of this technology underscores the government's collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable environmental practices and innovative technological solutions. By integrating science and technology with environmental stewardship, the DOST and DENR are paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient Metro Manila.

Project leader, Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo, said that the prototype developed by the DOST-MIRDC will be subjected to performance testing in Cardona, Rizal.  With optimism, the DOST and the DENR are certain that the system will be turned over to the DENR by the end of the year.  Representatives from other local government units (LGUs) in the Greater Manila area were also present at the event, hoping that more LGUs would adopt this technology.

By: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez 

“Friends are Forever”: Italian Republic Day celebration honors enduring friendship in Quezon City

On June 8th, 2024, in the context of the “Italian Republic Day 2024 Celebrations”, a memorable event took place in collaboration with the Servants of Charity in Quezon City. This special gathering was organized to express and celebrate gratitude, acknowledging the enduring friendship and generous support provided by the Embassy of Italy for this magnificent community that for decades has been assisting and welcoming children and young adults with disabilities, fostering their creativity and abilities.

Additionally, the event served as farewell to the esteemed Ambassador Clemente as he begins his retirement journey and to highlight the value of friendship, which binds the Embassy to the Quezon community, which will endure even across distances.

 

This festive event, called “Friends are Forever”, unfolded in Pinkian Road, Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, 1107, Quezon City. Starting at 9 A.M., the children of this splendid and vibrant community firstly showcased their abilities through a talent show, in which they sang and danced, delighting all those who attended the celebration. The event also featured a band performing music, a shared lunch, and then a gift exchanges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation among attendees.