Malacañang conferred the 44th National Scientist of the Philippines

TAGUIG CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. recently signed the Proclamation No. 643, s. 2024 conferring Dr. Romulo G. Davide to the Order of National Scientists. 

Dr. Davide becomes the 44th Filipino to be honored with this prestigious award, joining an esteemed group of individuals who have significantly impacted scientific research and knowledge in the Philippines.

National Scientist Romulo G. Davide is recognized for his groundbreaking and substantial contributions to the agricultural sciences, particularly in plant pathology and nematology. His dedication is exemplified by his work on the epidemiology, host range, life cycle, taxonomy, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes. 

Dr. Davide’s development of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) has positively impacted the lives of 70,000 Filipino farmers. Through his steadfast mentorship and commitment as a professor, his students and mentees now lead the field of plant pathology and nematology, earning him the title "Father of Philippine Nematology."

Dr. Davide obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture - Plant Pathology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1957. He earned his Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University in 1962. He completed his Doctorate degree in Nematology-Plant Pathology from the North Carolina State University in 1965. 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Davide was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) in 2002, further cementing his status as a distinguished figure within the scientific community.

The Order of National Scientist Award (Orden ng Gawad ng Pambansang Alagad ng Agham) is the highest national recognition given to a man or woman of science in the Philippines, administered by the NAST PHL, and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Academy. (AANavarro/NAST PHL)

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.

PPPI, PhilHealth Collaborate to Ensure Cccess to Free Medicines under Konsulta

Manila, Philippines—The Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI), led by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Undersecretary Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin, met with the top management of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), headed by President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., last 14 August 2024 at the PhilHealth head office.

 

The meeting discussed initiatives that both corporations will collaborate to ensure availability of medicines for the benefit programs of PhilHealth, specifically for the Konsulta and GAMOT programs.

 

Konsulta or the “Konsultasyong Sulit Tama” program is a comprehensive outpatient primary care benefit package that provides capitation payments for free annual check-ups, health risk screening, selected diagnostic tests and medicines. Meanwhile, GAMOT or the “Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment”  is a standalone out-patient program which covers select essential medicines.

 

The PPPI will be rolling out an improved Botika Ng Bayan to serve as the access points for medicines that are given free under the above-mentioned programs of the PhilHealth. This initiative will ensure that patients who are diagnosed under the Konsulta program are assured access to the medicines they need to treat and manage their condition.

 

An attached agency of the DTI, the PPPI is a subsidiary of the Philippine International Trading Corporation and an affiliate of the National Development Company. It is mandated to procure and distribute medicines and medical supplies to both government and private hospitals and other health facilities nationwide. The PPPI's mission is to ensure that all Filipinos have access to safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines.

UNICEF and PDRF Forge Strategic Partnership to Put Children at the Center of Disaster Risk Management

BANGKOK/MANILA—On World Humanitarian Day, UNICEF and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the country’s major private sector coordinator for disaster management, launched a first-of-its-kind partnership to improve child-centered disaster risk management and resilience building with business and communities in East Asia and the Pacific.

UNICEF’s regional analysis of the Children’s Climate Risk Index reveals that 210 million children are highly exposed to cyclones; 120 million to coastal flooding; and 420 million children are highly exposed to air pollution. The Philippines is ranked first globally among countries with the highest disaster risk, according to the 2023 World Risk Report. The climate crisis is projected to increase the frequency of soaring heatwaves and the intensity of typhoons, endangering the lives of 40 million children in the country.

The partnership brings together PDRF, the Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific and the Philippine Country Office through UNICEF’s Business and Community Resilience approach. Key areas of cooperation include increasing resilience, building capacities, and raising awareness on business-led and child-centered humanitarian actions at the regional, national and sub-national levels, in line with the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and promoting child rights and business principles. The agreement also aims to explore sector-level preparedness and response activities and standby arrangements for likely major disasters.

UNICEF Philippines is working with decision makers to improve policies and budgeting on high-quality, inclusive, climate-smart, and shock-responsive social services for children. This includes social protection, health, education, child protection, climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene. Local disaster risk reduction planning has involved engaging children in identifying and developing climate action and disaster risk reduction solutions. Bringing the vibrant business sector into the mix promises to be game-changing.

PDRF is recognized as the Philippines’ main coordinator of more than 60 corporations and conglomerates dedicated to building the disaster risk management capabilities of the private sector in the country.

“The partnership between UNICEF and PDRF brings the private sector into the fight to do good in the world by focusing on the plight of children during disasters. They are often overlooked during an emergency, and yet are especially vulnerable. Working together, we can make life better for children not just in the Philippines but all over the world by serving as an example and a model for cooperation between the UN and the private sector,” said PDRF President Rene “Butch” Meily.

Regional Director June Kunugi said: “This agreement between UNICEF and the Foundation marks a significant step forward in our shared mission to protect children during times of disaster. By collaborating on business-led programs and preparedness initiatives, we are not only enhancing our disaster response but also building a future where the most vulnerable—our children—are safeguarded and empowered, both in the Philippines and across East Asia and the Pacific."

“No child should fear for their lives when disaster strikes. We are jointly reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in our disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts and highlighting how private sector can be our great ally in this work,” Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

UNICEF and PDRF will work with international organizations, UN agencies, government agencies, civil society partnership and other private sector actors to explore innovative solutions and deliver results for children.

New finds from the 2000-year-old drainage channel in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - A complete glass vial, grape pips, two-thousand year-old eggshells – and complete ceramic lamps still with soot in them – all these were uncovered in a new excavation in the drainage channel running under Second Temple period Jerusalem’s main street. The excavation, managed by the Israel Antiquities Authority with funding from the City of David, reveals Jerusalem’s changing urban pulse in the last decades before the Temple’s destruction in 70 CE.

In the framework of this excavation, the channel that was Jerusalem’s main subterranean artery is being exposed. This channel passed under, amongst other facilities, the colorful markets of Jerusalem at the foot of the Temple Mount, and along the entire length of the City of David.

"Small finds tell us a big story, from Jerusalem’s heyday of prosperity and splendor when its streets bustled with life, until the city’s ebbing moments during the rebellion against the Romans, and its total abandonment following the Temple and city’s destruction.” explains Dr. Ayala Zilberstein, Excavation Director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

In the upper layers of the alluvial soil the excavators discovered remains from the days of the city's destruction, including complete pottery lamps that are dated to the end of the Second Temple period. The soot preserved on their rims remains as a sign of the fire that once burned inside them. Some years ago, several meters south of the place where the oil lamps were uncovered, a complete Roman sword still inside its leather scabbard was discovered, in an excavation led by Eli Shukron. The possibility is now being examined that, like the sword, the oil lamps were also held in the hands of the rebels who found a hiding place in this channel.

As the diggers dug ever deeper, they were further exposed to a multitude of finds that testify to Jerusalem’s splendor and wealth during the Second Temple period; the years during which the city hummed with never-ending activity. Already in the careful manual excavation executed by a skilled team, led by Nissim Mizrahi, complete vessels were found, including vials of perfume and expensive oils, mostly ceramic vials; and next to them, a delicate glass vial that was miraculously preserved almost without any damage.

The initial examination of the pottery and glass vessel assemblages, conducted by Dr. Yael Gorin-Rosen and Dr. Shulamit Terem, indicated an exceptionally rich and diverse concentration of vessel types, some quite rare. "Through this large variety of pots and dishes that accumulated in the drainage channel we encounter nearly the complete tableware set of Jerusalem’s residents. In contrast to the limited set of vessels generally found when excavating a single household kitchen, the channel assemblage is drawn from many houses, and from different streets in town, thus presenting us with examples of almost all wares the city’s merchants had to offer," explains Dr. Zilberstein.

About Israel:

Whether road trips, city trips, swimming, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours or family vacations, the Israeli State Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities, and sights in the Holy Land. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Israel is no more than a seven-hour flight from India. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, including houses of several UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country, displaying an intriguing contrast between the ancient and modern periods.

Experience the dynamic vibe of Israel.

For information about the different tourism offerings, visit www.goisrael.com

Coins.ph Welcomes 2-Time Olympic Medalist Nesthy Petecio as New Endorser

Manila, Philippines – August 20, 2024 – Coins.ph, the leading cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines, is thrilled to announce two-time Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as its newest endorser. Petecio, a beloved olympic hero who recently clinched a   medal   for   the   Philippines   at   the   Paris   2024   Olympics,   embodies   the   spirit   of perseverance and excellence that Coins.ph values.Nesthy Petecio's journey to Olympic glory is an inspiration to all Filipinos. Her resilience, and   unwavering   determination   saw   her   secure   a   silver   medal   at   the   2020   Tokyo Olympics and a bronze medal at the recent  Paris  2024  Games.  Through  countless struggles and triumphs, Petecio has consistently pushed boundaries and showcased the strength and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.Coins.ph shares Petecio's commitment to breaking barriers and achieving greatness. As a   homegrown   financial   technology,   crypto,   and   web3   company,   Coins.ph   aims   to empower Filipinos by offering accessible, cutting-edge financial financial crypto services and innovations. This commitment extends beyond the Philippines, as Coins.ph sets its sights on the global stage with its recent launch of Coins.xyz. Through the development of  its  native token,  PHPC,   and  by  securing  licenses  for  global  expansion,  Coins.ph continues to be a trailblazer in the crypto space, bringing its success globally. "We are incredibly honored to welcome Nesthy to the Coins family," said Wei Zhou, CEO   of   Coins.ph.   "Her   dedication   to   her   sport   and   passion   for   representing   the Philippines shone through in the recent Paris Olympics. Just as Nesthy has made the Philippines proud in the boxing ring, we at Coins.ph aim to do the same in the world of crypto and digital finance by providing Filipinos here and across the globe with secure, innovative, and best-in-class financial services."Nesthy   Petecio,   New   Coins.ph   endorser,   adds:   “Isa   pong   karangalan   ang   maging endorser ng Coins.ph. Katulad ng paglaban ko sa ring  noong Olympics, nakikita ko ‘yung dedikasyon nila na tulungan at iangat din ang mga Pilipino."This exciting partnership between Coins.ph and Nesthy Petecio aims to inspire Filipinos to   pursue   their   dreams   and   embrace   the   opportunities   that   innovation   can   offer. Together, they will work towards a future where Filipinos have the opportunities and resources to achieve success and reach greater heights.###About Coins.phCoins.ph is on a mission to power the new internet with easy access to digital assets and web3 products. Launched in 2014, Coins.ph is the most established crypto brand in the Philippines and has gained the trust of more than 18 million users. Through the

easy-to-use mobile app, users can buy and sell a variety of different cryptocurrencies and access a wide range of financial services. Coins.ph is fully regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and is the first ever crypto-based company in Asia to hold both Virtual Currency and Electronic Money Issuer licenses from a central bank.  

Three Techs to Solve PHL Plastic Concerns, DOST Bares

To reduce problems resulting from the Philippines’ dependence on plastic, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled three technologies that aim to solve plastic related concerns.

The DOST through the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, supported the research and development conducted by three (3) startup companies which generated these technologies with a total funding of P13 million.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that the support for these startups is the commitment of the department to helping the industry address concerns over single-use plastics.

“Startups are a powerful economic force. We at DOST continue to provide solutions and open opportunities for our industries as we move towards strengthening our circular economy. Through R&D, startups can bring transformative innovations and bring solutions to national concerns.” he said.

The Recycle On-Demand Bin or ROBIN of startup company Robin Machine Manufacturing is a reverse vendo system that gathers recyclables, such as PET bottles and tin cans, in return for rewards. Cash, WIFI, access to a charging station, and points that can be redeemed for goods from partner retailers are just a few of the customizable rewards options available for the bin.

The SACHI Group Inc., also a startup company, developed cassava bioplastics and explored additives for cassava bioplastics that can improve properties and cut manufacturing costs.

Startup company Lesstics Inc. developed roofing tiles from waste single-use plastics (SUP).

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism on the technologies that the startups will be coming up as it will help in addressing the country’s plastic concerns. “We are excited to see these technologies get into the hands of our citizens and being fully utilized. We hope to see more innovations in the future, and we are ready to support these game changers in the country,” he said. 

KOICA, United Nations call for an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Law in PH

MANILA, 13 August 2024 – Following the commemoration of International Youth Day, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations in the Philippines, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), jointly call for the urgent passage of the adolescent pregnancy bill in the Philippines. This legislation is crucial in addressing the rising rates of adolescent pregnancy and ensuring the well-being of young people in the country.

The proposed legislation aims to provide a comprehensive national framework for preventing adolescent pregnancies and ensuring the well-being of young children in the Philippines. While the bill has been approved by the House of Representatives, its progress in the Senate has stalled, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Recognizing the pressing need, the UN agencies are collaborating on the KOICA-funded Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP) in Southern Leyte and Samar. This program focuses on strengthening comprehensive sexuality education and improving access to adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.

"Having legislation that ensures access to essential reproductive health services is a crucial step towards a more equitable and sustainable future, where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential,” said  Gustavo González, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. "Adolescent pregnancy is also not just a health issue, but a social and economic one as well. This bill will help us address the root causes of adolescent pregnancy, including lack of access to education and health services."

The urgency of the situation is underscored by data from the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development, which reveals a 10.2% increase in live births by girls aged 10-19 between 2021 and 2022.

KOICA also expressed its strong support for the bill. "We believe that investing in young people is essential for sustainable development. In addition to celebrating 75 years of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations and 30 years of KOICA’s presence in the Philippines, this bill will make us more inspired to strengthen our assistance to the country’s health projects. We assure you of KOICA’s continuing support and commitment not only for better health and well-being, but also a brighter future for young Filipinos," said KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsub.

UNFPA stresses the necessity of the bill to remove barriers to healthcare access for adolescents. Currently, young people under 18 require written parental consent for family planning services, which can significantly hinder their access to essential care.

“Adolescent pregnancy can result in significant health risks, including increased rates of preventable maternal and infant deaths, as well as the dangerous practice of unsafe abortions. Having a comprehensive framework to address this urgent issue and to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young Filipinos, will help empower adolescents to make informed choices about their bodies and pave the way for better futures," said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane.

Meanwhile, UNICEF underscored the importance of protecting the rights and aspirations of young girls.

“Adolescent girls’ dreams to learn and get decent jobs should not be cut short. UNICEF is committed to supporting girls through laws, policies and programmes that prioritize their rights, their agency, and opportunities to pursue their dreams and to prevent early and unintended pregnancies. This bill needs to retain the clauses that better define roles and accountability of duty bearers, which can help everyone in the community to work together to tackle the social factors that lead to more teen pregnancies,” said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Representative a.i. 

“These girls have the right to be informed about decisions that affect their lives. They need support, not stigma and blame,” he said.

The World Health Organization also recognizes that addressing adolescent pregnancy is a global health and development priority.

“Addressing adolescent pregnancy is part of the global health and development agenda. Together with partners, WHO Philippines continues to address adolescent pregnancy by supporting national programmes and policies. Rights-based policies alongside community-based care and evidence-informed interventions are crucial to strengthening frameworks and strategies to scale up interventions and collective action from various sectors, agencies, and communities,” said Dr Graham Harrison, Officer-in-Charge of WHO Philippines.

The UN agencies and KOICA call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and young people themselves, to unite in advocating for the passage of the adolescent pregnancy bill to create a brighter future for young people in the Philippines.

About the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP):

This is a joint initiative of UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and KOICA that aims to reduce adolescent pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar. The partners are working closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the governments of Samar and Southern Leyte, as well as other government agencies in rolling out adolescent-friendly services, building the capacity of community adolescent health service providers, accelerating the integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, implementing youth leadership and governance initiatives, and conducting research on adolescent pregnancy and child, early, and forced marriage.

The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study showed that Eastern Visayas, where Samar and Southern Leyte are located, has one of the highest rates of 15 to 19-year-old female youths that had begun childbearing.