Mga Nagwagi sa KWF Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda 2025

Nagwagi ng isang daang libong piso (PHP100,000.00) sa Gawad Balmaseda 2025 ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino si Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag, PhD para sa kaniyang disertasyon sa DLSU-Maynila na pinamagatang “Isabuhay: Isang Larong Disenyo para sa Diskurso ng mga Wikang Katutubo” bílang pinakamahusay na disertasyon sa taóng 2025.

Inugat ang disertasyong mula sa sariling karanasan ng mananaliksik bílang isang guro ng wika, isang mag-aaral na nagpapatúloy sa pananaliksik ng pag-iral, pagbabago at paggamit ng wika, at isang manlalarò mula sa isang konsumeristang bansa.

Tinalakay sa disertasyon ang sariling konsepto ng value engineered na ikinawing ng mananaliksik sa pandaigdigang konsepto ng mga karapatang pantao sa wika (linguistic human rights). Ibinalangkas ng mananaliksik ang kabuoang tindig hinggil sa idinidisenyong laro gámit ang konsepto ng value engineered sa paglalarawan ng kalagayang pangwika sa bansa magmula sa mga sangguniang tumatalakay direkta at di-direkta tungkol sa wika mula panahong bago ang pananakop ng mga Español hanggang sa kasalukuyan. 

Samantála, nagwagi rin si Kristine Mae M. Nares ng isang daang libong piso (PHP100,000.00) para sa kaniyang tesis masterado sa Bicol University na pinamagatang “Pagmamapa ng Kalinangang Bayan ng Munisipalidad ng Guinobatan, Albay” bílang pinakamahusay na tesis sa taóng 2025 ng Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda.

Ang tesis ay nakatuon sa pagkolekta, pagsalin, at pagbigay interpretasyon sa kalinangang bayan ng Guinobatan, Albay upang makalikha ng aklat na magagamit bílang kagamitang panturo.

Nagbigay ng malaking ambag ang pag-aaral ng kalinangang bayan upang mas pag-ibayuhin ang pangangalap nitó nang matukoy pa ang kultural na yaman ng lokal na pámahalaán túngo sa pagpapaunlad ng kulturang Bikolnon at preserbasyon ng mga katutubong panitikang may malaking banta ng extinction para sa kamalayan at kabatiran ng mga susunod na salinlahi.

Ang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda ay isang gawad para sa pinakamahuhusay na tesis at disertasyon na isinulat gámit ang wikang Filipino para sa mga larang akademiko, lalo na sa agham pangkalikasan, agham panlipunan, at matematika. Layunin ng gawad na ito na hikayatin at palaganapin, sa pamamagitan ng sistema ng mga insentibo ang pagsusulat at publikasyon ng mga akdang orihinal at ambag para sa intelektuwalisasyon at modernisasyon ng Filipino.

DTI-CIAP, PCA push for green building practices at the 5th Philippine Construction Congress

Pasig City, Philippines—On November 28, the Department of Trade and Industry, through its attached agency Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), hosted the 5th Philippine Construction Congress to champion sustainability and innovation building practices.

 

In partnership with the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to chart a new course for green building in the Philippines.

 

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque lauded the organizers of the event. "In gatherings such as this, we are able to convene under one roof all relevant stakeholders to talk about new and green technologies that will elevate not just the construction industry, but will ultimately contribute to the larger goals of sustainable economic development," the DTI chief expressed.

 

DTI Assistant Secretary and CIAP Board Alternate Chairperson Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero agreed with the Trade Chief, and added that: “By working together, we can unlock the true potential of the Philippine construction sector. We need a collaborative approach to drive the development of efficient and green construction practices.”

 

Themed, “Creating Synergies: A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Construction," the congress featured panel discussions on sustainable construction, regulatory innovation processes, and green construction trends. It also tackled the role of professional associations and academia in advancing the construction industry.

 

To advocate for green and sustainable construction practices, the event presented speakers from national government and private associations. Joining them in promoting this cause were speakers from international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation.

 

At the construction congress, CIAP-Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Executive Director Atty. Herbert D.G. Matienzo showcased their digital transformation initiative designed to expand and enhance the PCAB online portal.

 

This effort aims to provide data-sharing services and enable more targeted and responsive capacity-building programs. Ultimately, PCAB seeks to foster a growth-oriented regulatory environment that supports the growth of the construction sector.

 

“With the expansion of the developmental role of the PCAB system, we are truly excited that our PCAB database is no longer just a tool for evaluating our contractors but also a service that we can offer and make available to our contractors,” he added.

 

First launched in 2016, the Philippine Construction Congress is a one-day convention aimed at exchanging insights and knowledge on construction emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges.

 

The CIAP is dedicated to accelerating the growth of the Philippine construction industry by adopting sustainable, innovative, and technology-driven approaches. The agency executes this mission through its implementing arms, the PCAB, the Philippine Domestic Construction Board, the Philippine Overseas Construction Board, the Construction Manpower Development Foundation, and the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission. 

DTI hails PH's rise to second-highest market rankingfor global RE investment

Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauded the Philippines’ rise to second place in the global ranking of the most attractive emerging renewable energy (RE) investment markets, based on the 2024 Climatescope report released by BloombergNEF. This achievement marks a significant leap forward for the country, which ranked fourth in the previous year.

 

The Climatescope report highlighted the Philippines' strong economic stance, awarding it an overall score of 2.65 over 5 across three parameters: fundamentals, opportunities, and experience. This performance was largely attributed to the government’s implementing attractive investor incentives and easing foreign ownership restrictions in the sector.

 

"This recognition demonstrates the effectiveness of our efforts to establish a solid foundation for renewable energy development, which boosts our country’s growing reputation as a prime destination for renewable energy investments," said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

 

"Under President Marcos Jr.’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda, we have been able to position the Philippines among the emerging markets through progressive policy reforms and strategic incentives. Indeed, these initiatives attract local and foreign investments and create a conducive environment for the growth and expansion of the renewable energy sector," the trade chief added.

 

Building on the CREATE law, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently signed Republic Act No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act. This enhances the country's tax incentives to make it more globally competitive, investor-friendly, predictable, and accountable.

 

Aligned with the government's investment and sustainability priorities, the Board of Investments’ (BOI) One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) has also been instrumental in fast-tracking investments in the RE sector.

 

As of November 2024, the BOI, an attached agency of the DTI, has approved a total of PHP 1.58 trillion in investment pledges, of which PHP 1.35 trillion are in the renewable energy sector.

 

Relevantly, the BOI also granted green-lane access to Buhawind Energy Philippines, a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. and Denmark’s Copenhagen Energy. This green-lane access applies to Buhawind’s three offshore wind power projects, which have an aggregate target installed capacity of 4,000 gigawatts.

 

Representing an investment amount of PHP 694 billion, these projects will soon be operational in Northern Luzon, Northern Mindoro and East Panay. Aside from boosting the country's renewable energy capacity, the projects are expected to generate over 50,000 jobs for Filipinos throughout their construction and operation phases.

 

"The Philippines is open for business and committed to supporting investors in the renewable energy sector. We are confident that the country will continue to attract significant investments and emerge as a leader in renewable energy in the region, Secretary Roque reaffirmed.

 

"These achievements reflect the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, and our international partners in driving sustainable economic growth and ensuring a cleaner energy future for the Philippines," said the trade secretary. 

DTI pushes for global expansion of Philippine industries at Tatak Pinoy Summit

Pasay City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully hosted the Tatak Pinoy (TP) Summit, advancing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for the Philippines' industrial transformation. The event also celebrated the milestones of Republic Act No. 11981, otherwise known as the “Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act.”

 

Under the theme "Tatak Pinoy Strategy: Catalyzing Industrial Transformation," the summit facilitated in-depth discussions on critical areas including industrial policy, innovative technologies, and integration into global value chains. It provided a platform for exploring the development of the multi-year Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS) and key initiatives designed to strengthen and expand the global presence of Philippine industries.

 

Organized by the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG), the summit pushed for expanding the country’s industrial base through increased diversification, innovation, and products and services sophistication.

 

DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba presents recent updates and developments on the multi-year Tatak Pinoy Strategy

 

“Tatak Pinoy is a call to action. It is an invitation to champion the creation of new and innovative products and services while revitalizing existing ones, ultimately diversifying and elevating the Philippines’ global offerings. More than just a brand, it is an embodiment of our creativity, ingenuity, and our heritage manifested through the quality of products and services that we produce,” DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque stated in her keynote message, delivered by Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba.

 

Secretary Roque also underscored the significance of a robust industrial policy to achieve an inclusive economic growth.

 

“We remain steadfast in establishing an enabling environment for industries to thrive— fostering improved productivity and competitiveness while ensuring a better quality of life for all Filipinos,” the trade chief added.

 

Sharing this vision, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, represented by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp Panontongan, pushed for a dynamic and thriving economic ecosystem through Tatak Pinoy.

 

“Kapag tinangkilik natin ang sariling atin, hindi lang produkto ang umaangat, buong bayan ang nagtatagumpay,” Secretary Angara stated.

 

Additionally, he highlighted the strategic partnership between the DTI and DepEd to empower future generations to innovate and lead industries.

 

“Through programs aligned with the Tatak Pinoy, we can create a generation of Filipinos who will design, innovate, and power the industries of tomorrow. Together we can catalyze industrial transformation and create a nation where the Filipino talent is celebrated globally,” said the DTI chief.

 

Providing key updates on the TPS framework, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba elaborated the critical link between innovation, productivity, and economic complexity.

 

The DTI undersecretary presented the preliminary list of priority sectors, binding constraints, and policy recommendations identified through a series of regional consultations.

 

Moreover, DTI Undersecretary Aldaba outlined the subsequent measures to endorse the TPS draft, including finalizing the TPS draft, conducting further value chain analyses, and submitting the TPS to the Tatak Pinoy Council for approval and endorsement to the President.

 

The Tatak Pinoy Summit concluded with the collective resolve to make the Tatak Pinoy Strategy central to realizing the overarching vision in revolutionizing Philippine industries. It brought together over 200 key stakeholders from the government, industry, academe, and development organizations. 

Philippines secures USD 100M in revenue at Saudi Halal Expo, gains foothold in global Halal market

Saudi Arabia—The Philippines has achieved a milestone at the Saudi Halal Expo, generating over USD 100 million in revenue through its dynamic “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign. This achievement underscores the country’s growing international reputation as a trusted provider of Halal-certified products and services.

“This success reflects the Philippines’ strategic vision under Bagong Pilipinas to establish a strong and sustainable Halal ecosystem that meets global demand. It is also a testament to the collective efforts of our industries and the government to drive business growth, attract international investments, and create meaningful job opportunities for Filipinos and the global Halal community,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

Key sectors played a pivotal role in contributing to this significant revenue growth. The pre-cooked ready-to-eat food segment secured deals worth USD 15 million while the seafood and fish supply sector recorded USD 35 million in sales—reaching over 200 supermarkets and restaurants in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, a dedicated Halal-compliant logistics service was arranged under a one-year estimated contract worth USD 5 million. The Halal-dedicated information technology solutions sector also finalized USD 38 million in deals to improve marketing, boost promotions, and streamline Halal certification processes.

Completing the Halal value chain, human resource services also contributed by securing contracts to generate at least 100 jobs annually. In addition, two agencies in the delegation achieved combined deals valued at USD 4.4 million, demonstrating the strong demand for skilled manpower to support the expansion of the Halal industry.

The DTI-Halal Development and Trade Office led the 64-member delegation from the Philippines comprised of 12 Filipino companies, showcasing a wide range of Halal-certified products in the expo. This delegation included representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Halal Export Board, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

Moreover, under the leadership of Secretary Roque, the DTI ensured the mission's achievements by working closely with key partners such as the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.

The mission was further strengthened by the support of various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, BARMM, the Department of Budget and Management, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Halal Export Board. 

Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System Project Team’s eHATID LGU wins Bronze Medal and Special Prize at Seoul International Invention Fair

Philippine Council for Health Research and Development

Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System Project Team’s eHATID LGU wins Bronze Medal and Special Prize at Seoul International Invention Fair

The Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System’s (SMILHIS) eHATID LGU project received global recognition as a Bronze Medalist from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and Special Prize for Best International from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists during the 2024 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) on November 27-30, 2024. Known as one of the premier gatherings of inventors worldwide, the SIIF showcases science and technology (S&T) solutions addressing societal concerns through technology and innovation. With over 500 entries from 30 countries, the recognition of eHATID LGU highlights its potential to provide healthcare in underserved and isolated communities.

Developed to manage the concerns of healthcare workers especially in rural communities, the eHATID LGU functions as an offline-accessible electronic medical records platform. It enables local health units to store and update patients’ data efficiently, even in areas where internet access is unreliable. The project also facilitates reporting to national agencies like PhilHealth, helping to streamline administrative tasks while freeing up more time for patient care.

Mr. Jaztine Calderon, the developer of eHATID LGU, shared the inspiration behind the project, stating, “The goal has always been to address the practical difficulties encountered by healthcare workers in remote areas. Many rely on paper-based records that are prone to errors and delays. With eHATID LGU, data can be managed efficiently, even without an internet connection.”

The system operates on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, offering healthcare providers an accessible and intuitive tool. To complement its functionality, Calderon and his team also introduced the SMILHIS Local Health Information Exchange (LHIE). The additional platform securely integrates patient records across multiple health facilities, ensuring continuity of care when patients visit different clinics or hospitals. The eHATID LGU and LHIE can serve as innovative solutions for health data management in geographically isolated and underserved communities.

No description available.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) played an important part in the project’s success. Through funding and monitoring, the DOST-PCHRD has supported the advancement and wider adoption of eHATID LGU. Calderon expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “The involvement of government organizations like DOST-PCHRD provides Filipino innovators with the resources and opportunities needed to share their work on an international stage.” Through the Council’s guidance, the project has been aligned with national health priorities, ensuring its relevance and responsiveness to the needs of communities across the Country.

DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya commended the project, saying, “The eHATID LGU exemplifies how research and development and technological prowess can improve access to quality healthcare for Filipinos. The project’s recognition on the international stage highlights the ingenuity and dedication of Filipino innovators in making healthcare accessible for all.”

Looking ahead, the eHATID LGU team aims to expand the system’s applications beyond healthcare further. Plans are underway to explore its use in public service sectors such as disaster risk reduction management and social welfare. Through integrating various functions, Calderon’s team seeks to establish a comprehensive platform that addresses a broader range of community needs.

Reflecting on the recognition at SIIF, Calderon remarked, “The real indicator of success lies in creating solutions that respond with the needs of communities. It is an honor to have eHATID LGU acknowledged globally, but the greatest achievement remains its impact on the lives of those it serves.”

Three other Filipino projects also won Bronze Medals at the SIIF: the iPOND device developed by Ms. Zalda R. Gayahan of DOST – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), the Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology spearheaded by Ms. Marie Antonette V. Berces of DOST – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), and the DeBCC Cream for basal cell carcinoma treatment invented by Ms. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu.

DOST-PCHRD leads Health Cluster Exhibit at 2024 National Science and Technology Week

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), together with other DOST agencies, spearheads the Human Well-being Cluster Exhibit at the 2024 NSTW in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, from November 27 to December 1, 2024...Read more

From Visions to Ventures: Filipino Innovators Drive Biotech Success

 

During the 2024 National Biotechnology Week (NBW) at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños from November 25-29, 2024, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) hosted the “Turning Visions into Ventures” session...Read more

Groundbreaking meeting of ASEAN Liver Research Initiative charts path for future studies

 

Hosted by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the 1st ALRI Meeting was conducted to identify priority areas and special working groups, as well as formulate concept proposals to be undertaken by its members...Read more

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: DOST-PCHRD Advances AMR R&D Efforts

 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose a growing public health threat, requiring actionable solutions rooted in research. On 5 November 2024, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) convened over 100 stakeholders...Read more

Another holiday surprise before this year ends, we are now accepting applications! 

The Council together with the University of Trieste and Fondazione Italiana Fegato invite applications for the three-year scholarship program on molecular hepatology within UniTS PhD program in Molecular Biomedicine. Send your applications until 10 February 2025!

The doctoral program focuses on cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and liver metabolic diseases. To signify interest, you may submit your CVs to: bit.ly/2025PhD-Italy-Portal

For more information, follow this link: bit.ly/2025PhD_Italy

Dr. Rafael Vincent M. Manalo, Batch 7 MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine scholar graduate, was named a Top Oral Presentation (Overall/All Categories) at the 29th Biological Sciences Graduate Congress (BSGC) 2024 held at the National University of Singapore, Singapore last December 9-12, 2024.

The MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine program is a partnership between the UP College of Medicine and DOST-PCHRD. It aims to develop medical doctors with a strong background in basic and clinical research as part of their biomedical careers.