DOST-ITDI Presents MATDEV's latest on Additive Manufacturing (AM)

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) presents Material Development (MATDEV) Laboratory’s latest on Additive Manufacturing (AM) available for industry and manufacturer's needs. 

AM is the technique being used by the MATDEV Laboratory to produce models and prototypes directly from three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) without using any tools or fixtures. Funded by the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program, MATDEV Laboratory is a project under the Advanced AM R&D Program.

Inaugurated on December 22, 2020, the MATDEV Laboratory undertakes research and development on materials for use in additive manufactured products to reduce the cost of raw materials by using local resources.

However, AM has been in use since the 1980s with Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute inventing two AM photopolymer rapid prototyping systems in 1981. Today, the AM process of making a product by adding successive layers of material is now often referred to as 3D printing.

Compared with traditional production methods or subtractive manufacturing (SM), AM requires less hard tooling and assembly and offers greater customization or bespoke manufacturing at shorter time to market.

AM ensures continual availability of spare parts, which is particularly useful in asset-heavy industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. In some countries, the use of AM is widespread in machineries like turbines, handling and robotics, lifestyle and sports like jewelry and biking, and custom parts of classic cars.

DOST-ITDI foresees that in the long run, AM can completely change the way products are designed and built, as well as distributed, sold, and serviced. 

ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones admits that “AM is where we might be soon as the rest of the world catches up on its use, which can edge out the competitiveness of our local businesses. Right now, most of our manufacturing firms are into SM.”

SM involves cutting away from a solid block of material. A milling machine cutting/hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic is an example of SM. 

However, most of AM’s current users around the globe think that, “As it currently stands, it is unlikely that AM will replace SM any time soon. This is because both sets of processes have a very contrasting set of advantages and disadvantages, meaning that each can play to the strengths of the other’s weaknesses.”

Director Briones added that, “AM has been steadily growing a following, primarily because of its big market, which researchandmarkets.com
reported at $12 billion in 2020.”

Currently, analysts at Global Market Insights, Inc. believe that the overall economic impact created by AM could reach $100 billion to $250 billion by 2025, “… if adoption across industries worldwide continues at today’s rate.” This potential is seen to come from the aerospace and defense, automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.

S-PaSS developed by DOST, for easy coordination in areas with different Travel Restrictions

The Department of Science and Technology developed the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage or S-PaSS, an innovative travel management system for local travelers who are returning to or visiting different localities in time for the holidays, for vacation or for business.

The S-PaSS is a travel management system that can facilitate local travel where the public can access information on travel restrictions implemented by different Local Government Units (LGU) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The S-PaSS is not a contract tracing system like the StaySafe.ph which is a community-driven contact tracing, health condition reporting and social distancing system being adopted by LGUs and also approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases or IATF.

As a travel management system, the S-PaSS will facilitate a safe, swift, and smart coordination of travels to the destination LGUs. Travelers can check the travel restrictions of their destination through https://s-pass.ph.

If the final destination has restricted travel policy, the traveler can now apply for a Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) through the S-PaSS. The TCP now replaces the previously required Travel Authority.

On the other hand, if the final destination of the traveler is classified as unrestricted but will have to pass through restricted LGUs before reaching their final destination, travelers should also apply for a Travel Pass-Through Permit (TPP) aside from securing the TCP required by the place of final destination.

Previously, LGUs issue the Travel Authority to local travelers including returning Overseas Filipino Workers, locally stranded individuals, and emergency travelers. With the adoption of S-PaSS by the IATF, S-PaSS will allow the LGUs now to issue the Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) to replace the previously required Travel Authority.

To use the S-PaSS, travelers just need to register using their personal mobile number. They have to check the documents required by the LGU they are going to, apply for the TCP, and submit it through the website. Most LGUs have contact numbers for easy coordination and verification of the status of approval of their TCP. However, the length of time for the approval of the TCP may vary depending on the LGU where the traveler is going to. The DOST, as the developer of the system, is not responsible for how long or how fast the LGUs will approve the traveler’s TCP.

DOST Regional 

The S-PaSS is a system that will also provide the LGUs real-time monitoring of all incoming travelers to the respective localities while the system will also provide the travelers their travel history.

DOST’s S-PaSS was institutionalized by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for Emerging Infectious Diseases through Resolution No. 101 last February 26, 2021 as a one-stop communication and coordination platform for travelers and Local Government Units (LGUs).  DOST is now coordinating directly with LGUs for the activation of their accounts and for the full roll-out.  Likewise, necessary orientation as well as trainings for the LGUs are being conducted for the full implementation of S-PaSS. 

The formal launch of the S-PaSS will be held on 26 March 2021 at 3:30PM via DOST-Philippines Facebook page to be attended by high-ranking officials from the DOST, Department of Interior and Local Government, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, local chief executives, the media and other partners and stakeholders. By Joy M. Lazcano - DOST-STII

DOST-FUNDED, UP-DEVELOPED "MASDAN" Mobile APP to help in Environment Protection

By Jachin Aberilla, DOST-STII

Citizens can now report environmental issues and concerns through a mobile application called ‘MASDAN’. MASDAN is a platform for citizen science to map and monitor the water quality of Manila Bay and other similar areas in the country.

In 2020, the University of the Philippines- Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched a two-year program in response to the need for technological interventions concerning the rehabilitation and sustainability of the Manila Bay area dubbed, “IM4ManilaBay”.

MASDAN mobile app is one of the outputs of the Development of an Integrated Mapping, Monitoring, and Analytical Network System for Manila Bay and Linked Environments project or MApABLE, one of the four projects of the IM4ManilaBay Program.

What is Citizen Science

“Everything is mappable. We want to enable mapping and monitoring of the environment using geo-spatial technology such as remote sensing, surveying, graphic report systems, and other related technologies as well as citizen science.” said the IM4ManilaBay Program project leader, Dr. Ariel C. Blanco.

According to National Geographic, citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. Through citizen science, people share and contribute to data monitoring and collection programs. Usually, this participation is done by unpaid volunteers.

“Through citizen science, everyone has a role to play. We want to enable them to contribute towards generating actionable information.” Blanco added.

How to use the app

Jomer Medina, Senior Science Research Specialist of Project MapAble, demonstrated the framework of MASDAN. Users would have to register first and fill out the user profile form on the app. After which, users can now submit a narrative on an environmental issue or concern, its location, and accompanying photos as evidence. Users can also pin the exact location of the issue on a map. In the meantime, the app can only accept photos, not videos.

Concerned citizens can report the following environmental issues:

· algal bloom

· fish kill

· water pollution

· water hyacinth

· ongoing reclamation

· solid waste

Once a report is submitted, it goes through a server where it can be directly accessible to appropriate national government agencies, state universities, and colleges, higher education institutions, local government units, civil service societies, and citizens. Through the app, concerned agencies can take action on the reports submitted by the users.

MASDAN app is not only meant for Manila Bay concerns, citizens can also report issues in the Laguna lake area and other areas in the Philippines.

What is it in for the users

“Ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay responsibilidad ng bawat isa. Dahil sa partisipasyon ng publiko sa pangangalap at pagbabahagi ng datos at impormasyon, nagiging matibay ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng publiko at eksperto. Nagiging mabilis na pagsasagawa ng pag-aaral at nagkakaroon ng konteksto dahil sa input ng mga mamamayan,” Medina highlighted.

Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, executive director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) expressed his appreciation to the project team for making this innovative mobile application, MASDAN.

“I encourage citizens to actively participate and become more informed on Manila Bay’s conditions thus becoming more empowered and more aware. Let’s partake in this opportunity to contribute, share knowledge, and exchange views”, Dr. Paringit added.

Let’s do our share and be a ‘mapaBler’ now and download the MASDAN app on Google play. (S&T Media Service)

DOST, DICT, DTI to Seal Collaboration in Support of PH Innovative Startups

Quezon City - Sharing the commitment to support innovative startups as a way to boost national socioeconomic development, especially at this time when the government moves towards the new normal, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has joined hands with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to work together and help Filipino innovative startups get their bearings.

This multi-agency collaboration is expected to be sealed via virtual presser on 22 March 2021 at 3:00PM through an official signing of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) by the three Department Secretaries: Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the DOST, Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II of the DICT, and Secretary Ramon M. Lopez of the DTI. The virtual signing can be viewed live at the DOST-Philippines Facebook page.

The signing of the JAO underscores the commitment of the three Departments to pursue the objectives of the Innovative Startup Act or Republic Act No. 11337 (RA 11337), to aid in the growth of the innovative startup companies and business ventures in the country.

The Innovative Startup Act shall provide incentives and remove constraints, aimed at encouraging the establishment and operation of innovative new businesses —businesses crucial to growth and expansion — that will strengthen, promote, and develop an ecosystem of businesses and government and nongovernment institutions that foster an innovative entrepreneurial culture in the Philippines.

The Act also aims to streamline government and non-government procedures to help ease constraints for startups and encourage more creative minds to start their own enterprises in a more conducive innovation environment.

Under the Act, a Startup Grant Fund (SGF) shall be created under DOST, DICT, and DTI. Each agency, on the other hand, shall use its respective SGF to provide initial and supplemental Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for startups and startup enablers that have passed the selection and application process

The JAO is being issued to create a Steering Committee (SC) that will provide strategic guidance and oversight in teh formulation, implementation, and development of the program.

The Steering Committee per Section 1, Rule 2, Chapter 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11337 is to be constituted by DOST, DTI, and DICT for the implementation of the IRR and the management of the Philippine Startup Development Program. The SC will be composed of nine representatives from the DOST, DICT, and DTI as designated by their respective Secretaries.

This accord is truly beneficial as it is aligned wif the other innovation-related programs of DOST like the Science for Change Program wif its four sub-programs CRADLE, NICER, RDLead, and BIST; Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Program; Technology Innovation for Commercialization Program (TECHNICOM); the Startup Nation Program; and the Young Innovators Program (YIP), to name a few.

In concertizing dis collaboration, it is expected that the startups that will be supported will eventually contribute to the overall goal of the government to ignite economic activity, nurture a robust innovation ecosystem, enhance productivity, and heighten global competitiveness.  (S&T Media Service)

DOST-ITDI sets MATDEV forum

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is gathering industry, academe, government, and non-profit organizations in a stakeholders' forum to be held on March 25, 2021, via the Zoom Meeting platform, to present MATDEV Laboratory’s current and future activities on additive manufacturing (AM).

AM is the technique being used by the MATDEV Laboratory to produce models and prototypes directly from three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) without using any tools or fixtures.  Funded by the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program, MATDEV Laboratory is a project under the Advanced Additive Manufacturing R&D Program.

Inaugurated on December 22, 2020, the MATDEV Laboratory undertakes research and development on materials for use in additive manufactured products to reduce the cost of raw materials by using local resources.

However, AM has been in use since the 1980s with Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute inventing two AM photopolymer rapid prototyping systems in 1981.  Today, the AM process of making a product by adding successive layers of material is now often referred to as 3D printing. 

Compared with traditional production methods or subtractive manufacturing, AM requires less hard tooling and assembly and offers greater customization or bespoke manufacturing at shorter time to market. 

AM ensures continual availability of spare parts, which is particularly useful in asset-heavy industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. In some countries, the use of AM is widespread in machineries like turbines, handling and robotics, lifestyle and sports like jewelry and biking, and custom parts of classic cars. 

DOST-ITDI foresees that in the long run, AM can completely change the way products are designed and built, as well as distributed, sold, and serviced. It is thus advocating AM to the industry through the stakeholder’s forum. 

ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones admits that "AM is where we might be soon as the rest of the world catches up on its use, which can edge out the competitiveness of our local businesses. Right now, most of our manufacturing firms are into subtractive manufacturing."

Subtractive manufacturing involves cutting away from a solid block of material. A milling machine cutting/hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic is an example of subtractive manufacturing.

However, most of AM's current users around the globe think that, "As it currently stands, it is unlikely that additive manufacturing will replace subtractive manufacturing any time soon. This is because both sets of processes have a very contrasting set of advantages and disadvantages, meaning that each can play to the strengths of the other's weaknesses."

Director Briones added that, "AM has been steadily growing a following, primarily because of its big market, which researchandmarkets.com

reported at $12 billion in 2020."

Currently, analysts at Global Market Insights, Inc. believe that the overall economic impact created by AM could reach $100 billion to $250 billion by 2025, "... if adoption across industries worldwide continues at today’s rate." This potential is seen to come from the aerospace and defense, automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.

Through the forum, DOST-ITDI hopes to inform concerned industries on AM, its value chain, future players, and the business model which may apply to local materials manufacturers.

FDA granted Sputnik V for Emergency Use

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to Sputnik V, one of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccines, today, 19 March 2021, as announced by FDA Director General Eric Domingo during the Department of Health (DOH)’s Special Briefing.

Authorized for limited use among Filipino individuals aged 18 and above, the non-replicating viral vector COVID-19 vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology through the support of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Both Gamaleya and RDIF were identified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which chairs the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation and Selection (TG VES), as one of its bilateral partners for the possible conduct of vaccine clinical trials in the Philippines. The DOST-convened Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) has reviewed the initial clinical trial data of Sputnik V, which served as one of the bases for the FDA’s approval of the vaccine’s EUA application.

As early as August 2020, the DOST-led TG VES has been in contact with Gamaleya and RDIF, through the assistance of both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Philippines, in terms of COVID-19 vaccine development, and more recently, in Gamaleya’s submission of the required documents to FDA for their EUA application. 

The DOST welcomes this development as the country now has an additional approved  vaccine in its portfolio for the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. 

Architect Kaydee Velasco as part of membership committee of AAP

The award winning Architect and CEO, Kaydee Marie Velasco is part of the esteemed membership committee of American Association of the Philippines. One of the oldest American organisation of the Philippines. 

For this 2021, the selection process will be different.   

   

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