Monday, November 28, 2022

Manila is set to Welcome the World to Inaugural Philippine Blockchain Week 2022!

November 28-December 4, 2022 at Newport World Resorts
New York, NY, November 1, 2022 -- Philippine Blockchain Week is proud to welcome international and local thought leaders from the digital and blockchain industries from 
November 28 to December 4, 2022, at the Newport World Resorts in Manila. Early Bird tickets are now available www.PhilBlockchainWeek.com.

With a population of 110 million people that has a median age of 25, and the highest internet and NFT penetration rate of a digital population, the Philippines is at the intersection of innovation, early adoption, and job creation for the global digital sector.Philippine Blockchain Week was created by a group of the country's cutting edge thought leaders from web2 and web3 to facilitate this education, opportunity, and growth in the 
Philippines. Spearheaded by Donald Lim, who is considered the Father of Digital Marketing in the Philippines, and Chezka Gonzales, a pilot and Founder of Women of Substance NFT, they have assembled an all-star team of partner organizations including Fintech Alliance.Ph, Institute of Corporate Directors, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), International Council of Small Business PH (ICSB), JCI Manila, Rotary District 3830, NFT 
Philippines, Women in Blockchain Philippines, Women in Blockchain Asia, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), as well event sponsors Newport World Resorts and Philippine Airlines. 

Producer Donald Lim shared “Philippine Blockchain Week has two goals: to fortify Filipinos with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to be competitive on a global scale in industries of the future; and to showcase the Philippines as the “Blockchain Capital of Asia”. 

Among the planned activities for Philippine Blockchain Week include featured sessions with renowned experts about blockchain, fintech, the metaverse, VC-startup matchmaking, an NFT & Gaming expo, multiple after-parties, and networking events.

Producer Chezka Gonzales, added “We are proud to facilitate space where global business opportunities will be created. Now that the world has opened up again, it is a prime time to connect, collaborate and launch successful ventures.”

Other key partners in Philippine Blockchain Week include Rico Pang, Group CEO, Sanctum Global Ventures; Kate Hancock, Founder, Metaverse XYZ; Daniel Robbins, CEO IBH Media; Oscar Tan Abing, Jr., Founder & CEO, Anotoys Collectiverse; Jay Ha, Co-founder, IP3; James Lim, CEO, 
Meta Persona; Tara Kwon, Co-founder, Hyped Collective and Janelle Barretto, CEO, JB7 
Consulting.

Early bird tickets are available in a limited quantity at www.PhilBlockchainWeek.com For more information or for interview requests please contact: media@49GlobalMedia.com

Join the action!
https://twitter.com/philblockchain
https://instagram.com/philippineblockchainweek2022
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#PhilippineBlockchainWeek, #PBW, #web3, #crypto, #NFTCollection, #NFTs, #NFTCommunity

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Hybrid Electric Road Train Technology of the DOST Eyed to be Adopted by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)

In the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s (CEZA) pursuit to become a self-sustaining industrial and commercial investment area, the support and use of local technologies are at the forefront. This may be exactly what the CEZA Secretary Jaime R. Escaño had in mind when he envisioned a more efficient means of transporting goods in and around CEZA. 

The HERT was originally developed as an alternative mass transport system in areas experiencing heavy traffic congestion. The Filipino-designed and developed HERT has locally available parts.  It is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and a battery generator, has rubber wheels, and runs on existing roads. It features a regenerative brake system and does not emit smoke, making it environmentally friendly. The HERT offers the best solution to the transportation requirements presently faced by CEZA.

Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-MIRDC met with Sec. Escaño and other officials of the CEZA on November 14-15, 2022, to look into possible areas of collaboration to address CEZA’s transportation requirements.  

The DOST-MIRDC team’s inspection and visits to various sites in Sta. Ana, Cagayan yielded fruitful results.  The local government of Sta. Ana and CEZA envisioned the Port of Irene and the Port of San Vicente as the prime ports of the country due to their strategic location on the Eastern side of the Philippines. CEZA is looking for ways to boost the current transport system in anticipation of the escalation of economic activities within the port area.

This collaboration may also possibly tap the involvement of the academe.  In another project, the DOST-MIRDC, in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices and state universities, has established Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs) that are specially designed to cater to the peculiar metalworking needs of the regions.  MEICs are located inside the campus of a state university recommended by the DOST Regional Offices.  In the case of Region II, the site of the MEIC is inside the Cagayan State University campus.  MEICs can also contribute to the success of the HERT project with the CEZA as these facilities may be used in the development of the HERT. 

With major stakeholders on board, the benefits of using locally developed technologies such as the DOST’s HERT will not only bring out the innovativeness of our best engineers and technicians but will also prove that our Filipino experts and local capabilities are able to address pressing challenges that are specific to the needs of the community.
by Kai H. Negado

Technology Information and Promotion Section
Technology Diffusion Division
Local 463
Direct Line: 8837-0479
Metals Industry Research and Development Center
General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
Telephone Numbers: 837-0431 to 38
www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph                          https://facebook.com/dostmirdc

DOST introduces 2023 call to R&D programs and scholarship opportunities co-funded with international partners


FRIDAY, November 25, 2022 - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - International Cooperation launched through a webinar today the timeline of the call for proposals for the year 2023 - 2024 for research projects and scholarship opportunities co-funded by China, Taiwan, Japan, India and France.  The event entitled “R&D Initiatives and International Call for Opportunities Webinar,” is held virtually on the third day of the DOST National Science and Technology Week.

Led by DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia, the webinar focused on the joint research initiatives of the DOST with its bilateral partners and scholarship opportunities.

“Through strategic collaborations, we were able to tread new heights of scientific breakthroughs and innovations,” says Undersecretary Buendia.  “We need to strengthen our international collaboration for science, technology, and innovation across fields and disciplines. The Philippines has a pool of talented and globally-competitive students, scientists, and technical experts that with ample support they can unravel their utmost potential.  To continue maximizing our opportunities, we must be efficient in navigating our bilateral and multilateral partnerships, to further develop a strong S&T Human Resource and R&D landscape in the country.” 

One of the funding opportunities is the DOST-Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Joint Research Program.  Identified priority areas are Health, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.  To date, DOST has supported 8 projects since its inaugural offering in 2020.

Another funding program is the DOST-Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Joint Research Program.  This is a bilateral exchange program jointly conducted by Filipino and Japanese researchers in accordance with their mutual agreement on international scientific collaboration. It aims to 1) contribute to scientific advancement by conducting bilateral research (including seminars) in a specific research field and 2) provide opportunities for young researchers of Japan and the Philippines to meet, interact, and exchange ideas to build a robust S&T community in the region.  Since 2018, 6 projects have been completed and 4 ongoing. 

The Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) and Taiwan Economic Cultural Office (TECO) Joint Research Project is an avenue for collaboration between Filipino and Taiwanese scientist and researchers on Virology, Nutritional Genomics, Artificial Intelligence, Green Technology, Nanotechnology, Materials Informatics, and among others. A maximum funding allocation of Php 10 million is set for the whole duration of the project (2-3 years).  Since the Program began in 2011, the DOST and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Taiwan have supported the implementation of 46 joint projects. 

One of the active programs of DOST with France is the French-Philippine Hubert Curien Partnership “Science for the People” (PHC-SFTP) Researchers’ Mobility Program.  The PHC-SFTP is a Hubert Curien French-Filipino Partnership which aims to support the scientific mobility of Filipino and French researchers, and facilitate the establishment of joint research projects between the two countries.  Three (3) projects are being currently implemented by both countries set to be completed in December of this year.

For foreign co-funded scholarships, DOST offers the University of Alberta in Canada and the DOST- Science Education Institute (SEI) agreed to implement a graduate scholarship program in priority S&T fields. This scholarship program aims to create a mechanism for master’s and doctoral students from the Philippines to study and conduct research at Alberta with support provided jointly by the DOST-SEI scholarships and UAlberta. SEI provides for the tuition fee, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, relocation allowance, and pre-travel expenses. On the other hand, the university grants the international student differential tuition fee. Ongoing foreign scholarships co-sponsored by DOST include the (i) MECO-TECO Sandwich Scholarship Program, (ii) DOST-Newton PhD Scholarships, (iii) PhilFrance-DOST Fellowship, as well as (iv) PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine in Italy.

For further inquiries of the funding programs and scholarships, interested applicants may reach out to the DOST-Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation at the 2nd Floor ADMATEL Bldg. DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig.  Applicants may also send an email at itcu-mail@dost.gov.ph; oasis.ic@dost.gov.ph or call at (02) 8837 2943/8837 2930.  

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Philippine Blockchain Week is here!

The first-ever Philippine Blockchain Week – a week-long event that aims to put the Philippines at the forefront of Blockchain innovation in the region. Taking place at Newport World Resorts, Manila from November 28-December 4, 2022, Philippine Blockchain Week represents a major collaboration of the private sector with the support of the national government, driving collaboration and innovation to solidify the Philippines’ position as the region’s fastest-growing Web3 market.

The 3-day conference (November 29 to December 1) boasts an all-star lineup of innovators from multiple industries who will lend their insights, including TRON DAO founder Justin Sun, E! Entertainment Co-Founder Larry Namer, 1inch Network co-founder Sergej Kunz, NFT.NYC Co-Producer Ian Utile, The Web3 Show’s Chris Snook, IP3 Co-Founder David Uslan, Miami NFT’s Erik Lapaglia, ZenAcademy founder Zeneca, Marvel’s Anthony Francisco, and Tier One’s Blacklist International. 

In addition to the keynotes, talks, panel discussions, and fireside chats, there will also be multiple Side Events, an NFT & Gaming Expo & tournament, multiple After-Parties, and exclusive Networking Events. Aspiring disruptors will even have the chance to join John Aguilar’s The Final Pitch! The winner of the event will be invited to join the show on CNN Philippines. We will also have a pop-up store of the number 1 burger according to Good Morning America called Bored & Hungry. Live NFT drawing and drawing workshop by Marvel artist Anthony Francisco. 

As spearheaded by Donald Lim, known as the Father of Philippine Digital Marketing, and Filipina Pilot Chezka Gonzales, Founder of Women of Substance NFT, Philippine Blockchain Week is being supported by a who’s who of partner organizations, including Fintech Alliance. Ph, Institute of Corporate Directors, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), International Council of Small Business PH (ICSB), JCI Manila, Rotary District 3830, NFT Philippines, Women in Blockchain Philippines, Women in Blockchain Asia, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), and the Department of Tourism, in addition to the event, sponsors Newport World Resorts, Gcash, Maya, Coins.ph and Philippine Airlines and schools and universities.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Meet the Level Zero Artists Live at their Concert this December 11!


Happening on December 11, 2022, at Amoranto Sports Complex – Filed Oval Featuring Al James, Pricetagg, Jp Bacallan, the Maneuvers/Street Boys /UMD Selection, DJ Jennifer Lee, Urban Crew, V2 sisters, King Murph with 1008 With 100 Models and Influencers Plus Surprise Guests. VIP productions will provide the car and bike show.

Tickets for the raffle is PHp 100.00 and 2 tickets can already get you in at the venue with 2 raffle tickets already that you can buy using Yogo.ph. Part of the proceeds of the concert is for the benefit of “the gift 6, #alaykapuspalad2022” to purchase basic needs for the less fortunate families and indigent communities all over the Philippines in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippines. Eagles is the first-born fraternal socio-civic organization in our country. Raffle prizes to be won are brand new sedan car, 30 motorcycles, more than 100 units of smart watches, phones, laptops, and other gadgets,

200 JVE device with pods , and 10 winners of 5,000.00 cash.

Level zero is set to be nationwide event with 20 key cities already signed up including a grand celebration in March 2023 at the Philippine arena

Presented by LZ Media and produced by Master J. For more information about the Level Zero event: https://www.facebook.com/levelzero.II

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

FLS-HGEM-Trained Farmer Levels up Halal Goat Production

In 2018, Mrs. Salome P. Amar of President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat enrolled in the Farmer Livestock School on Halal Goat Enterprise Management (FLS-HGEM), a six-month program for farmers developed by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented by the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU).

Mrs. Amar was trained on the rudiments of halal goat raising for 32 weeks and was taught on the requirements in establishing a halal goat farm --- from farm location and biosecurity to designing a halal-acceptable pen, establishment of halal pastures, halal feeding, as well as adherence to acceptable breeding and health practices. She was also exposed to several halal-compliant allied enterprises from the core enterprise of goat production. Although she had goats in the past, she was never aware that there were practices that could turn goat production into haram or non-halal

When she enrolled in FLS-HGEM, she had seven goats. From free grazing, which means letting her stocks roam freely anywhere all day long, she shifted to strategic grazing, a technology she learned from the FLS-HGEM. In this system, she grazes her stocks only in summer or when the weather is favorable. She likewise designates areas on her farms as grazing paddocks and provides supplemental feed when the goats return from grazing and stall feeds them with cut forages during inclement weather. She has also established her own forage garden to ensure the halal integrity of the feeds she gives her goats.

Under the DOST- Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program on halal goats, she was taught new designs for her halal goat house, and she began to separate the does that are about to kid and the newly kidded from the rest of the herd. She houses them in separate stalls to avoid trampling, which in previous years caused most of the deaths of the kids in her farm.

Eventually, diseases and deaths were curbed and breeding was improved. She witnessed an increase in her stocks, which over three years totaled more than 110 head, she said. During PCAARRD’s monitoring visit to the farm on September 14, 2022, she has 21 goats. Looking back since she started raising halal goats, she estimates having marketed more than 90head of goats that gave her a gross income of about P400,000. Her cash expenses were basically the amount used to renovate the goat house, as feeds consisting of just the forages were free from her farm. Labor cost, on the other hand, was a shared cost for all the business ventures inside the Amar farm.

Most of her buyers are still Christians, who prefer to eat halal goats, as they are known to be clean. Muslim customers, on the other hand, buy male goats to serve as qurban during Islamic festivities. These goats are sold for P4,000-5000 per head depending on the age and body condition. It is still not a practice to weigh each animal and prices are still based on an agreed estimated price.


The Amar Farm as training destination


At present, Mrs. Amar is an acknowledged supplier of authentic halal goats not only within President Quirino but in nearby municipalities as well. She now sits as a member of the Provincial Halal Council and her farm is now a farm tour destination for goat training.

This project that assisted Mrs. Amar in her venture towards halal goat production is part of the NICER-Halal Goat Science and Innovation Program, a program funded by the Department of Science and Technology under the Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness: NICER Program. It is being monitored by the DOST-PCAARRD.
by Anna Marie P. Alo, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services

Israel Shares Innovative Solutions for PH Water Challenges

 

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines through MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation and the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) through the Safe Water held a Water Security Strategies seminar to share with the government and water concessionaires in the Philippines the expertise and experience of Israel on water resource management.

“Israel invested in technology to support the growing demand and urbanization in the country. The technologies were introduced together with good policies and regulations that made Israel the leading country in the world in managing the water sector. From desalination to reuse of sewage, minimum loss of water and more,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss shared. “Through this seminar, we hope that the Philippines’ key implementing agencies will gain insights from the Israeli experience and adapt them to local conditions,” he added. Like all countries in the region, Israel faced a variety of challenges in the water sector. The Middle East is a dry area and more than 50% of Israel is actually desert.

Director Susan Abano of National Water Resources Board (NWRB) shared the challenges of the Philippines as water availability continues to fall as demand expands. Engr. Rodel Rik Tumanda of Maynilad, Engr. Jon Michael Esteban of Manila Water, and MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty presented their perspectives on managing water scarcity in the Philippines. These were analyzed by the Israeli water delegation and presented advanced solutions to better manage the water sector of the country.

The Israeli companies highlighted Israel’s innovation and technology to inspire and encourage the Philippine water sector, businesses, and LGUs to invest in technologies that will help manage water sustainably. Among the Israeli companies who presented their water technologies were ARAD Group, Atlantium, Okiana, and Watergen. This water delegation offers cutting-edge Israeli technologies in the areas of advanced metering infrastructure, water and wastewater management and treatment solutions, water control solutions, and turnkey projects.

Around 50 officials from the Philippine national government agencies, local government units, private sector, and academe attended the seminar on November 17. Notable government officials who participated were Usec. JV Llamas of DILG, Asec. Roderick Planta of NEDA, Atty. Patrick Ty of MWSS, and Mayor Glenn Flores of Alaminos, Laguna. Also in attendance was Mr. Rene Meily, President of PDRF.