August to October 2022

Pinoy Science STAR Camp 2022 is a search for potential talents to join the Pinoy Science pool of science and technology (S&T) content creators. The hailed Pinoy Science STARs will have access to Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development’s (DOST-PCIEERD) training and knowledge sharing activities in producing effective contents on TikTok particularly about science and other educational approaches.

Timeline

Guidelines

Application

• Open to the public age 18 years old and above residing in the Philippines with active TikTok account
• STAR applicants must create and upload a creative video of him/her with #PinoyScienceSTARako. The introduction video shall contain and explain the following:
  • Name
  • Explain the science behind one of DOST-PCIEERD’s technologies
    • DOST-PCIEERD technologies can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/DOSTPCIEERD-CompletedProjects
  • Why should you be the next Pinoy Science STAR?
• Video entries should follow the Content Format Guidelines. See the requirements below.
• All entries shall be set to public
• One account per unique TikTok user may submit one video entry.
• The application will run for one month: from 22 August 2022 until 22 September 2022

Content Format Guide

• Use simple words that can be easily understood by high school students
• Overall video length: 1 minute to 3 minutes
• Orientation: Vertical (Formatted to be viewed on a smartphone screen)
• Dimension/Resolution: 1080×1920
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (The aspect ratio should be that of a standard smartphone screen)
• File type: .mp4 and .mov files
• Music to be used in the videos should be allowed for commercial use on TikTok

Evaluation

• Entries will be based on the following Criteria:

Delivery of Scientific Knowledge - 35%

Accuracy of Information - 25%

Visual Appeal - 20%

Creativity - 15%

Online Impact (Computation based on engagement rate) - 5%

Announcement of Semi-finalists and STAR Campers

• Among the application entries nationwide, only the top 30 entries will proceed to the semifinals. Announcement of semifinalists will be conducted online.
• Semifinalists are invited to join a virtual training and workshop for free to equip and further improve their skills and capabilities on creating online and impactful contents.
• The semifinalists will be challenged to create contents that promote more DOST-PCIEERD's programs and research innovations.
• The top 10 entries from the semifinals challenge will move forward to the Finals.
• The announcement of 10 finalists or STAR Campers will be done virtually via Pinoy Science Facebook page and TikTok Live.
• The 10 STAR Campers should confirm their participation in the STAR Camp on or before 19 October 2022, 5:00 PM. Failure to confirm may forfeit their chance to join the camp. The others in rank will be invited to join otherwise.

STAR Camp: The Finale

• The STAR camp will be a 2-day learning and contest activity. To foster hands-on and more interactive training among the campers, the camp shall be conducted face-to-face in compliance with the health and safety protocol of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
• Prior to the face-to-face activity, the content topics for the contest will be assigned to the campers to give them ample time to conceptualize their content. The training discussions during the star camp will help them refine their concept and give them a chance to consult invited experts.
• Invited experts are those who have expertise in content creation, social media marketing/communication, and research.
• Pinoy Science organizers will provide the accommodation and food for all the invited speakers and campers for the whole duration of the event. Travel expenses of the STAR campers will be shouldered by the organizing institution.
• The final pool of Pinoy Science STAR composed of five (5), will be announced at the latter part of Day 2 program.

Output of the STAR Camp

• Content topics to be submitted by the campers should feature the projects and programs of DOST-PCIEERD. Submitted TikTok entries from the campers shall be featured on Pinoy Science TikTok and other social media accounts.
• The five (5) best content creators based on the entry evaluation of the judges will be part of the Pinoy Science STAR.
• The official Pinoy Science STARs will be tapped by DOST-PCIEERD to create contents for Pinoy Science social media channels. Request for content is bonded with necessary honoraria upon completion. Rates for honoraria shall follow the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Memorandum Circular No. 001, series of 2003, otherwise known as "Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Honoraria to Personnel whose Services are Engaged by the National Science and Technology"
• The official Pinoy Science STARs will have access to DOST and DOST-PCIEERD learning and development activities and networking and linkages opportunities.

Prizes

Semifinals

• Free training and workshop
• Electronic certificate

10 STAR Campers

• Certificates
• Pinoy Science and DOST-PCIEERD merchandise
• TikTok Merchandise

Pinoy Science STARs

A total of 2000 US dollars’ worth of exclusive perks will be given away for the hailed Pinoy Science STARs plus some exclusive rewards from Pinoy Science and TikTok!

• Each of the three (3) Pinoy Science STAR will receive 500 USD exclusive perks from TikTok together with the following:
  • Certificates
  • Pinoy Science and TikTok plaque/badge
  • Pinoy Science and DOST-PCIEERD merchandise
  • TikTok Merchandise
• Two special awardees will be chosen by DOST-PCIEERD. They will be part of the final pool of Pinoy Science STARs. They will receive the following:
  • 250 USD exclusive perks
  • Certificates
  • Pinoy Science and TikTok plaque/badge
  • Pinoy Science and DOST-PCIEERD merchandise
  • TikTok Merchandise

Note: The TikTok management will be one to send the exclusive perks to the five (5) Pinoy Science STARs

Terms and Conditions

• TikTok STAR Camp is open to the public age 18 years old and above residing in the Philippines.
• By sending entries to Pinoy Science STAR Camp, the participant allows DOST-PCIEERD, without compensation now and the future, to use his/her video/image and/or any statements in the submitted entry from publications, advertising, or other media activities including the Internet.
• Participants should adhere to TikTok Community Guidelines as stated at www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines
• The participants shall be deemed to have read and understood the mechanics, Terms and Conditions of the contest, and to have expressly agreed to follow, be bound by and to always comply therewith.
• Pinoy Science organizers reserve the right and have absolute discretion to disqualify any participant who violates any part of the contest guidelines.
• In case of any dispute, the decision of the Pinoy Science organizers shall be final, binding, and unappealable.
• Pinoy Science organizers reserve the right to modify, change, or revise the rules and mechanics of the contest at any time without prior notice and in consultation with DOST-PCIEERD management.

Inquiries

All inquiries for the Pinoy Science STAR Camp should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow the social media platforms of Pinoy Science for more updates!

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pinoyscience

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@pinoyscience

Aiming to elevate its science and technology campaigns, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) is on the lookout for new social media STARs or Science and Technology Advocates of Research.

In partnership with international social media platform TikTok, DOST PCIEERD launched the Pinoy Science STAR competition to look for the next generation science communicators who will have the opportunity to communicate the researches supported by the Council.

The STAR Competition is open to the public, 18 years old and above, resident of the Philippines and with an active Tiktok account.

The application will run from August 22 to September 22, 2022.

Ten winners will be chosen to be the main content creators of the Pinoy Science social media channels and feature PCIEERD’s projects and programs and other S&T and research and development (R&D) initiatives.

Promotional coupons amounting to P110,000 (around 2000 USD) and Tiktok and Pinoy Science exclusive merchandise also await the winners.

“At a time when everyone is barraged with so many alterative channels choices to engage, we should see to it that we supply social media with high-quality research-based information. Science and technology provide understanding and clarity to the pressing challenges w face today.” PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said.

In October 2020, PCIEERD forged a collaboration with Tiktok Philippines to further promote scientific innovations to the public.

For more details about the Pinoy Science STAR Competition, visit https://bit.ly/PCIEERDSTARCamp2022.

The wind tunnel in the laboratory that simulates wind speeds to test and calibrate small-scale wind turbines.

To advance the Philippines’ capability in harnessing energy from the wind, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) funded the establishment of the country’s first wind turbine research, development and testing laboratory in Iloilo City that was launched on Tuesday.

Developed and housed by the Central Philippine University (CPU), the laboratory will spearhead R&D initiatives that will serve as basis to help policymakers upgrade and formulate renewable energy (RE) policies, assess island communities’ potential in harnessing wind power and aid local government units (LGUs) in doing so, and provide various testing services to evaluate the performance of wind turbines to ensure that the country’s growing wind farms can maximize RE production.

“As CPU, through its Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC), had been involved in wind energy systems development and installation as early as the 90s, it is high time that we build an R&D and testing lab to analyze the long-term performance of existing wind farms and help the sector take off,” said Project Leader and CPU Mechanical Engineering Department Chairperson Engr. Jeriel G. Militar.

Moreover, the facility will be the venue for training programs on the use of wind tunnels, wind monitoring systems, and prototyping software and hardware. It will also lead to the design of wind turbine prototypes, guides for the conduct of wind resource assessment, and protocols or standard procedures in testing.

From left: DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Engr. Niñaliza Escorial, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, Central Philippine University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and DOST VI Regional Director Rowen Gelonga led the launching and inauguration of the Wind Turbine Development and Testing Laboratory on 25 May 2022.

“We envision that our initiatives through this lab, coupled with the availability of local support for training, repair, and maintenance, will encourage the adoption of local technologies by the local communities and contribute to the increase in the utilization of wind energy, a clean and renewable energy, in the region,” added Militar.

The lab is strategically established in Panay Island as it is one of the identified suitable places to generate wind power in the Philippines, especially for small-scale wind energy power applications.

DOST-PCIEERD, as the funding and monitoring agency of the project through its Institution Development Program (IDP), is optimistic that CPU’s wind turbine development and testing laboratory will unlock the country’s capability in generating wind energy.

“We are confident that the facility will further showcase the Philippines’ extensive wind potential among Southeast Asian countries, leading the accelerated growth of the wind energy market. This inspires us at DOST-PCIEERD to assist more institutions establish and upgrade their own facilities to enrich their regions with R&D initiatives that uplift the whole nation,” said DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit.

To date, the IDP has helped set up and upgrade 37 labs all over the country, amounting to a total investment of P194.42 million. The grant covers the purchase of laboratory equipment and facilities, including highly specialized software and other relevant operational expenses.

DOST-PCIEERD will accept proposals under the IDP this year, so interested institutions are recommended to stay updated through the Council’s social media accounts (@dostpcieerd) and/or website at https://www.pcieerd.dost.gov.ph.

To get more details on how to apply, please see https://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/supported-programs-projects/strategic-thrusts-and-programs/240-institution-development.

Screenshot of project leaders who presented their projects during the SIBOL 2022 on May 17, 2022 via Zoom

Next admin can capitalize on value-adding research on food

As the Philippines turns a new leaf with the conclusion of the national elections, the next administration can expect new technologies they can leverage to address the country’s problems on food security.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) is set to launch the second of the Science and Innovation Budding Opportunities for Leverage (SIBOL) 2022 on May 17 this year focused on food security.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said that the projects featured in SIBOL can be used by the next administration to address the country’s concerns on food security.

“The technologies lined up have enormous commercial potential and can be further improved with proper funding.” Paringit said.

This year, DOST-PCIEERD is supporting 238 new projects this year with a total funding of more than Php 1.7 billion.

Presented in the second episode of SIBOL 2022 for Food Security are: 

• Establishment and Operationalization of Integrated Research and Development Laboratory (IRDL) by the University of Antique (UA). The project seeks to capacitate the university, students, faculties, researchers, government agencies, and private industries   in   the   province   of   Antique in their research and analytical testing needs through the establishment and operationalization of the IRDL Laboratory in UA.

• Establishment of ParSU – MTL (Microbiology Testing Laboratory) by Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur. The establishment of ParSu-MTL aims to provide services to the community with the help of LGU in assessing different food products being produced by different establishments.

• Upgrading of the Vacuum-Fried Fruits and Vegetables Production in the Western Visayas Food Innovation Center by the Guimaras State College. The project aims to upgrade the West Visayas Food Innovation Center’s equipment to maximize vacuum-fried fruits and vegetables production for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• Utilization of Banana Peel, Canistel Fruit and Brown Rice in the Development of Composite Flour by the Iloilo Science and Technology University. The project aims to utilize banana peel, canistel fruit (chesa), and brown rice as main ingredients in developing functional food for lactating mothers.

• Characterization and Utilization of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Peels, Seeds, and Rinds Extracts as Food Preservative and Fortificant for High-Fat Foods also by UA. The project is based on the characterization and utilization of watermelon peels, seeds, and rinds extracts as food preservative and fortificant for high-fat foods.

• Adulteration Detection and Fingerprinting of Philippine Honey Using Stable Isotopes (Phase 2) by the PNRI. This project will pursue honey adulteration survey in the Philippine market, expand coverage of honey fingerprinting of bee species, convene national forums and feasibility study in establishing the National Isotopes Center – Food Authenticity Laboratory (NIC-FAL) to help protect the honey industry and its consumers from adulteration and fraud.

• Stable Isotope and Multi-Elemental Profiling of Coffee and Cacao Beans in the Philippines by IRMS and XRF for Origin Identification by the De La Salle University (DLSU). It aims to deep-dive into multi-elemental profiling of coffee and cacao beans in the country.

• Tracing the Geographic Origin of Philippine Carabao Mango Through ChemoIsotopic Fingerprinting by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), DOST. This project aims to determine the traceability of Philippine carabao mangoes in the local market.

• Development of Halal Compliant Restructured Goat Meat Products Freeze-Dried Mango-Yogurt by Sultan Kudarat State University-Tacurong Campus. The project aims to develop technologies to make goat meat products and mango-yogurt snacks halal compliant. This has arisen from the growing demand for halal-certified products and consumers demanding convenience, variety, healthy, and quality meat and dairy products.

• Complementing Conventional Techniques with Isotope Techniques to Detect Inorganic Fertilizer Application and Haram Ingredients in Food Production by PNRI. The project will develop, optimize, and evaluate nuclear and isotope analytical techniques for the authentication and geographical fingerprinting of organic food, halal meat and gel capsules.

• Establishment of Halal Assurance Management System and Halal-compliant Standardized Process for Spa Skincare Products for the Halal Tourism Industry by the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute. The project will focus on the development and establishment of Halal Assurance Management System (HAS) and Halal-compliant Standardized Process on Spa Skincare Products such as massage and body oil, body scrub and body cream.

• DOST ETCH: Enhanced Testing Capabilities of DOST Halal Verification Laboratories (HVLs) in Support to Philippine Tourism Industry by DOST Region IV-A. The project aims to support Halal tourism development in the country through the provision of internationally accepted halal and tayyib tests for local products and provide technical assistance on the Halal assessment of hospitality industries.

• Development and Deployment of Halal Tourism Training Module and Halal Assurance Systems (HAS) to Secure Halal Compliance of Tourism Establishments by DOST Region XI. This project proposal intends to strengthen and secure compliance of tourism establishments and enterprises with Halal standards through the strengthening of three components: 1) Development and deployment of training modules on Halal Tourism, 2) Development of Halal Assurance Systems for selected tourism establishments and enterprises, and 3) Establishment of a Halal food service establishment which shall serve as a model for Halal food establishments in the country.

“We are confident that these projects will bear fruit and pay dividends in the coming years considering their potential to create or add value to our citizens and to our country.” Paringit said.

The SIBOL webinar series is a presentation to the public of new projects and programs that DOST-PCIEERD is funding and create awareness on the promising new projects and their potential impact to society. 

(From left) NIA Deputy Administrator Engr. Czar M. Sulaik, NIA Administrator Gen. Ricardo Visaya (ret), DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, and DOST-PCIEERD Chief of EUSTDD Engr. Nonilo A. Pena.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) has forged a 6-year partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Friday to further capacitate the latter in delivering science-based services toward effective water management of irrigation in the country.

The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) was attended by DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, NIA Administrator General Ricardo Visaya (Ret), and Deputy Administrator Engr. Czar M. Sulaik at the NIA head office in Quezon City.

“With the rapid advancement of science and technology (S&T), coupled with the growing challenges brought about by climate change, there is a need to continually develop new strategies in enhancing the local governments’ disaster resiliency as well as its adaptability to infrastructure development and investment,” Paringit said.

(From left) NIA Deputy Administrator Engr. Czar M. Sulaik, NIA Administrator Gen. Ricardo Visaya (ret), DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit, and DOST-PCIEERD Chief of EUSTDD Engr. Nonilo A. Pena. At the back witnessing the signing of the MOU are representatives from both agencies.

“We, at the Council, are glad to have entered this collaboration with NIA as we continue advocating for a stronger tie with our public and private, as well as academic partners, for the eventual adoption of R&D,” he added.

Both parties have agreed to formally collaborate through the Water Resource Management and Climate Resilient Infrastructure Initiative Program (WRMCRII) to address challenges in the sector by planning, programming, crafting policies regarding harmonized water resource management, disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, and mitigation program based on research and development (R&D) agenda and S&T intervention plan.

The potential S&T collaboration areas are, but not limited to allocation of flood control in all dams; severe sedimentation-desilting; real-time monitoring during floods; dam break scenario-affected communities; inter-agency collaboration-watershed rehabilitation; enhanced forecasting during floods; hydrological and river flow modelling; groundwater modelling and monitoring for irrigation well areas; shallow tube wells for aquifer recharge; and smart farming innovative water management systems.

DOST-PCIEERD and NIA will also create an oversight committee equally representing both parties to monitor project accomplishments and the recommended succeeding steps during the implementation of the program.