The Department of Science and Technology and Mapua University launched on Friday, May 31, 2024, a 24/7 localized weather information and impact monitoring system to help the country prepare for the onslaught of the coming La Niña.

Developed by Mapúa University School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering led by Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy and supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), this technology will help augment the disaster risk reduction and management operations as the country braces for La Niña.

“We believe that scientific advancements are not just about immediate responses to natural hazards and consequent disasters; they are about creating long-term solutions that reduce risks and promote sustainable development. As we face increasing disaster risks, we must move beyond traditional approaches and embrace innovations that provide solutions and open opportunities for a better tomorrow” DOST Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.

WEHLO or Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydromet Monitoring System is among the funded technologies of the DOST-PCIEERD under the Funding Assistance for Spin-off and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) Program. The funding provided amounts to P15 million.

“Innovative DRRM technologies like WEHLO play a crucial role in our disaster preparedness.  As La Niña approaches, precise weather information really empowers municipalities and enhances disaster management,” said DOST– PCIEERD Executive Director, Dr. Enrico Paringit.

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons every year. According to the DOST -Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), La Niña may occur during the second semester of this year as El Niño weakens. Last year, Project WEHLO and MAPUA University inked a memorandum of agreement for weather data sharing with DOST-PAGASA.

In 2023, Project WEHLO already deployed and established partnerships with the Local

Government Units (LGUs) of Infanta-General Nakar, Quezon, and Pantabangan-Angat, Bulacan. The technology helps municipalities gather reliable and accurate real-time data with continuous transmission in times of disaster when bad weather conditions, signal interruptions, and power outages occur.

Unlike other existing weather monitoring systems in the country, WEHLO ensures that its system, adheres to the international standard set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Project WEHLO also developed an improved version of the Automated Real-Time Monitoring System (ARMS) sensor with the DOST-PAGASA.

“One of the advantages of this technology is that we can modify the system based on the users’ needs which means, we can manually calibrate the system and provide localized readings including rainfall, temperature, humidity, pressure, soil moisture, wind speed, wind direction, flow velocity, and water level,” said Dr. Uy, CEO of USHER Technology Inc.

Users can access data through their web portal and mobile application with an alert warning feature.

Aside from the Disaster Risk Reduction and the Localized Weather Monitoring, WEHLO also monitors and provides data on watersheds which can be useful for dam operators and agriculture for farm management.

MOA Signing between DOST, DOST - PCIEERD, Mapua University and Project WEHLO during the public launch of WEHLO on May 31, 2024 at The Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros Manila (L-R: Dr. Jonathan Salvacion, Director of Directed Research for Innovation & Value Enhancement, Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapua University, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of DOST, Dr. Francis Aldrin Uy, Project Leader of WEHLO and CEO of USHER Technologies Inc., Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, Dr. Cris Edward Monjardin the Co-founder of WEHLO)

DOST Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. discusses the importance of disaster resilience and significance of WEHLO in his keynote speech during the public launch of WEHLO on May 31, 2024, at The Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros Manila

USHER Technologies Inc. and Project Leader of WEHLO, Dr. Francis Aldrin Uy delivers his speech expressing his gratitude to the government's support on Project WEHLO

The Department of Science and Technology is putting up a P4.99 million Green Bio-Hydrogen to Energy Laboratory in Cagayan de Oro to help find sustainable energy solutions in Northern Mindanao.  

Located at the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, the research facility will convert low-value municipal and industrial wastes into energy carriers for distributed power generation. This endeavor aims to create energy-sufficient and independent communities, lessening the nation's dependence on external fuel sources. 

Under the guidance of University President Fr. Mars P. Tan SJ, and Project Leader Dr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan, Xavier University envisions this facility as a hub for advancing cutting-edge, clean, and non-mass burn technologies derived from municipal and industrial wastes. Additionally, the laboratory will provide tailored end-to-end recycling solutions to local governments and industries in the region, aligning with the broader goal of moving towards a circular economy. 

 The laboratory's primary objective is to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-to-energy technologies in converting waste into power and heat generation. This evidence and demonstration-driven approach is expected to facilitate broader adoption of sustainable practices in the region. 

 DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit underscored the collaborative efforts to address energy challenges and promote sustainable development in Northern Mindanao. DOST-PCIEERD provided the P4.99 million grant under the Institution Development Program (IDP).  

 “As we work together to become a nexus of innovation in the Philippines, we will continue our endeavor to provide support, not only to groundbreaking R&D and introducing innovation but also to make an impact,” Director Paringit said.  

 The project serves as a beacon of innovation and progress in the region as it supports Sustainable Development Goal 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy. 

Furthermore, the project gained full support and endorsement from the DOST Region 10 (DOST X) and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIEERD)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024–A Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Balik Scientist is developing plant-based, biodegradable packaging from waste materials.

Dr. Noel Peter Tan, a Medium-Term DOST Balik Scientist and head of the Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET) in University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo, has extensive experience in Applied Chemistry, specifically in the field of nanotechnologies for more than 10 years. He leads CANMEET–the first material science and emerging technologies research center in Western Visayas. The research center houses two laboratories, the Smart Packaging Laboratory, and the Membranes Laboratory.

This project on biodegradable packaging was revealed during Dr. Tan’s Exit Report Presentation held in Iloilo City. Dr. Tan leads the research on Nano-enabled bioplastics from regenerated cellulose aimed at producing an alternative source of biodegradable bioplastic with an improved mechanical property suitable for packaging materials. While traditional plastic is made from petroleum-based raw materials, bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable sources.

“Contributions of Balik Scientists, like the work of Dr. Tan enriches the country through innovations geared towards solving national concerns like environmental protection and management,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia. “As a nanoscience and nanotechnology expert, we are confident that Dr. Tan has successfully led the development of an R&D active environment for the USA, particularly in the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology, and chemical engineering.”

Baguio, City- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially handed over a P17 million smart city project to Baguio City to help address environmental concerns tourist spots encounter on April 15, 2024.  

In a ceremony, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, and Monitoring of Indicators for Efficient Redevelopment and Value Assessment (MINERVA) project leader Academician Christopher Monterola handed over the outputs of the project to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.  

Project MINERVA aims to help the Baguio City Local Government’s smart city and urban rehabilitation projects by utilizing data science and artificial intelligence.  

With MINERVA, tourism influx and flow and traffic can be modeled.  Air quality and water supply and quality can be monitored and forecast models be provided to city planners and administrators.  

Using the decision support tools, Baguio will be in a better position to create targeted, data-driven programs and policies in key areas that will enhance the standard of living, means of sustenance, social cohesion, and health of its residents. 

Secretary Solidum stressed the difficulties that the nation's metropolitan centers like Baguio City face can be solved through science and technology and boost its potential for growth and development.  “In the heart of a smart and sustainable community are science, technology, and innovation. In recent years, Philippine cities, through the Local Government Units, with the active support of academia, national government agencies, non-government organizations, and industries, have made strides towards technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and overall livability. Project MINERVA represents a significant step forward in enhancing our country’s readiness. The project is also a testament to forging partnerships and collaboration between local government units and national agencies like Baguio City and DOST," he stated.  

Executive Director Paringit reaffirmed DOST's commitment to "smartifying" our communities during his presentation of the Smart Cities Roadmap.  "DOST plans to provide support through the establishment of command data service centers, human resource investments aimed at increasing digital literacy skills, and the creation of embedded or ladderized programs for future cities through 2026,” he said. "This is intended to establish a digitally equipped city utilizing smart technology, with the aid of the smart city roadmap, he added. 

Academician Monterola presented the project's outcomes including aggregating all sensor and tourism data down to the barangay level.  "A prediction model for monthly tourism demand using hotel data, a model that incorporates pedestrian data, and a prediction model for air quality and casualty analysis of air pollution dispersal by meteorological factors have all been established as a result of Project MINERVA," He emphasized.  "Part of the project outputs are the deployment of 500 GPS trackers, 80 Atmotube Pro or Air Quality Sensors (AQS), and six (6) mobile Water Quality Sensors (WQS). These devices have all been game changers as essential conduits for data collection required for the project, he explained. 

Mayor Magalong expressed enthusiasm in receiving Project MINERVA’s outputs which supports the city's objectives for a smart, sustainable, green, and livable city that can handle current and upcoming urban problems and take advantage of digital opportunities to improve urban quality of life.

From left to right: Dr. Nancy Bantog, DOST-CAR Regional Director; Dr. Marissa Liponhay, AIM Project Chief Technical Specialist; Academician Christopher Monterola, MINERVA Project Leader; Hon. Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City Mayor; Ms. Ida Tiongson, Opal Portfolio Investments Inc. President; Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST Secretary; Dr. Enrico Paringit, DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director; Engr. Ramon N. Santos, DOST-PCIEERD Governing Council Private Sector Representative

Baguio City Mayor Magalong and DOST Secretary Solidum during the press conference

Ushering a new year on innovations, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) will fund 207 research projects in 2024.  

“This year, we are allotting P800 million into these research projects to help in advancing innovation in the Philippines,” DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Enrico Paringit said. These projects mainly focused on DOST’s four pillars, human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability.