From lowly rocks, a Balik Scientist of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) developed a filter that can sift harmful chemicals in the air.

Valenzuela City, as of 2017, has over 200 plastic and rubber manufacturing companies operating within the city. Emissions coming from these large factories and their recycling plants are alleged to cause residents nearby to develop health concerns, particularly pulmonary problems.

Dr. Ramuel John I. Tamargo, who finished his postgraduate studies at the Yeugnam University in South Korea, developed an air filter that can absorb volatile organic compounds and other harmful gases common in plastic manufacturing plants. 

In his stint as a Balik Scientist, Dr. Tamargo developed AirSAVER or Air Purification using Sustainable Aluminosilicate for Valenzuela Environmental Remediation which he envisions to improve the lives of people living around industrial areas.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed hope that these air filters be used by industry players to improve the health of their workers as well the communities. 

The air-saving device. After completing his doctoral studies at Yeugnam University in South Korea, Dr. Ramuel John I. Tamargo created an air filter that can capture hazardous gases and volatile organic compounds that are frequently found in plastic production facilities.

“We look forward to the day that these air filters be ubiquitous in the operations of our manufacturing industry.  We thank Dr. Tamargo for sharing his brilliant idea and bringing it into fruition,” he said. 

The air filter was developed under the Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) for R&D Program in 2021, the project is being monitored by the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology (DOST-PCIEERD).

AirSAVER is developed from locally sourced natural zeolite which occurs both in volcanic rocks and sedimentary rocks. It is commonly used to remove heavy metals and other pollutants from water. 

Dr. Ramuel John I. Tamargo on his series of lectures and presentations to the Valenzuela manufacturing industries as he shared about the air filter invention

Aside from being used as water purification agent, zeolite has other wide range of applications. 

In his project, Dr. Tamargo utilized and developed this material into a fixed bed filter installed in plant industries' exhaust system to filter air emissions. 

It targets Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other harmful gases produced by plastic manufacturing plants in Valenzuela City.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit urged Filipino scientists to follow Dr. Tamargo’s example and help in infusing fresh ideas in the scientific community through the Balik Scientist Program. 

“We hope more of our kababayans follow suit and return to the Philippines to help our scientific community flourish. DOST is ready to open opportunities for our Balik Scientists,” he said.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conferred awards for seven (7) research and development (R&D) project teams for their outstanding implementation of different innovation activities.

Accorded the Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Award are:

1. PERPSAT1: University of Perpetual Help System (UPHS) Amateur Satellite Ground Station Development of the UPHS DALTA in Las Piñas. This technology allows students and faculty members to communicate with artificial satellites in space. 

(4th from left) Project Leader, Engr. Lorena Ilagan of the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas with the DOST Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit (6th from left) during the awarding of the Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Awards as part of the celebration of the PCIEERD’s evaluation conference held in Makati City on June 19, 2024. The project being awarded is titled “PERPSAT1: UPHSD Amateur Satellite Ground Station Development.”.

2. Kwadra 1905 Technology Business Incubator (KTBI) implemented by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).

 (4^th from left) Project Leader Karlo Sira of the Iloilo Science and Technology University with the DOST Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit (3^rd from left) and Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial, Deputy Executive Director of PCIEERD (2^nd from left), during the awarding of the Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Awards as part of the celebration of the PCIEERD’s evaluation conference held in Makati City on June 19, 2024. The project being awarded is titled “Establishment of the DOST-ISAT U K’DRA 190 Technology Business Incubator (KTBI).

3. The establishment of the Solid Freeform Fabrication Research Laboratory (SoFFRel) in Pangasinan State University. This laboratory housed advanced tools including an Industrial 3D Printer, Desktop 3D Printer, 3D Laser Printer, and consumable materials for 3D printing. 

(4th from left) Project Leader Mr. Rex Basuel of the Pangasinan State University together with the Executive Director, Dr. Enrico C. Paringit of DOST-PCIEERD (2nd from left), and the other representatives of the Human Resources and Institution Development Division during the awarding of the Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Awards as part of the celebration of the PCIEERD’s Evaluation Conference held in Makati City on June 19, 2024. The project being awarded is under the Institution Development Program, titled "Solid Free from Fabrication Research Laboratory (SoFFRel).

4. The LMS Solutions Philippines which developed an integrated school management and content library system for K-12 schools. This technology reduces workload among teachers by digitally managing school operations like student enrollment, faculty monitoring, learning management, and assessment reporting which are usually assessed by various regulatory and educational accreditation agencies.

(3rd from left) Project Leader Jonald Justine Itugot of LMS Solutions Philippines OPC is joined by the officers of DOST-PCIEERD during the evaluation conference and awarding of the Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Awards held in Makati City on June 19, 2024. The project being awarded is titled "Enhancement and Validation of Cerebro (An Integrated School Management and Content Library System for K–12 Schools).

5. Mindanao State University – Naawan’s NanoTox Project which accurately assesses the toxicity level of various nanomaterials. This project paves the way for safer nanotechnology applications and responsible development of nanomaterials. 

(3rd from left) Project Leader Dr. Rey Capangpangan from Mindanao State University-Naawan with the DOST PCIEERD team and other staff from MSU during the awarding ceremony of the Excellence in the Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) Awards held in Makati City on June 19, 2024. The project being awarded is titled "In Solico Nanotoxicology Evaluation of Engineered Nanomaterials: Bridging the Data Gap on Experimental Approaches for Toxicity Appraisal with Implications to Nanomaterials Risk Assessment and Nano-Safety."

6. The Ateneo de Manila University in partnership with the Philippine National Police for the Basic Training Course for PNP Personnel on the Fundamentals of Chemical Safety and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The project trained PNP- Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) personnel in basic chemistry, necessary for safe handling of firearms and explosives, detecting illicit activities, conducting investigations, and collaborating with field experts.

006 (8th from left) Project Leader Dr. Fabian Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila University with the PCIEERD team during the awarding ceremony of EPIC for the project titled “Basic Training Course for PNP Personnel on the Fundamentals of Chemical Safety and the Safety Data Sheet." The event is held on June 19, 2024, in Makati City.

7. The PECTIN-CARRAGEENAN MIXTURES: High Precision Characterization of Hydrogel Heterogeneity Properties with Optical Tweezers and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) Imaging of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

(3^rd from left) Project Leader Romel Bacabal of the University of San Carlos, during the awarding ceremony of EPIC for the project titled “PECTIN: CARRAGEENAN MIXTURES: High Precision Characterization of Hydrogel Heterogeneity Properties with Optical Tweezers and FESEM Imaging." The event is held on June 19, 2024, in Makati City. 

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. lauded the research teams who received the EPIC awards.  “We look forward to the project outputs of our researchers being used by the Filipinos in the long run. Our desire to have our citizens benefit from our R&D outputs powers the strong drive to push towards technology commercialization,” he said. 

Sari-sari stores are about to become smarter and more technologically advanced.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded Packworks, a Filipino startup that offers a business-to-business (B2B) fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) marketplace for sari-sari stores, to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) aimed at equipping over 1.3 million sari-sari stores nationwide with data-driven inventory management tools to enhance business growth.

A PHP3.5 million research funding from the DOST- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program will support Packworks' PHP 1.5 million allocation to develop a machine-learning-powered precision marketing model, offering sari-sari stores customized recommendations on sellable items and promotions from Packworks' FMCG partners. 

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed his support to the project, stating: “Our mission at DOST is to build an integrated, inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystem.  We hope to support startups at every stage of development, from formation, to validation, until growth.”

The SGF Program aims to support technology-based startups by transforming early-stage technologies into market-ready products. Now in its second cycle, the program continues to foster innovation across various sectors, including sustainable industries, education, creative industries, data-driven technologies, climate change, and productivity enhancement tools. Since July 2022, DOST has supported 123 startups in the country through the SGF program. 

Sari-sari stores, despite serving as the primary source of daily essentials for around 94% of Filipinos, are often faced with challenges such as inadequate financial management, lack of actionable customer insights, and ineffective promotional campaigns. Furthermore, the current absence of a streamlined approach for receiving high-quality promotions, such as discounts or personalized item packages from FMCG manufacturers, restricts store owners from enticing and retaining customers effectively.  

SARIPRENEUR ANN smiling proudly in her megastore. Her store day-to-day operations have been more manageable with the help of DOST and Packworks' platform.

SARIPRENEUR SUSAN - a newly onboarded Packworks user with the guidance of the Packworks' field team.

“Through this AI-powered model we will develop in partnership with DOST, we aim to equip small entrepreneurs with data-driven insights and targeted strategies for enhanced business success and expansion," said Packworks Chief Data Officer and project lead Andoy Montiel.

Sari-sari stores are part of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines, which account for an overwhelming 99.5% of all business establishments. Of those, around 500,000 are in the wholesale and retail industry.

The AI-powered capability will be launched as an in-app service on Packworks’ Sari.PH Pro app and is expected to benefit its network of over 270,000 sari-sari stores across the Philippines.

"We are thrilled to partner with Packworks in this groundbreaking initiative to support the sari-sari store sector, a vital pillar of the Philippine economy. This collaboration exemplifies the government’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and economic growth through strategic public-private partnerships, as outlined in the Innovative Startup Act. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of this partnership on the grassroots retail industry towards driving inclusive growth and innovation across the Philippines,” DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said.

Aligned with Republic Act (RA) No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act (ISA), the initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the country's startup ecosystem towards driving economic growth and technological advancement.

Packworks CEO Bing Tan expresses his optimism about the partnership with DOST.

"We are elated to be collaborating with DOST through a shared vision to energize the grassroots retail industry in the country. This public-private partnership will be instrumental in addressing the unique challenges faced by sari-sari stores, providing them with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive and increasingly digitized market. We look forward to leveraging AI-driven solutions to empower these stores, enhance their operational efficiency, and drive economic growth at the grassroots level," said Tan.

Launched in 2018 as a solution for multinational companies with only a handful of sari-sari store partners, Packworks has rapidly expanded as a B2B platform that enables growth and success throughout all stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem, from small sari-sari store owners to wholesalers, distributors, and renowned FMCG companies and brands. Through the Sari.PH Pro app, sari-sari store owners can access pricing tools, inventory management, sales and revenue tracking, and working capital loans.

In 2022, the startup launched Sari IQ, a business intelligence tool offering real-time and historical consumer expenditure data to help retailers and brands gain visibility into sari-sari stores and expand their reach to more customers. Analysis through the platform also helps them make data-driven decisions to boost the sales of sari-sari store owners by understanding and predicting consumer demand within their area.

The collaboration with DOST, which will run for 18 months, aims to reach more micro-retail stores across the country, enhancing their digital capabilities and fostering entrepreneurial growth and success.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are in search for ideas to support in the renewable energy sector.

The DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) will be opening on July 15, 2024, the Call for Proposals for its Renewable Energy Science, Technology, and Innovation (RESTI) Program.

The RESTI program is the banner program of the cooperation agreement between the DOE – Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) and DOST-PCIEERD. RESTI is in accordance with RA 9513, series of 2008, or the Renewable Energy Act particularly the implementation of the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) and the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program Guidelines.

The main objective of the cooperation agreement is to further develop and increase the utilization of renewable energy sources in response to the challenges in climate change and the demand for a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

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DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. enjoined innovators to submit proposal and be a part of providing solutions to the country’s challenges in the renewable energy sector.

“We urge our researchers, engineers, and scientists to submit trailblazing ideas that will bring innovative solution to challenges faced by the renewable energy sector. We look forward to how our RSEs can shape the future of our society and ensure sustainable energy sources,” he said.

DOST is looking for research proposals under the following priority areas: Integrated Renewable Energy (RE) Information and Mapping Systems, Local Market Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production.

The Integrated RE Information and Mapping Systems aims to streamline and automate the monitoring and operation of renewable energy initiatives with an allocated budget of P50 Million for three years.

DOE also sets aside P5 Million to back a project proposal centered on conducting a market study to assess the volume of key components of Solar PV Systems in the Philippine market.

While a P35 Million fund will also be provided to produce eco-friendly fuel as support to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in achieving its goal of no carbon emissions from international flights by 2050.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed hope that the proposals can help the country in solving its energy woes as well as the shift towards cleaner energy sources.

“We challenge our researchers to come up with novel ideas to address the energy concerns we are facing.  As we strive to be the Nexus of Innovation, we are keen to support ideas that can energize our nation towards economic development,” he said.

Any qualified proposals submitted by public and private universities and colleges, Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), R&D Consortia, non-profit laboratories, and other public or private non-profit S&T institutions based in the Philippines with proven competency can apply to RESTI program to be funded under RETF.

All applicants can submit their proposal to the DOST Project Management Monitoring System (DPMIS) from July 15, 2024 to August 2, 2024, 5:00 pm through this link https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/index.php.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded system to automate manual evaluation of repossessed motorcycles was officially launched on June 18, 2024, at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Makati City. 

ARMAS is a result of an R&D project between Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation and the Asian Institute of Management funded under the DOST Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program.

The DOST CRADLE Program aims to enable technological advancement and innovation of local companies and to support the growth of the Philippine Innovation ecosystem. Through the program, the academe and/or R&D Institution in partnership with a Filipino company, undertakes R&D to improve the company’s products, processes, and services to become more competitive in their respective industries. Beneficiary-companies under this program must provide at least 20% counterpart funding and commit to adopt the technology that will be developed. This way, research outputs from the academe are directly translated commercially to the market.

In her keynote speech, DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia said: “The benefit of this collaboration enabled Unistar to potentially lower their operational costs and increase their revenue. Furthermore, since this is a pioneering work for this sector, it proves that AI-driven strategies can boost the competitiveness of any business.  The success of ARMAS is a testament to the effectiveness of the DOST CRADLE Program.”

: Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST PCIEERD, during his welcome address at the PROJECT ARMAS launch. He reaffirmed the innovative work of AIM and UNISTAR in addressing the necessity to emphasize the usefulness of AI in evaluating motor vehicle conditions quickly and accurately.

Dr. Ericka Fille T. Legarda of the Asian Institute of Management and the project leader for the Unistar Automated Repossessed Motorcycle Assessment System (Unistar ARMAS) during her discussion on the success of the initiative.

The project team of AIM with the officers of UNISTAR together with Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST PCIEERD (fifth from right), and other officials and the project team from PCIEERD.

Photo of the ARMAS application on mobile phone

Photo of the actual demonstration on how the system works

The Unistar ARMAS project developed an AI-based decision support tool for streamlining asset recovery operations of Unistar Credit and Finance Corp, a local credit and financing institution for the motorcycle market. ARMAS uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, including computer vision models for image segmentation and object detection, as well as deep learning–based sound analysis, leveraging on Unistar's unique and rich datasets.  

The system entails the creation of an automated pipeline for data preprocessing, which includes ingestion, cleansing, and harmonization, to render the disparate data amenable as inputs for the AI models; this pipeline will help speed up operations by reducing the amount of time needed to perform preprocessing, which is critical for AI model performance.  

ARMAS will make Unistar’s internal operations more efficient, enabling the company to provide faster and better services, by reducing the number of manhours spent on manual processes.

“This project represents a pioneering effort in the local industry, addressing the need to highlight the value of AI in assessing vehicles conditions in a rapid yet reliable manner. AI-driven strategies like Unistar ARMAS are crucial for bolstering the competitiveness of businesses in today’s fast-evolving market,” DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said.