“Innov8 to Acceler8: Industry 4.0” Forum Keynote Speakers (L-R): Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Policy and Legislation Division Representative Paola Margarita Q. Deles; Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Dr. Jose Ramon Albert; Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Secretary BGen. Eliseo M. Rio, Jr.; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, and; DOST- PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge Engr. Raul C. Sabularse

Manila, June 29, 2018 —The Department of Science and Technology’s Innovation Council for industry, energy, and emerging technologies (DOST-PCIEERD) celebrated another milestone as it marked its 8^th year in a forum held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.

With the theme “Innov8 to Acceler8: Industry 4.0,” the whole day event consisted of various talks on the rapidly emerging Industry 4.0, presentations on today’s local startups and food innovations, and recognition of various projects in the industry, energy, and emerging technology sectors through PCIEERD’s Outstanding R&D Awards.

PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge Engr. Raul C. Sabularse opened the program by welcoming the guests and doing the walkthrough on various PCIEERD projects and programs that have helped generate S&T policies, strategies, and technologies that contribute to nation building.  

On his keynote speech, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña discussed the significance of Industry 4.0 in the local scene, as well as how PCIEERD has played an important role in adapting to today’s changes in science and technology. “Over the past eight years, we have witnessed the growth and development of our country in the Science and Technology sector to a remarkable extent – a great deal of which we have PCIEERD to thank,” says de la Peña. “From strengthening small sparks of ideas to empowering growing businesses and projects with amazing potential, PCIEERD paved the way for innovation to propagate in the way we see science and technology in the Philippines.”

Paola Margarita Q. Deles from the Policy and Legislation division of the Office of Senator Bam Aquino delivered a speech on behalf of the Senator, highlighting how we can build and enable a local startup ecosystem that can empower innovation in the Philippines.

The forum kicked off with a Tech Talk led by some of the industry’s pioneers, namely: Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Dr. Jose Ramon Albert who talked about the challenges and opportunities facing government in the wake of Industry 4.0; Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Secretary BGen. Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. who discussed DICT's I-CITY project; Wave Computing VP for Operations Rufino Olay III who talked about harnessing the power of AI and nurturing start-up companies; UP Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute Director Dr. John Richard E. Hizon who talked about smart plant production in controlled environments (SPICE); and FEATI University Research Fellow Dr. Rogel Mari D. Sese who talked about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for national development and security.

A forerunner in opening new opportunities for local startups, also highlighted in the event were various PCIEERD-supported startup companies who talked about their businesses and how PCIEERD has been instrumental in helping them grow their respective brands and initiatives. MiCab Head of Operations Kris Montebon, RTL Gate Technologies Inc. CEO Raphael Layosa, Rurok Industries CEO Engr. Pablito O. Tolentino, Jr., FAME CEO Arcelio “Jun” Fetizanan Jr., and Grayscale Business Consultancy and Marketing Services CEO Marx Melencio came to speak at the event.

Through the Council’s 2018 Outstanding R&D Awards, PCIEERD recognized this year’s most exceptional projects headed by PCIEERD’s Energy, Utilities, and Systems Technology Development Division (EUSTDD) Chief and Chairperson for the Awards, Engr. Nonilo A. Peña.

The project Production, Characterization and Applications of Red Pigment Produced by Monascus Purpureus M1018 led by Dr. Fides Marciana Tambalo of the University of the Philippines Los Banos bagged an award under the Industrial Technology Category, which recognizes projects that focus on process, metals and engineering, chemicals, mining and minerals, and food processing.

The project Current Load Monitoring and Overload Alarm Mechanism for Convenience Outlet led by Engr. Leo Agustin P. Vela of Camarines Norte State College bagged an award under the Energy, Utilities and Systems Category, which recognizes projects that focus on alternative sources of energy, energy sufficiency, and transportation.

The project Integration of ARRAS and CRAVAT Tools led by Dr. Maricor N. Soriano of the University of the Philippines Diliman bagged an award under the Emerging Technology Category, which recognizes projects that focus on materials science/nanotechnology, genomics/biotechnology, ICT, space technology applications, photonics, and electronics.

The project Development of Wireless Sensory Network System for Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges (SMARTBRIDGE) led by Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy of Mapua University bagged an award under the Special Concerns Category, which recognizes projects that focus on climate change adaptation, disaster risk and reduction management, and the environment.

The winners received PHP 300,000.00 worth of funding, which aims to help support these projects’ further research and development. More information on the PCIEERD Outstanding R&D Awards can be found at http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/news/latest-news/316-pcieerd-recognizes-outstanding-r-d-projects.

The forum was closed by PCIEERD Emerging Technology Development Division (ETDD) Chief and Anniversary Committee Chair Edna C. Nacianceno, who thanked all the guests for participating in the event. “DOST-PCIEERD has its own fair share of initiatives in preparing our country for Industry 4.0 by supporting and investing on technologies presented by the speakers, such as smart systems, AI, and UAV, among others,” says Nacianceno. “This is a testament that the Council is keeping up with the signs of time through innovations.”

The latter part of the celebration paved the way for the recognition of PCIEERD personnel. The evening portion of the program acknowledged Outstanding Employee Awards for the top performing employees for each category and level.

• Leizl D. Sueno – Outstanding Junior Project Manager
• Carlota P. Sancho – Outstanding Senior Support Personnel
• Allen Z. Manibog – Outstanding Junior Support Personnel (Level 1)
• Ma. Chelsea Clarisse F. Ugay – Outstanding Technical Contractual Personnel
• Mary Joy A. Zabala – Outstanding Administrative Contractual Personnel (Level 1)
• Nomer T. Evangelista – Outstanding Administrative Contractual Personnel (Level 2)

Moreover, the Executive Director Awards were also given to deserving PCIEERD employees Elaine Annette C. Salma, Aleah P. Orendain, and Ruel A. Pili.

As PCIEERD wraps up another breakthrough, the council has acknowledged that they are also envisioning the years to come by crafting a five-year roadmap that identifies future projects and initiatives that are under its sectoral coverage. “We continue to pledge our commitment to pursue and support more programs and projects that are aligned with the priority areas indicated in the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA), focusing on poverty alleviation and inclusive growth,” says Engr. Sabularse. “On PCIEERD’s 8^th year of service, it is essential that we never waver and still continuously bring innovations, in order to accelerate progress in the lives of Filipino people.”