Key officials and guests from DOST, UP, JAXA and Embassy of Japan in the Philippines posing with a 1:1 replica of Maya-1 after the successful deployment of the BIRDS-2 cubesats from the ISS. From left to right: Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., Director of DOST-ASTI; Mr. Shigeki Kamigaichi, Senior Expert of JAXA,; Minister Atsushi Kuwabara, Consul General of Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Dr. Fortunato dela Peña, Secretary of DOST; Dr. Michael Tan, Chancellor of UP Diliman; Dr. Evangeline Amor, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UP Diliman; and Dr. John Richard Hizon, Director of UP EEEI. (Photo by DOST-PCIEERD)

 

 Manila, August 10, 2018 — Cheers full of Filipino pride were heard in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute building as officials from UP, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) witnessed the live deployment of Maya-1, the Philippines’ first ever cube satellite (CubeSat).

After its turnover to JAXA last May 15, the Maya-1 CubeSat was brought to the International Space Station (ISS) through the SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS-15 on June 29. "This is actually our second major achievement in space science and technology," said UP Diliman chancellor Michael Tan, looking back on the Diwata-1 microsatellite launch on March 23, 2016 from Cape Canaveral and its deployment from the ISS on April 27, 2016.

The development of Maya-1 falls under the BIRDS-2 (Birds Satellite Project), a cross-border interdisciplinary satellite project that accommodates non-space faring countries. The project consists of 11 participating team members from four different countries - Bhutan, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Philippines was represented throughout the project by two DOST scholars enrolled in graduate studies at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) - Joven Javier from the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the DOST and Adrian Salces of UP Diliman. Javier, in particular, was designated as Project Manager and led the multinational BIRDS-2 team in the development of the CubeSats.                                                                   

“This aspect of launching [the Maya-1] is a very important step,” says DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, in relation to DOST’s current plans on establishing a Space Technology Development Program in the Philippines. According to de la Peña, the said program contains many components – from education, to human resource development, to industry development – capable of producing outputs which can later on be utilized and applied by other agencies. "All of these can be facilitated – since we practically started from zero – by having international collaborations. We do not want to be left out," says de la Peña.

 

 

Manila, July 18, 2018 — The Innovation Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) recently teamed up with the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program of USAID Philippines through an industry-academe mixer for around 50 participants consisting of academe researchers and industry representatives.

        

Establishing the fusion of science research and business

With the goal to create a progressive S&T industry in the country, the activity aims to bridge the gap between the academe and the industry by bringing them together to ­discuss the latest research findings, updates, and technological trends in their respective fields.

DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Engr. Raul C. Sabularse opened the program as he welcomed the guests and recapped the technology transfer efforts of the Council including its collaboration with STRIDE. Sherwin Nones from Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. also spoke during the program, as well as Rodel Anunciado from ACTICon, shedding light on the modern-day Filipino innovation scene and the vital market elements that apply for universities and companies alike. This was followed by a panel discussion and open forum with Nones, joined by Diane Eustaqio from IdeaSpace, Al Serafica from Xylos Corporation, and Henry Siy from Chemrex Technologies Inc.

Establishing relationships, made easier

The main highlight of the program was the industry-academe mixer activity wherein the participants from the academe were encouraged to pitch their projects and propose technologies to prospective industry partners. Dubbed as a “speed dating” type of activity, researchers were matched with their corresponding industry counterparts, and were allowed a total of a few minutes to concisely pitch their current works from one industry counterpart to another.

Allowing all participants to interact with each other throughout the activity, this activity also helped disrupt the usual way that companies, organizations, and universities communicate. Thus, building their networks and establishing their linkages in a more interesting and interactive way.

The program was concluded by DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Guevarra, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and PCIEERD’s objective to solidify and establish the research community’s entrepreneurial abilities. Usec. Guevarra also emphasized how the event aims to bring both the industry and the academe together to “spread entrepreneurship in research and infuse science in business.”

STRIDE is a project of USAID Philippines that aims to build a network of researchers among universities, private companies, entrepreneurs, and investors who strive for innovation. Over the years, DOST-PCIEERD has been a partner of STRIDE in strengthening this objective among Filipino researchers.

 

 

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) has awarded young student researchers for the second year of its Young Innovators Program (YIP) last July 18, at the World Trade Center Manila, as part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration.

Launched in 2017, YIP recognizes promising researchers under the age of 30 to further encourage them to delve into scientific research through provision of financial assistance. There were 7 grantees for the first batch (see http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/news/latest-news/290-young-innovators-program-officially-takes-off).

For this year, out of 55 aspiring young innovators who have submitted their research proposals, six (6) were selected—three (3) individuals and three (3) teams.

 

• Gerardo Martin D. Quindoza III

 

With the emergence of 3D printing in various fields of application, Gerardo Quindoza III of the University of the Philippines’ Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (UP-DMMME) is aiming to treat osteoarthritis, the most common chronic condition of joints, by creating artificial cartilage made from local biomaterials such as chitosan and nanocellulose. Along with his mentor, UP Assistant Professor John Kenneth A. Cruz, Gerardo sees his research as a stepping stone for the flourishment of studies on biomaterials science and tissue engineering in the country.

 

• Jeremy C. De Leon

 

During the rainy season, flooding and power outages become frequent. Sometimes, live wires become submerged in flood. To ensure the safety of commuters, Jeremy De Leon of MAPUA University’s School of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, mentored by Engr. Febus Reidj G. Cruz, will design a low-cost light, charging, and current detection system that will be mounted on pedicabs, the most versatile mode of transportation during floods. This system, called Bagwis, will provide light, electric current to charge phones. It will also alert them of electrified flood water.

 

• Janina M. Guarte

 

There has been a growing demand for carabao milk as it provides additional nourishment, especially to young children. However, its storage and transportation to rural communities have been difficult as milk requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness. Janina Guarte and her mentor, Dr. Joyce A. Ibana of UP Diliman’s Institute of Biology are determined to address the problem by developing a method to process carabao milk using a combination of microorganisms to increase its shelf life. The product will have the benefits of a probiotic drink and milk’s nutrition value.

 

• PSHS – SOCCSARGEN Campus Team

 

To contribute to the protection of our country’s rich forests, the members of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) SOCCSKSARGEN Campus Team, namely: Jether M. Arenga, John Angel C. Blancaflor, Kyle M. Enorio, Greg Norman C. Millora, and Jericho T. Portez, with their mentor, Mr. Jimmy E. Unilongo, Jr. will create a device that logs sound frequency data remotely in real-time. This device will analyze data to identify frequency behavior of noises present in the forest. Any semblance of noise that is similar to an act of illegal logging will trigger the device to send a message that contains the time and location of the device, acting as a surveillance system.

 

• Angeles City Science High School Team

 

Noise pollution causes many environmental and health risks. One of the modern solutions to this is using acoustic panels. However, commercially available panels are made from synthetic fiber that has been proven to be a health hazard. The Angeles City Science High School Team, composed of Neil David C. Cayanan, Shaira C. Gozum, and E’van Relle M. Tongol, with their mentor, Ms. Lolita G. Bautista, are going to make cost-efficient, eco-friendly acoustic panels made from biomass materials such as corn, coconut, and abaca.

 

• St. Cecilia’s College – Cebu, Inc. Team

 

With the recent launch of a Filipino-made microsatellite and cube satellite, the buzz on the establishment of our very own Philippine Space Agency has been intensified. Smaller satellites make it easier for countries like the Philippines to get useful data from space. With this idea in mind, Joshua K. Pardola, Christian Lawrence C. Santos, Joefer Emmanuel T. Capangpangan, Dorothy Mae M. Daffon, and John Harold Abarquez of the St. Cecilia’s College – Cebu, Inc. Team, with their mentors, Mr. Wilfredo Pardola Jr. and Ms. Almida Plarisan, will develop a high-performance, cost-effective rocket that will be used as a launch vehicle for deploying smaller satellites in high altitudes.

DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Director Engr. Raul C. Sabularse believes that “for a mind to be brilliant, it must be nurtured and inspired to take action at a young age.  That is why we, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), through our Young Innovators Program, want to cultivate young minds to become our innovators of tomorrow, hopefully motivating them to pursue a career in science and technology, also ushering the expansion of our country’s research pool and increasing our chances of discovering breakthroughs and creating more solutions.”

“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.”

 

Last June 4, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) launched their partnership with the Ignition Venture Studio through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the theme, “DOST Powered by Ignition Venture Studio: Transforming Filipinos to Techpreneurs.” The signing was held at the Ignition office in Bonifacio Global City.

With the goal of empowering and strengthening the local tech entrepreneur community, the event was also attended by PCIEERD-funded tech startups together with members of the media. Moreover, the program also consisted of a social mixer portion for the guests, as well as a consultation and elevator pitch directed by the experts from Ignition.

Transforming Filipino Techpreneurs

The partnership between PCIEERD and Ignition aims to pave way for innovation among entrepreneurs. In order to do this, a set of joint efforts by both DOST and Ignition will be implemented throughout the partnership, consisting of three deliverables:

1. Match – To match businesses and entrepreneurs with potential investors, strategic partners, and talent, creating their own network and marketplace for innovation.

2. Educate and Train - To enhance the entrepreneurs’ skills on various fields such as…, and shape their expertise in effectively running their business through workshops and consultation (?) on the aspects of financial, legal, technological, marketing, human resources, etc.

3. Market and Promote - To create and conceptualize marketing campaigns – both digital and traditional – with content and tactics that are directly targeted towards potential partners and stakeholders.

Apart from these, additional services from Ignition also consist of consultations on Regulatory Compliance, Financial Advisory, and Digital Marketing.

Through the partnership, both DOST and Ignition aim to build a roster of talented and innovative tech-based small and midsized businesses (SMBs) that will strengthen our local startup scene, as well as showcase the innovative and creative side that lies within each Filipino entrepreneur.