The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday, October 12, showcased innovations and tech solutions that can aid for seamless distance learning for Filipino students in the new normal.

In the webinar, DOST highlighted the use of television frequencies, digital television, and other cutting-edge technologies as the best solutions to the new education scheme that will be implemented in the country.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said that as leader and partner in innovation, the Council takes the lead in providing solutions and opportunities to address gaps in making distance learning in the new normal a success.

“DOST-PCIEERD is one with the education sector in contributing to the development of innovations for a more efficient distance learning experience for our dear students. I hope that the technologies, initiatives, and programs that are underscored in this webinar will be enough to inspire you to envision a brighter, more technologically advanced education system for all,” he said.

The initiative is done in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte during his State of the Nation Address "to come up with an integrated program and implementation mechanism to ensure that these TV frequencies are fully utilized by government through the facilities of PTV4 for the utmost benefit of the Filipino people.”

DOST- PCIEERD intends to develop a program that demonstrates and executes a community LTE network and digital TV for distance learning in remote regions with poor internet connectivity. Through the Science and Technology for a Resilient Community against the Pandemic or STRAP Block Grant, the Council will allot up to PHP 60 million to support research initiatives that is aimed at helping Filipinos to cope and manage to the new normal.

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. discussed the development and proliferation of digital datacasting through terrestrial and space segments.

DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute Senior Researcher Officer in Charge Engr. Calvin Hilario discussed the development and deployment of community LTE network in the Philippines.

On the other hand, DOST - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research, and Promotions Division Chief Dr. Ruby Cristobal spoke about the DOST-SEI Teaching and Learning Materials for Distance Learning while DOST Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard Burgos bared the agency’s educational interventions like the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) and DOSTv.

Paringit said that DOST PCIEERD will constantly find innovative and practical solutions to close the gap between the learner and their educational goals.

“As leader and preferred partner in enabling innovation, DOST-PCIEERD will remain committed to elevate the lives of many Filipinos and recover from this crisis using various S&T interventions and solutions,” he said.

Moving from classroom interaction to distance education is a challenge among teachers, students, and parents because of poor internet connection, no electricity or power interruption, and gadgets are only for more privileged households.

This digital divide was evident in the National ICT Household Survey 2019 conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI) participated by 43,000 household nationwide.

The study highlighted that 5% households do not have electricity in their homes, less than half of the households have communal radios, around 82.7% of the households have television at home, only 8.2% have their own fixed telephone line, 24.0% have communal cellphones but only two out of ten have communal computers; and only 17.7% of households have their own internet access at home, majority of which use the internet for social media and communication.

Another challenge that the Philippines face is that 87%, 48%, and 16% of public elementary schools, public high schools, and public health centers, respectively, and most of the government agencies and units do not have broadband or internet connection based on data from the National Telecommunications Commission. (NTC).

 

In celebration of the World Space Week, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program showcased on Thursday various opportunities for startups and industries delving in the field of space technology and development.

Dubbed “Start Up in Space: Opportunities for R&D and Commercialization in the Field of Space S&T Applications,” this webinar seeks to create awareness of space, enable startups, and to orient and guide individuals in preparing and submitting proposals on R&D and technology transfer through available funding mechanisms of DOST and PhilSA.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said space technology is the new frontier that Filipino startups and industry players can conquer.

“With the growing demand of space technology but only few key players in the industry, there is a need to strengthen the country's space capability and build more local and international partnerships. This is how startups and industry players come into play as they contribute to economic prosperity by creating jobs, spurring innovation, and generating competition,” he said.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. also emphasized the importance of value creation in the Philippines’ space sector, not just in data utilization or the downstream segment, but also in the upstream segment, such as the design, manufacture and testing of satellite subsystems or components.

“Obtaining knowhow in upstream space technologies and cascading them to local design and manufacturing services will help put us on a path of building stronger industries in aerospace, semiconductor, electronics, mechanical and materials, among others, that enhance our country’s global market position and competitiveness. We want to help create more high value jobs.”

Among the opportunities that were presented in the webinar are the DOST Grants in Aid (DOST-GIA) Program and the Startup Grants Program.

The DOST-GIA Program provides financial grants to higher education institutes and research and development institutes to conduct programs and projects attuned to the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA).

The Startup Grants Program is a partnership program with startups that need financial support for product research and development and market validation studies. The grant covers the strengthening of the startup’s knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP), overcoming research and development (R&D) roadblocks, establishing initial market traction, and refining the startup’s business model.

Through this grant, startups have access to funds for the growth of their business, access to science and technology networks like testing and R&D centers, and access to the services and facilities in DOST-assisted Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).

Paringit urged the participants to take part in the opportunities presented and be a game-changer in the Philippines in the space industry.

“As leader and partner in innovations in the country, we hope our startups and industry players engage us in making innovation work for the people,” he added.

 

UPLB's HormoGroe^TM

Good news for Filipino farmers and plant lovers - a new, chemical-free plant product that stimulates root growth will soon be available in the market!

Scientifically proven and tested, HormoGroe^TM, an innovative root growth enhancer, can speed up seed germination, induce rooting, enhance shoot growth and flowering in plantation crops, high value ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables.

Researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) established MakilingTek, a spin-off company that caters to the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of HormoGroe^TM, through the Funding Assistance for Spin-Off and Translation of Research for Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) Program of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

HormoGroe^TM is made up of naturally occurring microorganisms that are nano-encapsulated to increase its utilization rate and reduce impact of environmental risks.

Project leader Dr. Lilia M. Fernando stressed that this nano-formulated plant growth regulator is cost-effective and environment-friendly.

“Unlike other products available in the market, HormoGroe^TM is not synthetic. It is naturally produced by bacteria and is nano-formulated,” she said.

Meanwhile, PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism that HormoGroe^TM can increase production of good quality crops.

“As leader and partner of innovation, DOST-PCIEERD remains committed in delivering excellence to Filipino people through technologies that  foster vibrant production, food safety while ensuring care for the environment.Making HormoGroe^TM available and accessible to Filipino growers will enable them to contribute to food production in a sustainable manner.,” he noted.

This plant stimulant yielded a positive result after being tested in coffee, cassava, banana, vegetables and some ornamental plants such as gumamela and bougainvillea. The team revealed that HormoGroe^TM will become commercially available by 2021 and it will be initially introduced and sold to farmer cooperatives and plantations as well as to retail stores through distribution channels.

The project team currently needs potential investors and partners for product distribution and testing to other crops. For inquiries, please contact project leader Dr. Lilia M. Fernando at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +6349.536.1620.

 

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on Friday launched web and mobile mathematics apps to aid Filipino students better adapt to online and blended education in the new normal.

The Mathplus apps, introduced during ADMU-School of Science and Engineering’s webinar series titled “Senso Eskwela Pilipinas at Iba pa,” are free, run on moderate system requirements in laptops, tablets or cellphones, and are now readily available for teachers and students.

These apps are research-based, aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) of the official Grade 1-11 Mathematics Curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) and are designed to promote mathematical reasoning and visual thinking so that Filipino children can learn to think by and for themselves.

The Mathplus Resources team consisting of ADMU mathematicians, mathematics educators, and software developers headed by Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, a Professor at the Department of Mathematics and the associate dean for Research and Creative Work of Loyola Schools initially developed these apps to create a digital mathematics learning environment where Filipino students can learn mathematics, and think by and for themselves in solving mathematical problems which evidently became an essential aid to learning in response to the unprecedented urgent need for educational adaptations in the Philippines driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

De Las Peñas’ team accomplished this through the project “Technology Innovations for Mathematical Reasoning, Statistical Thinking and Assessment" funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

“We are confident that this project can help students to manage their own learning, monitor their progress, think creatively and critically, and solve real-life problems. With that, no one will be left behind as students from isolated community will also have access to these learning resources,” said DOST-PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit.

During the webinar, ADMU officially sealed their collaboration with DepEd schools' divisions in Mandaluyong and Marikina through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). 

For any concerns/inquiries, you may reach Raissa Ancheta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0915-3044422.

 

Nine student groups from different parts of the country bagged research grants up to P800,000 each as the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) announces its winners of the Young Innovators’ Program.

In a virtual ceremony, DOST-PCIEERD inked contracts with the students and their mentors for the grant which covers the laboratory expenses, testing consumables, and honorarium for the teachers and students.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism over the future of the Philippines’ scientific community with new and budding scientists taking on the challenge of conducting research and development despite of the current pandemic.

“As leader and partner in enabling innovations, we will continue in the pursuit of fresh talents and support their endeavors to pursue research and development in the country.  We hope that this research grant will be entice them to get into careers in research and development in the country,” he said. “

Paringit added: “We express admiration for the young researchers on their determination to take on challenges to conduct research and development projects that offer solutions. They will serve as our brights spots for the future of science and technology in our country. They will serve as an inspiration for younger generations to follow. These YIPs also are the source of pride for their respective institutions.”

These are the nine YIP awardees, the title of their research projects, the academic institutions they represent, and the names of the members and mentors:

1. SPHERE: An Ultra-wideband Technology-based Innovation for Search and Rescue Operations in the Philippines

School: Mapua University

This project will utilize ultra-wide band (UWB) technology that can detect heart rate regardless of the type of wall blocking the victim. It comes with a remote control and added features vital for the search and rescue operations like Global Positioning System

(GPS) to pin the exact location of victims, built-in lights to better see the situation underground, camera that has a night vision, and a speaker for the controller to speak with the victims underneath the debris.

Team Members: Ma. Cathyrine Ravina, Denisse Joy Dayao, Janela Zambrano

Mentor:   Engr. Marvin Noroa

2. Fungal chitosan-based Microbeads: A Heavy Metal Soil-based Biobsorbent

School: Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa

The main objective of this study is to innovate fungal chitosan-based microbeads into heavy metal soil-based biobsorbent. These students will collect five (5) fungal samples to isolate and cultivate fungal samples in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) extract chitosan using the fungal isolates, and eventually investigate the biosorption capabilities and percentage efficiency of the extracted chitosan in copper, chromium and arsenic. Once the fungal chitosan microbeads are made, they will continue to test and optimize biosorption capabilities and % efficiency of the produced fungal chitosan microbeads in copper, chromium and arsenic.

Team Members: Irah Faye B. Garzon, Raven Elyze E. Laurella, and Ghimel P. Espinosa

Mentor: Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez

3. iTrashBin (Intelligent Trash Bin) Internet-of-Things Trash Bin for Quarantine and Isolation Facilities

School: Navotas National Science High School

The idea of this project is to create a robot designed to collect the waste products of COVID-19 patients and suspected ones. At the same time, to disinfect the waste products on the process. In order to do these, the researcher will adapt the system of Internet-of-things (IOT) in which the device will use the internet as a way of transferring data through a smart phone to control the robot.

Team Member: John Emmanuel Javines

Mentor: Mr. Don King O. Evangelista

4. Shock Electrodialysis Apparatus (S.E.A.)

School: Philippine Science High School - Main Campus

The S.E.A Project aims to provide users with clean, more accessible freshwater through shockwave electrodialysis without the need to exert much effort. This significantly lessens the impact of water scarcity and saltwater intrusion in coastal/brackish water communities and provides new innovations for the market that can be patentable and accessible to most customers.

Team Members: Paris Miguel U. Bereber, John David F. Magnaye, Davis Nicholo A. Magpantay

Mentor: Engr. Boon Kristoffer P. Lauw

5. PROJECT LINGAP LANGHAP: A Low-cost 3D Printed Air Purifier System using Activated Carbon Biomass Filter and Philippine Bamboo Exterior

School: Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus

Project LINGAP LANGHAP will develop a low-cost indoor air purifier using activated carbon biomass filter that is designed to have aesthetically pleasing exterior using Philippine bamboo. The team will conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) and validation testing among target-users and experts.

Team Members: Carlos Jerard Dela Cruz, Jan Paolo Pineda, and Maria Michaela Tumonong

Mentor: Mr. Joel T. Bautista

6. Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Using Electrode Processed from Kaong Waste Product

School: Cavite State University

This project from the students of the Cavite State University will create a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell that will be developed using sugar palm or Kaong waste product. The Kaong tree is abundant in upland Cavite. The project can develop an energy storage device that can generate a maximum potential of 1.2V.

Team Members: Alexis Anne C. Bonus, Renz John Kurt S. Reyes, and Vien Isabella R. Rom

Mentor: Ms. Sheryl D. Fenol

7. Hg and Pb Detection Kit Utilizing D-Limonene from Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings

School: University of Mindanao – Main Campus

The study will make an easy and efficient Hg and Pb detection kit to synthesize D-limonene from orange peelings and test its efficacy for Hg and Pb detection from water sources near mining areas. The team will fabricate the detection kits to be easily used by any person, especially those in resource-limited communities near mining areas.

Team Member: Steph Kier S. Ponteras

Mentor: Dr. Chosel P. Lawagon

8. Landfill Bioremediation through Biodegradative activities of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom) to High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

School: Angeles University Foundation Integrated School

The project primarily aims to determine a more ecological approach in addressing plastic garbage issues with the investigation of biodegradative activities of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) on High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and Oxo-biodegradable plastics.

Team Members: Nikka C. Banez, Princess Angelica S. Besonia, Kyla Carmina F. Consul, Jules Hyacinth B. Macasaet, and Ma. Angelica D. Gomez

Mentor: Dr. Analiza J. Molina and Mr. Emmanuel Carbungco

9. Synthesis of nanocellulose from durian rinds for the preparation of a self-healing smart concrete with augmented mechanical properties

School: University of Mindanao – Main Campus

The project team endeavors to develop self-healing smart concrete, specifically to reduce the occurrence of cracks in cement-based products, augment mechanical properties of reinforced cement, and synthesize nanocellulose and nanosilica from durian rind together with sodium silicate. The team will introduce a new approach in self-healing cement technology.

Team Member: Ivanbert Y. Damasco

Mentor: Dr. Chosel P. Lawagon

This is the fourth time that DOST-PCIEERD will be providing grants to students with researches that are aligned to the sectors that are under its care.

Established in 2017, YIP recognizes promising researchers under the age of 25. DOST-PCIEERD has received a total of 233 applications in the past three years. It has supported 20 teams consisting of senior high school, undergraduate, and graduate students into realizing their contributions to the scientific community.

This year’s YIP, nine awardees came from 95 teams who submitted their research proposals last June 15, 2020. 

 

If you have any concerns/inquiries, you may reach Raissa Ancheta at 0915-304-4422 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..