Inauguration of commemorative marker of inventions

 As a symbolic landmark in commemorating local inventors for their contributions to national development, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded the inauguration of the commemorative marker of inventions last  15 November 2021 at the facade of the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

“With the commemorative marker of inventions, we are reminded by the success of our collaborative efforts in the past, the continuation of these activities in the present, and the eventual domination of Filipino talents, technologies, and innovations in the very near future,” said DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy D. Decena.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy D. Decena, DOST Officials, and inventors precede the inauguration of the commemorative marker of inventions  last  15 November 2021 at DOST-TAPI

The Department’s function through DOST-TAPI was expanded to administer the Invention Development Assistance Fund for the initial experiments, prototype development, and other invention-development activities in 1992.

Since then, invention-related development programs have been constantly reinventing and extending to inventors and assisting them in their innovative and entrepreneurial endeavors.

The role of invention and innovation, technology transfer, and technology commercialization to contribute for economic and social development play a crucial role as mentioned in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) from 2017 to 2022 by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

“The story of the Filipino inventors and innovators may be regarded as the story of the very foundation of Filipino ingenuity, workmanship, and zeal,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.

Secretary de la Peña added that Filipino inventors and innovators have matured and evolved perfectly along with the needs and signs of the times, transforming an idea endlessly into an enterprise of their own.

Organized by DOST-TAPI, the event has brought together inventors and their organizations, the media, and DOST Officials to witness the unveiling of the marker.

The commemorative marker also showcases the number of inventions assisted and a number of intellectual properties (IP) filed from 2010 to 2021.

At present, 84 inventions have been assisted by the Institute from concept prototyping, prototype development, to market testing, while 529 IPs have been granted and 161 IPs have been filed through the help of DOST-TAPI’s IP Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP).

In counting, a total of 774 assistance for IP protection and invention-related development activities have been performed by the Institute for inventors, researchers, and professional organizations including the academe.

IPRAP provides financial and technical assistance for inventions, utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks to have a successful filing before the IP Office of the Philippines.

The initiative by DOST-TAPI with the help of individual inventors and inventors organizations to build a commemorative marker of inventions is just the start of the renewed and strengthened relationship under the Institute’s new administration.

“While the science-based, inventive-centric solutions have been the hallmark of the Institute in opening discourse for milestones year after year, the commemorative marker of inventions solidifies and culminates our worthwhile activities,” concluded Dir. Decena.

For more information, please contact 8837 2071 locals 2157 and 2167 or email info@tapi.dost.gov.ph.

#FDLP: Presents Princess and Brides

 

#FDLP: Bridal and Debut Fashion Show

 

DOST-ITDI to Open First Metrology in Chemistry Lab in the Philippines

 

The Philippines' first Metrology in Chemistry Laboratory will be inaugurated on November 9, 2021. DOST Secretary Fortunato T.  De La Peña will lead the event together with the Director of DOST-ITDI, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez will be the  keynote speaker. 

Established by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the 1900 m2, 4-story MiC Laboratory is located on Saliksik Street in the Science Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.  It will gather in hundreds from the food and water industry sectors and science communities as it officially opens its services to the public on Tuesday.

DOST-ITDI Director, Dr. Annabelle V.  Briones, admitted that "It took us quite a while, a decade actually, to establish our chemical testing services and house it in one of the most economically vital and heavily invested infrastructures in metrology.

 

DOST-ITDI created the MiC Laboratory to help local testing laboratories comply with traceable chemical measurements by producing reference materials (RMs) and conducting accuracy-based Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes.

What makes RMs valuable is how it supports the results of measurement laboratories to ensure that commodities can pass stringent international trade standards on food quality and control. MiC thus aims to reduce the detention and recall of Philippine products for export.

But, while highly characterized, authenticated control materials, such as RMs, are vital in food testing, the Philippines took time to develop these. Finally, through the MiC Laboratory of DOST-ITDI, these are readily available.

Dr. Benilda S. Ebarvia, the former project leader of the MiC Team who conceptualized the establishment of the laboratory, explained that chemical testing and production of RMs or referencing is time-consuming.

She added that the referencing process requires skills that need to be learned and honed through the years adding that, "RM development has to be matched with appropriate, state of the art – that means very expensive - equipment. Staff who will be using the equipment and devices have to be trained to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the same.

Currently, most Philippine food manufacturers rely on RMs purchased overseas like the US, UK, Japan, China, and Thailand.  RMs are pretty pricey; one material per food product may cost from Php15,000 to Php30,000. Further, these are updated continually.

To date, DOST-ITDI has developed RMs on trace presence of toxic metals in drinking water (manganese, nickel, cobalt, and iron), benzoic acid in banana catsup, sulfite as a preservative in dried mango, and histamine  (a chemical indication of food spoilage) in dried salinas fish.

This year, it hopes to complete the development of 15 RMs on trace presence of pesticides in fresh mango, and other fruits and vegetables; and presence of veterinary drug residues such as salbutamol in pork meat; and 3-Amino-5-morpholino ethyl-2-oxazolidone or AMOZ in fish, among others.

Early works include RMs on the presence of trace heavy metals in water, such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, cobalt, and magnesium. As well, an RM on calcium, a reactive metal in water, was developed. These metals are toxic and noted for their potential toxicity in the environment.

Through referencing, the MiC Laboratory stands to cut costs on purchasing RMs abroad by our local food and water industries.  Further, it aims to ensure that local products pass international trade standards to avoid product recall or detention, a scenario that is too costly and damaging for our economy. 

The MiC Laboratory is monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) under a five-year program on capabilities enhancement of the National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines. (AMGuevarra\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service) 

No Contact Policy: MMDA REMINDERS

 MMDA reminders:

Starting this novenber 15, the NO CONTACT POLICY shall be enforced.  This means that no MMDA traffic enforcer will flag down any driver for any traffic violation on the road but instead, will monitor violations onscreen via the CCTV camera.

  Consequently, car registered owners will be informed of violations via post mail and shall be given only 5 days to contest the violations.  If the MMDA office does not receive any contest after 10 days, MMDA shall effect a prescribed fine and shall indicate or show the fine during registration renewal.

  Please remind yourself whenever you drive or your driver to remember to:

1.  Buckle up (this includes all passengers in the car - the CCTV camera is so accurate as to show if passengers are properly buckled up);

2.  Maintain lanes for private vehicles (the yellow lanes will strictly be for buses and public utility vehicles) unless you are turning right;

3.  Shift lanes only on broken lines (and never on solid lines, more so on double yellow lines);

4.  Shift one lane at a time (shifting two lanes will be considered swerving);

 5.  Never be on the road on coding days (except, of course, at window times).  Marikina and Taguig do not follow the coding scheme so you are free to drive around these two cities on weekdays;

 Makati and Las Piñas have no window times so don't even attempt to go there on your coding day;

6.  Never use the phone to call nor text while on the wheels (remember, the CCTV camera can detect this even in the dark).  It is advised that you pull over if you have to text or call.  Spread the word; inform your loved ones.

Celebs #JoinTheBoobment with Avon

For the past 30 years, Avon has relentlessly advocated for Breast 

Cancer Awareness—

donating over $939 million in the fight against the disease, educating 

more than 180 million people about Breast Cancer, and funding breast health screenings for 

over 16.4 million women all over the world.

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon Philippines 

asked women to

#JoinTheBoobment to promote monthly breast self-

checks in order to detect early signs of Breast Cancer. With 3 in every 

100 Filipinas diagnosed before they reach the age of 75, the Philippines has one of the highest number of cases across Asia.

Representing the Boobment

To highlight this important statistic, Avon Philippines held a photoshoot featuring three

personalities whose lives were affected by Breast Cancer. The symbol 

for Breast Cancer

awareness, the Pink Ribbon, became the key visual element during the 

shoot led by celebrity photographer, Andrea Beldua.

“Here, the ribbon is interpreted through a flowing tulle that represents 

women’s strength and resilience even in the toughest times,” explains Andrea. “I am so 

fascinated by the female form that almost my whole body of work revolves around it. So it is only right that I photograph women who are empowered, women who are survivors of this disease.” she adds.

Should you detect anything peculiar or out of the ordinary, don’t worry 

because Avon

Philippines is in partnership with the online teleconsultation app, 

Konsulta MD, so more

women can take action for their health 24/7. Free Breast Consultations are available until

November 20, 2021 for the first 500 individuals to avail – just use the voucher code PINKRIBBON.

For those who want to extend their participation in the fight against Breast Cancer, you may also #JoinTheBoobment by availing limited-edition fundraising items available at avonshop.ph including the Self-Check Watch, the Breast Cancer Promise Umbrella, the Empower non-wire Mastectomy Bra and Bra Prosthesis, or donate via G-Cash. All proceeds will go to the Philippine Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer is not something that should be taken lightly, but it’s also not something to be afraid of. Early detection saves lives that’s why it’s important to know 

the risks, the signs, and the actions to take should you encounter it—that is the Avon Breast Cancer Promise.

Don’t have an Avon Representative? Visit www.avon.ph or like and 

check out Avon

Philippines on Facebook to find out how you can shop your favorite Avon products!

About Avon

Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and

we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues 

that matter and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura & Co Group.

Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

https://www.avon.ph/ph-home

https://www.facebook.com/AvonPhilippines/

http://instagram.com/avonph

http://www.youtube.com/avonphilippines

https://twitter.com/avonph

Halal Personal Care Research Tops 2021 MMHRDC Poster Competition: STD-ITDI Bests 20 Agencies

 

A poster research of the Standards and Testing Division (STD-ITDI) on Halal-compliant personal care products took the top spot in the Professional Poster Competition during the 2021 MMHRDC 5th International Symposium and 12th Annual Scientific Conference held on September 24-25, 2021.

The Trinity University of Asia (TUA), located in Quezon City,  hosted the  2021 Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium symposium and scientific conference.  It gathered 21 national and international agencies for the professional category of the poster research competition.

Following the theme “COVID-19 Pandemic Realities: Equitable Initiatives for a Healthy JUAN,”  the entry “Halal-Compliant Personal Care Products: Promoting Health and Hygiene Amidst the COVID-19" is part of an ongoing project of STD on Benchscale Production, Validation of Optimized Parameters, and Sensory Evaluation for the Market Research of Halal Cosmetics and Toiletries. It aimed to provide personal care products that are formulated using Halal-compliant ingredients and produced following guidelines in the Shariah.

The team, led by Dr. Rosalinda C. Torres, Scientist I and serving as Chief of STD, includes Ma. Rachel V. Parcon, Chelsea Kate Jose, Danielle Camille Canillo, Dana Taladro, and Harvy Jay Esmundo.

Together the team developed two Halal-compliant personal care products, which includes a moisturizing and whitening soap, and several variants of a shampoo with hair growth promoting properties.

Dr. Torres explains that, "The development of these Halal-compliant products will cater to the religious laws of a continuously growing global Muslim population. There are currently 1.8 billion Muslims in the world; 10.7 million of these are Muslim-Filipinos residing in the country."

Further, she added that, several cosmetic and personal care products in the market are posing potential safety issues due to their composition which includes a complex mixture of harmful chemical ingredients.

US researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors.

Dr. Torres, thus would like to highlight the importance of not only taking into consideration the Halal integrity, safety, and cleanliness of food products, but also to consider products that are most likely being absorbed by the skin and could also be inhaled and ingested, like lipsticks, lip tints, and lip balms.

 

MMHRDC aims to strengthen collaboration among health research institutions in Metro Manila, as well as develop and enhance their research capacity.   The Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) steers MMHRDC through its core agencies, namely DOST-PCHRD, DOST-NCR, DOH-NCR, CHED-NCR, and UP-NIH. Currently, MMHRDC has 43 member institutions. (AMGuevarra\\TSD-ITDI)