Second time's a charm in WACAS 2.0

As a follow through activity of the very first Week-Long Accomplishment and Culminating Activity of Special Projects (WACAS) earlier this year, WACAS 2.0 brings completed or soon-to-be completed projects that created impacts among the scientific community.

WACAS 2.0 showcases the completed projects of DOST-TAPI on 13-20 December 2021

Organized by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI), WACAS 2.0 showcases two special projects implemented by the Institute through a series of activities on 13-20 December 2021.

New beginnings aspired in the first WACAS

The first WACAS which was conducted in July 2021, featured the notable highlights of the Support to the Commercialization of 500 DOST-Generated Technologies or DOST 500 Project and the Technology Transfer Day Project, both implemented by DOST-TAPI.

It can be remembered that DOST 500 assisted the commercialization of technologies through the creation of intellectual property (IP) databases, IP portfolios, valuations, and freedom to operate reports.

Also, the project helped in the creation of the Fairness Opinion Board, and issuance of Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation, which are crucial components of technology transfer.

Meanwhile, the Technology Transfer Day showcased the Department’s portfolio of market-ready technologies among possible adopters and investors.

This time, the focus is on the Technology Innovation for Commercialization or TECHNiCOM and the Level-up Assistance Project for the Commercialization of Agricultural, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Technologies o LEAP-AANR.

Technology Innovation for Commercialization

The TECHNiCOM is a funding program that fast-tracks the transfer and commercialization of research and development results of identified priority areas by providing support to pre-commercialization activities.

The Program ensures the market-readiness and transfer of locally developed technologies to bridge the gap between research and development, and commercialization.

In 2021, TECHNiCOM completed 56 projects with four ongoing projects, assessed 45 projects for technology transfer and commercialization strategies, released 94 promotional materials, and nominated two technologies to award-giving bodies.

The 179.4-million-peso grants invested to 56 unique TECHNICOM-completed projects have contributed to improving the country.

Specifically, there are 79.2 million pesos in sales gained by the technologies, 1,946 people adopted the technologies, and 122 local and international IPs filed.

Moreover, 158 persons were employed all over the country through the help of the Program from the technologies that ventured into enterprises.

Level-up Assistance Project for the Commercialization of Agricultural, Aquative, and Natural Resources Technologies

The primary focus of the LEAP-AANR is to provide assistance among spinoffs or startups, or even incubatees to commercialize and continue to commercialize the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development

(DOST-PCAARRD)-funded technologies.

Most spinoffs and startups, when they reach a certain stage in commercialization, need support to overcome the challenges brought by market acceptance and pursue a niche opportunity.

The Program planned to build partnerships with them through a mentoring activity particularly on marketing, business operations, and even financial aspects to truly increase profitability and sustain the venture.

In 2021, existing AANR technologies were evaluated and classified according to their investment readiness.

Aside from the ready technologies, the Program also received 21 proposals to conduct an evaluation through an inter-agency technical committees from AANR projects all over the country in a very short amount of time.

The LEAP-AANR AANR was able to publish a Compendium of Experts as an easy reference to stakeholders.

Continuation of celebrating legacies

WACAS 2.0 starts with the launching of publications on 13 December, the conduct of a virtual presser for the media partners on 14 December, the conduct of capacity building on 15 December, the orientation of accomplishments on 16 December, and the culmination of activities on 20 December.

For the complete list of the program of activities, please refer to the program below:

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

DOST-TAPI S&T Media Service

Jund Rian A. Doringo

Israel Embassy Gifts Portable Water Purifier to IP Community

 

Ambassador Ilan Fluss drinks from the filtered river water using the Israeli-made portable water purifier

The season of gift giving is in the air as the Embassy of Israel, together with the Shalom Club-Nueva Ecija, donated a portable water purifier and food packs to the indigenous peoples of the Bulwagan ng mga Katutubo in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss personally handed over the Israeli-made portable water purifier to the Samahan ng mga Makakalikasang Katutubong Ayta (SaMaKa) officers.

“We hope that the indigenous peoples will have access to clean and potable water with the use of this Israeli technology,” Ambassador Fluss said. “The embassy continues to look for ways on how Israeli technology and innovation will reach and benefit more Filipino people,” he added.

Ambassador Fluss, Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam, and MASHAV Officer Gladys Baniqued-Turiano made a product demo of the portable water purifier showing how the water in the Bacao River is filtered to drinkable water. 

Ngayong Pasko, Salo Tayo is an annual Christmas outreach project of the Shalom Club-Nueva Ecija headed by Ms. Lorna Mae Vero in partnership with the Israeli embassy.

The turnover activity was held on December 9 and was participated by Usec. Mr. Rolando M. Rivera; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Nueva Ecija Provincial Office (NCIP-NEPO) Provincial Officer Dr. Donato Bumacas; Barangay Chairman of Doña Josefa, Palayan City; Chieftain Lando Belmonte of Domagats; Bgy. IPMR Carling Baclay of Aytas; Provincial IPMR/Board Member of NE Hon. Emmanuel Domingo; Fr. Jacinto Beltran, Exec. Director, BESTI (Diocese of Cab. NGO; and Ms. Eugene Baltazar, director for extension services of the Central Luzon State University.

Siomai King by JC Worldwide once again hailed as Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Franchise Company of the Year

 

 

The most sought-after food franchise company today has proven once again their worth by winning Asia Leaders Awards 2021’s Franchise Company of the Year.

The pandemic affected many businesses, and one of the hardest hit was the food business. Many stores closed but Siomai King by JC Worldwide Franchise Inc. was quick to adapt. They turned their food cart franchising business 360 degrees from the conventional way. From kiosk-type carts and stalls, to the online presence in the world wide web. 

They provided the platform where interested franchisees can still operate their food business and consumers can still enjoy their delicious Siomai and other food products. Franchisees need not do anything but just to share on social media pages their franchise store link accessible to potential customers. It revolutionized the way traditional food cart franchise business is being operated

Easy, Convenient and Efficient!

Adapting, innovating, and finding a safer way for customers to order their favorite food and looking for a way for their franchisee to do business at the same time was no easy task, and JC Worldwide Franchise Inc. just did that. Thanks to the bright idea of CFO Mr Carlito Macadangdang and President and CEO Mr Jonathan So.

“By launching the country’s first-ever online franchise platform we’ve risen above the challenges and limitations of the times.  Instead of giving up with many businesses closing, we’ve actually encouraged more stores to open!” explained President and CEO Mr. Jonathan So

Since the start of the pandemic, Siomai King by JC Worldwide Franchise Inc. has provided a viable alternative way of earning for the Filipinos especially those who are deeply affected by the ongoing situations, to be able to earn even if they are at home. A truly game-changing concept that is worthy of Asia Leaders Awards’ Franchise Company of the Year!

Other companies who received citation from Asia Leaders Awards this year were the following: 247 AI, Alfamart, Asia Prime Philippines, AstraZeneca, DYnaQuest, FICWSI, Fredley Group of Companies, Frontrow Cares, Frontrow Enterprise Philippines, Grab, iACADEMY, JCI Makati, KMV Asia Development Corporation, Mer-nels, PH Global Jet Express Inc, Reyes Haircutters, Airspeed, Santos Knight Frank Inc.

Asia Leaders Awards continues to be an avenue where business leaders are recognized for their outstanding efforts to make their companies shine. ALA is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

It is the only recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different organizations and embassies. Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.

Check out https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards for more of the event details.

Parol, Bibingka at Puto Bungbong

 

The holiday season is in the air. With melodies and favorite singers bringing back sweet memories of childhood and family togetherness. EchoJham Production headed by Mhae Sarenas came up with the  show of three popular hitmakers namely Rey Valera, Dulce, Marco Sison which will be streaming on MULAT on Dec 6  to 15, 2021 ( Philippines ) and Dec 16 to Jan 2, 2022 ( Worldwide )

Tag media group arranged and hosted venue, food and bloggers for the presscon as supported by Cafe Alegria headed by chef Charles Angelo who carefully chose the Mexican food. 

CROQUETTAS

- BECHAMEL, CHORIZO PAMPLONA, CARAMELIZED ONION

Chillean chicken asado

- grilled chicken thigh fillet, chilean yogurt marinate

Churro Chocolate Caliente

- Pasilla Piconcillo Churros, Whipped Dulce De Leche, Hot Chocolate Mousse

Special participation of Thessalonian Singing Ambassador. Musical Director Adonis Tabanda and Directed by Calvin Neria awaits the viewers.

FFCCCII forecasts 6.5 to 7.5% GDP growth in 2022

 At a recent relief goods turnover ceremony for Metro Manila’s urban poor communities in 43 barangays given by 11 major Filipino Chinese organizations of the Filipino Chinese Community Calamity Fund (FCCCF) held at FFCCCII Bldg. in Binondo district, Manila, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong said: “I foresee strong Philippine economic recovery next year 2022, with my forecast of conservatively the GDP growth at 6.5%, and optimistically at 7.5%. The Philippines has strong economic fundamentals for robust recovery, our leaders have guided the country well especially with socio-economic reforms, prudent fiscal and monetary policies, better infrastructures. Let us unite, cooperate, continue to promote nationwide vaccine program and uphold basic health protocols like wearing face masks, social distancing. Our Filipino Chinese business community is hopeful and ready to reinvest to help sustain strong Philippine economic recovery. Let us help create more jobs, boost consumer and business confidence.”

 

            FFCCCII is umbrella organization of over 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce and diverse industry associations nationwide from Aparri to Tawi Tawi led by industrialist Dr. Lucio C. Tan as chairman emeritus and Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong as president. The FCCCF is a philanthropic coalition of 11 major Filipino Chinese business, civic and cultural organizations led by FFCCCII, it was established to raise funds and distribute relief assistance for victims of calamities such as pandemic, typhoons, etc.             

 

            On the May 2022 election and the Filipino Chinese business community’s hopes for the next Philippine President, Dr. Lim said: “We are hopeful for a clean and orderly 2022 election, so that continued political stability shall be strong foundation for Philippine economic recovery. For the next President, we hope that the next administration shall continue bold socio-economic reforms such as support for agriculture progress and food security, infrastructure modernization, uphold independent foreign policy of befriending and trading with all the world’s big powers, and also continue vigorous efforts to improve peace and order.”

 

Since the March 2020 when the global pandemic started in the country, FFCCCII led the creation of the Filipino Chinese Community Calamity Fund (FCCCF) comprised of 11 major Filipino Chinese business, civic and cultural organizations, FCCCF raised over P300 million pesos in donations to undertake charities to alleviate the difficulties of our marginalized peoples and to give support to medical and security frontliners nationwide.

 

FCCCF has distributed donations in the form of:

 

1.      Medical supplies like masks and Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) donated to medical, police and military front-liners as well as to public and private hospitals;

 

2.      Donations of hundreds of thousands of food packs of five (5) kilos rice for marginalized people in Metro Manila and in the provinces whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the crisis.

 

3. Donating for the biggest testing facility for the Philippine Red Cross office in Port Area, Manila.

 

            The Filipino Chinese Community Calamity Fund (FCCCF) is led by Chairman Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong of the FFCCCII. The two vice-chairmen are Mr. Yang Huahong of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations of the Philippines and Mr. Lugene Ang of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCCII).

 

The 11 major Filipino Chinese organizations are the following:

1.      Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and its philanthropic arm FFCCCII Foundation Inc.,

2.      Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations of the Philippines,

3.      Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCCII),

4.      Overseas Chinese Alumni Association of the Philippines,

5.      World News Daily,

6.      Filipino Chinese Amity Club,

7.      Filipino Chinese Shin Lian Association,

8.      Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines,

9.      Philippine Soong Ching Ling Foundation,

10.  Philippine Jin Jiang Shen Fu Zhen Association, 

11.  World Fujian Youth Association & Business Club

DOST holds first NICER Summit to boost regional development

 

FRIDAY, December 3, 2021--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Science for Change (S4C) through its sub-program Niche Centers in the Region for R&D (NICER) today held its first NICER Summit.  The online event entitled “Conference on Accelerating STI in the Country through a Regionally Inclusive R&D” showcased 37 innovation hubs spread across 17 regions in the country. 

“Our NICER Centers are actively taking on the challenge of elevating the products, commodities, and expertise of the Regions through the development of smart and innovative solutions and strategies,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña.  “Through inclusive innovation  where no Region will be left behind and  a properly supported R&D network, our country will be able to sustain itself and remain resilient, particularly in difficult times.” 

“The NICER Program has catalyzed collaborations among academe, National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and private industry which in turn, contributed to accelerating the country's social and economic development,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “Through the establishment of these NICERs,  Filipino researchers were able to advance their role from the status quo of peer-centric R&D towards a society-centric R&D. This advancement ensures that the researchers are focused on achieving socio-economic impact from their research efforts in addition to training young scientists, frequent publications, and technology development. Through society-centric R&D efforts and inclusive innovation, the Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved.”

One of the highlights of the event is the E-Mobility R&D Center led by Cagayan State University and the University of the Philippines-Diliman.  The Center will design, develop, fabricate and assemble e-Trike that could be adapted in the region.  The focus will be on the reduction of overall weight by improving body shell design and choosing lightweight materials for the E-trike.  This innovation center will be redesigning a lightweight chassis; improving mechanical energy transmission systems, and determining optimal electronic/electrical systems with respect to the mechanical design for the tricycle. 

In addition, a COVID-19 responsive design will be considered to ensure physical distancing and prevent the spread of viral infections. After assembly and integration of the different parts to create the whole e-Trike, its performance will be tested in actual road conditions. Further, the center will design the electrical and electronic components of an Electric Tricycle and determine the viability of the conversion of conventional tricycle to e-Trike.

The event called for the universities and research institutions in collaboration with the government agencies and the private sector to join the aspiration of pursuing inclusive innovation. The next Call for Proposals is on March 2022.

With all the stakeholders engaged so far in the establishment of the NICERs, it is evident that academe-industry-government collaboration really works and indeed boosts regional development. “We are excited how these collaborations and partnerships will grow, continue to expand, and give birth eventually to new national research, development, and innovation institutions. We need the commitment, support, and assistance of everyone in making it happen in the not-so-distant future,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang.

Last September 21, the House of Representatives approved the Science for Change bill, in its 3rd and final reading. It is hoped that the Senate will soon start discussing the S4CP bill. By institutionalizing the S4CP, a massive increase in R&D investments will address issues that hold back the Philippines from fully benefiting from science, technology, and innovation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Rosemarie Rafael founder of Airspeed : Wins at APEC Best Award 2021

 

Airspeed Founder and Chairwoman Rosemarie Rafael continues to take end-to-end logistics to world-class levels. This comes after Rafael, who also spearheads Airspeed’s digital arm–the Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corporation (APDEC), was awarded at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) BEST Award 2021 for the category Best in Business Sustainability in Tackling the Pandemic.

In an online ceremony convened in Moscow, Russia, APEC cited APDEC as the paramount example of a female business driving Asia-Pacific economic and social recovery by assisting MSMEs, particularly women-led entities, navigate the new normal. Since 2016, APEC has given out the Business Efficiency and Success Target (BEST) Award which recognizes the most efficient projects of female entrepreneurship from different sectors, including digital economy, traditional entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, as well as management approach and solutions.

 

As the digital arm of Airspeed, the APDEC Team handles the brand building, business development and expansion of SpeedGifts, and the Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas advocacy program development and partnerships.

 

SpeedGifts is the online gifting platform of the Airspeed Group and will be the main platform to be used for selling. The SpeedGifts’ platform features brands and products of MSMEs from different municipalities across the country that have gone through the Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas program. Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas (Amazing Philippines), on the other hand, is the advocacy program of the Airspeed Group led by APDEC Team. In partnership with DTI, LGUs, and other non-profit organizations like Galing Pook, the program aims to help entrepreneurs sell their products online through the SpeedGifts platform.  APDEC’s role is to conduct digital marketing training (and other needed learnings of the community) for MSMEs and make sure that these entrepreneurs will not be left behind in the country’s economic growth.

 

Currently, APDEC is growing its list of MSME partners and government partners such as Negosyo Centers on LGUs to be able to assist the OFW market. These partnerships are managed from merchant portfolio building, business development, product curating, to brand building.

 

In establishing APDEC, Rosemarie Rafael aims to develop its overall customer experience while building programs and a brand for MSMEs -- as an advocacy, to slowly digitize the local economy and empower women entrepreneurs.