News About Science and Technology in the Philippines

The Philippines has a rich and long-standing culture of science that was already part of everyday life even before Spanish colonization.

The Filipinos employed scientific knowledge when planting crops and caring for animals. Furthermore, they could interpret heavenly bodies' movements to predict seasons and climates.

1. DOST Unveils “Big 20 in 2020”

At a flag ceremony held at DOST's compound in Bicutan, Taguig City on December 15, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena unveiled the agency's plans to accelerate product and technology commercialization by 2020.

On the list of 20 biomedical devices are Dr. Raul Destura's Lab in Mug, a faster and cheaper dengue test kit developed with DOST support.

Other projects involve the Ginhawa (ReliefVent) ventilator, a low-cost, efficient and user-friendly respiratory system for both children and adults. It can be easily installed in hospital rooms or wards as it consists of less than 50 sensors which communicate with each other through internet of things technology and mesh networks.

DOST-ASTI will also collaborate on the Robot for Optimised and Autonomous Mission-Enhancement Response (ROAMER) project, which seeks to develop prototypes of unmanned ground vehicles that can be utilized to monitor and survey farms.

2. DOST Launches Philippine Space Program

With the Philippine Space Program, DOST can further foster and sustain a robust space ecosystem that generates space-based solutions for society. This is accomplished through various space-related policies and programs such as National Security Development, Hazard Management & Climate Studies, Space Research & Development, and Space Industry Capacity Building, among others.

According to DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena, this will have a beneficial impact on the country's science and technology scene. Furthermore, it will give Filipinos an opportunity to develop expertise in space science technologies that are beneficial for the country's needs.

This program will benefit the Philippines' economy and social progress. It helps improve disaster resilience as well as agriculture production in the country, among other benefits.

3. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled 20 ground-breaking solutions in health research developed by scientists from Chile's top universities. These products and services represent a breakthrough in medicine that will benefit millions across the country.

One such innovation is Ginhawa, a cost-effective ventilator designed for both children and adults that was developed by researchers at the University of the Philippines (UP) with full support from DOST.

Another innovation is a software program designed to assist insurers in understanding their clients' transportation habits and costs. This tool gives them valuable insights that could enable them to create policies and programs that save them money.

Finally, DOST provides local entrepreneurs with a range of resources to assist with product development. This includes access to laboratories and equipment funding as well as marketing support through OneSTore Ph. Moreover, DOST is dedicated to accelerating the development of human resources in science and technology fields.

4. DOST Unveils 20 Innovative Solutions in Health

Science and technology (S&T) are essential elements in the development of any country, especially when it comes to social welfare and economic growth. That is why the government has implemented numerous projects and programs focused on S&T in order to accelerate progress within the nation.

DOST has unveiled 20 innovative solutions in healthcare that will enhance the lives of Filipinos and their families. These include Lab in Mug, a cost-effective diagnostic test kit for dengue and other diseases; Ginhawa (ReliefVent), an economical ventilator suitable for both children and adults.

DOST also established 11 research and development centers across different sectors to foster innovation landscapes in different parts of the country. These facilities are managed by higher education institutions located in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, National Capital Region and Northern Mindanao.

5. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Agriculture

As the Philippines grows into a major exporter of vegetables and fruits, its farmers need to improve their farming practices. One solution DOST has implemented to assist these individuals is farm management software.

Farm management software enables farmers to efficiently schedule the harvesting of their crops, leading to higher yields, reduced labor time, and efficient use of resources.

Furthermore, watering their farms more effectively with irrigation can be a boon in drylands where rainfall is often insufficient.

DOST is also supporting food innovation centers around the country to enhance agricultural productivity and boost regional economies. For instance, in MIMAROPA region a Food Innovation Center was established to assist small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce value-added agricultural products.

6. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Energy

As part of its national celebration for 2020 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), DOST unveiled 20 groundbreaking energy solutions. These initiatives can foster change, innovation, competitiveness and excellence across industries.

In a world where energy prices are skyrocketing and climate change poses serious threats, technological innovations offer businesses, industry and infrastructure providers an effective solution through increased electrification.

These technologies aim to eliminate some of the most hazardous greenhouse gases from energy systems, enable smart grids and simplify energy management in buildings - eliminating a major source of waste and emissions.

These actions come as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Net-Zero Game Changes Initiative, which sets out an aggressive innovation plan to make clean and efficient electric options accessible for everyone in America. Through their initiatives, households are saving money on energy bills, improving energy security, improving health outcomes and creating well-paying jobs.

7. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Water

Water is an integral part of life and vital for successful communities, businesses, industries and agriculture alike.

However, there are a variety of obstacles that stifle innovation in the water sector, such as management and policy issues. These include artificially low water pricing rates, unnecessary regulatory restrictions, and lack of access to capital or funding sources.

Thankfully, the DOST is providing assistance to innovators from different sectors and regions overcome these obstacles. Through programs like Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), DOST has assisted dozens of entrepreneurs transform their shop-floor ideas into viable innovations that will benefit both their businesses and local communities.

8. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Energy Efficiency

Recently, DOST (Department of Science and Technology) unveiled 20 breakthrough solutions in energy efficiency. These initiatives aim to address challenges across various sectors.

DOST strives to enhance quality of life and boost productivity in the country through investments in research, innovation, and technology. This can foster new ideas, boost competitiveness, and excellence - ultimately leading to new market opportunities, a better society, increased wealth and prosperity for its people.

The DOST also provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students interested in a career in science and technology. This helps ensure the country always has an adequate supply of highly-skilled S&T personnel to further research, foster innovation, and spur national development.

9. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Food

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled 20 innovative food technologies. These include a bot that helps customers locate recipes and new ingredients in their favorite stores, as well as an app that encourages employees to use inclusive language when communicating.

A bot can be added to a company's Slack or MS Teams channel and prompt the recipient with suggestions for communicating using inclusive language. Doing so can help reduce bias and toxic messages in workplaces.

Meanwhile, the Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) has already created equipment that can assist local food companies in improving their products and boosting productivity. Sheryl Napoco, DOST XI's science research specialist, noted the inventions they have created such as a vacuum fryer, spray dryer that turns coconut water into powdered juice, and freeze drying machine.

Furthermore, FPIC gives inventors P50,000 to further develop their ideas. The Department of Science and Technology hopes these innovations can be released onto the market before year-end.

10. DOST Launches 20 Innovative Solutions in Energy Efficiency

Science and technology are vital for our country's progress, as they can increase productivity, stimulate employment growth, and enhance quality of life for all citizens. A robust S&T program is essential to achieve sustainable economic progress in our nation.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has unveiled their newest high-tech initiatives in the form of 20 innovative solutions in energy efficiency. These 20 programs, technologies, and products will be showcased at various events throughout this year.

One of the most remarkable projects is Robot for Optimised and Autonomous Mission Enhancement Response (ROAMER), which utilizes artificial intelligence to improve crop yields while saving time and money. Another notable program is Intelligent Structural Health Monitoring via Mesh of Tremor Sensors (meSHM), which utilizes internet of things technology to create a low-cost wireless structural health monitoring system that can be implemented in any building or bridge.