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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has sealed an agreement with the country’s biggest cable provider alliance, the Philippine Cable Television Association, Inc. (PCTA), to create “DOSTv”, a 24/7 cable weather information channel to complement the services of DOST’s main weather agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

DOSTv shall broadcast accurate and up-to-date weather information of PAGASA, along with hourly satellite and Doppler images and weather sensors data from the Program NOAH website. NOAH, or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, is DOST’s flagship program for disaster preparedness under the directive of President Benigno Aquino III.

The partnership between DOST and PCTA was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) recently during the PCTA 2013 Convention at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“This partnership significantly contributes to our ongoing efforts to mitigate the destructive effects of natural calamities such as typhoons and monsoon rains under the backdrop of climate change”, said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo.

DOSTv will be administered by the Department’s information arm, the Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and is scheduled to debut this May 2013, to be carried by around 90 percent of PCTA’s cable franchisers. PCTA has more than 300 cable provider members all over the archipelago, according to PCTA Chairman Engr. Elpidio M. Paras.

Apart from DOSTv, PCTA members in the MOA also agree to host stations weather data gathering sensors, servers, and equipment to be provided by PAGASA, especially for its regional offices’ unreached areas and to improve the weather agency’s forecast capabilities.

“This is an important milestone for the cable industry as it is for the economy. Our lives are greatly affected by weather and climate, especially those in the regions whose primary source of income is agriculture”, PCTA Chairman Paras.

DOST-STII Director Raymund E. Liboro meanwhile stressed that “now is the time to look for means to increase the risk perception, mitigate the hazard, and prepare communities” as unprecedented meteorological events have recently struck the country.

Program NOAH Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay presented during said convention a brief shocking footage of people being swept away to their deaths by even a knee-level flashflood.

“Had these people known the danger of an impending flashflood, they would have run in time for safety,” he said. “It is what we’re trying to avoid—the surprise—for it is what causes disasters and loss of lives. We simply cannot stress enough the importance of information.”

PCTA Chairman Paras also cited the importance of collaboration with weather and disaster experts, noting Cagayan de Oro’s recent linkage with PAGASA and Program NOAH. According to him, the linkage spurred by Cagayan de Oro’s devastating experience with typhoon Sendong enabled a two-hour warning before typhoon Pablo of last year hit the city, and resulted in zero casualties. An unprepared neighbor, Compostela Valley, unfortunately, was left with a many fatalities, he said.

 

New partners in disaster mitigation

New partners in disaster mitigation. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) teams up with the country’s alliance of major cable providers, the Philippine Cable Television Association, Inc., (PCTA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to create a new weather information channel dubbed “DOSTv” to debut in May 2013. DOSTv will broadcast weather data and advisories from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) as well as satellite and Doppler images and weather sensors data from the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Program NOAH website. In photo are (seated from left) Project NOAH Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, PCTA President Allan P. Dungao, DOST Science and Technology Information Institute Director Raymund E. Liboro, PCTA Chairman Engr. Elpidio M. Paras and PCTA Directors (standing) during the MOA signing last March 20, 2013, at PCTA’s 2013 Convention at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

Information is key

Information is key. DOST STII Director Raymund E. Liboro discusses the value of creating DOSTv during the 2013 Philippine Cable Television Association Convention. DOSTv will be administered by DOST-STII and shall be a weather information resource for communities to guide their decision making and serve as a monitoring tool to help prevent disasters. DOSTv will broadcast weather data, image updates from the DOST Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Project NOAH website. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

Horrifying video clip of a flashflood

Horrifying video clip of a flashflood. Dr. Mahar Lagmay, executive director of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH, stresses the need for hazard information communication to the entire country by beginning his talk with a brief, disturbing clip of a knee-high flashflood washing out a group of people down a ravine, taken from a mobile device. He said that because of lack of information, natural events catch people by surprise, thus leading to disasters. This has to be prevented, Dr. Lagmay emphasized. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

One in disaster mitigation

One in disaster mitigation. DOST-STII Director Raymund E. Liboro (3rd from right) and ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III (2nd from right), together with Philippine Cable Television Association, Inc. (PCTA) President Allan P. Dungao (far right), Chairman Engr. Elpidio M. Paras (2nd from left), and other officers, pose briefly after a short talk about DOSTv. They are united about making available crucial weather information to the public. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

Weather talk

Weather talk. DOST STII Director Raymund E. Liboro explains the concept of DOSTv, which will also be administered by DOST-STII, information arm of the DOST, beginning May 2013. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

More weather talk

More weather talk. DOST-STII Director Raymund E. Liboro (right), ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III (middle), and PCTA President Mr. Allan P. Dungao (left) discuss plans for a soon-to-air weather channel DOSTv. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

People behind Project NOAH

People behind Project NOAH. DOST-STII Director Raymund E. Liboro together with the Project NOAH team inside the DOSTv booth during the 2013 Philippine Cable Television Association Convention at the SMX Convention Center. The Project NOAH website has been recognized by international organizations as one of Asia’s best practices in disaster prevention, as it integrates weather sensors, Doppler, satellite, and other weather-related data in a user-friendly interface. DOST-STII will be in-charge of DOSTv. (Photo by Gerardo Palad, text by George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

 

 

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This textile does not only make you look good. It also protects you from getting wet. More, it keeps you away from diseases caused by micro-organisms. A product of persistent research, this textile can truly be called smart.

“It has been a dream, until towards the end of 2012, when PTRI has finally developed a textile material that is comfortable, breathable but surprisingly water repellent and even anti-microbial,” revealed Dr. Carlos C. Tomboc, director of Philippine Textile Research Institute, an agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

The challenge to develop such technology came from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo who noted PTRI’s award-winning Christmas Belen made of taro leaves that were water-repellant. Since then, PTRI has been spinning possibilities into the broad range of functional and smart textiles.

This breakthrough research was carried out by a team of chemists of DOST-PTRI’s Chemical, Dyes, Auxiliaries and By-Product Utilization Section who came up with a finishing technology that makes fabrics water-repellant and anti-microbial.

Waterproof surfaces show the so-called “lotus effect,” referring to the lotus leaf’s ability to prevent water from drenching its surface. Tiny crystalline waxy bumps or protrusions and tiny hairs on the leaf’s surface trap the water droplet, stopping the water from reaching the lotus leaf’s actual surface.

To mimic this phenomenon, the team used several techniques, including chemical modifications via hydrophobic coatings and plasma treatments. After several attempts using various materials to make textile water repellent, the team was able to zero in on something that is just in the pocket: silver.

More particularly, the team discovered that silver nanoparticle and silver oxide nanocomposite can make cotton and pineapple fabrics water-repellent and even anti-microbial.

Silver is a known for its ability to kill various microorganisms, thus when used as repellant in textiles, it gives protection against microbe-caused diseases.

According to Jeannie Lynn J. Cabansag and Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, both registered chemists and the project leader and research staff, they used silver nanoparticles and submerged these in silicone oxide solution then applied to various textile materials.

The team found silver to be active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphyllococcus aureus which cause pneumonia and skin infections respectively. The silver oxide thus was noted for its water-repellent property and, together with the silver nanoparticles, the combination resulted in a water-repellant, anti-microbial finishing for fabrics made of pineapple and cotton.

Conventional water repellent finishes literally form a coating on textile surfaces which compromises the breathability and comfort of cotton-based fabrics. Anti-microbial properties would be provided by yet another finishing.

However, in this technology, the finishing is applied on the fiber and yarns of the material and the anti-microbial properties of the silver nanoparticles are already dispersed in the silica network. With this, comfort and form are not necessarily traded-off over function.

This development is part of the string of PTRI-developed technologies that integrates nanotechnology to textile finishing, now coined as “nanofinishing.” This new technology produces smart, bio-functional, and truly Philippine-made textiles.

Water particles are unable to seep through the textile. This is called the lotus-effect.

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DOST Secretary Montejo and NRCP President Cruz lead the conferment of awards to12 Filipino researchers at the DOST-NRCP 80th General Membership Assembly held on March 13, 2013 at the Manila Hotel

2012 NRCP Achievement Awardees. The said awarding ceremony recognized scientific works promoting the welfare of the nation and its citizenry and enriching the country’s knowledge in the 12 scientific disciplines. These include education and international policies, math, medicine, pharmacy, biology, agriculture and forestry, engineering and industry, physics, chemistry, earth and space sciences, veterinary, social sciences, and the humanities (Photo by Henry A. de Leon, S & T Media Service, DOST-STII)

 

The Department of Science and Technology - National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) recently honored 12 Filipino researchers in the 2012 NRCP Achievement Awards for their outstanding works and innovative discoveries. The awarding was held during the 80th General Membership Assembly last March 13 , 2013 at the historic Manila Hotel .


The awardees’ scientific works were recognized as tools promoting the welfare of the nation and the citizenry and enriching the country’s knowledge in the twelve scientific disciplines spanning basic, applied sciences and social sciences.


DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo and NRCP President Dr. Lourdes Cruz handed out a gold medallion, plaque of recognition, and cash reward of Php 25,000.00 to each awardee.


Sec. Montejo also introduced to the researchers DOST’s latest umbrella program called “Smarter Philippines” and enjoined all researchers to harmonize their efforts to the program.


DOST-NRCP will be celebrating its 80th Foundation Anniversary on December 8, 2013


The awardees were:


Dr. Evelina M. Vicencio (Ph.D. University of Philippines Diliman), who was honored for her unwavering leadership and service to Philippine education with her intensive involvement in the development of peer-refereed publications and research reports that benefitted many Filipino learners.


Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo (D.Sc. Mathematics. Sophia University, Japan), who was lauded for pioneering the development of research in applications to algebraic coding theory in the country and for elevating the status of Philippine mathematics through his engagements as visiting professor and researcher of many prestigious institutions.


Dr. Trinidad P. Trinidad (Scientist 2 of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute) whose pioneering studies on the bio-availability of minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium absorption and whose work on the use of coconut flour, root crops and legumes as sources of dietary fibers earned praises from DOST-NRCP.


Dr. Ireneo L. Lit Jr. (Director of University of the Philippines–Los Baños Museum of Natural History), a taxonomist who earned recognition for his pioneering work in the field of coccidology and for his researches on effective management of pest insects including quarantine measures and control of household and food industrial pests.


Dr. Severino S. Capitan (Ph.D. Animal Physiology, Punjab Agricultural University) whose notable researches on artificial insemination and estrus synchronization which involves manipulation of cattle’s reproductive processes, led to significant genetic improvement and population increase among carabaos in the country.


Dr. Alvin B. Culaba (National Academy of Science and Technology Advisory Council Member) who was commended for his pioneering work on life cycle assessment methodology in the Philippines and Asia, and for his significant contributions and inspiring leadership in the formulation of national policies and the setting of directions for the growth and development of mission oriented scientific research in the country .


Dr. Nimfa B. Ogena (University of the Philippines Population Institute) , an outstanding researcher whose scholarly contributions span several substantive and methodological areas. Among the most notable were her works on women’s role in sustainable development, reproductive health and quantitative approaches for examining female status which have contributed to national and international policies.


Dr. Alipio T. Garcia (University of Philippines-Baguio), honored for his pioneering works in ultra –high vacuum –thin film growth in the country, his significant contribution in the field of material science and semiconductors, and his unwavering support for the development and promotion of physics education in the Philippines.


Dr. Florentino P. Sumera (Professor of Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering, UP-Diliman), for his work on the synthesis of coconut fatty acid derivatives for biofuels and biodegradable polymers with potential environmental and medical use.


Dr. Jose S. Buenconsejo (Department of Musicology, UP-Diliman) conferred for his in-depth, insightful research on the epistemology of an indigenous Filipino-Asiatic ritual as well as his documentation of indigenous Philippine musical traditions in the context of local cultural meanings.


Dr. Carina G. Lao (The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) for her expertise in the field of metrology as well as her scientific researches on the tropical cyclone tracks and unusual movements of typhoons, and


Dr. Jezie A. Acorda (UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine) who received the award for his significant contributions in the field of veterinary medicine specifically on medical imaging techniques and complementary alternative veterinary medicine such as acupuncture stimulation.


Established on December 8, 1933 through the passage of Act 4120 by the Ninth Philippine Legislature, the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) primarily aims to promote and support basic research in the country along various scientific disciplines including education and international policies, math, medicine, pharmacy, biology, agriculture and forestry, engineering and industry, physics, chemistry, earth and space sciences, veterinary, social sciences, and the humanities.

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The Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), industry partners , and a number of local government offices are pushing for Information Technology – Business Process Outsourcing as a career option to people, especially the youth, living in the regions.

Spearheaded by ICTO and Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP), these IT-BPO awareness activities were designed to increase people’s understanding on the BPO industry.

Last year, ICTO held a series of ICT road shows in selected cities of various provinces to introduce the IT-BPO sector and some of its key players and to promote the career field. One of the aims of the roadshows too is to make people understand that it is not only call centers that compose the BPO industry but also other outsource sectors.

Cities that hosted the roadshows include Palayan City, Tagbilaran City, Legazpi City, Bacolod City, Zamboanga City, Bacolod City and Davao City. In said road shows, players, experts, and executives from the IT-BPO sector shared their success stories and industry benefits from industry to participants, mostly graduating high school students with their parents.

Jesse Rebustillos, who currently works at Philippine Daily Inquirer Classified Ads section, credited his employer for giving him a chance to attend several trainings and workshops in the past to improve his skills as IT practitioner.

He said that as he was exposed to various industry conferences and seminars provided by his employer in the past, he was able to meet the relevant people in his industry and enabled him to be updated in the emerging trends.

Now, he is an IT project manager and handling a team of web developers and SEO specialists. For him, it is a very challenging and gratifying task but that what makes his career much more colorful and enjoyable.

“Imagine being able to train young talents and being able to equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitude for them to be accepted in the global job market. For me that is career satisfaction at its best,” Rebustillos said.

Meanwhile, Rosalie Buenaagua, SEO Specialist and a resident of Legazpi City, expressed her gratitude on the significant contributions made by the series of ICT road shows held in their province that helped communities there to increase their awareness about different careers in ICT.

“Dito sa Albay before, very vague ang idea ng call center and I am very thankful to the prime movers of the BPO industry who are here like Ms. Rey. Dahil sa kanya nakilala ng paunti-unti ang industriya ng BPO at call center at nabigyan ng opportunities ang kabataan dito,” Buenaagua said.

(Here in Albay before, the idea of call center was very vague….Because of her, the industry is being recognized little by little and the youth are given opportunities.)

She also encouraged parents that aside from time, they should also invest on computer and internet for their children, which will eventually help young graduates in many ways.
IT-BPO also offers alternative career options for other graduates, especially for those courses that offer slim job opportunities.

During his interview in the radio program “Bago Yan, Ah!” last year, Alejandro P. Melchor III, Deputy Executive Director for ICT Industry Development of ICTO pointed out that in the IT-BPO field, four fast growing sectors are emerging, aside from the call center sector. These include the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing, Finance and Accounting Outsourcing, Human Resources Outsourcing, and Animation and Game Development Outsourcing.

The Philippines could be a world leader in the said outsourcing sectors in the coming years, according to Melchor.

In the recent years, the country has produced sufficient number of students and graduates of Nursing, Information Technology (I.T) and other multi-media related courses to fill up the need of the IT-BPO Industry.

Healthcare IT-BPO careers have expanded into various disciplines that open windows of career opportunities for nursing graduates and allied medical professionals. Through the IT-BPO sector, these professionals can opt to take alternative careers such as medical transcriptionists, medical secretaries, medical coders and billers, medical assistants, medical representatives, medical butlers and clinical research associates.

There is a big job prospect in healthcare insurance, even in the United States alone, as President Barack Obama’s administration enacted a law that requires all American citizens to have healthcare insurance by 2014.

This is a big factor in providing opportunities for local residents, especially for those who belong to the 200,000 unemployed and under employed nursing graduates in the country.