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Published: 15 July 2013

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Every year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) celebrates the National Science and Technology Week to showcase the latest innovations, interventions and inventions of Filipino scientists, engineers and various works by the entire scientific community. This year, the weeklong event focuses more on the pressing needs of various sectors like agriculture, transportation, industry, services and climate change.

Dubbed as ExpoScience 2013, it carries the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation: The Road to a Smarter Philippines.” As the theme connotes, DOST gives emphasis on the role of science and technology in making a better future for Filipinos through its projects and services that spur socio-economic development, leading to a “smarter” Philippines. The ExpoScience 2013 will be held on July 23-27, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

To be showcased during the event are some of the DOST technologies that include the Advanced Materials Testing Laboratory or ADMATEL, a testing facility for the semiconductor industry; the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system aimed at providing alternative transportation in Metro Manila to ease traffic congestion; the Project NOAH and its components as a vital tool to address climate change; DOST’s Certified Seed Production program for improved agricultural productivity; and the other ICT-driven tools to make the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry more competitive.

Prior to Expo Science 2013, DOST has forums and conferences to set the stage in celebrating the main event and fully jumpstart its advocacy to promote science, technology and innovation as viable solutions in improving the lives of Filipinos.

Last July 4 and 5, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) conducted its 39th FNRI Seminar Series with forums, book launching, mini fair, and exhibits. Some of the relevant topics discussed were the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, brown rice, FNRI-developed complementary foods for babies, the DOST Pinoy model, production of fortified multi-nutrient growth mix and FNRI’s partnerships with private companies like Del Monte Philippines and Robinsons Supermarket to promote proper nutrition to a larger audience.

The 8th Outstanding Young Scientists Inc (OYSI) Annual Meeting and Scientific hel July 9, 2013 at the Manila Hotel had eminent speakers including Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, OYSI president; Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research; Jesus M. Tanchanco Jr., chairman of Food Entrepreneurs and Exporters Organization of the Philippines; Dr. Vicente Y. Belizario Jr., vice chancellor for research and executive director of the National Institute of Health; Dr. Irene M. Villasenor, professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman; Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, senior vice president of United Laboratories Inc.; and Dr. Rainier B. Villanueva, founding president of Chamber of Health Industries in the Philippines.

On July 10 and 11, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) held its 35th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) at the Manila Hotel with this year’s theme, “Harnessing Science and Technology: Reversing the Decline of the Manufacturing Sector in the Philippines.” Among the guests were Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Secretary Gregory L. Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry. Some of the topics discussed include development progeria, processed food and wood products, high value product aquatic biofactories, integrative approach for developing sustainable manufacturing industry, occupational safety and health, and stem cell therapy.

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Published: 12 July 2013

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Are you a nursing graduate looking for a rewarding career? An artist with a talent in creating game and animated characters? A fresh graduate aiming for a call center job? Or, are you aspiring to become the next Diosdado Banatao – the Pinoy whiz in Silicon Valley currently making waves as a venture capitalist and ITpreneur?

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector may be the silver bullet for your career concerns.

To guide fresh college graduates and professionals seeking new career paths, twin events focused on the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, startups and e-commerce are set to get underway on July 25, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The “Startup Forum" scheduled from 1:00 to 3:15 PM, and the “ITBPM Career Talk” slated from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, are organized by the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The “Startup Forum” aims to give aspiring ITpreneurs an overview of starting a business via online media. The forum will tackle trends in ITpreneurship and guidelines for selling business ideas to industry investors.

To share their knowledge and experiences are industry experts and ITpreneurship pioneers from the Philippine Software Industry Association, IPO Philippines, Technology Application and Promotion Institute, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Ideaspace Foundation, Inc.

“We hope that this will inspire the youth to explore building their own startups and maximizing the use of ICT not only as a social/ lifestyle tool but also an instrument for a profitable career option,” said DOST-ICTO Deputy Executive Director Monchito B. Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, “IT-BPM Career Talk” will present various career options, perks, and rewards offered by the industry, as well as the skillset required.

“Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) has a wide array of employment opportunities in different fields for people with varied educational backgrounds and preferences,” Ibrahim added. “This will be a venue for them to see which sector they find best maximizes their talents and skills.”

Featured speakers are from the different ICT Associations namely: Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Animation Council of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Health Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines, Contact Center Association of the Philippines, and Philippine Software Industry Association.

“Startup Forum” and “ITBPM Career Talk” are among the activities lined up for Expo Science 2013 or the National Science and Technology Week organized by DOST. Bearing the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation: The Road to a Smarter Philippines,” the annual event showcases the different DOST-developed top-flight technologies and projects that provide solutions to pressing national issues including industry competitiveness and employment.

For more information, log on to nstw.dost.gov.ph and science.ph.

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Published: 15 July 2013

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The Department of Science and Technology is set to establish a modern, world-class product development center for electronics industry in Bicutan, Taguig City. This was revealed by Engr. Peter Antonio Banzon from DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute in a recent forum on electronics and semiconductor industry at the New World Hotel in Makati City. The forum was part of DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development’s third anniversary celebration.

The proposed two-floor center will house state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory facilities specifically designed to cater to the electronics industry. The facilities will address the three major critical processes or steps in electronics product manufacturing, namely functional design, product prototyping, and product pilot releasing. These stages involve complex and highly important procedures to ensure products design quality and compliance to standard regulations.

“The center will basically support future R&D projects of electronics companies by providing access to tools and equipment as well as expert manpower in the product development center,” Engr. Banzon said.

The electronic industry is a key player in Philippine progress being the leading industry by contributing to as much as 67 percent of the country’s export share. In 2010, revenue from this industry reached USD31 billion. But a market study conducted by ASTI showed that given a conducive business environment and the necessary facility support, revenue can reach up to USD50 billion in 2016.

This potential will be highly maximized with the establishment of the center. Normally, local electronic companies send samples abroad for product design and testing, which may cost as much as USD5,000 to USD30,000.

Through DOST’s electronic product center, cost will be reduced to half and there will be a shorter turn around time unlike results from tests conducted abroad, which may take months. Further, companies can also easily mitigate risks to avoid certification test failure because of its accessibility. Thus, an increased foreign investment in electronics industry is expected.

The project has a total budget of PhP268 million, 90 percent of which will go to acquisition of the needed equipment. Currently, bidding for EMI Test System, one of the critical equipment required, is now ongoing. Building renovation will be followed by product prototyping which is targeted to start within the year.

Laboratory experts composed of consultant, engineers, and technicians will man the facility. When fully operated, the facility is expected to generate around PhP3.8 million annual income only from member companies of the Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc. (EIAPI), discounting other possible users.

Aside from the electronics industry, other potential users of the center include independent designers such as start-up businesses or incubation ventures, academe, other government agencies like National Telecommunications Commission and household appliance manufacturers and importers.

Late last year, DOST also launched the ADMATEL or Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory, to cater to the semiconductor industry. Operation of the electronics product development center will complete the need of the country’s electronics exports, which is composed of 25 percent electronic manufacturing sector and 75 percent semiconductor manufacturing sector.

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Published: 12 July 2013

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DOST Assistant Secretary and concurrent STII Director Raymund E. Liboro (right, holding microphone) served as Guest of Honor and Speaker for the flag-raising ceremony at the Department of Agriculture (DA) national office along Elliptical Road, Quezon City. In his talk, he discussed the upcoming celebration of the 2013 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) July 23-27 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia , Pasay City. Asec. Liboro also promoted the use of the DOST-developed Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap, which was later distributed to select DA employees. Similar talks to promote greater awareness for this year’s NSTW activities were also conducted by STII officials in other government offices such as the Office of the President, Office of the Vice-President. Department of Energy, Department of Health, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Admission to the Exposcience 2013 is free.