Twenty Filipino science and technology solutions that address the country’s problems have been unveiled by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this February.
Presenting its “Big 20 in 2020”, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña introduced to media the 20 research and development (R&D) outputs and scientific services that would provide innovative solutions to address some of the country’s existing problems in different sectors.
The DOST Philippines chief announced on February 20, 2020, that the 20 programs, services, technologies, and innovations developed by DOST agencies and regional offices, together with various industry partners will be launched in a series of events throughout the year.
“The DOST would like to kick-off the year 2020 by featuring 20 of our programs and technologies that we believe can make a big impact in the lives of our countrymen and push our country to attain socio-economic growth and development,” said DOST Sec. de la Pena.
The R&D outputs cover the following areas:
- agriculture
- development of smart cities
- disaster preparedness
- enterprise technology
- genomics
- health and nutrition
- mass transportation
- nuclear technology
- space science
These are among the 20 R&D outputs to be unveiled by the DOST this year:
NANOSATELLITES
After launching the cube satellites made by the University of the Philippines engineering graduates, DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute is now also working on two more locally-built Nanosatellites. The two improved versions will be sent into space during the last quarter of the year.
BIOMEDICAL DEVICES
Among the Biomedical devices is the Lab in Mug, a faster and cheaper diagnostic test kit for dengue and other possible virus infections like the Covid 19 developed by Dr. Raul Destura with the full backing of DOST.
The DOST, together with UP specialists and biomedical technicians, is also developing Ginhawa (ReliefVent), a cost-efficient ventilator that can be used for both children and adults.
RxBox is a portable device that remotely captures medical signals and transmits information to hospitals. Funded by DOST and developed by researchers at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute, and the U.P. National Institute of Physics from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and the National Telehealth Center. a device that remotely captures medical signals and transmits information to hospitals.
The world’s first Anti-Dengue Medicine in the world is now on its final testing stage after being developed by the team of Dr. Rita Grace Y. Alvero and lead researchers from Pharmalytics and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. The dengue research was part of the DOST’s Tuklas Lunas Program to produce reliable and affordable medicines sourced from the country’s rich biodiversity.
AGRICULTURE MACHINERY
A 12-horse power single-cylinder diesel engine that is strong and reliable enough to provide power to different agricultural types of machinery being used by local farmers is being developed by DOST’s Metal Industry Research and Development Center in partnership with Supercast Foundry and Machinery Corp., Bacolod City-based R.U. Foundry and Machine Shop Corp. (RUFMSC).
ELEVATED TRAIN
Automated Guideway Transit, an Elevated Train System, formerly housed at the U.P. is now being utilized by the Bataan Peninsula State University for its engineering programs.
ULAT
Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms for Extreme Weather and Monitoring and Information Sharing or ULAT was also presented.
NUTRITION
A comprehensive program on nutrition, a partnership between the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s NuGen Lab, is also in development.
COCONUTS
There will also be a Nationwide Tissue-Cultured Coconut Planting Day, a coconut propagation program with the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis Technology.
HYBRID TRIMARAN
Anticipated is the maiden voyage of an environment-friendly Hybrid Trimaran being built in a shipyard in Aklan through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, Aklan State University, Metallica Shipyard, and Marina.
BOOK SERIES
The National Research Council of the Philippines a “Science for the People” book series, on the successes, experiences, and impacts of scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs, will be launched this year.
DOST FACILITIES
Several DOST facilities are lined up to start offering services this year including the country’s first fully Automated Gamma Irradiation Facility and the Philippine Textile Research Institute’s Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center.
BAMBOO
Watch out for the concert using enhanced Bamboo Musical Instruments.
LABORATORIES
Several laboratories are in the works, including metrology laboratories in chemistry and biology, and the Tissue-Culture Laboratory for ornamental plants in Bulacan.
TESTING FACILITIES
The construction of Testing and Simulation Facilities for packaging testing and green packaging laboratories, and a modular multi-industry innovation facility to improve the competitiveness of businesses are already in the works.
HANDA PILIPINAS
The Exposition and Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Expo will be held in March 2020.
VISAYAS GENOME CENTER
The establishment of the Philippine Genome Center in the Visayas by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
SCIENCE DISCOVERY
For students, there are the Regional Science Discovery Centers that will be set up in Cagayan Valley, Butuan City, Davao City, Legaspi City, and Pasig City. These science centers will showcase interactive exhibits to educate students about science, technology, and their benefits.
SMART CITIES
DOST is also on board with the Smart Cities Program that will formulate a so-called Smart Index to capture data on the interaction between people, land, transportation system and economic activities.
DOST is doing an excellent job of sharing its vision and leading the country towards the road to economic growth and development using science and innovative ideas in the 21st century.
A much-needed boost goes a long way in research, innovation, and technology which in return can provide economic and social benefits.
Innovations besides progress and make our lives easier and better and can also bring change, new ideas, competitiveness, and excellence. which eventually lead to opportunities, new market,s and new niche that will help increase productivity.
Innovations and R&D are among the important factors that can nurture employment growth, sustainable growth, better social welfare, and improved people’s lives, a fundamental source for increasing wealth, vibrant economy and prosperity.
SEND WELL WISHES in the comments below to DOST and their partners for these upcoming high impact 20 science and tech solutions!
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