Six Filipino science and technology innovations may soon be available in the market as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) targets the commercial release of products developed for health and medicine, agriculture, and mass transportation.
DOST-Philippines Secretary Fortunato de la Peña expressed his goal of intensifying the commercialization DOST-developed products this 2020 during a flag ceremony in early January.
The secretary enumerated some of the agency’s areas of accomplishments and his intentions to fully commercialize the fruits of their hard work to benefit the people of the Philippines.
HEALTH AND MEDICINE
There are already 18 active ingredients discovered using plants found in the Philippines. Many people are waiting excitedly for these discoveries that use our own indigenous biodiverse flora that have been developed as nutraceuticals and drugs through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD)’s Tuklas Lunas Program. Some of the more recent discoveries involve the world’s first anti-dengue drug, healing of hypertension and gout, and a seaweed species found to have anti-cancer properties.
Biomedical devices like the AGAPAY and TAYÔ that assist injured patients, and the locally created ventilator called Ginhawa (ReliefVent) which is way cheaper compared to imported ventilators.
AGRICULTURE
The Somatic embryogenesis technology (CSet) for coconut propagation is currently being researched by UP Los Baños, UP Mindanao, Visayas State University, and Philippine Coconut Authority with its two centers in Zamboanga and Albay.
Secretary de la Peña said that “Kung dati nakakakuha lang tayo ng isang puno sa isang mature na coconut fruit, dun sa unang bahagi ng research, naka-exceed ng 300 planting materials ang UP Los Baños from one fruit using tissue culture”.
The technology improving native livestock through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The project, led by the Marinduque State College, is focused on the proliferation of native pigs.
TRANSPORTATION
The commercialization of mass transportation technology developed by the DOST is also a top priority. Secretary de la Peña said the Hybrid vessel Trimaran, currently being developed in New Washington, Aklan, could possibly be launched on the first semester of 2020. The Hybrid Trimaran is designed to carry 150 passengers, four vans, and 15 motorcycles.
The first ever 12-horsepower locally developed diesel engine by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) that has many applications for agricultural machineries will have a crucial role in agricultural modernization. Secretary de la Peña said there are two private companies that are very eager to be licensed to manufacture the said engine.
SEND CHEERS to the Filipino science and technology innovators for these homegrown products soon to be released this 2020!
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