Tag: Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Philippines To Tackle Plastic Pollution With Nuclear Technology

Philippines To Tackle Plastic Pollution With Nuclear Technology

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During his recent address at a high-profile forum in Pasay City, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stated that the nation will use nuclear technology to deal with plastic pollution and it will involve foreign partners, according to a news article published by Nuclear Engineering International.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Nuclear Engineering International. Some parts in boldface…

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said the Philippines is committed to partnering with international organisations to tackle plastic pollution using nuclear technology. He was addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum on the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) in Pasay City.

“It affects biodiversity, public health, supply chains, and the lives of our coastal and urban communities. Addressing it requires going beyond regulation and advocacy. It requires technology that is credible, scalable, grounded in rigorous science,” he said.

“And that is why the Philippines is proud to champion the NUTEC Plastics Initiative of the IAEA. NUTEC Plastics embodies the kind of innovation that we need – solutions that merge advanced nuclear applications with environmental protection, to translate scientific progress into tangible benefits for industry and for society.”

Marcos said the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science & Technology, together with the Industrial Technology Development Institute and industry partner Envirotech, had developed a new process that transforms low-value plastic wastes into durable, commercially viable materials under the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Wastes Project (PREx).

“The PREx Prototype House stands today as a tangible output of this initiative. But beyond a demonstration of breakthrough nuclear technology, it is a prototype of the future circular economy,” he added. Radiation technology enhances polymer properties, reduces material degradation, and creates new industrial uses for plastics, Marcos said.

He also referred to the marine microplastics monitoring laboratory established with the IAEA at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute. The laboratory equips Filipino researchers with the tools to quantify microplastics pollution with scientific precision. “Data generated here informs global models, strengthens policy interventions, and helps us track the real-time impact of plastics on marine ecosystems,” he added.

He said the Philippines was committed to building networks with regulators, scientists, investors and community stakeholders, as the Republic Act 12305 (Philippine Nuclear Law) signed in September.

This establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework covering nuclear safety, security, safeguards and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

“Our engagement with the IAEA and our support for science-based responses to plastic pollution reflect that same conviction: that durable progress comes not from acting alone, but from strengthening the international system that makes such cooperation possible,” Marcos said.

IAEA launched the NUTEC Plastics initiative in 2021 to help countries use nuclear science to monitor and reduce plastic pollution. The programme now supports more than 100 member states, including the Philippines, in tracking microplastics in coastal areas, identifying different types of plastics, and applying reliable, cost-effective laboratory methods based on harmonised global protocols. It also trains scientists and promotes radiation technologies that turn low-value plastic waste into useful materials.

The role of nuclear science and technology in helping countries tackle the global challenge of plastic pollution is the focus of a major IAEA event that opened on Tuesday in Manila. The International High Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics will showcase concrete results achieved by this flagship initiative launched by the IAEA in 2020.

Addressing the NUTEC Plastics Forum, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “Looking at plastic pollution from the atomic level allows us to understand microplastic pollution and its movements through marine ecosystems, which supports well-informed policy decisions to deal with it. And by using irradiation we can reduce the amount of plastic waste by turning it into valuable products like building materials.”

Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) told the forum’s opening session that, in the Philippines, ADB is planning a $1bn programme to develop a sustainable and resilient blue economy. “Complementing this, we are harnessing digital solutions to simulate the flow of plastic pollution in the Pasig River to help rejuvenate this important waterway. We are also deepening our collaboration with the IAEA across the board: from food security to energy transition.”

NUTEC Plastics presently works with 53 countries to improve plastic recycling and develop bio-based plastics, and with 102 countries to monitor marine microplastic pollution. Every day, the equivalent of 2000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. Every year, 19-23m tonnes of plastic waste leaks into waterways, disrupting habitats and livelihoods. Since plastic is not biodegradable, it breaks down into ever smaller fragments, which eventually degrade into microplastics. Microplastics can easily infiltrate into ecosystems and the food chain through water, air and soil.

Radiation can transform plastic waste into durable, high value materials and products. It can also create biodegradable bio-based plastics as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. To date, eight countries have NUTEC upcycling projects underway in cooperation with commercial partners. Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are at the forefront in demonstrating the feasibility of using irradiation to recycle plastic waste to produce construction materials, industrial additives, railway ties and other durable products. These countries have already tested prototype processes and are moving toward pilot-scale industrial production.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? By having many foreign partners, are you convinced the Philippines will be able to end its plastic pollution crisis using nuclear technology and other related solutions?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

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If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

The new normal for bread from the local bakeries?

The new normal for bread from the local bakeries?

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Have you been paying more for pandesal at your local bakery? In my experience, I love the pandesal of Mang Pandesal located along Tropical Avenue, BF International in Las Piñas City.  When I first visited them in 2019, they sold pieces of pandesal at P2 each. That is no longer the case anymore. Two days ago, I visited Mang Pandesal ang bought 20 pieces of pandesal at P2.50 each. That’s a total of P50.

Do the math, P2.50 is a notable increase of 25% over the previous price of P2 per pandesal which lasted for years at Mang Pandesal. While I still will buy pandesal from Mang Pandesal (note: they’re still the best in the BF Homes community), I am more conscious about how many pieces to buy each time I visit them.

Even as our country continues to struggle to recover from the COVID-19 crisis socially and economically, we have no choice but to face the new normal of bread from the local bakeries…a new normal of higher prices and/or smaller sizes of bread. There are both internal and external economic forces that have been affecting the many local bakeries around the Philippines. High fuel prices are just the tip of the iceberg, literally.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from a recent Manila Bulletin article. Some parts in boldface…

Expect local bread to get smaller but become more expensive at the same time.

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda made this rather depressing prediction as wheat, eggs, and sugar–all vital ingredients to breadmaking–have all shot up in price.

Salceda even has a clever word for it: “shrinkflation”.

“Bread will probably be the hardest hit by shrinkflation. Wheat prices have increased by 165 percent. At that point, breadmakers will probably both increase prices and shrink sizes,” the economist-solon said in a statement Sunday night, July 17.

Last March, Salceda warned of higher bread prices amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which affected the trade of wheat.

“Egg prices are also threatening to go out of control. Sugar supply is already problematic, noted the Bicolano.

“What we are likely to see us shrinkflation. Goods getting smaller instead of higher prices,” he noted.

Salceda said that while the government continues to try to control price hikes and resolve supply issues, manufacturers and millers can “fortify their products with vitamins and minerals”.

“Nutrition should be part of Science for Change, which is the DOST’s (Department of Science and Technology) flagship program. This should be one of the most relevant and immediate applications.

“Secretary [Fortunato] dela Pena also asked millers and breadmakers to consider other alternatives and additives to maintain nutritional value without increasing prices or reducing sizes significantly…So, in the meantime, while we solve the structural issues affecting price and supply, we can adapt,” the lawmaker said.

Pieces of pandesal.

Meanwhile, the Malaya Business Insight recently published an article about the struggle of community bakers. Posted below is an excerpt of their article with some parts in boldface…

Community bakers have lost 20 percent of their members due to the twin effects of the pandemic and rising raw material prices.

Princess Lunar, director of the Asosasyon ng Panaderong Pilipino, told the Balitaan sa Maynila yesterday, the fair price of pandesal should be P4 per piece to maintain its quality but bakers continue to sell at P2 to P2.50  but the size has considerably shrank to 18 grams.

Lunar said at P4, pandesal size can be restored to 30 g.

While pandesal is not a regulated commodity, community bakers cannot increase their prices because of competition among themselves as well as with commercial and industrial bakers which have economies of scale.

She said the group plans to come up with variants of pandesal at a much  bigger size  enhanced with more nutritious ingredients from agricultural crops like potato, cassava and other starches. The group plans to sell this at P8 to P10 per piece.

The value-added product can help elevate the stature of the pandesal which Lunar has termed as the “pambansang tinapay.”

She appealed to government to assist the group in conducting trainings to improve further the quality of their breads especially pandesal and ensure its sustainability.

Lunar said prior to the pandemic, about 40 percent of the flour requirements for bread go to community bakers. This has since shrank to 19 percent.

Lunar said from P785 per bag, the price of flour has gone up to P1,000. Since January when the Russia-Ukraine crisis started, the price of flour has gone up by P100 to P150 per bag.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been paying more for pandesal at your local bakery? Does each pandesal piece look smaller in terms of size and content in relation to what you paid for? Are you willing to pay P4 per piece of pandesal? Are there any bakeries in your local community that shut down recently? Apart from pandesal, what other types of bread do you buy from your local community bakery?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others as well as making a donation to support my publishing.. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

CDM clinches 100% passing rate, student finishes 6th in Registered Master Electrician exam

CDM clinches 100% passing rate, student finishes 6th in Registered Master Electrician exam

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Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) celebrates its feat in the recent Registered Master Electrician (RME) licensure examination as one of its students has placed 6th in the overall ranking, and for clinching a passing rate of 100%.

The April 2022 RME is the first licensure exam that CDM has participated in since its establishment last 2018. The RME passers from CDM are Arvin Tolentino (Rank 6), Dennis Mañozo and Joshua James Racelis.

The Registered Master Electrician licensure exam was conducted on April 26-28 at testing centers in NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi congratulates CDM’s first batch of Registered Master Electricians for the honor that they have given to the City.

He said that the students’ achievement is a testament that the local government’s investment to the residents’ education is “money well spent.”

Along with scholarship programs, Fresnedi administration has realized the establishment of Colegio de Muntinlupa which aims to provide top-notch education on engineering and science & technology for Muntinlupa students and residents from nearby cities.

CDM College Administrator and former DOST-NCR regional director Dr. Teresita Fortuna noted that the results in the recent RME exam will serve as an inspiration for the institution to continually provide outstanding training and support to the students to help them become industry-ready.

Fortuna added that institution prides itself in their quality training on science & technology from highly-esteemed faculty and facilities with top-of-the-line industrial equipment.

Recently, CDM announced that it will offer the following new programs: BS Architecture, BS Construction Engineering and Management, BS Environmental Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Robotics Engineering.

The programs are in addition to the existing engineering courses: BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering.

Situated in Posadas Avenue in Barangay Sucat, Colegio de Muntinlupa was founded with five initial engineering courses. CDM will hold its first commencement exercise this year for the first batch of graduates.

The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) building. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Through City Ordinance No. 2022-310 (ISKOLEGIO), the local government of Muntinlupa also offers scholarship and financial assistance to city residents who are students and alumni of CDM:

  • Financial Assistance Grant for Academically Outstanding Students (FAGOS)
  • CDM-Student Leaders Financial Assistance Program (CDM-SLFA)
  • Financial Assistance Program for CDM Board Licensure Examination Review (CDM-BLER)

Under the CDM-FAGOS category, students whose general weighted average meet the guidelines shall receive a financial grant from 5,000 – 10,000 pesos. For CDM-SLFA, all qualified members of the CDM-Supreme Student Council shall be granted monetary assistance with respect to their position in the organization. While for CDM-BLER, students who have earned their degree from CDM may qualify for the program and be eligible for the funding of board licensure examination review.

For more information, visit Colegio de Muntinlupa’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CDMuntinlupa/ or visit their website https://www.cdm.edu.ph/.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Colegio de Muntinlupa partners with DOST for promotion of 3D printing technology

Colegio de Muntinlupa partners with DOST for promotion of 3D printing technology

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The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) officially entered into a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) for the promotion of 3D Printing Technology in the academe.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, CDM College President and former DOST-NCR director Dr. Teresita Fortuna, and DOST-ITDI director Dr. Annabelle Briones inked a Memorandum of Understanding last March 22 in CDM Main Building, Posadas Ave., Barangay Sucat.

Fresnedi thanked DOST-ITDI for partnering with the local government and training the next engineers and architects of the city.

The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) enters a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) for the promotion of 3D Printing Technology in the academe. Shown in the photo: (second from L-R) DOST-ITDI director Dr. Annabelle Briones, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, CDM College President and former DOST-NCR director Dr. Teresita Fortuna, and Vice Mayor Temy Simundac. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The partnership aims to facilitate research collaborations on 3D printing Hub for training, research, innovation, commercialization, and industry-based activities. The DOST-ITDI shall assist the CDM with the training programs on 3D printing technology and the implementation of other R&D projects.

Also joining the MOU signing were Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and other officials from the City Government and DOST-ITDI.

The ceremonial signing event is part of CDM’s 5th Founding Anniversary Celebration with the theme, “CDM Intensifies Immersive Conduct of Definitive Programs and Innovations serving five pillars: Expansion of Infrastructure Projects, Implement Research Roadmap, Flexible Conduct of Face-to-face Classes, Continuous Program Development, and Produce Licensed Engineers.”

Recently, CDM announced that it will offer the following new programs: BS Architecture, BS Construction Engineering and Management, BS Environmental Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Robotics Engineering.

The programs are in addition to the existing engineering courses: BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi invites aspiring engineering and architecture students from Muntinlupa and nearby cities to enroll in the programs offered by CDM.

CDM College Administrator and former DOST-NCR regional director Dr. Teresita Fortuna noted that the institution provides top-notch education on science & technology from highly-esteemed faculty and integrated training with top-of-the-line industrial equipment.

Situated in Posadas Avenue in Barangay Sucat, Colegio de Muntinlupa was founded in 2018 with five initial engineering courses. CDM will hold its first commencement exercise this year for the first batch of graduates.

For more information, visit Colegio de Muntinlupa’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CDMuntinlupa/ or visit their website https://www.cdm.edu.ph/.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government launches Cityhood Harvest event in City Demo Farm, the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics in NCR

Muntinlupa City Government launches Cityhood Harvest event in City Demo Farm, the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics in NCR

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In celebration of Muntinlupa’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary, City Government officials and local residents join the Cityhood Anniversary Harvest event in the City Demo Farm (Gulayan sa Lungsod ng Muntinlupa), the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics in Metro Manila.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the event last March 15 at the Muntinlupa City Demo Farm situated at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex (beside Environmental Sanitation Center), Brgy. Tunasan The local execs harvested various vegetables such as lettuce, mushrooms, herbs, and other produce.

The Demo Farm consists of various agricultural systems which can be visited by the public for viewing. City residents and visitors may also conduct their research on the farm for agricultural technologies and harvesting methods.

Other officials joining the ceremony were City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, Coun. Raul Corro, Coun. Louie Arciaga, Coun. Ivee Arciaga Tadefa, Coun. Allan Camilon, DA-ESO chief Malou Lobo, and other city government department heads.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right) and Congressman Ruffy Biazon lead the ceremonial harvest event at the City Demo Farm last March 15 as part of Muntinlupa’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary. Also shown in the photo: (L-R) Coun. Louie Arciaga, Coun. Raul Corro, and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Demo Farm has an Edible Landscaping area with organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants. The construction of the landscaping facility was conducted in partnership with the UPLB Edible Landscaping Team.

Further, the demo farm is also comprised of an Herb Garden, Seedling Nursery, Mushroom House, SNAP Hydroponics, and NFT Hydroponics.

The installation of SNAP Hydroponics was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the “Gulayan sa Pamayanan Program.” The set-up can be replicated by small communities in their open spaces. While the NFT Hydroponics is a bigger system project capable of producing 2,000 lettuce heads per harvest.

Muntinlupa also revived the urban agriculture and urban farming to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent times, the City Government also partnered with DOST and University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding (UP-IPB) for the training of communities on hydroponics farming technology.

DA-ESO is working with 20 Home Owners Associations, 17 youth organizations, 10 schools, 12 communities, and manages various urban gardens in local public spaces. The local government regularly conducts urban farming site visitations, online trainings and monitoring of communities to ensure the sustainability of the program.

For more information, visit DA-ESO Facebook Page or reach them at 5th Floor, Annex Building, City Government of Muntinlupa with tel. nos. 8861-6498 / 8861-3042.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I Love Israel: Israel and the Philippines to collaborate on science and technology

I Love Israel: Israel and the Philippines to collaborate on science and technology

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Remember last November when it was announced by Israel’s Ambassador Ilan Fluss announced that the Jewish State and the Philippines will collaborate key fields such as technology and agriculture and more? A new development related to that shows that Israel-Philippine ties will grow more through collaboration and cooperation and this was confirmed by no less the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Manila Bulletin reported recently.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines and Israel have committed to pursue science, technology, and innovation projects centered around agriculture and health, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Friday, Jan. 29.

In a taped report, DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña said he met Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss online on Jan. 24 to discuss the Department’s collaboration with Israel.

“The priority and the specifics of the cooperation identified were on the innovation, ecosystem which will focus on technology-based enterprise incubation and acceleration,” de la Peña said.

“One that will focus on agriculture, water management, one that will focus on the development of the vaccines and therapeutics for our livestocks,” he continued.

Partnership on drug discovery and drug commercialization, as well as the establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute will also be explored.

According to de la Peña, Fluss also expressed the intent of creating an incubator/facility in the Philippines.

The above details prove that what Ambassador Fluss said in November is true and the cooperation between the Philippines and the State of Israel is only growing stronger. For those who missed my previous I Love Israel posts, Israel provided assistance to Typhoon Odette victims and has been drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation with the Philippines. The Philippine Army recently received military hardware made by Israeli firm Elbit Systems which will surely enhance military operations and defense in the country. Truly, the Lord is blessing both Israel and the Philippines! The Israel-Philippines ties are the most essential.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

City Demo Farm in Muntinlupa inaugurated

City Demo Farm in Muntinlupa inaugurated

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The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Department of Agriculture – Extension Services Office (DA-ESO), officially launched the City Demo Farm which is the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics system in Metro Manila.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) leads the inauguration of the City Demo Farm in Brgy. Tunasan last November 11 together with other local officials. Muntinlupa City Demo Farm is the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics system in Metro Manila. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of the Muntinlupa City Demo Farm located at Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Brgy. Tunasan last November 11. The local Demo Farm consists of various agricultural systems which can be visited by the public for viewing. City residents and visitors may also conduct their research on the farm for agricultural technologies and harvesting methods.

Other officials joining the ceremony were City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, DA-ESO chief Malou Lobo, Rotaract Club exec Dra. Teresita Filoteo, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish officials, SDRC official Lize Conde, and Adriano Mini Farm Owner Nars Adriano, among others.

The City Demo Farm has an Edible Landscaping area with organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants. The construction of the landscaping facility was conducted in partnership with the UPLB Edible Landscaping Team.

A view of the City Demo Farm. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Further, the demo farm is also comprised of an Herb Garden, Seedling Nursery, Mushroom House, SNAP Hydroponics, and NFT Hydroponics.

The installation of SNAP Hydroponics was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the “Gulayan sa Pamayanan Program.” The set-up can be replicated by small communities in their open spaces. While the NFT Hydroponics is a bigger system project capable of producing 2,000 lettuce heads per harvest.

Muntinlupa City aims to revive urban agriculture and urban farming to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the City Government also partnered with DOST and University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding (UP-IPB) for the training of communities on hydroponics farming technology.

DA-ESO is working with 20 Home Owners Associations, 17 youth organizations, 10 schools, 12 communities, and manages various urban gardens in local public spaces. Last September, at least 325kg of produce amounting to 14,926 pesos were harvested from the partner communities.

The City Government regularly conducts urban farming site visitations, online trainings and monitoring of communities to ensure the sustainability of the program.

For more information, visit DA-ESO Facebook Page or reach them at 5th Floor, Annex Building, City Government of Muntinlupa with tel. nos. 8861-6498 / 8861-3042.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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I Love Israel: Exchange of scientists between Israel and the Philippines confirmed

I Love Israel: Exchange of scientists between Israel and the Philippines confirmed

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As I was browsing the latest and most relevant news at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) recently, I spotted the latest development about Israel-Philippines ties and it is about the exchange of scientists. Very recently, Israeli health experts provided valuable advise to Philippine authorities on dealing with COVID-19.

For me, this is significant because I observed that Israel itself has made lots of advances in the field of science and this was confirmed by the Bloomberg Innovation Index wherein Israel finished as the fifth most innovative country in the world for the year 2019. Israel also has its high-tech industries and excels in green science or agriculture feeding the world along the way.

To put things in perspective about the Israel-Philippines exchange of scientists, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

Israel and the Philippines will be sending scientists to each other’s countries as part of capacity building and trainings, an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Tuesday.

“The specifics such as the number of the experts, duration and date of the visit will still have to be further discussed. While we want to proceed with the activity as soon as possible, we also need to consider the current situation, including travel advisories both in the Philippines and Israel,” DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Leah Buendia told the Philippine News Agency.

She said the Filipino experts going to Israel will be trained on drip irrigation, medicinal chemistry, Israel’s drug discovery, and artificial intelligence (AI).

On the other hand, the Israeli scientists going to the Philippines will meet with Filipino researchers.

“One of the agreements during the (Philippines-Israel joint committee meeting on science and technology) is to conduct a workshop which will serve as a platform for Filipino and Israeli experts to discuss their works, and identify potential collaboration. During the meeting, our Israeli counterparts said that they want to visit the Philippines,” she said.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said the meeting with Israel’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) chief scientist, Avi Domb, and other officials of both agencies was held virtually last June 30.

He said they talked about the potential joint initiatives to be implemented on the identified priority areas that include agriculture (water management); AI (robotics); and health (biomedical engineering and drug discovery).

The discussed priorities were guided by the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Scientific Cooperation signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his official visit to Israel in 2018, he added.

“Israel is a valuable partner for us. It is part of our 20 priority partners for STI (science, technology, innovation) international cooperation, recognizing their strengths in STI and considering the pronouncements of engaging with non-traditional partners,” Buendia said.

She added that the DOST officials are happy that they finally had the meeting to lay out their plans for the collaboration.

De la Peña earlier reported that capacity building activities include scholarships, visiting professors, and trainings.

The conduct of joint conferences to discuss the respective researches and projects of experts shall also be expected, eyeing the development of AI applications for government/public service and emergency response, among others.

And here are some videos to help you know Israel better…

The latest exchange between Israel and the Philippines regarding scientists is a reflection of the stronger ties between the two nations. We Filipinos should be grateful to the State of Israel, no matter what happens and no matter who are leading as national authorities both here and there. We Filipinos can also give back by supporting Israel in more ways than one. We can pray for Israelites and provide varied support for them (note: refer to the Christians United for Israel reference near the very end of this article below) knowing that there are still terrorists (sponsored by Iran) and other forces of evil that are obsessed in destroying Israel.

Before I end this, here is a holy scripture for you all…

Now, this is what Yahweh says:

    “Listen, Jacob, to the One who created you,

    Israel, to the one who shaped who you are.

    Do not fear,

    for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you.

    I have called you by name, and you are mine.

  When you pass through the deep, stormy sea,

    you can count on me to be there with you.

    When you pass through raging rivers,

    You will not drown.

    When you walk through persecution like fiery flames,

    you will not be burned;

    the flames will not harm you,

  for I am your Savior, Yahweh, your mighty God,

    the Holy One of Israel!

    I give up Egypt as the price to set you free,

    Cush and Seba in exchange to bring you back.

  Since you are cherished and precious in my eyes,

    and because I love you dearly and want to honor you,

    I willingly give up nations in exchange for you—

    a man to save your life.

  I am with you now, even close to you,

    so never yield to fear.

    I will bring your children from the east;

    from the west I will gather you.

  I will say to the north, ‘Hand them over!’

    and to the south, ‘Don’t hold them back!’

    Bring me my sons from far away,

    my daughters from the ends of the earth!

  Bring me everyone who is called by my name,

    the ones I created to experience my glory.

    I myself formed them to be who they are

    and made them for my glory.”

Isaiah 43:1-7 (TPT)

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa LDRRM council prepares for Tropical Storm Dante

Muntinlupa LDRRM council prepares for Tropical Storm Dante

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As Tropical Storm Dante moves northwestward towards Luzon, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi convened the Local Disaster Risk Response and Management (LDRRM) Council to discuss preparation and response efforts.

The mayor presided the LDRRM council meeting yesterday and ordered barangay chairmen to prepare for the preemptive evacuation of residents in danger-prone areas and implement disaster risk response protocols. He also ordered the city and barangay risk reduction and management teams to be put on red-alert.

The City Government is preparing for the prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment such as generator sets, rescue boats, emergency vehicles including government flexi-trucks, search and rescue equipment, among others.

Pruning of trees along dangerous areas are also being prepared by the local environmental sanitation center. Construction sites are set to be inspected to ensure safety precautions on cranes and construction booms while billboards in the city are being rolled up.

According to the 11:00AM weather bulletin of DOST-PAGASA, Tropical Storm Dante has made landfall at San Agustin, Romblon at around 8:50 AM and will continue moving northwestward passing Batangas before making another landfall over Bataan tonight.

TS Dante is forecasted to bring moderate to heavy rains in Metro Manila and will maintain its strength until it makes landfall over mainland Luzon.

The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM) advised city residents to be vigilant and monitor advisories from PAG-ASA and the local government.

For emergency concerns, Muntinlupa City residents may reach the local hotline at 137-175.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673