Syensya Na TekNo Pa

04/01/2025

Syensya Na Tekno Pa - Series 65
Host - Melly C. Tenorio
Guest - Dr. Annabelle Briones
Director -DOST - ITDI
Topic - RTE/D meals and beverages series

03/01/2025

Hello peeps. It's Saturday, 4th day of January 2025.
Welcome to Syensya Na TekNo Pa.

I am inspired again and again by one of my fave scientists Albert Einstein's quote -
"The important thing is to never stop questioning."

The resource person who will be subjected to our questioning today is non other than the beautiful and fashion plate Director of DOST-ITDI.

Dr. Annabelle V. Briones

We will be apprised of the technologies which are the product of research and have passed the approval of ITDI.
These matured techologies are the latest RTE/D meals and beverages series. Let us find out, what are these ready meals and drinks.. .

Tune in to Na Tekno Pa - Series 65 at 11 am, January 4, 2025.

Invite friends to visit us often.
Follow, join, like, and share my FB page where you can
get the latest S&T information.

Thank you.

"Rolling stones gather no moss"

03/01/2025

Please join Dir Annabelle Briones of ITDI tomorrow at 11 am in Syensya Na TekNo Pa .

31/12/2024

PhilHealth benefit for heart disease up by over fifteen-fold

As Filipinos celebrate the holiday season, the Department of Health (DOH) recently called on people to prioritize their well-being by practicing moderation in their food intake and maintaining an active lifestyle. This is particularly important given that cardio-vascular diseases, specifically ischemic heart disease (IHD), remain the leading cause of death in the Philippines.

To provide expanded financial coverage associated with heart disease treatment, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) significantly increased its benefits coverage for Ischemic Heart Disease-Acute Myocardial Infarction (IHD-AMI) or “heart attack” for all inpatient admissions effective December 21, 2024.

PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0032 published on the same date provides coverage for (1) Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at P524,000 from P30,300, an increase of 1,629 percent; (2) Fibrinolysis at P133,500 from P30,290 or a 900% increase; (3) Emergency Medical Services with Coordinated Referral and Interfacility Transfer at P21,900; and (4) Cardiac Rehabilitation after PCI at P66,140. The expanded PhilHealth benefits packages for heart attack ensure that patients receive timely medical treatment by including emergency medical transport services to a capable health facility and all the medical interventions needed to ensure survival and good patient outcomes.

"We understand the significant financial burden that heart disease can place on families," said PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. "We have listened to the patients and their families, and with the cooperation of our partner health facilities, we have been able to determine the prevailing costs that led us to adjust and substantially increase our financial support in these life-saving treatments,” he added.

The enhanced heart packages support a comprehensive range of services that include emergency medical services, medicines, laboratory and diagnostic tests, medical supplies, use of equipment, and pertinent administrative fees. In the case of percutaneous coronary intervention, the procedure can be availed of at any of the 70 accredited Cath Labs nationwide.

The PhilHealth Chief reminded the members that there should be no co-payment for inpatient admissions in basic or ward accommodations in both public and private health facilities nationwide.

“But we should not forget, heart ailments can be prevented. To support our members in their journey towards better health especially in the coming new year, we encourage everyone to avail of our primary care benefits under Konsulta,” urged Ledesma, specifying consultations with primary care physician, laboratory tests for early detection as well as medicines to support those that already have heart conditions, all for free.

"Through the Konsulta, we can identify potential health risks early on, including family history of heart disease, allowing for timely interventions such as medication for cholesterol management and lifestyle advice, to prevent or mitigate the development of heart disease,". He asked Filipinos to register to their Konsulta provider of choice at any of the local health insurance offices nationwide or through their own account in the PhilHealth Member Portal.

By embracing a healthy lifestyle and by utilizing the Konsulta, Filipinos can better protect themselves from heart diseases for a healthier and productive future, he added. # # #

30/12/2024

The Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System’s (SMILHIS) eHATID LGU project received global recognition as a Bronze Medalist from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and Special Prize for Best International from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists during the 2024 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) on November 27-30, 2024. Known as one of the premier gatherings of inventors worldwide, the SIIF showcases science and technology (S&T) solutions addressing societal concerns through technology and innovation. With over 500 entries from 30 countries, the recognition of eHATID LGU highlights its potential to provide healthcare in underserved and isolated communities.

Developed to manage the concerns of healthcare workers especially in rural communities, the eHATID LGU functions as an offline-accessible electronic medical records platform. It enables local health units to store and update patients’ data efficiently, even in areas where internet access is unreliable. The project also facilitates reporting to national agencies like PhilHealth, helping to streamline administrative tasks while freeing up more time for patient care.

Mr. Jaztine Calderon, the developer of eHATID LGU, shared the inspiration behind the project, stating, “The goal has always been to address the practical difficulties encountered by healthcare workers in remote areas. Many rely on paper-based records that are prone to errors and delays. With eHATID LGU, data can be managed efficiently, even without an internet connection.”

The system operates on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, offering healthcare providers an accessible and intuitive tool. To complement its functionality, Calderon and his team also introduced the SMILHIS Local Health Information Exchange (LHIE). The additional platform securely integrates patient records across multiple health facilities, ensuring continuity of care when patients visit different clinics or hospitals. The eHATID LGU and LHIE can serve as innovative solutions for health data management in geographically isolated and underserved communities.

No description available.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) played an important part in the project’s success. Through funding and monitoring, the DOST-PCHRD has supported the advancement and wider adoption of eHATID LGU. Calderon expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “The involvement of government organizations like DOST-PCHRD provides Filipino innovators with the resources and opportunities needed to share their work on an international stage.” Through the Council’s guidance, the project has been aligned with national health priorities, ensuring its relevance and responsiveness to the needs of communities across the Country.

DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya commended the project, saying, “The eHATID LGU exemplifies how research and development and technological prowess can improve access to quality healthcare for Filipinos. The project’s recognition on the international stage highlights the ingenuity and dedication of Filipino innovators in making healthcare accessible for all.”

Looking ahead, the eHATID LGU team aims to expand the system’s applications beyond healthcare further. Plans are underway to explore its use in public service sectors such as disaster risk reduction management and social welfare. Through integrating various functions, Calderon’s team seeks to establish a comprehensive platform that addresses a broader range of community needs.

Reflecting on the recognition at SIIF, Calderon remarked, “The real indicator of success lies in creating solutions that respond with the needs of communities. It is an honor to have eHATID LGU acknowledged globally, but the greatest achievement remains its impact on the lives of those it serves.”

Three other Filipino projects also won Bronze Medals at the SIIF: the iPOND device developed by Ms. Zalda R. Gayahan of DOST – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), the Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology spearheaded by Ms. Marie Antonette V. Berces of DOST – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), and the DeBCC Cream for basal cell carcinoma treatment invented by Ms. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu.

Post navigation
« Previous ArticleNext Article »
Latest Announcements
Second Call for Applications: 2024 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) … Continue reading Second Call for Applications: 2024 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products→

September 4, 2024
Call for Submissions: The Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) 2024
Launched during the 17th PNHRS Week, the third cycle of the Gelia Castillo Award for … Continue reading Call for Submissions: The Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) 2024→

August 22, 2024
Call for Proposals: A Landscape Analysis on the PhilHealth No Balance Billing Policy
The Call for Proposal for the “A Landscape Analysis on the PhilHealth No Balance Billing … Continue reading Call for Proposals: A Landscape Analysis on the PhilHealth No Balance Billing Policy→

August 21, 2024
Call for Proposals: Assessment of the Impact of the Expansion of the Benefit Package for Hemodialysis to 156 Sessions on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Project
The Call for Proposal for the “Assessment of the Impact of the Expansion of the … Continue reading Call for Proposals: Assessment of the Impact of the Expansion of the Benefit Package for Hemodialysis to 156 Sessions on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Project→

July 19, 2024
Call for Proposals: Assessment of the Medical Prepayment Review (MPR) Policy and Process Project
The Call for Proposal for the “Assessment of the Medical Prepayment Review (MPR) Policy and … Continue reading Call for Proposals: Assessment of the Medical Prepayment Review (MPR) Policy and Process Project→

July 17, 2024
View all Announcements
Follow Us on Facebook


The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) is one of the three sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is a
forward-looking, partnership-based national body responsible for coordinating and monitoring health research activities in the country.

Follow Us
𝕏
Quick Links
PCHRD Calendar
Gender and Development
News and Updates
Ongoing Projects
Job and Opportunities
Organizational Structure
Transparency Seal
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Saliksik Building, Science Community Complex Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
[email protected], [email protected]
currently unavailable
Map and Location


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
All content is in the public domain unless otherwise stated.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Learn more about the Executive Order No. 2 - The order implementing Freedom of Information in the Philippines.
ABOUT GOVPH
Learn more about the Philippine government, its structure,
how government works and the people behind it.
GOV.PH
Open Data Portal
Official Gazette
Executive
Office of the President
Sandiganbayan
Official Gazette
Senate of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Department of Health
Department of Finance
Legislative
Senate of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Judiciary
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Sandiganbayan
Court of Tax Appeals
Judicial Bar and Council
Other Agencies
Bureau of Internal Revenue
Bureau of Customs
Bureau of Treasury
Bureau of Local Government Finance
Copyright © 2022 Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
Manage consent
PCHRD
Home
About PCHRD
What We do
Funded Projects
News
Resources
Good Governance
Contact Us
Search...

Verified by MonsterInsights

29/12/2024

Low adoption of solar tech not just due to cost

Despite the immense potential for solar energy in urban areas of the Philippines, the technology’s upfront cost and a lack of public awareness of its benefits remain major hurdles to its widespread use. Government subsidies and promotional campaigns are seen to help boost its adoption.

With some of the most expensive power rates in Southeast Asia, the Philippines stands to benefit immensely from rooftop solar power installations in urban areas like Metro Manila. However, adoption is hampered by a lack of public awareness and the need for more government support. CREDIT: Rosalina Palanca-Tan

A new study from the Ateneo de Manila University highlights the persistent challenges preventing widespread adoption of rooftop solar power (RTSP) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Conducted by Department of Economics Professor Rosalina Palanca-Tan and published in the journal, Challenges in Sustainability, the study surveyed 403 respondents to understand why households remain reluctant to invest in solar technology despite its undisputed economic and environmental benefits.

Major selling points: long-term savings, eco-friendliness

The Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia—as high as $0.20 (approximately ₱11.50) per kilowatt-hour on average, compared to as low as $0.08 (~₱4.50) in Vietnam or even $0.06 (~₱3.50) in Malaysia. This makes the potential long-term savings from RTSP its biggest selling point for many households.

Homeowners also recognize that solar energy contributes to environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, helping combat the effects of climate change. Overall, the respondents generally viewed RTSP as a sound long-term investment, with added advantages such as increased property value and enhanced roof durability.

However, the upfront cost of installing solar panels remains a major hurdle to public adoption: a home RTSP setup could easily go for well over $1,700 (₱100,000), equivalent to more than half a year’s salary for minimum wage workers. Many households are unsure if this initial expense is justified by long-term financial and environmental returns.

In any case, cost by itself does not significantly influence adoption decisions, the Ateneo survey found. Respondents said that the trustworthiness of providers, clarity on warranties, and the perceived quality of the installations themselves were just as important considerations as cost, if not more so.

Government support to spur public adoption

Although 82% of surveyed households expressed some interest in adopting solar panels, only 20% had firm intentions to do so. This gap apparently stems from a lack of knowledge: while most survey respondents said they understood the broad concept of renewable energy and its role in addressing climate change, few were aware of the specific advantages of RTSPs and how to access reliable installation services. Concerns over the quality of materials, maintenance needs, and provider credibility also added to their reluctance.

Thus, the study urges stronger government intervention and public education campaigns. In particular, the study suggests improving net metering rates, expanding access to financing options, and accrediting trustworthy RTSP providers to build consumer confidence.

Word-of-mouth recommendations also proved instrumental in decision-making, as households with friends or family who had adopted solar power were more likely to consider it for themselves as well. Promoting success stories and community-based testimonials could be a crucial key to shifting perceptions and increasing adoption rates of RSTP in the Philippines.

Although most surveyed households in and around Metro Manila were interested in adopting solar technology, only one in five had firm intentions to do so. Most respondents were unaware of its specific advantages and how to find reliable installers. CREDIT: Rosalina Palanca-Tan

SOURCE:

https://archium.ateneo.edu/economics-faculty-pubs/230/

For interview requests and other inquiries, please email [email protected]. Visit archium.ateneo.edu for more information about our latest research and innovations.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, including any attachments, is only intended for the use of the addressee. It may contain confidential or privileged information, including personal data, which should not be used or disclosed without proper authorization. If you received this email in error, contact the sender immediately and permanently delete it from your system. Unless otherwise indicated, the contents of this email do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Ateneo de Manila University.

General questions or inquiries ([email protected]) | Data privacy concerns ([email protected]) | Complaints or security incidents involving data privacy ([email protected])

The Philippines is endowed with vast solar potential. Through rooftop solar power (RTSP), households directly participate in the clean energy transition, expanding renewable energy supply to meet increasing energy demand and effectively lowering electricity costs for themselves. Yet, RTSP in the cou...

29/12/2024

DOST moves for a culture of responsible time management through 'Oras Pinas.'
As the New Year approaches, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) once again emphasizes the importance of responsible time management for personal and national growth through the Oras Pinas, the National Time Consciousness Week.
Focusing on this year's theme, Oras Pinas: Tara Na! Kilos Na! This campaign calls on Filipinos to take decisive action towards personal and collective growth by reflecting and observing effective ways on time management, which could lead to empowered communities, enhanced productivity, and a secured future.
In an age filled with distractions, the importance of respecting and valuing one's time is often overlooked, which can lead to inconvenience and misunderstandings, affecting relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and communities in ways that are frequently underestimated. The demands of modern life and the constant influx of diversions contribute to the neglect of responsible time management.
As the New Year unfolds, DOST emphasizes that responsible time management is not just about the ticking of the clock, but about creating a ripple effect across society. The department envisions a broader societal impact, recognizing that valuing each other’s time is foundational to businesses, relationships, and community development.
The 2025 theme speaks directly to the core issue, urging Filipinos to cultivate a culture that treats time as a precious resource. "Oras Pinas: Tara Na! Kilos Na!" embodies enthusiasm, vibrancy, and a commitment to building a responsible and progressive society.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is the emphasis on managing commitments and responsibilities as essential components of personal and collective growth. The DOST aims to instill the value of time management, especially among young professionals, highlighting its significant impact on future success. By understanding the importance of time from an early age, the department believes that young Filipinos can better shape their personal and professional paths.
The Philippine Standard Time (PhST) Act of 2013
This campaign is in alignment with the Philippine Standard Time (PhST) Act of 2013, which promotes the "Pilipino Time" initiative under Republic Act No. 10535. This law mandates national and local government agencies and broadcasting companies to follow and display the PhST in their offices, fostering unity and efficiency in public administration.
The DOST’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) serves as the official timekeeper for the nation. While the PhST was officially established by law, the campaign initially launched in 2011 as “Juan Time” – a play on the terms "One Time" (indicating a unified time) and "Juan," a common name for Filipinos. Two years ago, the campaign was rebranded to "Oras Pinas," with the goal of promoting a culture of punctuality and unity around a standardized time.
The synchronization of time is achieved through advanced technology. Since 2003, DOST-PAGASA has utilized a rubidium atomic clock, one of the two most widely used atomic clocks in the world, alongside the more accurate cesium clock. This atomic clock is equipped with a GPS receiver that captures time signals from at least four orbiting satellites. These satellites, each with atomic clocks, are periodically synchronized with a cesium clock based in Boulder, Colorado, ensuring that the DOST-PAGASA clock remains in sync with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
For those who wish to synchronize their timepieces, the official Oras Pinas time can be accessed through the DOST-PAGASA website at http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/.
For more updates on the Oras Pinas campaign, please visit the official DOST Philippines page: https://www.facebook.com/DOSTph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)

Science Garden Compound, Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue, Barangay Central, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1100

29/12/2024

Researchers eye more partners to test hand-writing tool research

By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII

Local researchers have developed a handwriting assessment tool, are looking to get more partners to conduct more tests across the country.

The Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing (iSULAT) is an intelligent pen that provides a practical solution for assessing children’s handwriting to provide objective evaluation based on the most common handwriting tools, such as tests of Visual-motor skills, Minnesota handwriting assessment, and an evaluation tool for children’s handwriting.

The iSULAT has a microcontroller within the pen, which transmits data to a mobile application. The raw signal undergoes filtering, feature scaling, engineering data, and analyses before it is forwarded to the occupational therapist for diagnosis.

Through the pen, the occupational therapist can efficiently assess one’s handwriting based on the alignment of letters, spacing, and consistency.

A separate report mentioned that the number of handwriting problems in developing children reached an approximate 5 to 25 percent range. Handwriting is still the most immediate form of graphic communication and failure to attain proficiency during the school-age year may result in far-reaching negative effects on both the academic success and self-esteem of a child.

This project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), with a budget of PHP3.2 million for its initial phase.

“Yung mga ganitong invention, kailangan niyan ng testing. Hindi lang isa. Dapat tine-test siya ng mas marami para mas ma-check kung accurate or kung maganda na yung pine-perform ng prototype,” said Engr. Jomel Herras, Project Manager of iSULAT.

Engr. Herras added that his team is looking for more enthusiasts and partners who will help them promote iSULAT to gain more users from various locations.

The iSULAT is one of the technologies featured in the recently concluded 2024 National Science and Technology Week, held in Cagayan de Oro City from 26 November to 01 December 2024.

According to DOST-PCHRD, standardized assessments of children with developmental delays are quite expensive and must be done with the aid of an occupational therapist or handwriting experts. The therapy usually runs from 20 minutes up to one hour.

“Basically ina-address na problem ni iSULAT is yung kakulangan natin ng occupational therapists at mahal na cost ng therapy," said Engr. Herras. "Siguro yung pinaka rootproblem ay yung problema ng mga bata sa kanilang handwriting. They do it in their everyday lives. Nagsusulat sila even in Math, Arts, and English subjects. Yung ibang mga bata, hindi sila enthusiastic kaya akala natin tamad lang sila magsulat.”

With the help of iSULAT, children with handwriting problems can undergo simultaneous testing in batches or groups.

During phase I, the project team conducted pilot testing for children ages 6-10 in three sites across Luzon namely Villa Maria Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga; Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Metro Manila; and Bulacan Montesorri School Inc. in Bulacan.

Herras said that phase I of the project started in 2022 and ended last 31 October 2024.

“Hopefully by 2026 ay mayroon nang phase II na kung saan ay maiaapply na natin ito hindi lang para sa mga bata," Herras explained. He added that the project targets those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD and autism.

This year, the project team has secured a partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Metro Manila for future testing.



Visitors of the 2024 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) try the iSULAT pen technology developed by researchers from the University of Sto. Tomas. This project was funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. (Photos courtesy of DOST-PCHRD)

DOST-STII is the information, communication, and marketing arm of the Department of Science and Tech

29/12/2024

Lipa students learn science storytelling basics

By Ryan Spencer P. Secadron, DOST-STII

“Effective storytelling is key to science writing,” this was how Ingrid Espinosa, a science communication practitioner sums up her lecture to student journalists from Lipa City Colleges (LCC) in Lipa City, Batangas.

Espinosa shared that whether browsing science alerts, doing investigative projects in school, or observing local communities, storytelling is always easy to understand, entertaining, memorable, and relevant.

Additionally, she also highlighted that human interest, recency, locality, surprise, the power elite, follow-ups, shareability/relatability, controversy, novelty, and bad/good news are what shape news stories.

The lecture was part of the Science Journo Ako (SJA) science communication caravan held in Lipa City, Batangas held last November. The SJA is a science communication advocacy of the Department of Science and Technology through its Science and Technology Information Institute. The program aims to expand science communication at the grassroots to capacitate young communicators to dive deeper into science and technology by creating awareness and communicating its benefits to the public.

She offered additional tips, such as focusing on positive notes and offering solutions, emphasizing the balance of compelling factors with accuracy, and the use of case studies to support data.

“The structure of a news story should be an inverted pyramid. Make sure to include quotations, further explanation, and the context of the topic,” Espinosa said.

Additionally, Espinosa provided tips for student interviews: “It’s important to do your research and plan. Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions. Summarize to confirm, recheck quotes, and keep questions short and easy to understand.”

As part of the participants' immersion, Espinosa prepared a mini press conference for the students, allowing them to ask questions about Buddybetes, an application that helps manage blood sugar.

She commended the students for their active participation and ability to apply the interviewing techniques.

One participant asked whether quotations should be direct or paraphrased. Espinosa responded that direct quotations should be used when the statement is noteworthy and “magandang pakinggan” (pleasant to hear) in one sentence. Paraphrase when the quote is used for an explanation.

Another participant inquired about the ideal length of a news article. Espinosa explained that news articles are typically 300 to 500 words long, while feature articles range from 500 to 800. "Anything beyond that is considered a long-form article," Espinosa emphisized.

When asked if there is a pattern in feature writing, Espinosa clarified that features do not follow the inverted pyramid structure of news articles and are usually free-flowing. “You can tease a bit more and be playful,” she said.

Lastly, Espinosa reminded the students to consider various factors when writing articles, including diversity, background, power, interest, sensitivity, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), and stigma, as these aspects may affect readers’ reactions.

She also reminded the participants to answer the questions, “Who is my audience?” and “What do I want them to do/feel?”

Espinosa was one of the three resource speakers that included Rosemarie Señora, Science Research Specialist I who discussed mobile photography and photojournalism, and Allan Mauro Marfal, Information Officer III both of the DOST-STII who lectured on the topic social media content creatio

The second day of the event included a site visit, where participants gathered data and interviewed the beneficiaries of DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program in Lipa, learning about the technologies, products, and services offered by these firms, which they could use to write science articles and produce photos and reels for the workshop.

Look. Student journalists from Lipa City Colleges convened as the two-day Science Journo Ako went to Lipa City to enhance their skills in creating science content across multimedia platforms on 21-22 November 2024. (Photos by Andrea Mei B. Resane,

DOST-STII is the information, communication, and marketing arm of the Department of Science and Tech