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13/04/2024

2nd iScene 2024 launched in Isabela
Convention Center in Cauayan City

THE 2nd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) of the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) )was launched at the Isabela Convention Center (Icon) in Cauayan City in Isabela, on April 11-13, 2024.
This year’s theme, “Synergy Unleashed: Becoming Smart Cities Through Strategic Partnerships,”aims to serve as an avenue where government leaders, industries, innovators and academic institutions can explore opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration as a strategic model in creating smart, liveable and sustainable communities.”
Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations welcomed everybody to the event. “One of the main events of the iSCENE 2024 is the idea plus reverse presentation where we gather aspirants, startup founders to solve energy industry-related challenges posed by partner organizations. Global energy outlook is at crossroads as we aim to balance, accelerating economic growth and industrialization especially among developing countries such as the Philippines with the goal of shifting away from the traditional and carbon-heavy energy sources like coal and oil that adversely impact the environment,” he told the attendees.
Further, he said “Today, idea plus presentation will not just exhibit the brilliance of out researchers from the academe in their innovative solutions, rather it is also a testament to the invaluable role of the academe in driving technological advancement and fostering innovative solutions.”
Mabborang encouraged everyone to build smarter communities. Cauayan City Mayor Caesar S. Dy welcomed the guests to the affair with DOST Region 2 Director Virginia Bilgera.
iSCENE 2024 aims to serve as an avenue where government leaders, industries, innovators, and academic institutions can explore opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration as a strategic model for creating smart and sustainable communities.

Moreover, it highlights discussions on synergistic approaches to building partnerships, with the sharing of best practices and strategies by international and national stakeholders that local governments can replicate for the realization of transforming local government units (LGUs) towards a project spearheaded by the DOST, with combined efforts from the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Dept of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), and Devt. Academy of the Philippines (DAP)

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that the activity is just some of the many ways to show that many organizations are maximizing their efforts in fostering empowered, more sustainable, and smarter communities, and the people will always be at the center of the development. “This aims to come up with better policies, programs, services, and strategies to address the needs of the Filipino people with the help of science, technology, and innovation,” he stressed.

Moreover, Solidum said the event serves as a perfect avenue to share smart and innovative ideas for more innovations that aim to improve the lives of the people, especially those in the marginalized sector that have been benefiting from the government’s programs and services.

“We need to focus not only on saving lives but livelihood as well and wealth protection,” he told members of the media. “We are developing technology to save our natural resources as we embarked on developing technologies that will arise from the knowledge that we need.”

“We prioritize sustainability in our urban planning and development efforts, and we create livable spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Through eco-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives, and community-driven projects, we lay the groundwork for a future where environmental stewardship and development go hand in hand.” Mabborang said in his message of support.

“The power of innovation and technology, unleashed through the collaboration of stakeholders and players, could unlock trillions of dollars in economic value while addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality,” Mabborang added. This event will also give us a lot of opportunities to join in knowledge-sharing sessions, fora with professionals, and learn from successful technology transfer strategies and experiences.

“This will not only benefit our respective agencies and organizations but also the communities as a whole. Moreover, this activity will bring Filipinos closer to a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future,” he concluded.

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07/03/2024

February 26-March 3, 2024

07/03/2024

February 19-25, 2024

04/03/2024

WORLD CLASS BUSINESS LEADERS MEET IN BANGKOK TO DISCUSS ‘CANNABIS’

WORLD-CLASS business leaders met in Bangkok for a two-day conference about the benefits of cannabis or ma*****na, particularly in the medical world.
The conference held on February 29-March 1 is the 3rd Annual Conference and the leading event on the development of the Asian medical cannabis and h**p market. It’s known as Cannabis Business Asia Conference.T
“I felt Cannabis Business Asia was the right platform at the right time to inform those wanting to do Cannabis-related business in Thailand of King Bhumibol's National Plan based on his New Theory of Sustainability," according to Don Land, administrator and executive chairman of Thai Cannabis Corporation, Thailand.
Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, a scientist, inventor and chairman of Bauertek Corporation in the Philippines, was the event’s moderator. The company is the country’s premier manufacturer of food supplements. It exceeds the country’s manufacturing standards, raising the bar for others to follow. Strategic partnerships with various government agencies and academic institutions allow Bauertek to source the highest quality materials needed to create world-class products.
Bauertek’s team of scientists, researchers, and associates are dedicated to providing unparalleled service to its clients.​
Gomez discussed on the status of cannabis in the Philippines which use is still illegal. The country now gears for the global cannabis industry.
At the Philippine Congress, thirteen (13) senators have signed the committee report on the measure that seeks to legalize the use of medical ma*****na or cannabis.

The bill seeks the creation of the Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) under the Department of Health (DOH), and will be the principal agency that will be in charge of the implementation of the proposed law, and access and use of medical cannabis.

The PMCA, in turn, shall be assisted by the inter-agency Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee. The PMCA shall also be in charge of identifying the specific areas allowable for the cultivation of ma*****na.

Under the proposed law, the cultivation shall only be permitted in a closed, locked and controlled facility and that the cultivation shall not be located within one kilometer of the property line of pre-existing public or private school, college or university, daycare center, child care facility or an area zoned for residential use, according to published reports.

It has been over 10 years when supporters of the medical ma*****na have been seeking its use legalization. “We hope that cannabis will be legalized in the Philippines before the end of this year,” Gomez optimistically announced.

Frank Minitello, founder and COO of FYR Genetics, also in Thailand, talked on “Legacy Market: Where It All Began.” He said cannabis saved his life, adding that the industry (cannabis) and “genetics today is really an incredibly important part that we’re starting to find out.” He further said that cannabis assist in the treatment of “back pain, anxiety, nausea, sleep deprivation, cancer or with no appetite.”

Luke Johnson, the president and CEO of NuNature Labs in USA and Brazil, had a presentation on “Prescription Cannabis and Its Evolution,” with the continuous growth of the global cannabis market. As to usage, cannabis is 46% recreational; 28% therapeutic; 26% medical, Johnson said.
Somai Pharmaceuticals and the Golden Standard of Medicinal Cannabis’ CEO and founder in Portugal, Michael Sassano said they have a full-blown recreational market in Portugal and have 86 cannabis products and 20 more just for this quarter. Somai… is into manufacturing cannabis.
On the other hand, Dr. Atthachai Homhuan, director of Regulatory Affairs, Tilleke & Gibbins in Thailand, talked about Legal Due Diligence and Thailand Cannabis Industry. He said that Thailand strictly follows regulations before but in 2019, cannabis was lifted from the list of narcotics and no longer in the control of narcotics law. He also talked about the past, present and future of cannabis in the country.
Paul Crosio, a partner of Silk Legal in Thailand, discussed on “Cannabis in Thailand: Psychotropic to Cannabis now Highly Regulated, said the decriminalization of the use of cannabis has released prisoners, who were jailed for using or possessing the plant or h**p.
“Creating A Meaningful Cannabis Brand” was expounded by David Paleschuck, Consultant & Author from Branding Bud Consulting Group, USA. “A brand is really a promise and its ability to deliver on that promise consistently,” said Paleschuck.
Meanwhile, Lisa Varley, managing director of MiDispensary, Australia talked on “Medicinal Cannabis Australia: The Evolving Landscape.” Other speakers were Tom Forrest, who discussed on “Cultivating World Class Cannabis in Asia-Pacific: Insights and Lessons on Cannabis Agriculture,” Fernando Worner, “Cannabis in New Zealand and Brazil: Finding Synergies and Overcoming Challenges Together,” Angelo Desiante, “Crafting a Robust Brand in the CBD Sector.”
Others were Pornchai Padmindra, president of Thai Industrial H**p Trade Association, Thailand who discussed on “Asia Cannabis Operating Model - Combining Beauty of East & West,” Kohei Yamada, founder and CEO of Kiseki Group, Japan talked about “Japanese Medical Legalization and its Opportunity,” Jordan Herring, CEO & founder of Hidden Valley Genetics
Thailand for “The Importance of Genetics When It Comes To Investment,” Stefan Rohrl, CEO & Co-Founder of H**p Group Germany, who talked on “Creating a Cannabis Brand with Lasting Power.”
Some reasons given in attending the conference, according to officials were: to
understand the market, the competition and opportunities for cannabis, CBD
and h**p product or service; to learn from the brightest minds and apply best
practices toward entrepreneurial endeavor in the Asian region and gain insight
into how well one can best position his business in front of a target market
ready to engage.

04/01/2024

DOST, NCMF SIGN MOA FOR ENHANCEMENT
AND INTEGRITY OF HALAL PRODUCTS

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)) for the enhancement and to fortify the halal integrity of the local products with the establishment of DOST Halal Verification Laboratories (HVLs).

The ceremony was held at the Dusit Thani Hotel Manila in Makati City last Thursday, Jan. 4. The MOA signing was by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum and by NCMF Secretary Atty. Guilling Mamondiong and witnessed by DOST undersecretaries for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and Teodoro M. Gatchalian, respectively; DOST XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales; DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director, Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit; Hon. Mujiv S. Hataman, representative of the Lone District of Basilan, other directors and representatives from DOST regional operations and its attached agencies.

DOST as a member-agency of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board (PHEDPB), aims to collaborate with the NCMF to support the promotion of the Philippine halal industry and to enhance market surveillance by utilizing advanced testing methods at HVLs in Region IV-A, Davao Region, Region VII, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Through this ceremonial signing, we will officially forge our partnership toward an increasingly innovative, creative and sustainable future for the halal industry. Developing food and nutrition is a vital aspect of our march towards socio-economic development,” Mabborang said in his speech, adding that the gathering provides an excellent narrative of a forefront position in the global halal economy.

Solidum, on the other hand, said that the ceremony is the formal sealing of the collaboration and opportunities to help maintain the quality of of the halal industry which will benefit the country.

"These initiatives of DOST and other partners are among our ways to help achieve a strong and dynamic workforce for the country’s inclusive and sustainable growth. In upskilling the workforce, our government cannot carry on the work independently. We need a whole-of-nation approach—with government, academe, businesses, and civil society working together.” Sec. Solidum, further said.

DOST XI regional director, Dr. Sales, meanwhile stressed in his message that immediately after the passage of RA 10817 or An Act Instituting the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016, creating for the Purpose the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board and for Other Purposes, the DOST then issued a memorandum or the support program of the agency to the halal industry development.

According to the Philippine Halal Export and Promotion Board, the DOST is mandated that it will serve as a member of PHEDPB. The DOST was likewise mandated to assist in the upgrading of facilities and institutions in halal research and development.

Atty. Mamondiong for his part, said “halal refers to healthy food.” He called on his fellow Muslims to thank Solidum as he jokingly said he (Solidum) has a “solid” support to the halal industry.

The MOA signing aims to facilitate more research methods and advanced technology inputs that will enhance the production and competitiveness of the halal industry in the Philippines.(Nelson Santos PAPI)

04/01/2024

January 1-7, 2024