By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
The Philippines is ready to address some existing challenges and limitations in different sectors as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled 20 research and development (R&D) outputs and scientific services that would provide innovative solutions.
Last February 20, 2020, no less than DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña graced the event and proudly introduced the 20 programs, services, technologies, and innovations developed by DOST agencies and regional offices, together with various industry partners.
“The DOST would like to kick-off the year 2020 by featuring 20 of our programs and technologies that we believe can make a big impact in the lives of our countrymen and push our country to attain socio-economic growth and development,” said DOST Sec. de la Pena at the Hotel Jen in Pasay City.
Dubbed as “Big 20 in 2020”, the DOST is set to spearhead a series of technology launches and events for the entire year. The said technology launches will highlight the practical benefits of various R&D outputs and scientific services, particularly in the areas of agriculture, enterprise technology, space science, genomics, mass transportation, development of smart cities, health and nutrition, disaster preparedness, nuclear technology, among others.
The DOST Chief underscored that while technology remains the driving force of any developed economy, and the need for the Philippines to continue to innovate and develop more technologies that can help improve Filipino people’s lives.
Among the 20 R&D outputs unveiled by the DOST is the possible launch this year of two locally-built nanosatellites, an anti-dengue drug and biomedical devices, a 12-horsepower single-cylinder diesel engine, and an automated guideway transit for Bataan.
Also presented was a program called Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms for Extreme Weather and Monitoring and Information Sharing or ULAT, a comprehensive program on nutrition, and a partnership between the DOST and the Department of National Defense.
There will also be a nationwide tissue-cultured coconut planting day, the maiden voyage of a hybrid trimaran, the launching of a “Science for the People” book series, a concert using bamboo musical instruments, the launch of several DOST-enabled smart cities, and an exposition on innovations in disaster risk reduction and response.
Several DOST facilities are lined up to start offering services this year including the country’s first fully automated gamma irradiation facility, a Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center in Miagao, Iloilo, a tissue-cultured laboratory for ornamental plants in Bulacan, the opening of various science discovery centers, the Philippine Genome Center in the Visayas, and several laboratories including metrology laboratories in chemistry and biology, simulation packaging testing and green packaging laboratories, and a modular multi-industry innovation facility.
For more information on the DOST’s 20 programs and technologies, visit www.dost.gov.ph and view or download the “Big 20 in 2020” technology catalog.
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