8th Annual Balik Scientist Program Convention

 

President Marcos lauds Balik Scientist contributions to national development in the 8th BSP Convention 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized Balik Scientist and their respective host institutions during the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held on 14 October 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

"As we know, the world we live in has become more and more dependent on technology. We live more and more of our lives in the digital world. We have been confronted by a pandemic that again look to science for solutions, for vaccines protocols, for strategies, for technologies that would help us out of a particular problem," said President Marcos Jr. In his Keynote Speech. "Because of the pandemic, we have learned that it is science that will provide for us the answers to future".

The President assured that his administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino.

The Balik Scientist Program Convention is a yearly  gathering that aims to establish stronger ties and research collaborations. This year's event dubbed "Kasangga sa Paglinang ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan", highlighted the activities, accomplishments, and research contributions of selected Balik Scientists and the latest in their respective fields ranging from health, agriculture, aquatic, industry, energy, and emerging technologies. It likewise showcased how Balik Scientists contributed to the attainment of the mission and vision of their host institutions and to addressing national concerns. 

Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said, "I am glad see that patriotic spirit is still lingering among our Filipino scientists. The pandemic did not hinder them to be given back to the country". Through the commitment and dedication of Balik Scientists, seven laboratories were built and established at the height of the pandemic. One of these laboratories is the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Laboratory situated in the University of San Agustin. The NMR is led by Balik Scientists Dr. Julius Lopez and is committed to provide support in biomedical identification and drug discovery. It is classified as the first laboratory in the Visayas Region, second in the Philippines, and fourth among the ASEAN countries.

"The program targets to award a total of 101 Balik Scientists in 2023 with plans to increase target by 10% per annum should target be achieved", as mentioned by Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation and OIC of the Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah J. Buendia.

President Marcos and the DOST urged more Filipino scientists to come home with Balik Puso service. It was emphasized that with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11035 institutionalize the Balik Scientists Program in 2018, the Program has been offering better incentives and privileges to Balik Scientists.

Science, technology or innovation expert or professional, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino decent, who may be a resident of another country or a Philippine-resident for not more than three (3) years, are qualified and encourage to avail of the BSP. For more information about the BSP Convention, Interested participants May visit the website at bsp.dost.gov.ph or DOST-BSP Facebook page at/balikscientist or email us bsp@dost.gov.ph. 

#TodoBiranews

#Kaxadonews

#BernieGamba

#AidaTaguicana

# Margarita Suasi

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 UNITED CITY FC TO OFFICIALLY REPRESENT CENTRAL LUZONFIRST UCFC HOME MATCHES HOSTED IN OCTOBER IN NEW CLARK CITY

 

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

UNITED CITY FC TO OFFICIALLY REPRESENT CENTRAL LUZONFIRST UCFC HOME MATCHES HOSTED IN OCTOBER IN NEW CLARK CITY

Certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the New Clark City Athletics Stadium has a 20,000-seating capacity with a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track surrounding a natural grass pitch, suitable to host local, national and international football competitions to the highest PFF, AFC ad FIFA standards.  

The complex was nominated as among the world’s best stadiums in the Stadium of the Year Awards in 2020. The following year, the facility received the Highly Commended recognition from the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the Completed Buildings - Sport Category, and was also shortlisted for the Engineering Prize of the same competition.

ABOUT UCFC: United City Football Club (UCFC) is a SEC registered Filipino professional football club company that aims to promote and build values such as equality, diversity, leadership through sports. 

UCFC is a member of the Philippines Football League (PFL), the Philippines' professional level of men's club football in the country and the official representative of the Central Luzon football association. UCFC, formerly known as Ceres-Negros before it changed its name in 2020, is currently the 4x defending national champion in the PFL and 2x winner of the Copa Paulino Alcantara. UCFC is also the 2x Philippines representative on the AFC Champions League group stage level (2021,2022), the biggest Asian football tournament.   

As a mission, the Club stands to help re-invigorate young athletes, families, and the local community through discipline, hard work, and passion. The ambition is further set the gold standard for best practices in SE Asia - be it on the football field, or within the community - and to provide a pathway and equal opportunities for the next generation of young talent in their pursuit of sporting & educational excellence.

UCFC is the most followed professional football club in the Philippines and the only club active on all major social media platforms. Its winning tradition and the ability to bring the best Filipino players to play for UCFC has gained the Club the reputation of being the foremost football club form the Philippines with strong reach into South East Asia and beyond

The Club recently announced its move to Central Luzon to start playing its home matches of the PFL at the world class facilities in New Clark City. 

Further, UCFC  has launched a dedicated 3rd playing kit to mark its move to New Clark City which will feature the orange colors of the Athletics stadium as well as permanent New Clark City branding on the right sleeve. The traditional home and away jerseys in black and gold are currently featuring the symbols of the Clark balloon festival. 

Future plans by UCFC evolve around setting-up the Clubs youth football academy and to build its own football-specific stadium

UCFC Logo meaning: 

The UCFC logo was chosen through a public fan voting and designed by Gerard Andaya of Grit Sports. The new UCFC logo features a circular crest not too different from its original identity of  to acknowledge the roots of the club in Bacolod.  With two (2) stars which pay tribute to the origins of the “Ceres–LaSalle” & “Ceres–Negros” heritage. The center of the logo is “Geometric patterned football” to represent that football is at the center of the club’s existence. The symmetry of the ball stands for “Unity & Stability. And the solid outer circle on the other hand symbolizes the solid fans, being the club’s foundation that holds everything together.  

Upcoming matches at New Clark City: 22 October vs ADT at 4:00pm & 5 November vs Stallion Laguna t 4:00pm; Ticket prices: Pesos: 200.00 grandstand; P150.00 Bleachers; Corporate hospitality and advertising opportunities, kindly inquire through the media officer.

Current UCFC Club Partners:

Allianz, New Clark City Chronos Athletics, Mysport, Klean Athlete, Sportskred

Visit here:www.unitedcityfootballclub

Art Exhibit and Silent Auction for the Benefit of Typhoon Odette Victims in Palawan

 

A group art exhibit for the victims of typhoon odette gather this time in Unimart Capitol Commons Pasig City.It features more or less than 60 artworks.

Participating Artist are Juno Galang,Jenny Ang,Yelcast,Larry Bacabac,Arnel Borja,Bong Suva,Margarita Lim and the Swedish Artist Jeanette Kamphuis .The exhibit was opened for public viewing 2L Unimart Unimart Capitol Commons Pasig City from Feb 15 to March 31 .The Exhibit catalog is available upon request and proceeds of artwork sales will be donated to the typhoon victims

The First Simulation Packaging Testing Lab and Green Packaging Lab " PTD-ITDI Unboxes Philippines "

The Packaging Technology Division (PTD-ITDI) opens the country’s first Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL) Dec 21,2021 in an Opening  ceremony take place  virtually and physically via the Zoom Meeting and Facebook Live.

The event was organize by Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, and ITDI Director, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones.

Together with them were Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Management, Management Services, and Special Concerns, Dr. Diana L. Ignacio; Director for Internal Audit Service (IAS), Maria Teresa B. de Guzman; ITDI Deputy Directors for Research and Development, and Administrative and Technical Services, Dr. Christine Marie C. Montesa and Dr. Zorayda V. Ang, respectively; and PTD Chief, Daisy E. Tañafranca. Also present were ITDI staff, industry guests, and representatives of media and the academe.

The program was officially opened by Dr. Briones followed by messages from Usec. Guevara and Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Maborrang. It was keynoted by DOST Secretary, Fortunato T. de la Peña.

SPTL, which houses GPL, is one of  DOST’s “Big 21 in 2021” projects set in motion early this year. It can replicate actual environmental danger that packaged products, e.g. fresh and semiprocessed agricultural produce, furniture, personal care, and dangerous goods will experience during its process movement along th e supply chain.

GPL, on the other hand, serves as a venue to develop new packaging materials through use of green and sustainable packaging technologies that focus on applications of indigenous and renewable materials to include wild grass and coconut coir, among others. Along the process improvement chain, materials are caused to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Further, GPL is equipped for conducting product development research, as well as testing of performance of the finished packaging material or system while ensuring reduced carbon dioxide emissions and consumer safety.

Concluding the event was Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. who is the Undersecretary for S&T Services.

Unboxing the Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory and Green Packaging Laboratory” A Prelude to the Inauguration and Full Operation

 

One of the important DOST Projects under its Big 21 in 2021 is the establishment of the Simulation Packagingq Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL). This project was funded through the DOST-GIA and implemented by the ITDI-Packaging Technology Division (PTD). The ‘Unboxing Event’ for these two laboratories will be held on December 21, 2021 at 9:00 am at the SPTL/GPL site inside the DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig. This event will be led by DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña and with Dr. William Dar, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as the Keynote Speaker.

SPTL/GPL

The SPTL was designed based on international standards in developing packaging design, performance evaluation and in developing testing protocols for distribution packaging. With SPTL, the current capability of PTD in developing packaging design and performance testing of transport packaging will be significantly expanded.

On the other hand, the green packaging lab or GPL is being established to provide alternative packaging or packaging options to the consumers, and not in any way to discriminate any type of packaging materials. Green packaging could not be directly equated to biodegradable packaging. GPL envisions to do research on the following areas:

• Processes that will reduce energy consumption and solid/liquid waste
• Materials reduction without compromising product quality and consumer safety
• Use of indigenous and renewable materials
• Circular/Recycling technologies
• Waste utilization
• Waste disposal

Inventrepinoys Unfazed in the face of Pandemic

National Inventors Week by the Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative presents Inventrepinoys Unfazed in the Face of Pandemic, Inventors Guide: Innovative Programs for Inventors and Awarding of Galing Inventrepinoy.

The FISPC National Inventors Week Celebration 2021 in partnership with DOST Region 02, DOST NCR, DOST TAPI, and Cagayan Valley University was held at DOST TAPI compound last December 13, 2021. This celebration would not have been possible without the help of these government agencies.

Several guests who attended personally are as follows, DOST Sec Fortunato Dela Pena, Usec Sancho Mabborang, RD Jose Patalinjug, Director Marion Decena, and Asst RD Mary Ann Maglasin of DOST Region 02 to grace the event. The FISPC Members of the Board and Officers headed by Chair Popoy Pagayon and several old and new members are present to support its physical and virtual event.

#InventrepinoysUnfazedinthefaceofpabdemic

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=222077926774066&id=100069155801446

DOST-ITDI to Unlock the very first Metrology in Chemistry Lab in the Philippines

 

The Philippines' first Metrology in Chemistry Laboratory will be inaugurated on November 9, 2021. DOST Secretary Fortunato T.  De La Peña will lead the event together with the Director of DOST-ITDI, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez will be the  keynote speaker. 

Established by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the 1900 m2, 4-story MiC Laboratory is located on Saliksik Street in the Science Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.  It will gather in hundreds from the food and water industry sectors and science communities as it officially opens its services to the public on Tuesday.

DOST-ITDI Director, Dr. Annabelle V.  Briones, admitted that "It took us quite a while, a decade actually, to establish our chemical testing services and house it in one of the most economically vital and heavily invested infrastructures in metrology.

 

DOST-ITDI created the MiC Laboratory to help local testing laboratories comply with traceable chemical measurements by producing reference materials (RMs) and conducting accuracy-based Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes.

What makes RMs valuable is how it supports the results of measurement laboratories to ensure that commodities can pass stringent international trade standards on food quality and control. MiC thus aims to reduce the detention and recall of Philippine products for export.

But, while highly characterized, authenticated control materials, such as RMs, are vital in food testing, the Philippines took time to develop these. Finally, through the MiC Laboratory of DOST-ITDI, these are readily available.

Dr. Benilda S. Ebarvia, the former project leader of the MiC Team who conceptualized the establishment of the laboratory, explained that chemical testing and production of RMs or referencing is time-consuming.

She added that the referencing process requires skills that need to be learned and honed through the years adding that, "RM development has to be matched with appropriate, state of the art – that means very expensive - equipment. Staff who will be using the equipment and devices have to be trained to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the same.

Currently, most Philippine food manufacturers rely on RMs purchased overseas like the US, UK, Japan, China, and Thailand.  RMs are pretty pricey; one material per food product may cost from Php15,000 to Php30,000. Further, these are updated continually.

To date, DOST-ITDI has developed RMs on trace presence of toxic metals in drinking water (manganese, nickel, cobalt, and iron), benzoic acid in banana catsup, sulfite as a preservative in dried mango, and histamine  (a chemical indication of food spoilage) in dried salinas fish

This year, it hopes to complete the development of 15 RMs on trace presence of pesticides in fresh mango, and other fruits and vegetables; and presence of veterinary drug residues such as salbutamol in pork meat; and 3-Amino-5-morpholino ethyl-2-oxazolidone or AMOZ in fish, among others.

Early works include RMs on the presence of trace heavy metals in water, such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, cobalt, and magnesium. As well, an RM on calcium, a reactive metal in water, was developed. These metals are toxic and noted for their potential toxicity in the environment.

Through referencing, the MiC Laboratory stands to cut costs on purchasing RMs abroad by our local food and water industries.  Further, it aims to ensure that local products pass international trade standards to avoid product recall or detention, a scenario that is too costly and damaging for our economy. 

The MiC Laboratory is monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) under a five-year program on capabilities enhancement of the National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines. (AMGuevarra\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service) 

TekNegoShow SE will be set in motion this Week! July 8,2021

 

DOST-ITDI will be launching the TekNegoShow Special Edition on July 8, 2021 at 9:00 in the morning with a LIVE opening ceremony, broadcast of its pre-recorded first episode, and virtual presser to be held via the Zoom Meeting platform.

With the Special Edition of ITDI’s online business talk show, DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones expresses her hopes of more businesses getting interested in adopting ITDI-developed technologies and availing themselves of its various testing services.

DOST-ITDI’s Technological Services Division, through its Information and Documentation produces the online science-business talk show which broadcasted its maiden episode on October 22, 2020. Originally airing for one season or 13 episodes, the Special Edition, however will feature four technologies and two newly-opened research facilities geared toward augmenting business-coping mechanisms of industries to the current COVID-19 crisis.

To ensure content substance, TekNegoShow Special Edition will air narratives and insights of technology generators, business people, and the consuming public. This way ITDI can provide the public virtual experience of the technology and a way to interact with technology generators and companies that have adopted these or made use of the facilities.

Invited to the opening ceremony are personalities with known interests in industrial technology and prospective technology adopters on:

Guests from the Regional Offices and partner companies, DOST agencies, media friends, and associates are expected to attend the launching.

DOST-ITDI will broadcast six episodes beginning July 8 with a weekly Thursday afternoon (1:30) show date via Facebook TekNegoShow and Youtube ITDI DOST.
(AMGuevarra\\ ITDI S&T Media Service)

1. I- Salt processing technology;
2. Abaca fiber-reinforced composite;
3. Nanoclay production;
4. Biodegradable plastic;
5. Multi-Industry Modular Innovation Center or MMIC; and
6. Development of Multiple Materials Platform for Additive Manufacturing Project or MATDEV-AMCen.

LAUNCHING and INAUGURATION of the ADVANCE MANUFACTURING CENTER

 

MESSAGE

Fortunato T. de la Peña

Secretary

Department of Science and Technology

Launching and Inauguration of the Advanced Manufacturing Center

June 14, 2021

Our esteemed guests,

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, DOF Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, DBM Secretary Wendel E. Avisado, NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, represented by Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, represented by Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo;

Our very own, DOST Undersecretary, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, and Taguig City Mayor Lino Edgardo S. Cayetano;

Our partners, technology providers, supporters; our valued stakeholders; friends from the media; 

ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga sa inyo! 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Inauguration and Grand Launching of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, a Philippines’ first. The Advanced Manufacturing Center, or AMCen, aims to be the Center of Excellence and premier hub for additive manufacturing.

The DOST’s long-term vision is to be the provider of world-class scientific, technological, and innovative solutions that will lead to higher productivity and better quality of life, benefiting the Filipino people. By 2022, the DOST envisions to be a leading Science, Technology, and Innovation Hub in the ASEAN region. Building the AMCen is a crucial strategy to achieve this goal. 

Additive Manufacturing (AM), the process of building an object layer-by-layer from a digital model, plays an important role for the DOST’s vision, more specifically, on increasing the country’s competitiveness as we seek to join other global players in partaking of opportunities brought about by the fourth industrial revolution or more commonly, Industry 4.0.

As described by Dilberoglu et al. in Procedia Manufacturing, on The Role of Additive Manufacturing in the era of Industry 4.0, Industry 4.0 aims to build smart factories by offering cyber and physical systems. The idea in this industrial revolution is to gather and analyze information from physical entities such as products, machines, and production lines from the Internet of Things (IoT); Big Data from consumers and suppliers; and the processing of all available information via cloud computing. All these processed information are then utilized for smart manufacturing. 

Smart manufacturing necessitates the need for mass customization, which is currently impossible with conventional manufacturing techniques. This is where Additive Manufacturing (or AM) comes in. AM enables the production of highly customized and complex-shaped objects using existing and newly developed advanced materials.

With this in mind, the DOST funded the construction of AMCen, with a total budget of 10 Million dollars, including the Materials Development Laboratory of the DOST-ITDI. In September 2019, we were also here at the MIRDC to celebrate the Philippine Additive 

Manufacturing day. Back then, the land where AMCen is now, was an old Citric Plant. Layer by layer, we built the AMCen. 

Despite the global pandemic which started last March 2020, hindi tayo huminto.  We went against all odds to build the Philippines’ first additive manufacturing facility, granting workers for a skeletal workforce system. 

Fast forward to today, March 2021.  Here we are, inside the AMCen, surrounded by world-class and cutting-edge 3D printing equipment and technologies. Quoting Usec. Guevara from AM day, ‘we are aiming to be ahead of everyone else, globally, in the next five years. One of our visions is that we, Filipinos, will be as good at AM as we are at BPO’s.’

The inauguration of AMCen is just the beginning. The DOST will continue its support to AMCen for the development of a pool of AM experts, and for the expansion of its capabilities. In the near future, we will explore the applications of 3D printing in other fields, such as bio-printing for medical applications, and 3D printing of electronic components to support the semiconductor industry, among others. Soon, expect more trained engineers, scientists, and well-versed technicians achieving prominent breakthroughs in the development of innovative additive manufacturing technologies, products, processes, and materials.

The DOST will continue supporting our innovators from different sectors requiring additive manufacturing in their technological applications. We will get there, the Philippines’ global competitiveness index number will rise as we play our role in terms of science and technological advancements.

All of these will not be possible without the fruitful efforts of the MIRDC and the ITDI project leaders of AMCen, Engr. Fred P. Liza and the retired Dr. Blessie Basilia, now succeeded by Dr. Marianito Margarito, along with their project teams, the RAPPID-ADMATEC personnel, and the MATDEV team. I also would like to acknowledge the support of the MIRDC and the ITDI Executive Directors, Engr. Robert O. Dizon and Dr. Annabelle V. Briones; our partners from the different sectors: the academe, start-ups, the government, our technology partners, and the industry. Together, we are going beyond the conventional.

From this day onwards, we will witness our AM success story unfold – and with our success story comes the success of Filipinos.  

More power to AMCen.  More power to the collaborators and partners.  More power to all of us who will be behind all of AMCen’s success stories in the years to come.

Maraming salamat po.

We are currently in constant communication with AM consultants, ASTM and universities, in developing curriculum and training materials for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. As for our in-house engineers, scientists, and technicians, their next tranche of overseas training will commence once the travel restrictions have been lifted. 

Dr. Annabelle V. Briones of DOST-ITDI is 1 of the 100, 2021 Asian Scientist!

 

We would like to congratulate Dr. Annabelle Briones for being one of the 2021 top 100 scientists of the Asian Scientist Magazine for her superior work on the mosquito ovicidal / larvicidal trap system.  She also received the much coveted 2020 Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Applied Science Research for this work.

Dr. Briones is one of the eight Filipino scientist this year and joined the ranks of accomplished and respected scientists in the Asia Pacific region.  She was able to accomplish this feat despite the challenges to research brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Briones is currently the director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Read more here   https://www.asianscientist.com/as100

DOST-ITDI to hun rearend revolution through its webcast @ Innohub in Philippines

 

DOST-ITDI to spindle backend upheaval through its webcast @ Innohub in Philippines

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), in its bid to contribute to industrialization and progress through R&D initiatives, will conduct a webcast for its newly opened Modular Multi-Industry Innovation Center (MMIC) or InnoHub sa Pinas on March 31, 2021.

Following MMIC’s successful launch in December 2020 and inauguration in February 2021, ITDI once again invites industry partners and stakeholders to share their insights and expectations about the new facility.

InnoHub sa Pinas is an industrial processing facility with multifunctional/multi-application modular unit operation equipment that can be retrofitted to accommodate different manufacturing lines. It is built to serve the needs of the food, personal care, and pharma-nutraceutical industries using its three main processing lines for nut/seed and oils, mix blend powders, and liquids/emulsions which rely mainly on by-products of commercial operations as raw material. In effect, new or novel products are made out of processing wastes through backend innovation.

Further, InnoHub sa Pinas is open to academe and other interested stakeholders for use in research and development of new products, product equivalent, product variances and product reintroduction.

As one of DOST’s big 20 tickets for 2020, the facility is set to become a one-stop-shop for product conceptualization, development, and marketing, thus collaboration with significant industry and other users is important to sustain efficient services.

It expects that with InnoHub sa Pinas’ modern equipment and devices, as well as experts to lead the operation, previous deficiencies that may hinder advancement in STI will be reduced.

 

(DDGotis\\ DOST- ITDI S&T Media Service)

DOST-ITDI establish MATDEV forum

 

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is gathering industry, academe, government, and non-profit organizations in a stakeholders’ forum to be held on March 25, 2021, via the Zoom Meeting platform, to present MATDEV Laboratory’s current and future activities on additive manufacturing (AM).

AM is the technique being used by the MATDEV Laboratory to produce models and prototypes directly from three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) without using any tools or fixtures. Funded by the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program, MATDEV Laboratory is a project under the Advanced Additive Manufacturing R&D Program.

Inaugurated on December 22, 2020, the MATDEV Laboratory undertakes research and development on materials for use in additive manufactured products to reduce the cost of raw materials by using local resources.

However, AM has been in use since the 1980s with Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute inventing two AM photopolymer rapid prototyping systems in 1981. Today, the AM process of making a product by adding successive layers of material is now often referred to as 3D printing.

Compared with traditional production methods or subtractive manufacturing, AM requires less hard tooling and assembly and offers greater customization or bespoke manufacturing at shorter time to market.

AM ensures continual availability of spare parts, which is particularly useful in asset-heavy industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. In some countries, the use of AM is widespread in machineries like turbines, handling and robotics, lifestyle and sports like jewelry and biking, and custom parts of classic cars.

DOST-ITDI foresees that in the long run, AM can completely change the way products are designed and built, as well as distributed, sold, and serviced. It is thus advocating AM to the industry through the stakeholder’s forum.

ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones admits that “AM is where we might be soon as the rest of the world catches up on its use, which can edge out the competitiveness of our local businesses. Right now, most of our manufacturing firms are into subtractive manufacturing.”

Subtractive manufacturing involves cutting away from a solid block of material. A milling machine cutting/hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic is an example of subtractive manufacturing.

However, most of AM’s current users around the globe think that, “As it currently stands, it is unlikely that additive manufacturing will replace subtractive manufacturing any time soon. This is because both sets of processes have a very contrasting set of advantages and disadvantages, meaning that each can play to the strengths of the other’s weaknesses.”

Director Briones added that, “AM has been steadily growing a following, primarily because of its big market, which researchandmarkets.com
reported at $12 billion in 2020.”

Currently, analysts at Global Market Insights, Inc. believe that the overall economic impact created by AM could reach $100 billion to $250 billion by 2025, “… if adoption across industries worldwide continues at today’s rate.” This potential is seen to come from the aerospace and defense, automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.

Through the forum, DOST-ITDI hopes to inform concerned industries on AM, its value chain, future players, and the business model which may apply to local materials manufacturers. (AMGuevarra\\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service Service)

FDA fully authorized SPUTNIK V for urgent situation

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to Sputnik V, one of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccines, today, 19 March 2021, as announced by FDA Director General Eric Domingo during the Department of Health (DOH)’s Special Briefing.

Authorized for limited use among Filipino individuals aged 18 and above, the non-replicating viral vector COVID-19 vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology through the support of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Both Gamaleya and RDIF were identified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which chairs the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation and Selection (TG VES), as one of its bilateral partners for the possible conduct of vaccine clinical trials in the Philippines. The DOST-convened Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) has reviewed the initial clinical trial data of Sputnik V, which served as one of the bases for the FDA’s approval of the vaccine’s EUA application.

As early as August 2020, the DOST-led TG VES has been in contact with Gamaleya and RDIF, through the assistance of both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Philippines, in terms of COVID-19 vaccine development, and more recently, in Gamaleya’s submission of the required documents to FDA for their EUA application. 

The DOST welcomes this development as the country now has an additional approved  vaccine in its portfolio for the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. 

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