Health Advocates Launch Citizens’ Watchdog to Monitor Compliance

 QUEZON CITY – Health advocates on Monday celebrated the start of the effectivity of the ban on industrially-produced trans fatty acids or iTFA in pre-packaged and processed foods in the country. 

Issued in 2021, Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2021-0039 and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular 2021-028 and 2021-028A gave food manufacturers until June 18, 2023 to reformulate and remove trans fatty acids or trans fat from their products or face sanctions. Today is the start of the ban. 

Products that are traditionally high in iTFA include margarine, coffee creamer, and baked goods such as donuts and cookies, among others. High intake of trans fatty acids or trans fat is a known cause of heart problems and cardiovascular diseases. 

“Today is a cause for celebration for Pinoy heart health,” said Dr. Luigi Segundo of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) during a press conference with fellow health advocates in Quezon City. “This ban on trans fats will help improve health outcomes for Filipinos and protect consumers from the dangers of trans fats,” he added. Cardiovascular diseases remain the top killer of Filipinos according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. 

Group launches citizens watchdog, messenger hotline vs trans fats

In the same press conference, the group composed of lawyers, doctors, nutritionists, and consumers also launched Bantay Kontra Trans Fat as an initiative to foster compliance of food manufacturers and support DOH and FDA’s programs to eliminate trans fat. 

“We have to remain vigilant, empower consumers, and foster compliance,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis of public interest group ImagineLaw. “We will conduct a nationwide literacy campaign in reading packages and labels of food products and educate consumers on the dangers of other sources of trans fats,” she added. 

The group also launched the Trans Fat Free Philippines Facebook page as a messenger hotline for the public to access relevant information about trans fats and submit reports of possible non-compliance of food manufacturers to the DOH and FDA orders.

DICT To Host ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit and PH Girls in ICT Day 2023

 DICT To Host ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit and PH Girls in ICT Day 2023

May 24, 2023 - Quezon City, Metro Manila – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will host next month the ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit alongside with the Philippines Girls in ICT Day 2023 (GICT 2023).

GICT 2023 is set on June 8, while the ASEAN-wide policy summit will be on June 9, 2023, at Chardonnay by Astoria in Pasig City, Metro Manila and is supported by International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) in Asia and the Pacific and the Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs of the Australian Government.

These events are part of DICT's Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) program, a forward-looking initiative aimed at promoting the role and value of young women and girls in the field of information and communications technology (ICT). This endeavor aligns with the ITU's decision in 2022 to promote Girls in ICT Day throughout the year, rather than as a one-day global event every fourth Thursday of April.

The Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 and the ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit underscore the Philippines' commitment to fostering gender equality in the digital sphere. They will provide a crucial platform for young women and girls aged 12 to 24 to enhance their digital skills, access policymaking forums, and contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation and development in the region.

As part of the celebration of June as National ICT Month (NICTM) 2023, this two-day program will bring together a diverse range of participants, including keynote speakers, expert panelists, and innovative workshop leaders. These ICT experts will share their knowledge and insights, fostering an enriching environment for attendees to learn about the latest trends in ICT, network with like-minded individuals, and connect with potential mentors and role models.

"We are committed to increasing the participation and access of young women and girls in ICT. This event is a tremendous opportunity for them to enhance their digital skills, learn from experts in the field, and network with peers and potential mentors," said DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, chair of the NICTM 2023 and convenor of DIWA.

Through this initiative, DICT aims to design more platforms and solutions to advance gender equality, expand the influence of women in ICT, and ensure that girls and young women play a vital role in the digital transformation of the region, Batapa-Sigue, who also the Philippine councilor to the ITU Council stressed.

The events are an important step towards a more inclusive digital future where women are not only participants but also leaders and innovators. They send a strong message to the global community about the essential role of young women and girls in shaping the digital landscape in the Philippines and beyond.

For more information about the Girls in ICT Day Philippines 2023 and ASEAN Girls in ICT Policy Summit, please email ouiid@dict.gov.ph.

1st NATIONAL PEACE CONVENTION

 

Happening Now:

1st NATIONAL PEACE CONVENTION

Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Pasay City

January 25, 2023 (Wednesday)

10AM to 5PM

PRESS CONFERENCE

with CHED Comm RONALD ADAMAT and Mr. MAN HEE LEE from South Korea, the Founder of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

Organizer: VOLUNTEER INDIVIDUALS FOR PEACE (VIP) headed by DR. RONALD ADAMAT, PhD, CHED Commissioner and "The FIRST FILIPINO AWARDEE by MUHATMA GANDHI Price for Non-Violent Peace"., in cooperation with HWPL Philippines. 

Theme: "Peace Builds One Nation, One Future

Let's be One for Peace! Please invest - for "INVESTING IN PEACE IS INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE" The relaunching of my peace song composition: "We Are One" will be performed by Nisha Bendaña of PHL IDOL as one of the highlights of the event. 

#thephilippinepostnewstoday 

#thephilippineseventnewstv 

#ched

#ronaldadamat 

#1stnationalpeaceconvention

#PICC 

#DepEdPhilippines

#pimai

#WeAreOne

Internet SaMurai Cuts Through Philippines and Guam

 

Happening Now : 54th Joint Asian Internet  Interconnection Initiative (A13)  And School on Internet (SOI) Asia Joint Meeting held At Novutel QC

The Philippines’ national research and education network (NREN) received a big boost as Prof. Jun Murai of Keio University, fondly known as the Internet Samurai, chose the Philippines as 

one of the pilot countries to be connected to the Arterial Research and Educational Network in the Asia Pacific (ARENA-PAC). In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Event, 

ARENA-PAC represented by Prof. Murai, and the Department of Science and Technology  Institute (DOST) represented by Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., inked a deal that would link the 

Philippine Research, Education and Government Information Network (PREGINET) to a global NREN hub located in Guam, in order to connect the country to the ARENA-PAC. Prof. Murai, 

considered the father of Japan’s internet, has been instrumental in building network testbeds  all over the Asia Pacific region, in order to facilitate innovation and next-generation  technologies on the global internet.

ARENA-PAC is a backbone network currently composed of several 100Gbps circuits linking  Tokyo, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore to a central hub in Guam. More countries are 

expected to join in the future.  Prof. Jun Murai, Co-Director of ARENA-PAC, expressed his appreciation and respect for the 

ASTI's role in developing the Asia Pacific region's research and education internet and its  impact on industrial and commercial internet development. In his speech, he said “This new 

process of ARENA-PAC, working with DOST-ASTI for high-speed additional internet  connectivity, is a starting point of the next phase of contribution to the advanced science and 

technology development not limited to the Asia Pacific region but also the global research and  education community. Using this opportunity, I look forward to working extensively with the 

Philippines' science and education community.”

DOST Secretary Solidum said that he looks forward to the connectivity and expressed  appreciation for the partnership with AI3 and SOI Asia. In his message during the event, he said 

“These kinds of collaboration are important for the country, especially for research and  development where it is important to work together with other countries in the Asia-Pacific 

region. This collaboration with our Japanese counterparts is especially significant because this  is really a result of DOST-ASTI's long-standing partnership with them. Nurturing relationships 

with our collaborators are essential because any cooperation activities will be built on trust and  a good working relationship.” 

ASTI Director Franz De Leon in his message, shared that ASTI’s partnership with AI3 and SOI  Asia set in motion the conceptualization of PREGINET. According to him, “PREGINET has 

been catalyzing research and education activities over the country, serving as the precursor to  the conglomerate of science infrastructures that ASTI maintains. Through these science 

infrastructures, several research activities have been carried out in the areas and applications of  Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Bioinformatics, Health, Distance Learning. Members and  partners of PREGINET can look forward to the benefits offered by the ARENA-PAC – being  able to maximize research possibilities and forging fruitful collaborations within the networked 

world.”

The ARENA-PAC project is funded by the Asia Pacific Development Trust (APIDT). It is being  operated by the WIDE Project of Japan with the support of the Asia Pacific Network 

Information Center (APNIC)

#thephilipoinesevejtnewstv 

#thephilippinepostnewstoday 

#ScienceForThePeople 

#OneDOST4U 

#DOSTKabalikatMo

#Dostguam

#DOSTASTI

#apnic   

#novutel

#Dostsecretariate

#dostPH

#dostsec

#dostsecsolidum

#samurai

The 3rd PROPAK Philippines Packaging Trade & Expo 2023

 

ProPak Philippines is the leading international processing and packaging trade event for the Philippines. Cpme February 1 to 3, 2023, will happen at the World Trade Center Manila 

 It is the perfect platform for market trends, investments and industry networking through product exchange and a variety of conferences, seminars and technical workshops offering sustainable solutions for the country’s enterprises.

The event provides various industries with access to the latest development in packaging and processing machines and technology from leading companies across the globe. The exhibition delivers a brilliant industry-focused event connecting international suppliers to local and regional buyers in food, drink and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

With supportive governance, the Philippines has forecasted strong and dynamic growth across its industries with the backdrop of rising incomes, expanding & changing consumer demands, and increasing export potential.

Powered by PROPAK

The Brand You Can Trust

The ProPak formula of integrated Processing & Packaging trade exhibitions with associated industry conferences, seminars and events is a winning combination and trusted platform for your business.

Over the last 12 months our portfolio of events covering Asia and China, and held in Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam have connected over 3,000 exhibitors to more than 100,000 buyers and specifiers from across the region.

ProPak events are synonymous with quality, professionalism, service and business. Global connections together with local expertise gives us a deep understanding of industry and markets. All events are endorsed and recognised by local, national and regional trade associations and government bodies and promoted by our experienced and dedicated ProPak teams thereby ensuring the highest quality and quantities of trade professional buyers and specifiers attend.

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PHILIPPINES WEB3 FESTIVAL 2022

 

The Philippine Web3 Festival will showcase the future of Web3 and put a vast array of games, guilds, NFT projects, and crypto VCs together in front of the largest and most engaged web3 audience in the world.

We are inviting the world to see how and why the movement began here in the Philippines while bringing players, builders, and investors together IRL to learn, network, and get real-time, community-based insights into the future direction of Web3.

Featuring a flagship conference, esports tournament, hackathon, and community-led side events all week long, the Philippine Web3 Festival will bring internationally renowned thought leaders to Manila to share the stage with those who have shaped this burgeoning industry.A CELEBRATION AT THE EPICENTER OF WEB3 ADOPTION

The Philippine Web3 Festival will showcase the future of Web3 and put a vast array of games, guilds, NFT projects and crypto VCs together in front of the largest and most engaged web3 audience in the world.

Since play-to-earn took off in 2020, the Philippines has led the global narrative on adoption of blockchain gaming and the development of the open Metaverse. From the dizzying heights of Axie mania, to the creation and proliferation of the guild model, and now, a new wave of web3 startups, the world has watched as Filipinos led the way.

The Philippine Web3 Festival is inviting the world to see how and why the movement began, while bringing players, builders and investors together IRL to learn, network, and get real-time, community-based insights into the future direction of Web3.

Featuring a flagship conference, an esports tournament, a hackathon and community-led side events all week long, the Festival will bring internationally renowned thought leaders to Manila to share the stage with those who have shaped this burgeoning industry. 

The Philippines is the real birthplace of play-to-earn and blockchain gaming adoption. It has one of the highest rates of adoption and engagement globally and represents the best opportunity to see and understand what the future holds for the adoption of Web3 and the future of our industry.

For far too long, Filipinos have been relegated to supporting roles in the technology space. Our adoption of all things play-to-earn, blockchain gaming, and NFTs has shown the world that we are too native to web3 to ignore.

We are inviting the world into our home to showcase our position as a leader in this space.
This is where the future is being created. Come see it firsthand.

BlockchainSpace enables play-to-earn guilds to scale in the metaverse. We build tools to empower the next generation of play-to-earn gamers and guild owners to become successful entrepreneurs by equipping them with scalable infrastructure, digital tools, financing solutions, and networking opportunities.
BlockchainSpace

Yield Guild Games (YGG) s the world’s leading X-to-Earn guild and has been connecting global communities with metaverse-based income since 2020. YGG continues to expand beyond its gaming roots by exploring innovative new economic models and investing in the future of Web3.

Infinity Ventures Crypto (IVC) was founded to empower and invest in pioneering GameFi, DeFi and Web3 startups - with the aim to innovate, build, and catapult forward the next generation of founders.

Emfarsis s an advisory and investing firm based in Asia Pacific focused on crypto, NFTs, open Metaverse and Web3 innovation for social impact.

COOPNET LAUNCHES QR OPERATED ATM PH AT CTECH SUMMIT

 

Coopnet launched the 1st cardless operated teller machine in PH

Makati, Philippines – ” COOPNET augments Bancnet services for banks and other financial institutions who could not roll out Bancnet ATMs due to cost, compliance, and limited capacity of smaller banks. This technology rosters an inclusive system that refined interoperable payment solutions in the country,” DigiCOOP Technology Service Cooperative President Ann Cuisia emphasized.

The Cooperation Network (COOPNET) teller machine is the first cardless teller machine which function using QRCode. During Cooperative Summit ( C Tech 2022) Summit organized by Digital Pilipinas Festival in partnership with Elevandi, an organization founded by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) at the Green Sun Hotel last November 11,2022.

The COOPNET is poised to be a network solution made specifically for financial entities to connect with banks, Bancnet,e-wallets, and remittance centers to facilitate customers’ payment collection and disbursement. It’s QR technology is powered by QRPh, the National QR Code standard in the country regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ( BSP).

Simply downloading the COOPNET Mobile App at COOPNET.online, Google play store, Apple app store, or App Gallery; Filipinos May use the CTMs to cash in, cash out, pay bills, buy e -load, and transfer funds by generating the QRPh code via the application.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085554062042

with photos courtesy of Mr. Joel Solante.///Mj Olvina-Balaguer, 09053611058, konekted@dzmjonline.net and maryjaneolvina@gmail.com DZMJ ONLINE DAWAH ZAKAT MAKABULUHANG JORNALISMO YOUR HAPPINESS CHANNEL

Pinoy’s current fish and seafood consumption and the decline in marine resources

 

The study found that fish from aquaculture like tilapia and bangus, offer lesser nutrients, such as protein and iron, per serving compared to a diverse option of pelagic species like galunggong, matambaka and tuna from wild capture fisheries. Tilapia and bangus are the commonly consumed fish by Filipinos, comprising 26% of total seafood consumption per individual.

Moreover, aquaculture employs fewer people and is more capital intensive, while wild capture fisheries, primarily contributed by marine municipal fishers, provides more livelihood and food security.

“Let us be better stewards of our ocean and enhance the well-being of the present and the future generations,” said Ramos.

This was echoed by Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Director of DOST-FNRI who said that “with food security as one of the new administration’s priority agenda, we hope that the direction of development in the fisheries and fishing industry will be towards achieving better nutrition for Filipinos.”

The study was conducted to determine the role of Philippine fisheries in terms of food security and livelihood at both the national and regional scale; assess future risks to food security and livelihood in the Philippines; and provide advice on policy options to strengthen the contribution of fish in nutrition systems in the face of ecosystem change.

REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS AT NRCP EXPERT CLASS SEASON 3

Experts from the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) are set to synergize their thoughts to come up with science-based framework of strategies or policy recommendations that may help, if not solve, alleviate the impacts of real-world problems affecting the lives of the Filipino or might be the entire humankind across the globe.

The NRCP will launch two (2) of the six (6) episodes of Expert Class Series 3 with Socio-Scientific Iss­­ue-Based Approach to Policy as its overarching theme on 26 October 2022 via hybrid at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, and zoom. Expert Class will be livestreamed on the official Facebook page of NRCP, Research Pod.

The Expert Class Season 3 has six episodes and 13 speakers, and it will run until 19 January 2023. These episodes feature the eight scientific divisions of NRCP from soft sciences to hard sciences.

Below are the details of the Expert Class Season 3.

The method of presentations is made in very light manner and more engaging for the appreciation of the relevant intended participants, particularly the policymakers.

Experts Class is a platform that basically aims to encourage policymakers to use research-based data and policy recommendations in decision making and policy formulation.  It is designed for higher level discussions of issues that are of both national and global interest. (Jenny Leigh A. Daquioag, DOST-NRCP)

https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/feature-articles/1013-real-world-problems-at-nrcp-expert-class-season-3

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.