Boracay Times

01/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100064616655120/posts/1251724396991437/?app=fbl

31/08/2025

31/08/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 || 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐖 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐏𝐌 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The afternoon sessions of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) featured two parallel R&D Summits that highlighted pioneering projects aligned with regional development priorities.

R&D Summit 1 focused on innovations in textiles, smart mobility, and sustainable urban transport:
Ms. Jona May G. Basit of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) introduced “SEDA Pilipinas,” a groundbreaking project merging traditional Philippine silk weaving with advanced technology to promote sustainable livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage.

Mr. Timothy Joshua Vargas, President and Co-founder of Mobility Vision+, showcased smart mobility solutions that leverage digital platforms and data analytics to improve transportation efficiency in cities.

Dr. Audy R. Quebral, Project Leader of eTram and CEO of Aparri Campus, discussed the development of an eco-friendly transport system aimed at cutting carbon emissions and supporting sustainable urban growth.

These presentations were followed by an engaging open forum where participants exchanged ideas on blending science, culture, and technology for sustainable progress.

R&D Summit 2 centered on community-focused research tackling social welfare, disaster preparedness, and agriculture:
Dr. Noel S. Gunay of Mindanao State University-General Santos introduced “ItWatcher,” an AI-powered 24/7 traffic monitoring system designed to enhance road safety and traffic flow in General Santos City.

Dr. Mary Jane K. Balawag of Notre Dame University presented her study on the psychosocial impact of maternal incarceration on children, highlighting the need for stronger social support systems.

Engr. Christopher A. Benito of the University of Southern Mindanao presented the “USM Center for Flood/Landslide Preparedness and Mitigation,” a project aimed at strengthening community resilience through disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.

Dr. Edward Barlaan showcased his research on cacao varietal fingerprinting, which identifies high-yield and quality cacao varieties to improve farmer productivity and preserve traditional Philippine strains.

31/08/2025

𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Department of Science and Technology –
Camiguin Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Camiguin) convened an engagement meeting with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to advance its initiative of applying for Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Camiguin Lanzones. The discussion centered on the capacity building requirements, the process of filing a GI application, and best practices, ensuring that stakeholders are well-prepared to comply with standards and documentation.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property protection that identifies a product as originating from a specific place, where its quality, reputation, or unique characteristics are linked to its geographic origin. For Camiguin, having the Lanzones recognized under GI will safeguard its authenticity, protect farmers from imitation, and give the product a market advantage. It will also help increase the value of the fruit, support farmer income, and open more opportunities in both local and international markets.

The session was attended by experts from IPOPHL, Engr. John Paul Yu, Atty. Irma Morcillo, and Ms. Emmelina Masanque, and Ms. Jerace Tabalba of DTI Camiguin, who shared valuable insights and guidance for this undertaking.
This initiative reinforces DOST Camiguin’s commitment to empower local farmers, enhance product value, and secure Camiguin Lanzones’ place in the global market through intellectual property protection.

30/08/2025

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧

The Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST), under the leadership of the Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, conducted a two-day monitoring activity for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries in Cagayan Province on August 26–27, 2025.

The activity, organized by the Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) in collaboration with the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–Cagayan and with the participation of the Commission on Audit (COA), was carried out to evaluate the progress of funded projects and ensure the proper use of government resources.

As part of the monitoring, the team visited project sites, validated implementation milestones, and inspected equipment provided under the program. These efforts allowed the group to measure the impact of SETUP on local enterprises and to identify additional areas where support is needed to strengthen business competitiveness.

Since 2023, a total of 26 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cagayan have received ₱32 million in SETUP support. With this assistance, enterprises have been able to adopt innovative technologies, boost productivity, and expand their market reach.

Through these initiatives, DOST Region 02 reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support MSMEs by providing regular monitoring, technical guidance, and science- and technology-based solutions to drive sustainable enterprise growth.

30/08/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 || 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐓𝐀𝐏𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄 - 𝐍𝐂𝐑-𝐥𝐞𝐠.

Out of 53 outstanding entries, these innovative and game-changing inventions emerged as winners and are now set to advance to the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 (𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘):
• 𝗧𝘂𝗸𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆): Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal cream preparation DEMOLLUSCUM in the removing of Molluscum Contagiosum and the Like using Cashew nut oil extract (Anacardium occidentale, Linn.)
• 𝗧𝘂𝗸𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆):Multi-shell Neutron Spectrometer (MuNS), NCR
• 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹: Electromagnetic Power Generating Device, NCR
• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Car Charging and Battery Monitoring System, Merged from REGION X
• 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆: Compost Bin composed of container and insulator, NCR
• 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆: Point-Of-Care (On-Site) African Swine Fever Virus Detection System, NCR
• 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝗼𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆: Anti-Theft Electronic Wireless Cut-Off Engine Starting System: A Motorcycle Helmet Application, NCR
• 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝗼𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆: Vest The Best, NCR
Congratulations again to the winners of the 2025 ClusteRICE NCR!
DOST-TAPI would like to thank DOST- National Capital Region and Philippine Science High School - Main Campus for co-organizing the 2025 ClusteRICE – NCR!

30/08/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 || 𝐏𝐓𝐅𝐎𝐌𝐒, 𝐂𝐇𝐑 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬’ 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security and the Commission on Human Rights formalized on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, a partnership aimed at strengthening the safety and security of media workers across the country.

“The work of journalists is vital in illuminating truth, empowering citizens, and strengthening democracy. Yet, too often, this work is met with harassment, threats, and violence,” said Undersecretary
Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS executive director.

“Today’s agreement is our roadmap for reversing that trend,” he said. “It establishes concrete actions that will provide real protections, prompt responses, and justice for media workers in distress.”

Key initiatives under the partnership include:

• Rapid Response Mechanism: Establishing a hotline, threat assessments, and temporary
protective measures to swiftly address immediate dangers.
• Investigation and Accountability: Strengthening collaboration with legal and investigative
agencies to ensure impartial, timely investigations into attacks.
• Victim Support: Providing legal and psychosocial assistance to victims and their families.
• Capacity Building and Prevention: Conducting gender-sensitive safety training for
journalists and first responders.
• Data Monitoring: Sharing databases on threats, attacks, and investigations to identify patterns and inform policy.
• Legal and Policy Reforms: Advocating for measures to expedite investigations, strengthen
witness protections and address online harassment.
• Resources and Sustainability: Mobilizing human, technical, and financial resources to sustain protection initiatives.
• Engagement and Awareness: Promoting ongoing dialogue with media organizations, civil
society, and the public to foster a culture of respect and responsibility towards journalists.

The partnership underscores the importance of measurable targets, transparency, and continual review to ensure effective implementation.

“Protecting journalists is not just an obligation but a reflection of our commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” said Torres.

27/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AszMRK2dh/

Fun fact: Parrotfish grind up coral with their teeth, digest it, and excrete fine sand—so much of the white sand on tropical beaches actually comes from their digestive systems.

26/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16QUu5nUY8/