DOST Region 2 strengthens technology transfer through fairness opinion

by Info @Brand Zone | September 23, 2025

To ensure that innovative technologies from local research institutions find their way to industry partners, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 continue to advance its efforts in technology transfer and commercialization through a series of Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) Meetings. 

Recently, the Fairness Opinion Report (FOR) for the C-TRIKE technology, a locally developed transport innovation by Cagayan State University, was endorsed for adoption by LMPRESS Corp. in Iguig, Cagayan. This adoption highlights the region’s push for sustainable mobility and the utilization of homegrown solutions to address community needs.

In another FOB Meeting, the adoption of Isabela State University’s (ISU) 3-flavored duck egg technology was endorsed for Aqu Chick Boy Meat Shop & General Merchandise in San Mateo, Isabela. This flavored duck egg innovation aims to add value to traditional products, create agribusiness opportunities, and support local enterprises.

The FOB Meeting was facilitated by the FOB Secretariat under the leadership of Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, ensuring that the evaluation process was transparent, participatory, and aligned with DOST’s technology transfer guidelines.

Mandated under the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (RA 10055), the Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) is an independent body of experts that reviews technology transfer agreements to ensure they are fair, reasonable, and beneficial to both research institutions and industry adopters, safeguarding public interest while fostering stronger research-industry collaboration.

Through these technology adoptions, DOST-02 continues to fulfill its mission of bridging research outputs to industry applications, empowering local businesses, and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Pahayag ng PhilHealth sa anunsyo ng pangulo ukol sa pagbabalik ng pondo

by Info @Brand Zone | September 23, 2025

Malugod na tinatanggap ng PhilHealth ang anunsyo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hinggil sa pagbabalik ng P60 Bilyong pondo sa PhilHealth. Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa kanyang patuloy na suporta at malasakit sa pagpapalakas ng sistemang pangkalusugan upang tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino ay makatanggap ng abot-kaya at de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan.

Ang mahalagang hakbang na ito ay patunay na tiwala ang pamahalaan sa kakayahan ng PhilHealth na magbigay ng proteksyong pampinansyal sa lahat ng Pilipino.

Ipinapangako namin na ang pondong ito ay gagamitin nang may buong katapatan, integridad, at transparency. Ito ay upang higit pang mapabuti at mapanatili ang mga benepisyong natatanggap ng aming mga miyembro, lalo na sa harap ng tumataas na gastusing medikal at nagbabagong pangangailangan sa kalusugan.

Nanatiling matatag ang PhilHealth sa misyon nitong maghatid ng Mabilis, Patas, at Mapagkakatiwalaang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Makakaasa kayong patuloy naming pagsusumikapang pagandahin at palawakin ang aming mga benepisyo.

Kasama ang pambansang pamahalaan at iba pang katuwang, sama-sama nating iangat ang antas ng kalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Maynilad expands sewer network infrastructure to over 650 kilometers

by Info @Brand Zone | September 18, 2025

Photo: Maynilad has expanded its sewer network to 653.7 km as of mid-2025—up from 425 km in 2006—and now operates 24 Water Reclamation Facilities with a combined capacity of 743.5 MLD. Date of Release: September 18, 2025

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has expanded its sewer network infrastructure to 653.7 kilometers as of the first half of 2025—up from only 425 kilometers in place before the company’s re-privatization in 2006. This expansion supports the ongoing development of wastewater facilities aimed at improving sanitation and reducing pollution across the West Zone.

Sewer pipelines are laid significantly deeper than water lines and often require complex coordination with multiple agencies for road restoration and utility alignment. The expansion reflects Maynilad’s continued investment in essential wastewater infrastructure despite the inherent technical and logistical challenges.

As of the first half of 2025, Maynilad operates 24 Water Reclamation Facilities (WRFs) across its concession area, with a combined treatment capacity of 743.5 million liters per day (MLD).

“We continue to expand our wastewater infrastructure to help meet long-term sanitation needs and environmental standards,” said Engr. Zmel Grabillo, Maynilad’s Head of Wastewater Management. “Beyond treatment plant construction, the installation of underground sewer lines is a critical component of this effort.”

As part of its ₱163-billion total capital investment program for 2023 to 2027, Maynilad has lined up the construction of five additional Water Reclamation Facilities (WRFs) with a total added capacity of 314 MLD, along with approximately 60 kilometers of new sewer pipelines. Beyond this program, the company’s business plan provides for the further expansion of its sewerage system through the end of its concession in 2047—including the development of 10 more WRFs and the installation of over 300 kilometers of additional sewer lines. These initiatives support Maynilad’s commitment to achieve 76% sewerage coverage by 2046, with the remaining areas to be served through scheduled sanitation services.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.