DOST-CAR Showcased Science, Technology, and Innovation Milestones in Baguio City and Benguet

by Info / Nelson Santos @Technology | August 15, 2025

PCSO Joins Unified Senior Citizens’ Medical and Dental Mission Program

As part of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Department of Science and Technology – CAR (DOST-CAR) spearheaded a series of major events on August 8, 2025, held in both Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. The activities were led by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., together with DOST executives, regional stakeholders, and media partners.

The day began with an STI Site Visit to Northland Food Products in Baguio City, an adopter of the DOST-FNRI Enhanced Nutribun Technology. The company, assisted by DOST-CAR in 2021 through PSTO-Benguet, launched its "Good Baker" brand featuring squash, carrot, and sweet potato variants of the e-Nutribun. In 2025, it introduced Nutribunnet and Nutricookies, using FNRI’s latest product enhancements. Secretary Solidum lauded the enterprise for supporting the fight against hunger and malnutrition through food innovation.

Following the site visit, DOST-CAR officially launched the DOST-PSTO Baguio-Benguet Innovation Hub (iHUB), strategically located along Governor Pack Road. The iHUB was envisioned as a collaborative space for MSMEs, startups, and academic researchers to access technical support, resources, and S&T-based solutions. Secretary Solidum emphasized the hub’s role in advancing innovation ecosystems and promoting a stronger S&T presence in the region.

A significant highlight of the day was the unveiling of the plaque for the Artificial Groundwater Recharge Facility (AGRF) at the Athletic Bowl in Burnham Park, Baguio City, led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Another AGRF site is situated at the Strawberry Farm in Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet, attended by DOST delegates and La Trinidad, Benguet representatives led by its City Mayor, Hon. Roderick C. Awingan. The AGRF is a climate-resilient, science-based solution to recurring challenges in water scarcity, flooding, and extreme weather. It works by injecting clean rainwater into aquifers through recharge wells during the rainy season, boosting groundwater infiltration and storage. This reduces flood risks, minimizes damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and helps secure a steady year-round water supply. The pilot initiative was funded by the DOST, implemented by ERDB–WWRRDEC under the DOST NICER Program, and is monitored by DOST–PCIEERD.

Capping the day’s lineup of activities, DOST inaugurated the Advanced Manufacturing Center – Cordillera (AMCEN-CAR) at Benguet State University. This marked the first AMCEN in the Cordillera and the fifth in the country, providing local industries and institutions with access to equipment, expertise, and research in advanced manufacturing. The launch demonstrated DOST’s commitment to strengthening regional industrial competitiveness through cutting-edge science and technology.

Through these back-to-back events, DOST-CAR showcased how S&T investments and partnerships are creating tangible impacts across sectors. As host of RSTW 2025, the regional office reaffirmed its mission to bridge innovation and inclusive development for the people of the Cordilleras. (Nelson Santos)

Pagkain, Panata, at Pananalig: Holy Week sa kusina

ni Lester Bautista (OJT) @Life & Style | Apr. 14, 2025

Sa tuwing dumarating ang Mahal na Araw, nagiging panata na ng marami ang pag-aayuno at abstinensya. Ito ay ang hindi pagkain o pagbabawas ng pagkain, at sinasadyang pagpigil ng sarili mula sa mga kasiyahan. Ginagawa ito bilang sakripisyo na huwag kumain ng anumang lutong karne kasabay ng pagtitika at pananalangin.

Isa rin ito sa mga tradisyong matagal nang sinusunod kapag Semana Santa, na kadalasang ginawa ng maraming Katoliko. Pero kung hindi kayang mag-ayuno huwag natin itong pilitin, may ibang paraan naman na puwedeng gawin na makakasunod pa rin sa tradisyong ito.

Dahil hindi okey ang karne, puwedeng alternatibong pagkain ang mga lamang dagat at gulay. Sa ganitong simpleng mga putahe na swak na swak sa budget, mabubusog ka na, magiging healthy ka pa.

Sa unang araw, Lunes Santo, masarap na ulam ang ‘Ginataang Laing’. Dahon ito ng gabi na niluluto sa gata ng niyog na hinaluan ng luya, bawang, sibuyas, at kung minsan ay tinapa o hipon. Solb diyan ang mga tiyan. Sa Martes Santo naman, puwede ang napakasarap na ‘Sinigang na Bangus’.

Maraming klase ito, nasa sa’yo na lamang kung anong luto ang gagawin — sinigang sa miso, sinigang sa bayabas, o sinigang sa sampalok. Tantsa-tantsa lang ang asim niyan at swak na sa panlasa ng buong pamilya. Kung maisipan na magprito sa Miyerkules Santo, perfect d’yan ang ‘Pritong Talong’ na puwedeng samahan ng isda. It’s your choice na better ka-partner, galunggong ba, tilapia, o kahit ano basta fish. Huwag ring kalimutan ang bagoong sa pritong talong.

Well, kung sawa na sa iisang luto ng gulay, ‘Pakbet’ is good for you dahil hindi lang isang gulay kundi sandamakmak pa sila. Nariyan ang kalabasa, sitaw, talong, okra, at ampalaya na perfect match kapag pinagsama-samang veggies, at masarap ihain ‘yan sa Huwebes Santo.

Isa pa sa popular at paboritong food kapag Semana Santa, ang ‘Ginisang Monggo’ na madalas ding kainin tuwing Biyernes. Super sarap nito laluna kung hahaluan ng daing o tinapa. Malinamnam, abot-kaya, at pasok sa panuntunan kapag Biyernes Santo. Maliban sa mga delicious at nutritious ulam, maaaring gumawa ng ‘Salad’, at ‘Lumpiang Sariwa’ pagdating ng Sabado de Gloria.

Fresh, healthy, at easy to make na food. Siyempre importante ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay o Easter Sunday, kung saan ginugunita natin ang muling pagkabuhay ni Hesu-kristo habang binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na magbalik-tanaw sa mga aral na natutuhan sa panahon ng Kuwaresma, at inihahanda rin tayo para sa panibagong yugto ng ating pananampalataya.

Sa araw ng Linggo, puwede na tayong maghanda ng medyo magarbo, selebrasyon ito ng muling pagkabuhay ni Hesus. Maaaring magluto ng baboy, baka, at manok. The best d’yan ang inihaw na pork, kalderetang baka, roasted na manok, etc.

Bukod sa mga putaheng nabanggit, masarap din ang mga kakanin gaya ng suman, bibingka, biko, turon, at puto, laluna sa meryenda sa mga araw ng pag-aayuno.

Sa maraming tahanan, ang paghahanda ng mga akmang pagkain tuwing Holy Week ay hindi lang tungkol sa tradisyon at mga panata kundi ito ay nangangahulugan ng pagsasama-sama ng bawat pamilya sa hapag-kainan sa gitna ng pagninilay-nilay at pagpapasalamat sa pagtubos sa atin ng Panginoon.

At ang pagpili ng mga pagkain sa ganitong mga panahon ay nagpapatunay ng ating malalim na pananampalataya at pagpapakita ng pagsunod sa diwa ng pagsasakripisyo at pananalig.

Ngayong Semana Santa, nawa’y mapuno ng kababaang-loob, pagmamalasakit at pasasalamat ang ating mga kusina habang patuloy tayong mabusog ng pag-asa na bigay ng Poong Maykapal.

Pair-fect Bites: Double the romance with these bang-for-your-buck B1T1 deals at SM this love month

by Info @Brand Zone | Feb. 15, 2025

Specially bundled up for you and your S.O.!

It’s the most romantic time of the year! Yup, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and that means reaffirming your romance with your main squeeze, reminding pals that you care, and extending some much-needed love to yourself. But, let’s face it, it can be a pretty pricey occasion if you’re looking to show some love and appreciation. 

Fear not. We’ve got the real deals here—exclusively bundled up for two! All available with Swipe Coupons via the SM Malls Online app until February 28, our ‘Pair-fect Bites’ bring twice the deliciousness of new and familiar foodie favorites for the price of one. These Buy-1, Take-1 deals are for treating yourself and your S.O. (even third-wheels!) to Cupid-approved eats—and everything in between. 

Bo's Coffee

Coffee dates are a great setting for creating connection and making conversation. Drop by at Bo’s Coffee to get two (2) brews of the same variant for only P199. Choose from their selection of Cold White Brew and medium-sized cups of Froccino Mocha, Hot or Iced Caffe Americano, and Cappuccino. 

Wendy's 

Casual sub-and-burger dinner date for two? That works at Wendy’s—where you can have an easy get-to-know you banter.  Munch on their Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Cheeseburger Deluxe for only P129. 

Taho Story

Skip right to the sweets, and see what you've been missing. Swing by at Taho Story to get in on their buy-1, take-1 Taho with Ice Cream in their 8-ounce Medyo Cute cups. 

Fat Boy's Pizza and Pasta 

Hit Fat Boy’s Pizza and Pasta for a cozy, low-key yet indulgent pizza date night. Their Mega Duo offer allows you to get two (2) orders of their 15-inch Party Size Super Supremo and Hawaiian Pizza for only P699. 

Dunkin’ 

Share a large chocolate cuppa with your S.O. at Dunkin’. Grab their Combo 5 for only P140, which also includes a serving of freshly baked and melt-in-your-mouth Dunkin’ Yan. Nothing says perfect pairing than a decadent chocolate drink and donut sticks. 

Taco Bell

Another shareable is Taco Bell’s Crave and Save pairing at P189. This savory and sweet bundle includes one (1) Burrito Shawarma, one (1) serving of Cinnamon Twists, and (1) 12-ounce cup of soda. Big cravings and savings in one! 

Pancake House

Snack dates are fun, especially if you’re dining at Pancake House. Until March 31, from 2PM to 5PM (Mondays to Fridays), choose any two snacks for only P299 (saving you up to P297!). Pick from the following: 2-piece Classic Pancakes, Original Chicken Burger (classic or spicy), Golden Brown Waffle, Solo Spaghetti with Garlic Bread, or two (2) pieces of Best Taco in Town (classic or spicy). Cozy, midday cravings for feel-good flavor solved!

Candy Corner

Sweets for your sweet! Well, actually, Sour Patch Kids! The watermelon-shaped candy in a Theater Box 3.5oz/99g starts only at P135 from Candy Corner. Definitely perfect for movie nights or just hanging out. 

SWIPE to save

Share all the foodie love with these ‘Pair-fect Bites’ offers from the SM Malls Online app by following these easy steps. 

1. Download the SM Malls Online App and register.

2. Go to the Deals and Shop section to discover hundreds of SWIPE Coupons for mall deals.

3. Save for Later or Redeem your chosen SWIPE Coupon in-store to avail of the promo.

Download the SM Malls Online app today on Google Play and the App Store, to discover more discounts and fresh, fun, and flavorful steals near you.