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.

Maynilad partners with MPower to advance renewable energy shift

by Info - @Brand Zone | September 10, 2025

Date of release: September 8, 2025

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has signed a new agreement with Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) local retail electricity supplier, MPower, to deliver power to its Poblacion Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa City and 54 other water and wastewater facilities. The partnership supports Maynilad’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and transition to cleaner power sources.

Under the agreement, Poblacion WTP—Maynilad’s newest water treatment facility—has been enrolled in the Retail Electricity Supply (RES) program, where MPower will provide an energy mix of 90% non-renewable and 10% renewable power. MPower will also work with Maynilad to manage the plant’s energy use in preparation for a future increase in renewable share.

In addition, 54 Maynilad facilities—including pump stations, reservoirs, and wastewater treatment plants—are now part of MPower’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), which enables the bulk purchase of electricity and consolidation of accounts for greater operational efficiency.

“These initiatives form part of our broader strategy to optimize energy consumption while reducing our overall environmental footprint,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

In pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2037, Maynilad is implementing a comprehensive strategy centered on the transition to renewable energy sources and the establishment of a carbon sink equivalent to 180,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. As of March 2025, Maynilad aims to increase its reliance on clean energy to 15% of total power requirements, with a target range of 35% to 50% by 2037.

These efforts directly support the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which seeks to reduce the Philippines’ greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in the Philippines in terms of customer base. Its service area includes the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; and the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in the province of Cavite.

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Maynilad

Higit sa tubig ang aming serbisyo

Hotline: 1626

Cavite Toll Free Hotline: 1-800-1000-92837

Bisitahin ang official website: www.mayniladwater.com.ph

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)