Photo: CRD/DOST-PCAARRD Promising taro cultivars were recently identified through an ongoing research and development (R&D) program funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The program, "Boosting the Taro Industry and Indigenous Crops of the Bicol Region," is being implemented by the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), which aims to enhance taro production and management technologies, as well as increase the utilization of indigenous crops in the B ..read more

Photo: DOST-MIRDC Facebook page On June 13, 2024, in celebration of Philippine Environment Month, the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched the Floating Solid Waste Collector System at the Pasig River Esplanade. Representatives from other local government units in the Greater Manila area were also present at the event. “This Floating Solid Waste Collector System will breathe life and hope towards a greener future," said Manila Mayor Maria Sheila Lacuna-Pangan ..read more

Photo: Central Luzon State University/DOST-PCAARRD Central Luzon is one of the largest goat-producing regions and has the highest number of commercial dairy goat farms in the country. Many of the smallholder dairy goat farmers affected by the pandemic have, at most, 5 milking does that give 0.5 to 0.75 liters of milk/doe per day for about 90 days. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they sold their fresh goat's milk randomly to customers sometimes without proper pasteurization. With the pandemic, they found it more difficult to improve their system, as income decreased. The "Let’s Doe Business" pr ..read more

Photo: Mother Earth Foundation As the Philippines marks its 126th year of independence, the newly established Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance (PNWWA) urges lawmakers to enact a Magna Carta for Waste Workers to secure vital legislative protection. This significant move seeks to recognize the indispensable work of waste workers and waste pickers and address the social and economic challenges they face daily. Formed in February 2024, PNWWA is a coalition of 12 waste worker organizations representing over a thousand members across the archipelago. Their unified voice underscores the ne ..read more

Photo: Agritechnica Asia Facebook page Bangkok, Thailand - The bustling metropolis of Bangkok recently hosted a major event in the agricultural engineering field. From May 22 to 24, 2024, the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) opened its doors for international delegates attending the 25th Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering (TSAE) National Conference and the 17th TSAE International Conference. Concurrent with Agritechnica Asia 2024, the event highlighted the theme "Smart Agricultural Engineering for a Resilient and Sustainable World" and showcased the trends shapi ..read more

Photo: Shenna Kate Torres One of the Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations is to "end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture." Aquaculture, the practice of farming aquatic animals and plants such as fish and seaweed, plays a critical role in achieving food security. The Philippines and the entire Indo-Pacific region are home to various fish species with significant aquaculture potential and increased seafood consumption, therefore requiring genetic monitoring to ensure their populations’ long-term stability. Recognizing ..read more

Photo: J.R. Bellemore/Pexels On May 14 to 17, 2024, the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) held a workshop to improve agricultural production and infrastructure in Camarines Norte. Key stakeholders gathered to develop the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Plan (AFMech) and the Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP) for 2023-2028, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable agricultural industry in the province. The workshop, organized by BAFE's Programs and Projects Management Division (PPMD) in collaboration with the Special ..read more

Photo: UP-MMDA-Vanguard K9 Facebook page (Press release from UPMV K9 Volunteer Corps) The UPMV K9 SAR Corps recently joined the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in a bid to improve the appreciation and care of dogs in local communities, especially those involved in search and rescue (SAR) efforts, through a one-day seminar on canine first aid. Held at the MMDA headquarters in Napindan, Taguig City, last May 31, several disaster response groups, including the MMDA’s own K9 SAR Unit and other K9 SAR volunteers, attended the event. Veterinary professionals covered a wide range of topics ..read more

Photo: PhilSA (Press release from the Philippine Space Agency) The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) turned over space science and technology applications (SSTA) learning kits to public schools and trained educators on equipment usage and integration into learning activities. Three (3) deployments were conducted in Quezon Province, Tarlac City, and the National Capital Region (NCR) on April 16 to 18, April 23 to 25, and May 25 to 26, 2024, respectively. Each SSTA Kit contained two (2) 70mm refracting telescope sets, four (4) handheld radios, two (2) weather sensor units, and two (2) Global Pos ..read more

Photo: Pexels (Press release from DOST-PCIEERD) On May 31, 2024, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Mapua University launched a 24/7 localized weather information and impact monitoring system to help the Philippines prepare for the coming La Niña. Developed by Mapúa University School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering, led by Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy, and supported by DOST's Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydromet Monitoring System (Project WEHLO) w ..read more