Makasaysayang Lagdaan ng Memorandum ng Kasunduan sa pagitan ng KWF, NCNDO, at NCNI

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.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 97 to ensure workers can freely form unions, join associations, and exercise their rights without fear.

President Marcos’ order lays down clear rules for government agencies to protect these rights and ensure that rallies and union activities remain peaceful and lawful.

EO No. 97 adopted the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties, directing government agencies to safeguard workers’ rights to unionize, organize, and engage in peaceful concerted activities in line with the Constitution and international labor standards.

The measure reinforces constitutional guarantees protecting workers’ right to self-organization, collective bargaining, and peaceful assembly, addressing concerns raised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) which had called on the Philippine government to act on reported laborers’ concerns.

EO 97 noted that at the 108th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2019, the ILO established a High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) to assist the Philippine Government in addressing reported incidents of violence, red-tagging, and suppression of trade union rights.

The HLTM also recommended immediate and effective actions, including prevention of violence related to legitimate union activities; investigation and accountability for acts of violence against union members; operationalization of monitoring bodies; and assurance that all workers, without distinction, can freely form and join organizations of their choosing.

In 2023, to implement the HLTM’s recommendations, the President through Executive Order (EO) No. 23 created the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, or the Inter-Agency Committee, to take all necessary measures to address the four identified areas of concern.

The order would also promote and safeguard workers’ rights to freedom of association, self-organization, and collective bargaining, with full regard for human, civil, political, economic, and social rights and liberties.

Under the order, key agencies—including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of Trade and Industry, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Security Council—are tasked to align their policies and operations with the guidelines.

The DOLE, through the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, will monitor implementation and compliance, while the Inter-Agency Committee created in 2023 will provide periodic reports to the Office of the President.

Government agencies are also required to incorporate the guidelines into their training, operations, and informational materials to ensure uniform application.

Local government units and the private sector are encouraged to extend full cooperation. | PND

Quezon City, Philippines —  The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), together with Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), Sanlakas, Oriang, and other progressive organizations, march through España towards Mendiola on September 19, 2025, in solidarity with global mass mobilizations to denounce multiple crises worldwide.

PMCJ believes September marks a critical point in the fight against a rotten system that aggravates the climate crisis, as world leaders convene at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly six weeks ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Brazil. It is also a critical time in the Philippines as anomalous flood-control projects linked to corruption are a hot topic. 

“In just three years, the country has poured 545 billion pesos into nearly 10,000 flood-control projects. Yet communities on the frontline are betrayed and left to drown in persistent floods. Shockingly, corrupt government officials and insatiable corporations profit from the chaos in utter disregard of human life. This is not only a failure in governance but also climate injustice down the line. In the Philippines and the rest of the world, we are witnessing the same old playbook: billions of public funds stolen, systems designed to exploit, and a crisis pushed to the brink,” said Ellenor Bartolome, PMCJ senior executive officer for policy, campaigns, and communications.

Bartolome added that investigating these anomalous projects and those of corporate climate offenders should be expedited in time for COP30, whose central goal is to translate the agreements and outcomes of the Global Stocktake into tangible actions and solutions.  “That is why 2025 must not be just another year of broken promises. It must be a year to deliver and be the turning point for real accountability and justice on the ground,” she emphasized.  

“It is high time to demand real solutions to the rampant corruption, environmental destruction, and government neglect in the Philippines. The lives of the affected communities are constantly at high risk due to the intensifying impacts of climate change. In 2024, when the country was hit by 11 storms, including Cyclones Kristine and Leo, which caused the worst destruction, the total damage was over 43 billion pesos. But beyond infrastructure destruction, the biggest climate-related damage is loss of life,” said Ian Rivera, PMCJ national coordinator.

Rivera stressed that the catastrophe worsens because the national government, riddled by corruption, allows greedy multinational and fossil fuel corporations to continue their dirty, costly, and deadly business activities that jeopardize people’s health, livelihood, and homes. 

Despite an allocated budget of 457 billion pesos for climate change initiatives, with 97% allocated to adaptation efforts like disaster readiness, the nation continues to be ravaged by floods and faces increasingly severe disasters. Without a bold investment in cleaner energy and a decisive shift from fossil fuels, the climate crisis will only intensify.

“Today, communities, organizations, and other sectors draw the line against corruption, tyranny, and inequality. This united action is a declaration of global solidarity against preventable death, injustice, corruption, and the climate crisis. Let us create a consistent habit of loud protests and unified opposition to the evil tandem of  corrupt government and rapacious corporations. Let us normalize defiance and vehemently fight for justice for the sake of the next generation’s livable future. The people demand system change through an equitable and just transition to phase out fossil fuels and end inequality, plunder, and tyranny across the world,” Rivera concluded.

Following the success of the 1st Pag-asa Expo at the Manila City Jail yesterday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is planning to roll out the unified government service caravan to the local government units (LGUs) down to the barangay level.

According to DILG Assistant Secretary, Atty. Liavel Badillo-Crisostomo, the Department is mulling the adoption of the Pag-asa Expo by LGUs in hopes of bringing government services closer to the people.

“Hindi po titigil ang Pag-asa expo sa mga BJMP jails. Ibababa rin po namin ito sa mga LGUs,” Crisostomo said  earlier Monday, during the launching of the DILG Pag-asa Expo: Serbisyo at Katarungan Caravan at the BJMP’s Manila City Jail Male and Female Dormitory. “Dahil ang gusto pong makita ni Secretary ay mailapit ang mga serbisyo sa mga tao at makuha po nila ito ng agaran,” she added.

Crisostomo stressed that the Pag-asa Expo is the Department’s initiative to cut down red tape practices in government by putting forward its services to the communities, in line with President Marcos’ call for accessible and efficient public services.

“Wala na po yung mga araw kung saan tayo ay pipili, kung saan tayo ay iiyak para lang makakuha ng serbisyo, dahil pera ng Pilipino ito, serbisyo na dapat ay para sa mga Pilipino. For the people, of the people, and to the people,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary also hopes to continue the roll-out of the Pag-asa Expo to BJMP Jails across the country to end the stigma on PDLs by giving them second chances in life.

“I think this is the epitome of compassionate justice, na magbigyan ng second chance ang mga taong ito [PDLs] na hindi po usually nabibigyan. No one shall be left behind,” Crisostomo explained.

“Ang metric nga po na laging sinasabi ni Secretary (Jonvic Remulla), ‘wag tayong tumingin sa numero, tumingin tayo sa mga taong natulungan,” she emphasized.

Last Monday, about 200 PDLs were provided with Barangay IDs which they can use as supplementary identification for their application to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Additionally, PDLs who are set for release will gain assistance in acquiring NBI Clearances with “No Derogatory Record” through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for purposes such as employment, visa applications and other official requirements. (DILG)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially opened on 10 September 2025 the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) at Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan.”

In his keynote message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. underscored that the annual RSTW is not merely a showcase but a platform to make science and innovation tangible for Filipino communities.

“The RSTW is a platform for bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the Filipinos. It is where ideas meet action, where partnerships turn into progress, and where communities see firsthand how innovations can improve lives,” he said.

He highlighted the agency’s mandate of “ONEDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All,” driven by four strategic pillars: Promoting Human Well-Being, Fostering Wealth Creation, Reinforcing Wealth Protection, and Institutionalizing Sustainability. He also pointed out how Western Visayas continues to see growth in agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, and stressed the need for deeper collaboration.

“Our initiatives have upgraded production systems, enhanced product quality, supported research and development, promoted environmental sustainability, and expanded disaster preparedness through various projects implemented throughout the province, he said adding that these initiatives strengthened industries, empowered communities, and improved the competitiveness of local enterprises.

Sec. Solidum also cited the growth of the first Innovation Hub in Antique and announced the launching of another iHub in Capiz, strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

“All these efforts point toward our subtheme, ‘Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,’ the essence of what we aim to achieve: Agham na Ramdam—communities that are not only productive, but also resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, DOST Region VI Director Rowen R. Gelonga expressed gratitude to local leaders, stakeholders, and partner communities for their active participation.

“Capiz, known as the ‘Seafood Capital of the Philippines,’ is blessed with abundant natural resources and plays a vital role in building the nation’s Blue Economy. This year’s theme reminds us that science and innovation are not only about progress, but about creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all,” he said.

He underscored that RSTW serves as a hotspot for collaboration across government, academe, MSMEs, and private institutions.

“DOST is committed to demonstrating that science-based solutions uplift lives not only here in Western Visayas but across the nation. These tangible initiatives reaffirm our dedication to building a thriving, future-ready regional economy that contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he remarked.

The exhibits this year highlight innovations in aquaculture and fisheries (Waves of the Future), agriculture (Smart Harvests), disaster preparedness (Innovation for Smarter and Safer Communities), learning technologies (Next Gen Science Learning), and robotics (Intelligent Machines). Forums, startup podcasts, and knowledge-sharing sessions also form part of the celebration.

The 2025 RSTW in Western Visayas which was open to the public will ran until September 12, 2025 at the Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, Capiz. This is among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph (Rosemarie C. Señora, DOST-STII)

Malacañang expressed confidence Monday that the Philippines would continue to attract investors despite allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm stance against abuses and irregularities.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos’ strong anti-corruption stance reassures the public of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, which would surely boost investors’ confidence.

“We all know that investors want to invest in countries whose leaders fight corruption, whose leaders are willing to put in jail people who are corrupt, and that is what the President is doing right now,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Ang Pangulo ay matapang na lumabas upang ipaalam sa tao ang maaaring pang-aabuso sa kaban ng bayan. With that, we believe na lahat ng investors ay mas hahangaan ang Pangulo dahil lumalaban sa korapsyon.”

The Palace official said President Marcos is the only leader who initiated an investigation into wide-scale anomalies in infrastructure projects even under his own administration.

“Walang sinuman sa ngayon na nalalaman tayo na pinaimbestigahan niya ang sariling administrasyon; lahat halos ay nagmamalinis,” Castro noted.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, and individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

The President named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as ICI chairperson, and former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as the two ICI members. | PND