The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1) successfully brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders at the 2025 Regional SETUP & CEST Summit held on September 16, 2024, at Hotel Ariana & Restaurant, Paringao, Bauang, La Union. The event, spearheaded by the Regional Program Management Office of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, served as a venue to highlight success stories, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships for innovation and sustainability.

In her keynote message, DOST 1 Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog described the gathering as a high-level conference that signifies the participants’ greatest achievements. She urged the attendees to treasure both good and difficult experiences, as these shape competence and drive innovation. “We all strive for success, and as Tony Robbins once said, ‘The path to success is to take massive, determined action.’ That action begins now,” she emphasized, inspiring technopreneurs and community leaders to continue learning and innovating for a brighter and more sustainable future.

The morning session focused on technology and innovation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). On behalf of Balik Scientist Dr. Albert J. Causo, Engr. Nicole Abejuela underscored DOST’s support for beneficiaries through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Ms. Johnestle Loi Cena also introduced the CUATRO program, designed to bridge gaps between entrepreneurs and suppliers, describing it as a one-stop transformation platform that fosters growth for businesses and future-proofing policies for communities.

The afternoon sessions, dubbed “CESTsions,” centered on the theme “CESTalk: Circular Economy Demystified.” Ms. Aloha May Renion of DENR Regional Office discussed the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, which holds companies accountable for managing plastic packaging waste while promoting eco-friendly practices. Mr. Drake Lim of SM City La Union highlighted the Waste Free Future campaign, which recycles materials, processes food waste into compost, and converts cooking oil into biofuel. Engr. Edison Acosta of DOST-Ilocos Sur concluded the discussions by emphasizing the role of the circular economy in creating new opportunities for innovation through renewable energy, biodegradable packaging, and waste-to-product technologies.

The Summit closed with an open forum where participants shared insights and suggestions on sustainability and innovation. Overall, the 2025 Regional SETUP & CEST Summit stood as a platform for collaboration and inspiration, reinforcing the role of science, technology, and innovation in building smarter, more competitive, and sustainable communities in Region 1. (Alyzza Jane N. Gapuz and Gemma Mae Cabilan)

Access to science and technology just got closer to home!

Through the partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the BPI Foundation, Inc., represented by Mr. Geronimo G. Torres, four schools in Misamis Occidental received brand new computer units installed with the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) — a DOST-developed digital library that brings thousands of science and technology resources right into the classroom.

The BPI Foundation donated these computer units for free, recognizing the pressing need to provide access to digital learning tools and information resources, especially for students in geographically isolated areas. One of the beneficiary schools is even located at the foot of a mountain — proof that learning knows no boundaries.

This initiative is part of BPI Foundation’s commitment to distribute 80 computer units nationwide by the end of the year, empowering more learners to access STARBOOKS and explore a world of science, technology, and innovation even without internet connection.

Beneficiaries of this turnover include Guiban Elementary School and New Casul Integrated School in the Municipality of Concepcion, and Napangan Integrated School and Nueva Vista National High School in the Municipality of Don Victoriano.

Held at the DOST Misamis Occidental Innovation Hub, the ceremony marked another milestone in bringing Agham na Ramdam — science that uplifts communities, bridges the digital divide, and opens doors of opportunity for learners across Misamis Occidental.

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 02 (DOST R02), led by Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera and represented by Dr. Raquel B. Santos, participated in the Committee Meeting to deliberate on the Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the Local Government Unit of Tuguegarao City, DOST R02, Isabela State University (ISU), and the University of Saint Louis (USL) for the implementation of the project titled “Optimization of Decision Support System for Effective e-Governance (ODeSSEE) towards Strengthening Communities in Cagayan Valley.”

Present during the meeting were Dr. Albert A. Vinluan, Project Support Staff III from ISU; Dr. Darin Jan C. Tindowen, Project Support Staff I from USL; Dr. Marie Rose Mora of USL; Ms. Rodora B. Santos, PTA V of DOST R02; and Engr. Niko Angelo S. Tabangin, PTA V of DOST R02.

After the discussion, the Tuguegarao City Committee on Rules, Laws, and Ethics, chaired by Atty. Mark Aldous Baccay, endorsed the conduct of the MOA signing with the partner institutions. This initiative demonstrates commitment toward the collaborative implementation of Project ODeSSEE in Tuguegarao City, which will strengthen flood pre-emptive planning, enhance e-governance, and advance data-driven decision-making in line with the vision of building a resilient and sustainable Cagayan Valley Smarter City Belt.

Quezon City, Philippines — Communities from Barangays Pinamucan, Libjo, and Malitam in Batangas City, together with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), sent a letter to Ayala Corporation (Ayala Corp) on Oct. 6, 2025, calling on the latter to support just energy transition to renewables instead of fossil fuels.

Ayala Corp AC Energy (ACEN)’s Ace Enexor (ENEX) owns 50 percent of the Batangas Clean Energy (BCE) Project, which includes a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and a combined cycle gas turbine power plant. PMCJ has long been arguing that fossil gas is never clean as it releases harmful pollutants that can contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular diseases. 

“A peer-reviewed study published in 2024 found that LNG has 33 percent higher greenhouse gas emissions than coal. The actual burning of gas accounts for only about a third of the total emissions. Gas is still a fossil fuel and therefore not a cleaner alternative to coal,” said Larry Pascua, PMCJ senior energy officer.

In 2023, the five barangays in Batangas City requested an investigation into the health impacts of five operating fossil gas plants in Barangays Dela Paz, Ilijan, Malitam, Sta. Rita Karsada, Tabangao Ambulong, and Tabango Aplaya. Communities living near the dirty projects experience skin and cardiovascular diseases.

“The fight against the BCE Project is a fight for our children and the future generation of Batanguenos. We have visited various offices, pleading with them to stop making our province an LNG hub. In 2022, ACEN announced its full divestment of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) coal-fired power plant. We are calling on Ayala Corp: If you are serious about your renewable energy push, withdraw from the BCE Project!” said Agnes Ilagan, PMCJ Batangas province lead on climate and energy transition.

Elle Bartolome, PMCJ senior executive officer for policy, campaigns, and communications, stressed that  Ayala’s 2020 Environmental and Social (E&S) policy aims to achieve a low-carbon portfolio by 2030 through increased investment in renewable energy and divestment from coal assets. This enabled them to outline their net-zero roadmap, but its concrete realization would mean a total exit from the fossil fuels playing field.

“The world is all eyes on Ayala since it took the world’s first market-based Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) in 2022. A total success for this bold ambition would be for Ayala to take a decisive step to divest its share in BCE and channel all these resources into renewable energy projects. Doing so would not only accelerate the transition to 100% renewables but also reduce Ayala’s exposure to the increasing health, regulatory, financial, and reputational risks associated with fossil fuel investments. This is a critical moment for them to demonstrate strong leadership toward a sustainable, resilient, and democratic energy future in the Philippines,” Bartolome said.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this statement to address a recent advisory from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) dated October 7, 2025. The advisory concerns requiring owners of electric vehicles (EVs) to secure certification from the DOE as a prerequisite for the number coding exemption implemented along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Section 25(a)(2) of Republic Act No. 11697, also known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), provides an exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program or number coding implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other relevant agencies. This exemption is valid for eight years from the Act’s implementation and applies to all electric vehicles.

To support the implementation of non-fiscal incentives under EVIDA, including the number coding exemption, the DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2023-05-0012, as amended by DC2025-09-0015, known as the Electric Vehicle Recognition Guidelines. This circular establishes the process for recognizing and classifying EVs, such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). The DOE maintains a list of recognized EV models on the EV Industry Portal (www.evindustry.ph).

The DOE remains committed to the effective and harmonized implementation of the EVIDA Law and continues to collaborate with partner agencies, including the LTO, MMDA, PNP-HPG, DILG, and LGUs, to promote the country’s transition toward sustainable and low-emission mobility. (DOE)

The September 2025 inflation outturn is within the BSP’s forecast range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent. Inflation is projected to average below the low-end of the target range in 2025, primarily due to the easing of rice prices in previous months.

The outlook for inflation is broadly unchanged. For 2026 and 2027, inflation is expected to settle within the 3.0% + 1.0 ppt target range. Inflation expectations also remain well-anchored. Nonetheless, higher rice tariffs and rising global food prices could raise supply-side pressures over the policy horizon. Meanwhile, higher electricity rates could be offset by expectations of subdued global oil prices owing to a stable production outlook.

The Monetary Board observed that domestic demand has held firm. However, the impact of US policies on global trade and investment continue to weigh on global economic activity. This could temper the outlook for the Philippine economy.

For the upcoming policy meeting, the Monetary Board will review newly available information and reassess the impact of prior monetary actions in light of evolving economic conditions and their implications for inflation and growth. (BSP)