CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Fortunato de la Peña is set on the goal of intensifying the commercialization of DOST-developed products and technologies in 2020.
De la Peña enumerated some of the agency's areas of accomplishments that he wants to fully commercialize this year ranging from health and medicine, agriculture, and mass transportation.
Foremost in the agenda are the 18 active ingredients discovered in local plants for developments as nutraceuticals and drugs through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD)'s Tuklas Lunas Program.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is also looking at biomedical devices like the Agapay and Tayo that assist injured patients, and the local ventilator called Ginhawa (ReliefVent) which is way cheaper compared to imported ventilators.
“Kung dati nakakakuha lang tayo ng isang puno sa isang mature na coconut fruit, dun sa unang bahagi ng research, naka-exceed ng 300 planting materials ang UP Los Baños from one fruit using tissue culture," de la Peña said.
The DOST is also keen on the promotion of the somatic embryogenesis technology (CSet) for coconut propagation. Secretary de la Peña said there are five institutions currently doing coconut propagation research (UP Los Baños, UP Mindanao, Visayas State University, and Philippine Coconut Authority with its two centers in Zamboanga and Albay).
The technology to improve native livestock through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is also expected to make an impact once applied in commercial livestock production. The project, led by the Marinduque State College, is focused on the proliferation of native pigs.
Commercialization of mass transportation technology developed by the DOST is also a top priority. Secretary de la Peña said the Hybrid Trimaran, currently being developed in New Washington, Aklan, could be possibly launched on the first semester of 2020. The Hybrid Trimaran is envisioned to carry 150 passengers, four vans, and 15 motorcycles.
The DOST is also looking at the 12-horsepower diesel engine developed by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) will have a crucial role in agricultural modernization. Secretary de la Peña said there are two private companies that are very eager to be licensed to manufacture the said engine.