By: Matt Jerome Casequin
In the vast landscape of scientific advancement and technological evolution, one entity stands out as a beacon of progress—the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI). Established under the visionary Executive Order No. 128 on January 30, 1987, DOST-TAPI has not only weathered the winds of change but has metamorphosed into a formidable force, transcending its initial role as the Department of Science and Technology's conduit for technology commercialization and service marketing.
(DOST-TAPI Building facade located at the DOST Compound, Bicutan Taguig City.)
As we turn the pages of time and cast our gaze upon the not-so-distant past, the year 2023 emerges as a pivotal chapter in DOST-TAPI's narrative. We embark on a journey to unravel the milestones carved in the history of the institute, passionately advocating a culture of innovation. As we delve into the transformative accomplishments and groundbreaking initiatives that have propelled DOST-TAPI to the forefront of fostering innovation and steering the nation towards a future defined by scientific excellence.
In 2023, the institute experienced numerous firsts, representing a significant advancement for DOST-TAPI as it achieved unprecedented milestones and remained steadfast in delivering the following initiatives.
TAPI as a Ideation Body
With the unwavering guidance of Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, DOST-TAPI's promotion and commercialization team proudly embarked on a series of commendable initiatives, setting the tone for a promising first quarter of the year.
(Photos from the Inventouring workshops happened from February to March 2023.)
Led by its Applied Communications Unit for Inventors (ACU-i), the institute elevated its efforts by organizing four Inventouring activities: A Regional Proposal Enhancement Writeshop for Filipino Inventors in Zamboanga City from February 26 to March 3, 2023; Baguio City from March 5-9, 2023; Catanduanes from March 28-30, 2023; and National Capital Region on March 21-22, 2023. It was also during Inventouring 2023 that the requests for Intellectual Property Rights Assistance, which usually took months to fast track, were efficiently processed within that day, indicating proficiency on our end.
(Photos from the TechnoByahe sessions happened in March 2023.)
The Applied Communications Unit for Non-Inventors (ACU-n) on the other hand, organized four TechnoByahe Proposal writeshops to advocate for the Commercialization Programs of DOST-TAPI in Puerto Princesa City from March 1-3, 2023; in Bicutan, Taguig from March 6-8, 2023; in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte from March 14-16, 2023; and in Batangas City from March 22-24, 2023.
Strengthening the Innovation Pathway
DOST-TAPI further fortified its array of activities through the backing of externally-funded projects. In 2023, the Institute successfully implemented three projects that consistently yielded notable accomplishments.
Foremost among them is the Expansion of Market for Eminent Entrepreneurial Transition, abbreviated as the E-MarkET Project which serves as the entry point for the Internationalization Program in assisting inventors and/or innovators in commercializing their technologies in the international market. Throughout the year, the project initiated the creation of three market intelligence reports, each focusing on three technologies and spanning three countries.
(Photos from the post evaluation for the first two years of the SciTech Superhighway project.)
Lastly, we have the DOST-IP Management and Protection of Rights or Ownership against Violations and Encroachment or DOST-IMPROVE, that aims to benchmark and develop the in-house capability of DOST-TAPI in the protection and enforcement of the IPRs and Ownership of DOST on its funded technologies and safeguarding against violations and encroachments.
(Photos from the IP Enforcement training conducted by the DOST-IMPROVE team.)
It was also during the year 2023 that DOST-TAPI actively sought alternative mechanisms to garner additional support for the implementation of its programs, projects, and activities. One notable approach involved the submission of the Invent School Program (ISP) and the Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE), both targeting the youth and education sectors, for potential inclusion in the National Priority Plan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
(Photos from the Invent School Program and Project Scining in Basilan.)
A noteworthy achievement for DOST-TAPI was the unprecedented inclusion, qualification, and certification of these programs in the 2023 National Priority Plan. This initiative not only contributed to meeting the funding requirements for several programs and projects but also played a pivotal role in reinforcing existing partnerships and fostering new collaborations. The collaboration with NEDA's National Priority Plan proved instrumental in enhancing support for the Institute's endeavors.
Firsts of Many for the Institution
Following the Call for Proposals for the Institute’s invention, innovation, and technopreneurship programs, a groundbreaking, first-ever culminating event called Lunduyan took place on October 2, 2023, at the Podium Hall, Mandaluyong City. This event recognized the ingenuity of innovation leaders and celebrated partnerships forged to achieve common goals. Lunduyan also showcased local S&T champions and advocated support for DOST-TAPI Programs, initiatives, and advocacies aimed at enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem.
(Photos from the Lunduyan event happened on October 2, 2023.)
To promote and market Philippine inventions in the Asian market, as well as to facilitate collaboration and networking, delegates Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, Ms. Rodelia R. Padilla, and Mr. Marvin Eric O. Dela Cruz participated in the Seoul International Invention Fair 2023. This international presence not only showcased Filipino ingenuity on a global scale but also enhanced the value of featured DOST-developed technologies, creating significant opportunities through the awards and recognitions received.
(Photos from the SIIF awarding in South Korea on October 2023.)
Readiness to Global Stage
Aside from the platform given on the SIIF event in South Korea, another noteworthy achievement for DOST-TAPI was when Director Decena attended the Nineteenth session of the Asian and the Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) Governing Council in Uzbekistan. At this session, she was elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Governing Council of APCTT, reinforcing DOST-TAPI's commitment to international collaboration and technology transfer.
(Photos from the 19th session of the APCTT governing council in Uzbekistan.)
Prior to that, January 2023, Director Decena, actively engaged in two international events in the USA, furthering efforts to benchmark and gain insights into international business and consumer dynamics – 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; and the 2023 Philippine Business Mission in San Francisco, California, USA.
While another DOST-TAPI colleague virtually participated in the Innovative Public Procurement event in July 2023 organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).
TAPI on DOST-Wide Events
The Institutional Support for Technology Expositions (ISTE) Program played a crucial role in promoting DOST-generated and assisted technologies through the organization of ClusteRICE, a competition showcasing DOST's technologies and latest discoveries in science and technology, in various regions: North Luzon Cluster on September 27-28, 2023, in San Fernando, La Union; Mindanao Cluster on October 4-5, 2023, in Cagayan De Oro; Visayas Cluster on October 17-18, 2023, in Cebu City; South Luzon Cluster on October 19-20, 2023, via virtual conferencing; and National Capital Region on October 19-20, 2023, in Pasay City.
ISTE co-conducted the National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) 2023 from October 25 to 28, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The event included the ScienHayag or Gawad Alunig x Dalumat awarding ceremonies on its last day.
They also led the 2023 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) contributed to the promotion of various DOST technologies, programs, and services under the theme "Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan" or "Creating and Protecting Wealth for a Sustainable Blue Economy."
Furthermore, the Handa Pilipinas: Innovations on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Expo comprised three legs in 2023 – Luzon Leg with the theme "Megacities at Risk" on July 27-29, 2023, in Pasay City; Mindanao Leg with the theme "Enhancing Resiliency and Sustainability for Mindanao" on October 4-6, 2023, in Cagayan De Oro City; and Visayas Leg with the theme "STY Yolanda Remembered: Understanding Risks and Preventing Disasters" on November 8-10, 2023, in Tacloban City. The exposition aimed to raise public awareness and adoption of DOST-developed technological innovations related to risk reduction and management, specifically designed for disaster preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
They have also spearheaded the Regional Science & Technology Week (RSTW) 2023, National Science & Technology Week (NSTW) 2023, and National Inventors’ Week (NIW) 2023 which all embody collaborations and celebration to the significant contributions of science and technology to national development.
TAPI as a Cornerstone to Innovation and Commercialization
DOST-TAPI remains actively engaged with stakeholders, providing support from the conception of ideas to technology commercialization, promotion, and marketing. The accomplishments under the Invention and Development Division (IDD) – The Invent School Program (ISP) conducted 13 seminar workshops for 85 schools across four regions; the Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP) successfully filed 209 IP applications; the Concept Prototyping Program evaluated two promising projects successfully; the Grants and Assistance to Leverage Innovations for National Growth (GALING) Program provided assistance to 19 inventors and their projects; and the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNICOM 2.0) featured seven exemplary projects, all of which received approval for financial grants.
Within the Investment and Business Operations Division (IBOD), the Venture Financing Program (VFP) has made significant strides. In the previous year, TAPI disbursed a total amount of ₱12,662,927.21 for projects approved by the Executive Committee, with a predominant focus on the manufacturing sector. Currently, the team from IBOD is actively developing an Expanded Venture Financing Program to enhance its support to the intended beneficiaries. This initiative reflects our continuous commitment to evolving and optimizing our assistance programs for the benefit of those we serve.
In our continuous efforts to enhance support for Filipino inventors, the Innovation and Technology Lending (I-Tech) Program Guidelines are currently undergoing revision in collaboration with the LandBank of the Philippines.
Simultaneously, DOST-TAPI and LandBank have successfully disbursed the assistance amount in January 2023 to AV88 Corporation for its 2022 approved project, "Industrial Bamboo Wall and Floor Panels'’.
Additionally, for the Honing Innovation, Research, Agreement, and Negotiation of Government-funded Technologies 2.0 (HIRANG 2.0) Program, DOST-TAPI issued Admin Order No. 2023-015, initiating the revision of Program Guidelines following a series of meetings and collaborations with consultants and stakeholders. This reflects our commitment to continually improve and adapt our programs to better meet the needs of our stakeholders and beneficiaries.
The Marketing Assistance Program (MAP) under the Technology Information and Promotion Division (TIPD), the division responsible for elevating awareness and promoting innovation system strategies, provides comprehensive technical support, starting with in-depth market research to understand the market landscape and identify potential opportunities. Extends support to the actual implementation of identified marketing strategies, serving as a reliable companion to guide inventors through practical steps needed to bring their visions to life in the commercial world.
The Tapestry of TAPI
The driving force behind every achievement and ongoing enhancement in DOST-TAPI's programs and services is its dedicated workforce. Recognizing the vital role of its employees, the institute, through its Finance and Administrative Division's Human Resource Section, has been unwaveringly offering support to its staff. This commitment aims to cultivate and elevate the intellectual capital of the organization, considering it a valuable asset, essential for the success of companies and organizations like ours.
With the concerted efforts of all personnel within the Institute, guided by the leadership of our Director, we achieved an outstanding overall weighted physical performance of 115.61%.
In delving into the financial highlights of DOST-TAPI for the calendar year 2023, this Annual Financial Report underscores a strategic and responsible approach to financial management. Throughout the year, DOST-TAPI meticulously executed a disbursement plan, allocating resources with precision. This reflects our unwavering commitment to effective fund utilization, ensuring that financial resources are deployed in alignment with the Institute's mission to advance technology application, invention development, and promotion initiatives through its various projects and programs.
To further advance and enhance the ongoing thrust and initiatives of the institute towards achieving its long-term goals, DOST-TAPI has actively engaged in the Philippine Governance System (PGS) under the guidance of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA). With the participation of DOST-TAPI's top management and core personnel, the institute successfully formulated the strategic architecture, determined its strategic position, and established a clear agenda for the period from 2023 to 2034. This strategic planning process unfolded during the initial phase on October 9, 2023, and was followed by Phases 2 and 3 conducted on November 28-29, 2023.
(Photos from Phases 2-3 of the PGS workshop led by ISA last happened in October 2023.)
Led by the Planning Unit under the Office of the Director, DOST-TAPI successfully conducted mid-year and annual strategic planning workshops, among other initiatives. These workshops have proven instrumental in enabling the Institute to identify effective strategies, fostering a more efficient implementation of its mandated functions, programs, and services. The commitment to strategic planning reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of innovation and technology development.
DOST-TAPI as an Award Bearer
DOST-TAPI takes pride in the institutional awards and recognitions it earned in 2023 including 58th Anvil Awards for Specialized PR Program Category for its citizen journalism program, Gawad Alunig x Dalumat: Empowering Science Stories Through Citizen Journalism. Gawad Alunig x Dalumat is among the 400 entries that were meticulously evaluated by a panel of PR professionals and multi-sectoral juries. The Anvil Awards is presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and is the symbol of excellence in public relations.
(Photos from the awarding ceremony of Anvil Awards 2023.)
Two Golds from Marketing Excellence Awards 2023 named Excellence in Public Sector / Non-Profit Marketing for the campaign: Project SciNing. This category acknowledges outstanding public sector or non-profit efforts that effectively raised awareness and achieved business objectives for government initiatives, community services, and NGOs. DOST-TAPI's Project SciNing, launched in 2022, aims to overcome challenges in promoting science and innovation literacy, especially in underserved areas with limited resources and conventional teaching methods; and the Excellence in Relationship Marketing for the campaign: Gawad Alunig x Dalumat. This category acknowledges campaigns, strategies, or programs that emphasize building long-term engagement by avoiding intrusive advertising and sales messages. Judges seek entries that prioritize loyalty through open communication and personalized messaging or offers.
(Photos of two trophies representing awards from the Marketing Excellence Awards 2023.)
Another is the Pagasa Awards under the Honor Awards Program (HAP). In partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), this awarding activity highlighted the commitment of DOST-TAPI to excellent contributions and achievement of our employees in delivering public service, especially in the field of science, technology, and innovation sector. DOST-500 Specialist named Regional Winner for 2023 Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award for Outstanding Government Service.
(Photos from the HAP Awarding for Pagasa Awards Regional winners.)
TAPI also received recognition as a dedicated partner institution at the Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards. Organized by the FOI-Project Management Office under the Presidential Communications Office, the 2023 FOI Awards highlighted DOST-TAPI for its outstanding initiatives in promoting inclusivity. The institute was acknowledged for making information accessible through innovative digital platforms, community engagement programs, and collaborative partnerships, establishing itself as a beacon of progress in open and accountable governance, wherein Mr. Rizalniño L. Noble, one of TAPI’s FOI officers, was awarded for being one of the Best FOI Receiving Officers in the country.
(Photos from the 2023 FOI Awarding ceremony.)
Two Best Poster Awards were garnered by the team from the Invention Development Division (IDD) from the 2023 University of Rizal System National Research and Extension Advocacy Conference for Change. One for the Locally Developed Technologies from Student Researches as Emerging Innovation Players in the Philippines: Benchmark for Academic Institutions, presented by Caezar Angelito Arceo; Romel R. Neri; Jomari J. Lasay; and Mark Angelo B. Lasala. The second one is for the Trends in Bamboo-Based Technology Development Using Philippine Government-Assisted Intellectual Property Portfolio given to Atty, Marion Ivy D. Decena; Caezar Angelito Arceo; Jomari J. Lasay; Janeth Vidal; and Mark Angelo B. Lasala.
As we conclude this enlightening exploration into the remarkable milestones of DOST-TAPI in the year 2023, it becomes abundantly clear that the institute has not merely adapted to change but has embraced it with fervor, emerging as a beacon of innovation and progress. In a world where the pace of technological evolution is relentless, DOST-TAPI's persistent commitment to delivering groundbreaking efforts and reaching new heights echoes a resounding promise for the future. The echoes of 2023 reverberate with the triumphant spirit of an institute that not only charts the course of innovation but sets sail with unwavering determination, steering the nation towards a horizon illuminated by the brilliance of scientific excellence. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we eagerly anticipate the continued adventure of DOST-TAPI's journey, as it continues to shape the landscape of innovation and inspire generations to come.
