Details: Published: 25 September 2023

By Sharah Ibrahim

In a grand celebration of innovation and camaraderie, the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is setting a historic milestone with the unveiling of "Lunduyan 2023" this coming October 2 at the Podium Hall in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

The event, a first of its kind spearheaded by DOST-TAPI, promises a vibrant showcase of 28 trailblazing technologies and innovation projects stemming from a wide array of sectors including Food and Manufacturing, Health and Wellness, Agriculture, Industry, Energy and Environment, and MSMEs.

“Lunduyan 2023 is not just a convergence point of brilliant minds; it is the cradle of our nation’s future, woven from the rich tapestry of our diverse populace. It is here where ingenuity meets experience, where the young and the elderly, the differently-abled, and individuals from every corner of our archipelago — from the highlands of Benguet to the far reaches of Sulu — come together to forge a roadmap to a brighter, more innovative future for the Philippines,” expressed DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena

“Through DOST-TAPI's substantial investments in intellectual property and technology development, we are nurturing homegrown talent and elevating Filipino innovations on the global stage,” Atty. Decena added.

This noble venture is backed by a substantial investment portfolio with DOST-TAPI allocating over P30 million for invention and technology development and intellectual property rights protection, and more than P12 million for commercialization projects for MSMEs as of August 30, 2023.

Matthew Bryan P. Villanueva, the head of the Applied Communications Unit for non-Inventors (ACU-n) projected, "It's not just an event; it's our shot at supercharging local innovation, lighting the path to a future guided by our homegrown brilliance."

"Lunduyan is our platform to spotlight Filipino inventors and innovators, allowing them to introduce their initiatives and amplify their advocacies in science,” Marvin Dela Cruz, head of Applied Communications Unit for Inventors (ACU-i) said.

The initiative is further bolstered by the presence of influential personalities including DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum and revered DOST-TAPI institutional partners, along with a diverse guest list of 200 attendees encompassing national agencies, legislative members, non-profit organizations, CSR companies, private stakeholders, universities, and micro-small medium enterprises.

The event promises not only a rich visual and intellectual feast but aims to fulfill twin goals; celebrating the accomplishments of DOST-TAPI's 2023 Call for Proposal while drawing in potential partners, funders, and collaborators to support the burgeoning Filipino innovation landscape.

As we stand on the cusp of a revolution guided by homegrown talent and innovation, Lunduyan 2023 invites you to witness a tapestry of brilliance, ambition, and collaboration unfold. It is more than an event; it's the beginning of a tradition that pledges to foster the spirit of Filipino innovation year after year.

Details: Published: 19 September 2023

By: Matt Jerome Casequin

Bicutan, Taguig – On September 14, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) took a substantial step towards strengthening data privacy protocols and building public trust. The agency organized a comprehensive Data Privacy Impact Assessment Workshop and Training at the DOST-TAPI AVR.

Spearheaded by the Data Protection Team, Human Resource Unit, and Legal Unit of the agency, this initiative aimed to foster a deeper understanding and adherence to the National Privacy Commission (NPC) guidelines outlined in sections 4, 5, and 6 of NPC Circular 2016-01 and section 6 of NPC Circular 2016-03.

During her opening remarks, DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, accentuated that adherence to data privacy regulations is not only a legal requirement but a cornerstone in building public trust and upholding ethical standards as a public service institution.

Atty. Marion Ivy Decena, DOST-TAPI Director on her opening remarks.

As a part of its mission to bolster data security, DOST-TAPI orchestrated this workshop to enhance the understanding and implementation of Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) — a tool designed to help organizations manage the potential risks associated with handling personal data. The workshop emphasized creating PIAs for every program, process, or measure involving personal data within the agency, aligning with NPC recommendations to embed PIAs in the organization's security policy.

Sir Cleo Martinez, Information Technology Officer II of the National Privacy Commission as he discussed the Privacy Impact Assessment objectives.

Guiding the attendees through the intricacies of PIA was Sir Cleo Martinez, Information Technology Officer II at the National Privacy Commission and Head of the Compliance Support and Advocacy Unit of the commission. Martinez delineated the fundamental principles behind PIA — proportionality, transparency, and legitimate purpose — and underlined its pivotal role in safeguarding stakeholders' information.

Martinez adeptly navigated through the benefits and components of constructing a PIA, providing a deeper insight into the practical ways to mitigate risks associated with data handling. Participants later delved into a practical activity where they designed a mock- up PIA for DOST-TAPI’s Venture Financing program, a hands-on approach to understanding the theoretical concepts discussed earlier.

Atty. Israel Jacob Zaragoza, head of Legal Unit and Data Protection Team, on his closing remarks.

The event witnessed participation from representatives across all DOST-TAPI divisions, and was concluded by Atty. Israel Jacob Zaragoza, who urged everyone to cultivate a culture where data privacy is seen not just as a mandate but as a foundational principle entrenched in the agency's philosophy.

As DOST-TAPI navigates the path of advancing data privacy protocols, this workshop marks a significant stride in promoting a future where public trust and data security go hand in hand. It represents a commitment to not only adhering to the established regulatory frameworks but also fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility.

About National Privacy Commission

The National Privacy Commission is the Philippines’ privacy regulator; an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and to monitor and guarantee compliance of the country with global standards set for data protection.

As the nations’ data privacy authority, the National Privacy Commission is committed to protect the personal information of data subjects and to foster a culture of privacy towards a competitive, knowledge-based, and innovative nation.