Inventions in health and environment preservation named in the newly revitalized BPI-DOST Innovation Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Young Filipino innovators from all-over the country display their wits and creativity through their inventions presented in the first-ever BPI-DOST Innovation Awards 2022 held on October 28, 2022 at the Holiday Inn, Makati City.


The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in partnership with the BPI Foundation Inc., has named the top three inventions that aim to help solve pressing issues on immunization, environment, and health. These projects emerged as winners of the new BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, formerly known as the BPI Science Awards.


Earning the maiden award is St. Louis University in Baguio City with their project entitled: “TaniKalusugan-BlockVax: A Digitized Immunization Records System using Blockchain Technology,” which is a digitized immunization records system that tracks all the vaccinations taken by each person in the country. It aims to provide ease to health practitioners in organizing and managing immunization data of all Filipinos while keeping the data safe. The team is composed of Charles Marco M. Obispo, Hanna Louiza R. Manalang, and Roby F. Soriano, together with their project adviser Kasima Rose M. Mendoza.

 


Young innovators from the University of the Philippines – Visayas also received the BPI Innovation Award with its “Carbon Quantum Dots as Innovative Materials for Detection and Removal of Selected Aquatic Pollutants.” This project explored the potential application of nanomaterials as nano-catalysts for photodegradation of harmful organic pollutants and as nanoprobe for the detection of heavy metals in aquatic environments. The project is crafted by team members Lorraine Ann F. Mana-ay, Maridel S. Somejo, and Steve C. Turita, together with their project adviser Concepcion P. Ponce.


The third winner is University of Santo Tomas’ “Artificial Intelligence-Based Prediction of Colorectal Cancer using miRNA Expression,” which designs, trains, and tests artificial neural networks in predicting the likelihood of colorectal cancer in patients using levels of expression of specific miRNAs found in blood plasma and colorectal tissue samples.


“We aim to challenge our young minds to create innovations that matter for the betterment of our communities and ultimately, our country. We hope to have inspired the young people of today to continue using their gifts to make significant contributions to the country and to help improve the lives of every Filipino,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen L. Cammayo.


DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo also expressed her gratitude to the BPI Foundation for its continued support and partnership in the Institute’s advocacy of developing the next generation of science leaders. “Trust that the DOST-SEI will continue to strengthen its efforts to develop a critical pool of science and technology professionals and to provide opportunities for young innovators like you to pursue significant and valuable careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Dr. Biyo.


The winners were named after completing workshops on presentation skills, innovation, and creative entrepreneurship, design thinking, patent, technology marketing and commercialization, and collaboration and networking.

Stamp Bazaar at the Manila Central Post Office held

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In celebration of 2022 National Stamp Collecting Month and the 255th Anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Postal System, the Philippine Stamp Collectors Society (PSCS) in cooperation with the Philippine Post Office held its annual “Stamp Bazaar” last November 12, at the historic Manila Central Post Office lobby in Liwasang Bonifacio.

The primary purpose of the Post Office is not only to deliver letters and parcels but also to recognize and immortalize the rich history, culture, and achievements of the Philippines through the issuance of stamps, postcards, and official philatelic items.

Veteran and young generations of Stamp enthusiasts have proven that the popularity of stamps in everyday life of Filipinos has not disappeared even with the popularity of the internet.

“Stamps have not lost their worth; stamps become even more meaningful for stamp lovers and stamp collectors because of their historic, cultural and educational value”, PSCS President Jorge Cuyugan said.

Those who are engaged in stamp collecting are one in saying that they have been entertained, and have gained knowledge while it is an investment opportunity for others.

Philately or stamp collecting has been around for over a hundred years in the country and has enticed millions of people from all over the world. Postage stamps could be likened to a miniature art collection or an exotic library or a museum of world icons.

Stamps are categorized into topics such as the environment, world cultural celebrities and national heritage, landscapes or animals, sports, and heroism among others.

A free guided Heritage Tour was also organized among the participants in and around the iconic post office building which was built in 1926 and considered an Important Cultural Property by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA)

Where to Get a Personal Loan From - Banks vs. Online Lenders

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When considering getting a personal loan, one should consider what is more important to them. Is it a quick application process or talking to a bank manager face to face? Technology has enabled users to get loans after clicking a few buttons to fill in their details. However, some borrowers still prefer the face-to-face experience of dealing with a relationship manager.

Whether one prefers online lenders or banks depends on various factors. These aspects include urgency, interest rate, and repayment terms. Borrowers should look at several lending companies before making a decision.

 
Banks Vs. Online Lenders: The Differences

Before settling on a preferred lender, there are various factors one should look at. These factors form key differences between bank loans and online lenders. Below are the key differences between these two personal loan lenders.

 
The Application Process

The key difference between banks and online loans is how borrowers apply and receive the funds. In this aspect, online lenders such as Digido have a significant advantage over banks. These lenders have been structured to maximize the convenience of the loan application process.

These online lenders allow borrowers to check interest rates and the limits one may qualify for. Additionally, borrowers can easily submit an application through the computer or a phone. They can also quickly upload the requested documents.

Apart from having a faster application process, these lenders can send out the personal loan on the same day the application was sent. It is all due to the streamlined digital lending process.

Unfortunately, bank loans have a longer application process that can span days or weeks as the process is primarily manual. These may be better for emergencies.
Fees and Interest Rates

Though online lenders have reduced overhead costs from lacking branches, they may not necessarily translate the benefits to borrowers. For this reason, one cannot bank on them to offer the lowest-cost option of a personal loan. Some online lenders add extra fees and have higher interest rates than bank loans. Notably, many online lenders also lend to users with riskier credit ratings. As a result, they add these charges, such as origination fees and others, to cover the potential risk.

Not all lending companies are the same; some have predatory lending practices. One should read the terms and conditions and other users' reviews before applying.

Regarding interest, banks have better rates and may offer fee discounts to existing customers.

 
Eligibility Requirement

Since banks offer better rates, they have very strict eligibility requirements. They also do not lend to very risky customers. Notably, online lenders have limited requirements. They also lend to borrowers with bad credit ratings.

 
Customer Service

Banks lead in offering the best customer support. If calling and engaging the bank becomes problematic for users, they can stop at a local branch to get faster assistance. Online lenders do not provide this face-to-face support; if they do, it's very rare. For this reason, users who are not tech-savvy can struggle to get proper assistance.

That's not to say they do not offer customer service. Many online companies have well-trained professionals who provide assistance via calls, web chat, or email.
Loan Products

Online lenders often focus on some sections of loans. They can provide specific personal loan products for borrowers to meet some needs. However, banks have a wider selection of loan products. Additionally, borrowers can open other accounts, such as savings and checking accounts, for other purposes.

Since banks have many available products, they can comfortably handle all customers' borrowing and savings needs. It is easier to track and manage finances when all deposit and loan accounts are in the same place. Having all these products with one bank also helps when negotiating for better interest rates.

 
How To Choose Between Online Lenders and Banks

The key differences between bank loans and online lenders can help borrowers determine which option to select. A borrower can choose an online lender if they want a loan quickly, have a bad or limited credit history or want a convenient application process. Digital loans have a completely streamlined application process and few eligibility requirements in all these cases.

However, a borrower can also select a bank when they want face-to-face customer support, can get a good interest and discount, or want to keep all their financial activity in one place.

When choosing online lenders, borrowers should be keen not to select predatory ones. Such lenders have very high fees, large repayments over a short duration, and aggressive solicitations.

 
Conclusion

There is no wrong or correct answer on whether to go for a bank loan or an online lender. It also comes down to the terms of the loan and a person's needs when they require the loan. Regardless of the options, one selects, it is advisable to read through the terms and conditions and shop around for attractive loans. The more choices one has, the higher the chance of getting a good deal.