Healthcare heroes celebrated as Ph commemorates ‘Day of Valor’; multi-year healthcare waste management project launched

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Healthcare workers, who bravely put themselves at risk to protect our communities, deserve to be safeguarded. This was BAN Toxics’ message as the country celebrates the Day of Valor.

“As we continue to navigate the post-COVID-19 landscape, let us not forget the sacrifices of our healthcare workers who were at the frontlines of the past global pandemic. They remain our heroes who risk their lives to provide us with essential care and support. It is important that we recognize their plight and ensure their well-being is prioritized as we face the challenges ahead,” Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Campaign and Advocacy Officer, said.

According to Dizon, one of the healthcare issues that BAN Toxics plans to address in the coming years is the improvement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) utilized by the health sector. Commonly used in medical settings for protection from infectious diseases and to block the transmission of contaminants, PPEs are among the crucial preventive strategies employed during the pandemic. However, while PPE serves as protection, COVID19 revealed that it is also a source of massive solid waste and toxic pollution.

Considered one of the most efficient and affordable ways to protect healthcare workers to contain the transmission of the virus, the use of single-use PPE, such as medical masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and goggles during the pandemic has likewise increased the amount of plastic waste due to mismanagement and improper disposal.

Seen as ‘commodity products’, most types of PPEs are designed for single use with limited need for innovation by manufacturers and consumers. But disposable PPE contains different plastics, including polypropylene and polyethylene (for masks and gowns), polyvinyl chloride, nitrile and latex (gloves).

The majority of PPE used by consumers either ends up in landfills and dumpsites, or thrown into the environment, adding strain to already overwhelmed waste management systems. PPE is commonly disposed of through on-site incineration resulting in the release of harmful pollutants, such as dioxins and furans. When organisms ingest contaminated food sources, these persistent organic pollutants can accumulate in their bodies, ultimately posing threats to human health when consumed,” according to the group.

To address these healthcare waste management issues, BAN Toxics is working with the Department of Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (PHCHgWMP). Officially launched in December last year, the PHCHgWMP is a five-year project of UNIDO funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the DENR-EMB as the national implementing agency, and BAN Toxics as the implementing partner.

“Under the PHCHgWMP, we plan to assess the lifecycle impact of PPE and work with small manufacturers, women-led enterprises, and communities to improve the production of reusable PPEs based on WHO guidelines. Technical assistance will be provided to Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities through green financing schemes. Moreover, awareness raising on the management and training on PPE disposal, and the implementation of best available techniques and best environmental practices for the treatment of healthcare wastes,” Dizon ended.



References:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=846818490818216&set=pb.100064702179348.-2207520000

https://www.theglobalfund.org/media/11243/publication_ppe-synthesis_paper_en.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2xNzbmnFWyf_EttR5anFmRo-bveyMc4qTM6Vgo90mpl4TPlMwNYrd5kJ0_aem_AZzkW39-uMIGZHmqCvsmbKDswsNC_Kwd9LzSjkFJ_2nY_eBimIOtfucpgbcmpefcjfTxctbRvPvMfbz4Bu4qn_39

Oceania Cruises Announces Giada De Laurentiis as Brand and Culinary Ambassador

Left to Right: Claudine Pépin, Chef Eric Barale, Chef Jacques Pépin, Giada De Laurentiis, Chef Alexis Quaretti,
Frank A. Del Rio


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De Laurentiis to Co-Chair New Culinary Advisory Board Alongside Master Chef Jacques Pépin with Support from Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Directors Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is embarking on a new journey, announcing celebrated Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis as its Brand and Culinary Ambassador.

De Laurentiis will also co-chair the line's new Culinary Advisory Board alongside renowned chef Jacques Pépin, a founding member of Oceania Cruises’ culinary team and the line’s original Executive Culinary Director.

The Culinary Advisory Board will focus on guiding, developing and reinforcing Oceania Cruises’ commitment to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. This role will include inviting acclaimed chefs and artisans from around the world to join the initiative as Oceania Cruises develops the next chapter in its culinary legacy.

“Having set sail with Oceania Cruises as Godmother of Vista, I immediately connected with the line’s extraordinary commitment to food and the entire dining experience,” said Giada De Laurentiis. “The people were so warm and welcoming; the entire onboard experience was incredibly inviting, and everyone truly starts to feel like family. Oceania Cruises’ mission aligns perfectly with my own. Travel and food are the ultimate ways of bringing people together – to savor unique flavors, experience different destinations and create shared memories. I couldn’t be more excited to expand my relationship with Oceania Cruises.”

Co-Chairs De Laurentiis and Pépin will work closely with Oceania Cruises’ two Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale, who will play key roles in developing the scope of the Culinary Advisory Board.

“Food has forever been a universal language, transcending boundaries and bringing people, literally, to the table,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “With a legacy deeply rooted in family and a passion for gastronomy, it seems only fitting that Oceania Cruises furthers its relationship with Giada. I am thrilled that she and our culinary patriarch, Jacques, will helm our Culinary Advisory Board to further evolve and innovate, redefining the boundaries of the onboard dining experience.”

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call +852 800-967609 (Hong Kong), +65 31 651 677 (Singapore), or speak with a professional travel advisor.




About Oceania Cruises:

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

Filipino Inventions Vie for Gold in Geneva, Switzerland

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is set to showcase nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2024.

The DOST-TAPI announces its participation of nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Invention. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in showcasing Filipino ingenuity and innovation to the international community.

The agency prepares to showcase a diverse array of inventions spanning various fields, including textiles, healthcare, agriculture, water security, and environmental conservation. Among the highlights of this participation is the groundbreaking research and development initiatives of Filipino scientists and inventors.

In a bid to reclaim its place in the global tech scene, the DOST unveils its plans to continue their legacy from five years ago where two out of three of the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Program- funded technologies secured gold awards. This time, the DOST is bringing nine homegrown inventions and innovations from DOST Research and Development Institutes, including winners from the 2022 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), as Philippine representatives vying for much-coveted gold awards.

After careful benchmarking and market compatibility selection, the DOST is set to go head-to-head against other industry giants at the IEIG 2024, showcasing the exceptional technical superiority of the Philippine invention forerunners. 

What technologies will represent the Philippines? Let’s take a rundown: 

1. Flavored Salts and Food Seasoning

The flavored salts of DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) are developed to add economic value to locally-produced salts. It is infused with umami tastant (savory flavor) from seagrapes/’lato’, tiger prawn shrimp heads, and shiitake mushrooms. With a rising market valuation, the flavored salt market is estimated to secure a 2023 valuation of US$ 3.2 billion (estimated rise to US$ 5.8billion in 10 years). Taking advantage of the rising market, this product finds its value by using readily-available organic and repurposed ingredients. Additionally, the flavored salts have less sodium without any added preservatives.

2. Mobile Water Disinfection System (SafeWaTrS)

Unlike other disinfection systems available in the market, “SafeWaTrS" of DOST-ITDI is locally-fabricated, mobile and compact, and energy self-sufficient to better help communities of rural and calamity-stricken areas. With an expanding market, the mobile water treatment system market is estimated to reach a valuation exceeding US$ 66.98 billion by 2030.

3. High-blend Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns

With European regulations favoring sustainability, Lyocell of the DOST - Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) sees potential rise in demand, prompting many apparel companies to integrate it into their lines. Its value lies within its environment-friendly materials that are High-value, and plant-derived Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns for fashion, home textiles, and industrial textile applications for a reduced carbon footprint.

4. Eco-friendly Bamboo Textiles

Bamboo textiles, driven by their softness, breathability, and minimal environmental impact, led to the popularity of bamboo-based fabrics like bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell which are both eco-friendly, and sustainable. This DOST-PTRI product gains advantage by providing a more sustainable process in home and industrial textile applications.

5. Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid (CMHA) Hydrogels 

Carboxymethyl hyaluronic acid (CMHA) hydrogels of DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) are crosslinked networks of hyaluronic acid molecules modified with carboxymethyl groups. These hydrogels have been developed for various biomedical applications, leveraging their biocompatibility and ability to retain moisture to promote wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. The Hydrogel Market is projected to grow from an estimated US$ 23.16 billion in 2024 to US$ 32.62 billion in 5 years.

6. Super Water Absorbent Technology (SWA)

The DOST - PNRI’s SWA was designed for agricultural application as a soil water retainer to help reduce irrigation water consumption, lower mortality rates of plants, improve fertilizer retention in soil and increase plant growth rate and drought tolerance. The global market for super water absorbent gels is predicted to escalate from US$ 11.03 billion in 2023 to a projected US$ 20.94 billion by 2030.

7. New Hemostat Technology

Another DOST-PNRI’s innovation, the new hemostat technology uses biocompatible natural water-soluble polymers that aim to control excessive bleeding by exhibiting fast clotting abilities upon immediate application, this does not damage the wound site nor inflict a burning sensation to promote comfort while increasing patient survivability. The global hemostats market is projected to be worth US$ 3.7B by 2028.

8. Multi-fuel Dryer

This device functions by combining both drying and baking capabilities, while using diverse fuel or heat sources to process a wide array of products, including but not limited to fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, tobacco, root crops, apparel, roasted meats (pig or chicken), and traditional delicacies. This winning innovation from the 2022 NICE, which was developed by a local inventor/researcher from the Mariano Marcos State University, targets MSMEs and is focused on versatile product processing techniques.

9. Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealant and Flame Retardant

Another winning NICE innovation developed by a graduate student from the Mapua University, the Pili Seal pioneers the use of discarded material for the formulation of sustainable sealant and adhesive while ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety and non-toxic effects on the user's health and environment. The adhesive boasts an estimated market valuation of USD 1.40 billion in 2021 to USD 1.9 billion by 2026.

As the IEIG 2024 approaches, DOST-TAPI is primed to make history once again. 

Equipped with cutting-edge innovations from across the Philippines, the agency strives for gold as they get ready to showcase our country’s technological prowess and prove our industry’s noteworthiness on the international stage once more.

The delegates from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the 49th International Exhibit of Inventions Geneva this April 17-21, 2024 (From left to right: 1. Ms. Maricar Carandang, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning, 2. Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Mobile Water Disinfection System, 3. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Ph.D., Director IV of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute presenting the Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile from Bambusa philippinensis, 4. Ms. Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, Supervising Science Research Specialist from DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, presenting Lyocell/Natural Textile Fiber-Blended Yarns, 5. Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez, Associate Professor IV from the Mariano Marcos State University presenting the Multi-Fuel Dryer, 6. Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, Inventor, Founder, and Presenter of Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealants and Flame Retardants, 7. Ms. Charito T. Aranilla, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting New Hemostat Technology and Super Water Absorbent Technology, and 8. Ms. Lorna S. Relleve, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Hydrogels and Super Water Absorbent Technology).

By Elijah Espiritu