DOST-TAPI still accepting proposals for i-TECH Lending Program
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By: Danica T. Salcedo
With the goal of accelerating the market entry of promising Filipino inventions, the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) continues to accept commercialization proposals for the Innovation and Technology (i-TECH) Lending Program for 2022.
DOST-TAPI’s i-TECH Lending Program in partnership with the LBP funds the commercialization of Filipino inventions.
The i-TECH Lending Program is a commercialization program implemented in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to provide a special lending window with low-interest financing. The program aims to assist Filipino inventors in financing the commercialization of their patented inventions, particularly in the acquisition of capital and labor for scaled-up production.
One Inventrepinoy that has received financial assistance from the program is Mr. Francisco “Popoy” O. Pagayon who runs the Oral Educational Distributor (OED), a single proprietorship. Through the i-TECH Lending Program, Mr. Pagayon has secured a multi-million loan amounting to P2,070,000 which shall fund the mass production of his invention, the Portasol, a multi-purpose thermal speed drying tray for fish products and dried grains.
Another Filipino invention that got financing from the i-TECH Lending Program is the MYKL Kiti-kitiX-Killing Agent, a mosquito larvicide comprised of calcium hydroxide and clinoptilolite for dengue prevention, invented by Mr. Lyle Christian R. Herbosa, President of MYKL Trading, Inc.
Read more: DOST’s 3 inventions receive Land Bank’s financial support
Mr. Generoso David, Assistant Vice President of the Programs Management Department II, encourages Filipino inventors to avail loan assistance through the i-TECH Lending Program.
Justine Atasha Asis: From Science Enthusiast to Citizen Journalist
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By: Gillian M. Sagario
As the grand winner of the inaugural Gawad Alunig citizen science journalism tilt, one might assume that it is not the first time for the 16-year-old Justine Atasha Asis to write and report science stories. But guess what? The contest was her first foray in science broadcasting. One can’t help but wonder how her journey as a science journalist came to be and what realizations she had along the way?
Behind-the-scenes shot of Justine Atasha Asis while reporting for her video entry. (Image source: Justine Atasha Asis)
Growing up in a world of science
With her mother as a graduate of medical technology and her father as a physician, Justine has been interested in science ever since she was a young kid having been exposed to numerous resources in this field and having supportive parents who practice their profession.
“Ini-idolize ko po sila parehas. ‘Yung mom ko, nagre-rent siya ngayon ng pharmacy so umaasa po ako kumuha ng degree in pharmacy or biology. Ever since maliit ako, gusto kong tumutulong sa clinic ng father ko”, said Justine.
[“I have idolized both of my parents. Currently, my mom rents a pharmacy so I hope to pursue a degree in pharmacy or biology. Ever since I was a young kid, I have already enjoyed helping at my father’s clinic.”]
Community volunteers participating in mangrove rehabilitation. (Image source: "Sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Kalikasan ang Bida")