Category: Uncategorized

February 15, 2022

The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) is proposing to replicate nationwide the 20-hectare Karugo and 10-hectare Puray bamboo projects in Marikina Watershed which give livelihood to tribes and help prevent Metro Manila flooding.

The Karugo and Puray bamboo projects in Montalban, Rizal are an ideal multi-agency collaboration that involves minimal budget, according to PBIDC Vice Chairman Deogracias Victor B. Savellano.

Yet it has harnessed and consolidated multiple resources that redounds to upland economic benefit and protects the environment.

“Our best examples (for bamboo propagation) are those in Puray and Karugo. It’s something that’s not difficult to do. It is a joint effort between government Rotary International, Indigenous People, and community. It’s a beautiful model that should be replicated all over the Philippines,” said Savellano.

Rotary raised a minimal P1.5 million in district grants for Karugo project.

The Kilusang 5K (Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kaunlaran, Kabuhayan, Kinabukasan) Foundation, founded by Savellano, has supported organization of Puray and Karugo projects. The bamboo propagules planted in 2022 in Karugo is estimated to multiply to 142,000 bamboo culms in five years and 228,000 culms in eight years.

Now that Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has reconvened PBIDC, Savellano said PBIDC is now coordinating all bamboo projects and agencies. Thus, such replication can implemented in every town in the country—as what has been done by Savellano’s former constituents in Ilocos Sur.

PBIDC has adopted the Montalban projects for its own collaborative, cost-effective model.

“We tapped the two community-based projects to establish nurseries and do plantation development,” said PBIDC Executive Director Butch Madarang.

“Using the convergence formula through consultation with different agencies, we’re able to engage everybody. We have an inclusive perspective. Our formula is to tap different agencies’ resources.”

Lead collaborator is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which identified the project site. Kilusang 5K tapped the Philippine Bamboo Foundation and Bamboo Professionals Inc to train on bamboo propagation the IPs belonging to the Samahan ng Kawayan sa Karugo Agri-Farmers Association (SAKKAFA) and Tribal Council Assn. of Puray Inc. (TCAPI).

Instead of planting hardwood that takes 10-20 years to harvest, bamboo was chosen as it is harvestable in three years, generating income to the community.

More so, bamboo plants are climate disaster fighters. Bamboo, at four years old, has been proven to absorb 500 kilos of carbon dioxide yearly. It generates 300 kilos more of oxygen per year compared to other trees. Bamboo plants hold more water than other trees, helping prevent erosion and flooding. It has high survival rate due to endemicity and maintenance care.

The 10-hectare Puray project is now generating a P300 per day income for farmers who do potting for growing seedlings. While generating income from selling seedlings, the vision for the bamboo projects is to produce commercially viable products.

“We should venture first on basic products (before going to high-end sophisticated bamboo products like composites, fibers, engineered bamboo). For me, I will be happy enough if we’re able to produce bamboo chopsticks and barbecue sticks which we are importing even if we have many bamboo culms nationwide,” said Savellano.

The Montalban projects are really part of the bigger Upper Marikina Watershed Project (five municipalities/cities in the Sierra Madre mountains). It covers an estimated 26,000 hectares. It is envisioned to address persistent flooding in Marikina and Metro Manila as a whole.

The watershed also protects the Wawa Dam which is capable of producing water for 500,000 households.

The Marikina watershed, while declared a protected area, has been extensively plagued by illegal logging, highly-destructive quarrying, and illegal settlement. These have worsened state of flooding in Metro Manila. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

January 21, 2022

The government is boosting investment interest for bamboo as it launches the Center Innovation and Technology for Enterprise (CITE) as a training center for the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council’s (PBIDC) capacity building and consultative programs.

To be launched in February 2023, the CITE facility of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be the home base for the sector.

It is the opportune time as bamboo is just starting to gain interest among private and public investors in light of the post Covid scenario and efforts to fight climate change, flooding, and natural disasters.

PBIDC Vice Chairman Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said bamboo is now being recognized as a new “tree of life” that gives livelihood to the poorest in the countryside. That includes even Indigenous People (IP)-occupied ancestral domains that dominate 30-to 40% of Philippines potential productive land.

“DTI Secretary (Alfredo) Pascual who has reconvened the PBIDC has thrown his support for our bamboo programs. Even non-government organizations have laid out their plans for the industry. The private sector is very serious about planting bamboo,” said Savellano.

The CITE facility in Marikina City houses training machines, equipment, function rooms, a dormitory for in-house training, and offices. The CITE also has a Bambusetum in Marikina City that showcases different bamboo varieties and their uses. It has been offering training on bamboo propagule production and bamboo product processing.

“Nobody used to give attention to bamboo before. With PBIDC now reconvened, bamboo programs will have continuity,” said PBIDC Executive Director Butch Madarang.

As involvement of local governments units (LGU) is crucial to bamboo planting, Savellano said the PBIDC executive committee is enjoining the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and League of Cities to be part of PBIDC. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA and the Climate Change Commission should also be part of it.

“There is a big demand for bamboo. There’s an urgency in what we’re doing. We want to develop the bamboo industry under President Marcos’s term, and we now only have 5.5 years.” Savellano said. “(That’s why) we have to make our programs inclusive. It should involve everybod,y as many who want to support the industry,” he said.

“If we can’t do it now, when else can it be done? President Marcos already made a declaration during the United Nations General Assembly that fighting climate change will be a priority of his administration. He made a call on his birthday on Sept 13, 2022 during the Nationwide Bamboo and Tree Planting Program for us to uphold environmental protection.”

Other members of PBIDC are the heads of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), among others. DTI heads the PBIDC.

The PBIDC bill under House Bill 9576 has been approved for third reading in the Lower House and transmitted to the Senate which had two hearings. But the national election has halted the proceedings. Nevertheless, the bill will be refiled in the 19th Congress.

While the bill has not yet been approved, PBIDC is putting up with tapping resources from different agencies that have a budget, albeit minimal, for different bamboo programs. DTI, for one, has programs for bamboo commercialization and processing, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has bamboo researches.

“Since the budget and programs for 2023 are yet being planned, we are appealing to the different agencies to include bamboo in their programs. The DA, for example, has declared bamboo as a high value crop. Bamboo should be included in its High Value Crop program,” Savellano said.

PBIDC has been created under Executive Order 879. However, a budget has yet to be allocated for bamboo under the General Appropriations Act (GAA). PBIDC is not included in the 2023 GAA.

Even then, Savellano, who is founder of Kilusang 5K (Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kaunlaran, Kabuhayan, Kinabukasan) Foundation, has pushed for bamboo programs including nursery establishment.

Kilusang 5K carried out community-based bamboo reforestation, production and nursery establishment in the Marikina Watershed and at Sitio Karugo, San Rafael, Rodriguez.

Such bamboo production in Puray, Rodriguez was participated by indigenous people, the SaKKAFA non government organization, and the Council Assn of Puray Inc.
Training was supervised by technology experts from the Philippine Bamboo Foundation and Bamboo professionals. It was funded by the Rotary Foundation Grant of the Rotary International districts 3780 and 3830.

Kilusang 5K, along with Rotary and other stakeholders, decided to choose these locations as the deforestation in the Sierra Madre mountains has been known to cause flooding in Metro Manila.

“We are proud to have accomplished many things in the last two years with zero budget. Bamboo is an advocacy for us. We’re fighting for bamboo because you already have the clumps available. With the proper management and rehabilitation, you have a livelihood. It’s a doable program. It’s productive in 3-4 years from planting. ” he said.

“If we can’t develop our bamboo industry, tell me what else are we capable of doing?” he said.

EO 879 saw a $8 billion global market for bamboo. It will have tremendous economic multiplier effect was it is seen to replace plastic, metal and other wood as manufacturing input.

Madarang said PBIDC looks forward in the future to have budget allocation.
“We need it for the upkeep of the CITE facility. We need to support how roadmaps of agencies (like the one drafted by DA mainly for bamboo production and food) will cascade into regional offices,” said Madarang.

PBIDC in the last two years has been coordinating agencies’ programs for harmonization and non duplication. It includes the following:

1. Localization of bamboo programs with now 48 active local councils.
2. Bamboo Resources Inventory and Technology-Enabled Mapping in the Philippines (Britemap) to develop bamboo resources inventory system.
3. Consultative meetings with Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 1, 2, 4A, 5, 6, and 7-12.
4. Series of bamboo summits from Luzon to Mindanao that tapped the Mindanao bamboo advocates.
5. Series of bamboo smmits n mining in a tieup with the Philippine Mining Club, DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
6. Declaration of Bamboo Month under House Resolution No. 197 and celebration of World Bamboo Day in order to promote the significance of bamboo planting and production.
7. PBIDC participation in Smart Bamboo Database Management System of the Philippine Bamboo Society of Advocates, Bamboo Bootcamp, DENR-Forest Management Bureau training,
8. Pasig River Rehabilitation involving bamboo planting in its tributaries.
9. Support for DTI’s shared services facilities establishment.
10. Memorandum of agreement with TESDA on training protocols
11. Rehabilitation of existing bamboo clusters in the first district of Ilocus Sur under the TUPAD program. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

December 9, 2022

The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act (PBIDA) is seen to establish the country’s compettive edge in the natural bamboo market in transport, construction, furniture, and fabric sectors that can lead to industrial-manufacturing development.

Filed under House Bill 9576 which was approved for the third and final reading in August 2021, PBIDA is hoped to be certified as urgent by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“House Bill 9576 should be approved under the admnistration of BBM (Bongbong Marcos). It will substantially help advance our industrial development. We already have the clumps in our inventory. We just need the support for production, training, processing,” said Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano.

Savellano leads private sector advocates of bamboo as nature-friendly, climate smart industrial material through the 5K (Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kinabukasan).Foundation Inc.

HB 9576 will be refiled by Bohol Representative Edgardo M. Chatto. It will be endorsed in the Senate by the House of Representative.

The bill which envisions to seize part of a global market placed in 2010 at $8 billion will institutionalize the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC).
Created by Executive Order 879 in 2010, PBIDC saw the prospect of bamboo replacing plastic, metal, and other wood as manufacturing input.

While Savellano has earlier been appointed vice chairman of PBIDC, the council has not yet been convened since the Marcos Administration stepped in. A budget has neither been allocated for the council.

The bamboo industry holds huge economic potential for contributing to industrialization, being a highly-durable and ecologically-friendly raw material.

Comparable to or even better than other hardwood, bamboo has already been technologically developed into engineered wood, composites, laminated wood, or strand woven bamboo as a sophisticated lumber or construction material.

Filipinos have extensively exhibited their creative genius in using bamboo.

The Cubo modular house, designed by Earl Forlales, is not only a modern but one that is also an aesthetic and durable house made of natural, indigenous materials. In 2017, designer Christopher Paris Lacson crafted the Banatti motorcycle whose body is made of highly durable, elegant-looking, light-weight bamboo.

Lacson himself said Philippines has long been a pioneer of industrial bamboo design as cited by a local newspaper in the early 1950s. Filipino Antonio de Leon designed a single-engine, light experimental aircraft XL-14-MAYA. It used a type of woven bamboo called WOBEX, woven bamboo experimental.

Another product is the bamboo mobile, a type of jeepney spearheaded by the Department of Transportation of long ago. Its body is made of bamboo. Bambu Batu (House of Bamboo) cites many other modern, fashionable furniture and clothing products made of bamboo.

Bamboo also holds tremendous promise as green ethanol or fossil fuel substitute as a renewable energy.

PBIDC

The PBIDC, according to EO 879, should be be composed of the heads of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), among others.

Bamboo advocates are now petitioning government to allocate at least P100 million to jumpstart the development of bamboo as a manufacturing sector.
EO 879 mandates DENR, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Laguna Lake Development Authority to use bamboo in at least 20% in their annual reforestation areas.

Rene Madarang, appointed PBIDC executive director but also actively supports bamboo promotion through 5K Foundation, earlier created a Technical Working Group (TWG) to support PBIDC functions.

TWGs have been put up for three functions– production and propagation, industry and commerce, and training of workforce for propagation and processing.

Economic contribution

The Philippines now has an estimated bamboo area of around 104,000 hectares. It generates a value of $60 million yearly. With 5.59 million hectares of arable land, the Philippines can expand bamboo area to 400,000 hectares– if only to level up to at least 10% of China’s bamboo area of 4.2 million hectares.
Such area can yield a whopping $3 billion (P150 billion). The industry can employ one million rural folks including indigenous people that can be organized into cooperatives.
Each 10-hectare area can generate a net income of P922,995 per bamboo worker per year, according to a study of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR).

Sustainable development

Bamboo is a sustainable material. It fights climate change in several ways, INBAR said.
First, its fast-growing trait enables it to sequester carbon more substantially than other plants. It releases 35% more oxygen than other trees. Bamboo plants sequester 12 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually.

“Durable products made from bamboo can also be potentially carbon-negative. Bamboo could also be a favorable substitute for hardwoods, even FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified ones.”

Bamboo also replaces fossil fuels and reduces deforestation. Its solid biomass is used for cooking (charcoal and briquettes) and It can be converted into pellets for electricity and heating.

It is harvestable year-round, providing a stable rural income.

As it thrives in problem soils and steep slopes, it is an excellent land restoration crop.

“It is an effective windbreak, and its sturdy rhizomes and roots regulate water flows and prevent erosion. A case in Allahabad, India, tells of the rebuilding of rural livelihoods where 80,000 hectares of degraded land were brought back into productivity using bamboo as a pioneer species.”

It has been found scientifically in abandoned mines in the Philippines to be useful as bioremediation tool, absorbing toxic metals, fully restoring mined-out barren lands. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

December 2, 2022

The private sector has pressed government to grant tax incentives to the mining sector’s investments in large scale bamboo plantations that will help boost watershed conservation, disaster risk reduction, and generate as much as $3billion in long term revenue.

   Bamboo propagation and mining sector advocates from the Junction Ridge Resources Development Corp.(JRRDC) and the Kilusang 5K (Kawayan:Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kinabukasan) said bamboo planting will be the best antidote to pervading criticisms thrown on mining.

   Banker and mining leader Isidro C. Alcantara Jr. of JRRDC said bamboo plantations in mining areas can generate huge revenue that can even equal the country’s gold, copper, and nickel revenue.

   The Philippine Statistics authority (PSA) reported in November 2020 that the mining and quarrying sector generated P189.9 billion ($3.45 billion) revenue.

   “To understand why we should concentrate on bamboo, it can generate $3 billion or 10% of China’s (bamboo revenue).  It can equal the mining industry’s output of gold, copper, and nickel,” said Alcantara at the 5K Foundation Inc.’s “Usapang Kawayan.”

   Alcantara was chairman of Marcventures Holdings Inc. (Marcventures Mning parent firm) prior to his retirement. Its mining operation in Surigao del Sur has so far grown 30,875 bamboo plants in the area, pioneering the effort in mining.

    The Philippines can earn $3 billion revenue if only at least 10% of such China industry ($35 billion) is created. 

   At an estimated area of around 400,000 hectares, this is less than 10% of China’s bamboo area of seven million hectares.

   “This is doable. We have so much land to make large scale bamboo plantations,” said Alcantara.

   He cites the country’s 5.59 million hectares of arable land.  This is only 4.4% of the country’s nine million hectares of mineralized land based on Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-Department of Environment and Natural Resources) data.

   Kilusang 5K Foundation Chairman Deogracias Victor B. Savellano also said during the Usapang Kawayan forum bamboo is one of the best crops for land restoration.

   Bamboo plants are the best tools for fighting climate change as it releases 35% more oxygen than other trees.  Bamboo plants sequester 12 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually, he said.

   “Bamboo is one of the best crops for land restoration especially in mined-out areas,” said Savellano.

   It is President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr himself who said during the United Nations General Assembly that climate change preparedness is a priority of his administration, he stressed.

   “Bamboo planting in mining areas has been required by DENR since 2020 to plant bamboo to 20% of their declared mining area,” said Savellano.

   Kilusang 5K Foundation Executive Director Butch Madarang said a “middleground” can be achieved between mining and environment advocates.  Bamboo planting in mining areas plays a significant role in balancing economic gains and environmental protection.

   “Environmental degradation in abandoned mines leave land barren and with permanent scars in the natural landscape.  (But) a middleground can be achieved as bamboo restores lands, and it is a ticket to our poverty reduction,” said Madarang.

   Among the incentives that may be granted mining companies are tax credits for the investment amount, special tax rate of 5% (under CREATE-Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives Law), and limited term income tax holiday starting on the sixth year onwards, Alcantara said.

   Tax free import of bamboo processing equipment and related value added tax exemption may also be granted.

   Very important, Alcantara said bamboo planting makes for sustainable livelihood for poverty stricken rural communities, particularly boondocks-dwelling Indigenous people (IP).

   “What do we leave these indigenous people with?  Believe it or not, this is a question discussed in the (mining companies’) boardroom.  It is high time we stop the disinformation about mining,” he said.

   Alcantara cited a study showing a mine worker can earn four times more when a bamboo plantation becomes productive three to five years from planting.

   A 10-hectare bamboo farm can generate an income of P922,995, four times that of a mine worker’s P240,000 per year. 

   This is based on a study of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) on bamboo farming in Anji, China.  It was verified by University of the Philippines scientists.

   Government does not need to provide a subsidy or shell out money for mining companies to invest in bamboo plantations.

   That is given regulations under the Mining Act of 1995 for mines to allocate funds for SDMP (Social Development and Management Program) and EPEP (Environmental Protection and Management Program. 

   If the seven mining companies in Surigao del Sur will each grow bamboo in 1,500 hectares, that totals to 10,000 hectares that can employ IPs through cooperatives and village enterprises for a long time. The plantation becomes sustainable 3-5 years from planting.   Bamboo has a 100-year life.  It becomes sustainable given allowed limited harvesting over an area of perhaps 1o% yearly, making it a revenue generator for many years.

   INBAR,a multilateral agency promoting sustainable development through the natural bamboo and rattan, indicated that bamboo fights climate change in several ways.

   First, its fast-growing trait enables it to sequester carbon more substantially than other plants. 

   “Durable products made from bamboo can also be potentially carbon-negative.  Bamboo could also be a favorable substitute for hardwoods, even FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified ones.”

   Bamboo also replaces fossil fuels and reduces deforestation.  Its solid biomass is used for cooking (charcoal and briquettes) and can be converted into pellets for electricity and heating.

   It is harvestable year-round, providing a stable rural income.

   As it thrives in problem soils and steep slopes, it is an excellent land restoration crop.  

   “It is an effective windbreak, and its sturdy rhizomes and roots regulate water flows and prevent erosion.  A case in Allahabad, India, tells of the rebuilding of rural livelihoods where 80,000 hectares of degraded land were brought back into productivity using bamboo as a pioneer species.”

   It has been found scientifically in abandoned mines in the Philippines to be useful as bioremediation tool, absorbing toxic metals, fully restoring barren lands.   (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

March 3, 2022

Berlin, Germany. At its annual Pharma Media Day 2022, Bayer presented the latest developments in the ongoing transformation of its pharmaceuticals business, which is aimed at delivering long-term, sustainable business growth by bringing forward new options for patients.

   “We are taking bold steps into the future of drug development, investing strongly in areas at the forefront of the biomedical and technological revolution.

   “Our leadership in cardiology, radiology and women’s health is recognized worldwide, and we are expanding our presence in oncology, working tirelessly to bring forward new approaches that can change the treatment paradigm for patients,” said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management, Bayer AG and President of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division.

   Bayer’s research and development pipeline continues to grow as the company is building on its existing competencies, such as the expertise around small molecules, while expanding into new modalities, including cell and gene therapies.

   The company is advancing around 50 projects in ongoing clinical trials across a range of potential therapeutic modalities and indications, with a focus on oncology, cardiovascular and women’s health.

Strong pipeline with robust late-stage development program and broad potential across indications

   In the area of cardiovascular disease, Bayer is delivering on its late-stage pipeline including recent launches of Finerenone (as KerendiaTM or FirialtaTM depending on country and region) and Vericiguat (Verquvo™).

   The heart and the kidneys are closely linked in health and disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease with many patients at advanced stages needing dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.

  Patients are also three times more likely to die from a cardiovascular event than those with T2D alone, so early diagnosis and treatment is important to slow CKD progression and prevent poor patient outcomes.

   It is estimated that CKD affects more than 160 million people with T2D worldwide. At the Pharma Media Day, Bayer presented recent advancements for Finerenone, developed for patients living with CKD associated with T2D.

   In this field, Bayer has a strong scientific and clinical base for Finerenone, including the largest Phase III cardiorenal outcomes clinical trial program to evaluate the occurrence of progression of kidney disease as well as fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events in more than 13,000 patients with CKD and T2D.

   Additionally, Finerenone is being investigated beyond the current indication in heart failure as well as non-diabetic kidney disease as further potential indications.

   Finerenone was approved under the brand name Kerendia® by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as FirialtaTM in other countries and regions.    

   Finerenone was just recently granted marketing authorization in the European Union and has also been submitted for marketing authorization in China, as well as multiple other countries worldwide and these applications are currently under review.

    Heart failure is a devastating disease affecting more than 60 million people worldwide, who are in need of treatment options.

   Bayer’s symptomatic chronic heart failure treatment Vericiguat (Verquvo™) provides a specific approach to managing chronic heart failure patients following a recent decompensation event, also known as a worsening heart failure event.

   A worsening heart failure event can mark the start of a downward spiral of disease progression and repeated hospitalizations.

   In fact, 56% of patients are back in hospital within 30 days.

   Vericiguat works in conjunction with existing approaches through a different mode of action. It restores the deficient NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, which plays a critical role in the progression of heart failure, aggravating its symptoms.

   Vericiguat is jointly developed by Bayer and MSD (a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), known as Merck in the U.S., and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission and the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan among other countries.

   Vericiguat has also been submitted for marketing authorization in China as well as multiple other countries worldwide.

   “We are currently in the remarkable position to launch several important new medicines in parallel, and we are unlocking the full potential of our assets through systematic data generation, multi-indication approaches as well as building on new digital business models,” said Christian Rommel, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer’s Pharmaceutical Division and Head of Research and Development.

   “Our scientific leadership in the area of cardiovascular diseases advances our mission to provide better treatment options for patients in need.”

Re-imagining Radiology

   Bayer is strongly positioned in the fast-growing medical imaging artificial intelligence (AI) market, combining a long-term expertise in radiology with a deep understanding of patients’ and physicians’ needs across a broad range of diseases, from oncology to cardiovascular, resulting in the ability to provide know-how and solutions from diagnosis to care.

   In times of limited resources in healthcare systems, growing as well as aging populations and changing lifestyles contribute to an increase in chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

   As a result, the need for tools delivering improved diagnostic information while helping save costs and time is increasing. Tackling this challenge with advanced technologies and products, radiology is a key enabler to transform healthcare, expanding personalized medicine and improving outcomes for patients.

   In particular, AI bears vast potential for advancing radiology.

   Bayer is developing a platform through which healthcare professionals can centrally manage AI-enabled medical imaging and imaging workflow applications.

   These solutions are being developed by Bayer as well as third parties, and aim to support the complex decision-making processes of healthcare professionals in their task to provide a clear direction from diagnosis to care for their patients.

   “One of the most pressing concerns in medical imaging today is the exponential growth of imaging data and its complexity due to an increase in radiology examinations, and the shortage of experienced medical staff to handle it,” said Zuzana Jirakova Trnkova, MD, PhD, Head of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development Radiology at Bayer.

   “Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool that, when complementing the human expertise of radiologists and clinicians, offers vast potential to the healthcare industry and radiology in particular. This is why Bayer strives to be a key digital innovator in this area, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients and supporting their physicians.”

Shaping women’s health from menarche to menopause

Bayer has a long-standing commitment to delivering solutions to meet women’s needs across the different stages of their lives. While pursuing research to find new treatment options for gynecological diseases with a high unmet medical need, the company is also working on addressing women’s health needs during menopause.

  Elinzanetant, a non[1]hormonal development compound, is currently being investigated in the Phase III clinical development program OASIS for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms during menopause.

   “Every year 47 million women enter menopause, a period where women are at the peak of their life’s activity, personally and professionally. With increased longevity, maintaining functional ability and good quality of life is extremely relevant from both a healthcare and a socio-economic perspective. Unfortunately, menopause remains a taboo topic, leaving many women untreated,” said Cecilia Caetano, MD, Head of Medical Affairs Menopause at Bayer.    

   “With our strong heritage and deeply rooted expertise in women’s health, we continue to focus on providing innovative science, solutions and education to support the individual health need of women.”

Increasing access to modern contraception

   For more than 50 years, Bayer has supported educational programs and rights-based family planning in more than 130 countries, particularly by increasing access to modern forms of contraception.

   In 2019, Bayer pledged to provide 100 million women in low-and-middle-income countries with access to family planning by 2030.

    This initiative is part of Bayer’s comprehensive set of sustainability measures and commitments and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) .

   “We believe every girl and woman deserves the chance to determine her own future. That’s why Bayer is partnering with local and international organizations, such as the United Nations Population Fund and the United States Agency for International Development, to empower women to make informed decisions about family planning,” said Mildred Nadah Pita, Head of Global Healthcare Programs/Sustainability Middle Africa at Bayer.

   “With Bayer’s commitment to provide 100 million women in low- and middle-income countries with access to modern contraception by 2030, we are making an important contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by improving the health, rights and economic status of women around the world, which is a fundamental prerequisite for greater equality, education and prosperity for all.”

   As part of this commitment, Bayer recently announced an investment of over €400 million in new production facilities for long-acting reversible contraceptives, including the construction of a new production site in Alajuela, Costa Rica and the expansion of production capabilities in Turku, Finland.

October 28, 2021

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has targeted a hybrid rice area of an unprecedented 1.2 to 1.3 million hectares for crop year 2022 after a lull in hybrid planting as it aims to beef up food security amid the continuing Covid 19 pandemic.

   At least 700 hectares of hybrid rice are being readied for the bumper dry season of 2022. That leaves around 500 to 600 hectares for the less anticipated rainy season, but still a big area compared to previous years.

   “For our third year now, we have aggressively pursued hybrid rice planting.  That is the reason why we have been able to attain the highest level of rice production this year. With hybrid rice, you’re sure to automatically harvest an additional 1.52 metric tons per hectare versus inbred,” said Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, DA rice program consultant.

   The Philippines posted a record rice harvest of 19.44 million MT in 2020 from 18.81 million MT in 2019.

   Yet, the DA budget for the food security program for 2022 has yet to be assured for the hybrid rice program to sustain.

   “The budget of DA for food security has yet to be approved. It’s still being discussed in the Senate,” said Malabanan.

 

  Private seed growers have committed to supply DA the needed hybrid rice seeds. They are readying the rice area particularly involving DA’s rice clustering program. 

   The clustering program consolidates a hybrid rice area of at least 100 hectares  particularly in 15 priority provinces.

   “We assure government of our support for this public partnership program.  It will be the key to our goal for food sufficiency and food security,” said Rice Board President Recher Ondap.

   “We hope to be assured of the government’s budget allocation as many farmers have started land preparation for the dry season 2022.  Budgetary support should not only be for this rice clustering program but for the entire food sufficiency and resiliency program.”

   Out of the 15 priority provinces, five provinces already have identified locations.  These top five provinces are Bukidnon, Bicol, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, and Ilocos.

   DA has been successful in restoring the hybrid rice program after DA secured a budget for this in the last two years.

   “Secretary (William) Dar has been supported by the economic managers in the budget for hybrid rice.  Prior to this, our hybrid rice area was only at around 300,000 to 400,000 hectares,” Malabanan said.

   Under the hybrid rice program, DA allocated a seed subsidy of P5,000 per hectare.  This is with a fertilizer support of three vouchers per farmer equivalent to P1,000 per voucher.

   But these are not the only things needed for the DA rice program to take off. The programs on irrigation, fertilization, mechanization also have to be funded.

   DA also has a separate program for certified rice seeds under RCEP (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

   DA envisions the Rice Clustering Program to be  a banner program for achieving a highly competitive status in rice sector.

   The Rice Clustering Program will be a model of best practices focused initially in the 15 priority provinces.  However, the model can be replicated in all of Philippines’ regions.

   The clustered area will be a model for the use of high yielding seeds, balanced fertilization, adequate irrigation, use of modern machines for land preparation and post harvest, availability of credit,  use of technology for various cultural practices, and market linkage.

   The clustered areas will no longer just be technology demonstration (techno-demo) or trial areas but will be sustaining commercial farms.

   The Rice Board has long been supporting DA’s hybrid rice program. In particular,

   Rice board’s private seed growers have consistently participated in the yearly National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF).  It is a competition for the highest rice yield administered by DA and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice).

  A total of 13 techno-demo trials had been carried out by the DA. local government units, and private sector under the NRTF in the last seven years as an effort to transfer hybrid rice technology to farmers. 

   The last one was held in Leyte.  Report on the trials came out last October 12, 2021.

   Under DA’s Memo Circular (MC) No. 11  issued June 2, 2021, these clustered hybrid rice farms should produce at least one metric ton (MT) higher yield than certified inbred seeds.  Or yield should be equivalent to at least 5 MT per hectare.

   The seed companies also provide the needed technical support to farmers and guide them on the proper management of their varieties.

   “The Rice Board adheres to this provision,” Ondap said. “In fact, seed companies are employing more technical people to better facilitate the transfer of hybrid rice technology to farmers.”

   As they are expected to churn out high yield, these hybrid rice farms should raise the country’s food self sufficiency. They should reduce rice imports now reaching to some two million MT yearly.  This program should also reduce production cost and increase the income of rice farmers.

   “Any country in the world, if it can produce its staple locally, it would do it because it’s difficult to be depending on the world market for your staple’s supply,” Malabanan said. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

October 21, 2021

The private sector-led Rice Board has expressed support for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) clustering program that consolidates at least 100 hectares of hybrid rice land in 15  provinces even as it pressed for an assurance of the DA national budget for food sufficiency program.

    The Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be supported by the Rice Board as the program requires the supply of high-yielding hybrid seeds.

   “We assure government of our support for this public partnership program.  It will be the key to our goal for food sufficiency and food security,” said Rice Board President Recher Ondap.

   “We hope to be assured of the government’s budget allocation as many farmers have started land preparation for the dry season 2022.  Budgetary support should not only be for this rice clustering program but for the entire food sufficiency and resiliency program.”

   Locations for five provinces out of the 15 priority provinces have already been identified. These rice farms are found in Bukidnon, Bicol, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, and Ilocos.

   The consolidated farms in 15 provinces will become a more permanent technology demonstration (techno-demo) site. 

   These hybrid rice clusters will also become regular commercial farms season after season.

   Techno-demo trials being held by government and the private sector under the National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) are temporary. 

   The NRTF involves just one province with 100 hectares per season where the best of Philippines’ rice seed technologies are being demonstrated.

   A total of 13 techno-demo trials had been carried out by the DA. local government units, and private sector under the NRTF in the last seven years as an effort to transfer hybrid rice technology to farmers. 

   The last one was held in Leyte.  Report on the trials came out last October 12, 2021.

   Under DA’s Memo Circular (MC) No. 11  issued June 2, 2021, these clustered hybrid rice farms should produce at least one metric ton (MT) higher yield than certified inbred seeds.  Or yield should be equivalent to at least 5 MT per hectare.

   “Within the 15 provinces selected for hybrid rice planting and in the selected areas outside the 15 provinces, focus (should be) on areas where our last two field reports have indicated that hybrid rice has a yield advantage of 1 ton over the certified inbred seed and an average yield of 5 tons per hectare,” MC 11 said.

   Yield of the field reports is based on the harvest of 2020 Wet Season and 2021 Dry Season.

   DA and its attached Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRICE) used to provide subsidy for hybrid rice seed production and commercialization.

   Still, DA affirmed the private sector’s role in assuring hybrid rice seed supply for the rice productivity program to succeed.

   “The private seed companies’ role is recognized as crucial in attaining the hybrid varieties’ optimum performances and attainable yield. The companies can provide the needed technical support to farmers and guide them on the proper management of their varieties following the clustering approach, “ MC 11 noted.

   The Rice Board adheres to this provision, Ondap said. In fact, seed companies are employing more technical people to better facilitate the transfer of hybrid rice technology to farmers.

   As they are expected to churn out high yield, these farms should raise the country’s food self sufficiency.  This program should also reduce production cost and increase the income of rice farmers.

   Aside from the use of high-yielding hybrid seeds and crop protection products, these clustered rice farms will also demonstrate other farming technologies.

   These include best cultural practices, irrigation technology, use of machinery and drones for aerial seeding, pest/disease and nutrient management.

   Present hybrid rice area in the Philippines is placed at around one million hectares.  Of this, 600,000 hectares were under the DA’s hybridization program. The remaining areas  were put up under efforts of the private sector . 

   Any expansion is foreseen to significantly reduce imports of around two million MT yearly . (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)