Working together works! This is one of PCIERD’s guiding principles believing that it is with synergism that the desired results are achieved. But also, it is only having the right partners synergism is gained. The PCIERD continually forge linkages and twinnings or simply, partnerships, for the conduct of S&T activities.

For the past years, these partnerships, which include the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) program have grown and allowed PCIERD to achieve its plans and programs and make a difference in its sectoral concerns. In 2007, PCIERD was able to generate over P500 million spread across R&D, technology transfer and human resource development. Currently, the following are PCIERD’s activities under the ODA program:

ASEAN – Sub-Committee on Non-Conventional Energy Research (SCNCER)

Under the Regional Collaboration of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST), a PCIERD technical staff serves as the National Focal Person and con-current Vice-Chairman of the SCNCER. The SCNCER provides continuing linkages and network among R&D institutions in the ASEAN Region and its dialogue partners on energy S&T development. It fosters and strengthens regional S&T activities through technical information exchange, joint R&D project collaboration, capacity building and technology transfer.

In 2007, under SCNCER’s Intra-ASEAN initiatives, the PCIERD participated in the workshop on the technology transfer and commercialization of heat pump drying for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) in December 2007 conducted and supported by the Singaporean government. China likewise supported a forum on biomass energy development and utilization under the ASEAN-China S&T Cooperation. The forum was held on 28 October – 01 November 2007 in Kunming, Yunnan, China. All ASEAN member countries were well represented in the Forum. The delegates from the Philippines were from PCIERD, ITDI and private sector.

United Nations – Asian Pacific Cooperation for Technology Transfer (APCTT)

The PCIERD participated in the National Seminar-Workshop on Grassroots Innovation and Plant Visits conducted by the UN-APCTT. The concept of grassroots innovation (GRI) including the opportunities and challenges were comprehensively discussed by resource persons from the APCTT. The experiences of China, Malaysia and India were also presented in the workshop. The PCIERD led the APCTT group to plant visits to technology adopters who exemplify GRI experience.

The Italian Government Connection

The Council expanded its international linkages program with the Italian Government through the Italian Embassy. Recognizing that Italy has developed technologies that may be applied in the Philippines, it initiated meetings with the Italian Government. This connection also resulted to the training of a PCIERD staff on Applications of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Exploitation of Marine Current for Power Generation organized by the International Center for Science and High Technology (ICS). Two projects are being worked out by the Council for implementation on solar thermal desalination and marine current for power generation.

US Government Invitation

The US Government provides yearly a Scientific Fellow for the Philippines with whom PCIERD has always established good relations with. In 2007, the DOST has accepted the invitation of the US Embassy to join the M2M Partnership or the Methane to Market Partnership. The contributions and support of the US for the M2M project development activities include the identification and development of methane recovery and use opportunities. The Philippines has opportunities for methane recovery and reuse and this initiative may eventually contribute to the country’s national goal of increasing self-sufficiency and help improve the local and global air quality. PCIERD is coordinating the M2M Partnership for DOST.

Stronger Relations with Japan

The Philippines-Japan relations have become stronger through the years. Specifically for the S&T community, the S&T personnel have participated in several trainings conducted by the various agencies of Japan. Also, several technologies, processes and products have been transferred to the Philippines.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
The DOST, through PCIERD, has long collaborated with JETRO on the application of energy conservation (enercon) technologies, implementation of energy management system and audit. Since it started in 2005, several Philippine industries have benefited from this collaboration like the food industry, steel rolling and galvanizing factories and, the latest, is the metals industry.

A group of enercon experts has trained coming from PCIERD, ITDI and MIRDC. In order to promote energy management, conservation and audit measures for SMEs in the regions, a Regional Core Group has been created.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

The JICA is an ally and partner of PCIERD in its S&T activities. The latest collaboration under JICA is in the area of improved packaging technology as applied to Philippine food products. The JICA has sent experts to upgrade the facilities of PRDC by installing a digitized packaging design facility and conducted in-house trainings on: (1) retort packaging, (2) modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), (3) high barrier packaging technology, (4) packaging materials, and (5) graphic design.

The Association of Overseas Training Scholarship (AOTS)

The PCIERD is currently firming up several S&T activities with Japan’s AOTS. Specifically, the AOTS offers training programs that are S&T related which will be conducted in Japan. The PCIERD has submitted training needs and collaborations on enercon and technology transfer.

New Partnership with the Government of Thailand

The science community has firmed up a linkage with the government of Thailand through the Halal Science Center (HSC) in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. This is in connection with the implementation of the Halal S&T Program. Thailand, being the pioneer in Halal science would be able to assist not only the Philippines but all ASEAN countries who have included Halal as a priority in their development agenda.

Industrial Technology Research Instituite (ITRI) and Other S&T Agencies in Taiwan

The PCIERD joined the DOST delegation who went to Taiwan to discuss S&T projects for collaboration between the Philippines and Taiwan. The visit further strengthened the linkage with ITRI and other related agencies as well as identified other areas of mutual interest between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Linking with Taiwan and Taipei

The PCIERD joined the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in the roundtable discussion on Philippines initiative on joint S&T cooperation with Taiwan and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. The areas of cooperation identified were in the fields of natural and life sciences. The PCIERD identified natural hazards and disaster management as areas under natural sciences. Under life sciences, food safety and technology forecasting are possible areas of cooperation.

Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

The PCIERD participated in the Annual Convention of KOICA Fellows. This was to maintain and to continue friendship and good relations with KOICA. In the last quarter of 2007, the DOST was also invited by KOICA to participate in their Training Program wherein PCIERD submitted training needs on the development of transport packaging for furnitures, housewares, giftwares and holiday decors, food safety, quality management systems as well as technology transfer initiatives.