PNRI signs MOU for neutron applications in medical physics
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The MOU was signed by PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla (2nd from left) and MPHPS CEO Manuel Ramirez (2nd from right). Also witnessing the signing were PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Samson and DOST Associate Scientist Dr. Alvie Astronomo.
PNRI signs MOU for neutron applications in medical physics
Helping to ensure the safety of workers exposed to radiation due to their occupation, DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Medical Physics and Health Physics Services, Inc. for Project LUNIS (Low-Dose Uniform Neutron Irradiation System) on May 31, 2022 at the PNRI compound in Quezon City.
The partnership will harness PNRI's expertise in neutron measurement and dosimetry to ultimately benefit medical professionals and other sectors, whose working environments will improve in terms of radiation protection and safety thanks to better calibration of detectors and dosimeters, among others.
PNRI Technologies at DOST Exhibit in SM Baguio
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PNRI Technologies at DOST Exhibit in SM Baguio
Participants check out the exhibit of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the DOST’s Nationwide S&T Promotions and Exhibit in SM City Baguio on 21 May 2022.
Featuring the latest innovations of the DOST, the exhibit is a partnership between the DOST and SM Supermalls, and implemented by the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute in collaboration with DOST agencies.
Among the exhibits of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute are the new hyaluronic acid based hydrogels, honey authentication and fingerprinting technology, multi-shell neutron spectrometer, and non-woven fabrics for waste water treatment.
CAR science heads eye seaweed plant food to boost upland crop yield
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DOST-CAR provincial directors discuss with agricultural technician Ed David (second from right) the benefits of the PNRI-developed carrageenan plant growth promoter.
CAR science heads eye seaweed plant food to boost upland crop yield
The plant growth promoter (PGP) made from seaweeds is now poised to hie-off to the highlands to deliver the same benefits it brought to lowland crops. Developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) using irradiation technology, the seaweed-derived PGP has been proven to increase yield and make crops resistant to pests and extreme weather.
The PGP, also called plant food, has also shown to improve vegetables grown in the uplands after successful tests on rice, legumes, corn, banana, and other vegetables. This gained the interest of the DOST provincial directors in the Cordillera Region.
“We can do technology demos and field tests. We will support you,” told Ed David to the directors in a meeting on May 21 during the SM Malls x DOST Exhibits Opening in SM Baguio. David is an agricultural technician of the Vitalgro Foliar Fertilizer of VVZ Corporation, a commercial adoptor of the PGP.
In the said meeting, David shared their experiences on the effects and benefits of Carrageenan PGP to various farming communities in Region III. Describing the foliar fertilizer as a cheaper alternative to other commercial plant supplement, David revealed that using PGP resulted in a higher harvest yield and better protection from pests and extreme weather.
Extracted from red edible seaweed, also called as “guso” or “gulamang dagat”, the PGP fertilizer is a “green technology” for being environment friendly. It serves as a natural pest repellent and an attractant to beneficial insects such as aphids and beetles.
He also offered to facilitate technology demos and trials in the Cordilleras, which the directors welcomed, considering the farming associations in the highlands that produce rice, fruits, and vegetables. Further, the directors proposed that the PGP technology be featured in a regional S&T caravan to be held within the year which will travel across all provinces of the Cordillera Region.
The interest on the carrageenan PGP sparked during a technology presentation of PNRI for DOST-CAR regional and provincial heads. “Its proven effectiveness on vegetables made us realize that it will be very helpful to our stakeholders here in CAR,” Regional Director Nancy Bantog said.
Nuclear-developed technologies like the Carrageenan PGP are being licensed and adopted. Carrageenan PGP’s adoptors include VitalGro Foliar Fertilizer and Aqua Oro Philippines. Individuals or firms interested with PNRI’s technologies may coordinate with the PNRI Business Development Section of the Technology Diffusion Division via hotline at 02-8929 6011 to 19 extension 232 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. [By Nuclear Information and Documentation Section, DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute]
DOST-PNRI delegates and DOST-CAR officials headed by Dr. Nancy Bantog (second from left, front row) agree to promote the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter in the Cordillera Region through technology demos, trials, and caravan.
The DOST-PNRI-developed Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter which increases yield and improves quality of crops is commercialized and labeled by Vitalgro Foliar Fertilizer (left) and Aqua Oro Philippines (right). [Photos lifted from Vitalgro and Aqua Oro FB Pages]
First commercial irradiation facility to rise in Tanay, Rizal
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DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña (second from right) and DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla (rightmost) cheer on as Walter W. Brown, chair of the A Brown Company, Inc, leads the official groundbreaking of the Tanay Electron Beam and Cold Storage Facility on May 13, 2022 in Brgy Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. The facility will be headed by Irradiation Solutions Inc. President Paul Francis B. Juat (third from right). [Niña Grace S. Pineda | PNRI-Nuclear Information and Documentation Section]
First commercial irradiation facility to rise in Tanay, Rizal
The first commercial multipurpose irradiation facility in the Philippines has laid the grounds for construction in Tanay, Rizal last Friday, May 13, 2022. The facility, under the Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI), a 100% subsidiary of A Brown Company Inc. (ABCI), will be the first private company in the country to offer commercial electron beam (e-beam) irradiation services, with provision for cold storage. This privately-operated facility shall cater to clients in food, medical devices, commercial products, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries.
E-beam services
In an e-beam process, products are exposed to continuous beams of electrons which damage and destroy microorganisms and pathogens, resulting in sterilized products that have a longer shelf life.
ISI will be using a 10-million-electron-volt (MeV) e-beam accelerator manufactured for commercial irradiation and sterilization application. This will sterilize medical masks, dressings, syringes, surgical staplers, and other single-use medical devices. It will also make agricultural and fishery products to be of export quality and gain wider access to international markets.
Over the past 30 years, e-beam technology has been widely accepted globally and more than 1,200 e-beam irradiation facilities are currently operating worldwide.
DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) Director Carlo A. Arcilla said that ABCI and ISI realized DOST’s commitment to help set-up a private irradiation facility. DOST-PNRI will assist in the training of the future workers of the ISI irradiation facility on the different aspects of the irradiation process.
Last year, local government officials of Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay had an educational visit to the PNRI e-beam irradiation facility to learn about the irradiation processes and equipment used.
The Tanay municipal council initially had doubts on irradiation technology, according to Tanay Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco. But ISI’s presentations based on comprehensive research and the LGU’s recent educational visit to the irradiation facility in DOST-PNRI helped win the nods of the local government officials.
Consequently, they are now anticipating the creation of more jobs and other opportunities as a result of this new facility, which is expected to create an impact to the local economy.
ISI President Paul Francis Juat described irradiation technology as a “proven safe technology” that can further the growth of various industries and help in developing the downstream industries. He is in high hopes that after two years of technical planning and preparation, the 11,700-square meter irradiation facility will be operational after 15 months. (Michael Angelo C. Sia | PNRI-Nuclear Information and Documentation Section)
Aerial perspective of the Tanay Electronic Beam irradiation facility. [Courtesy of Irradiation Solutions Inc.]
