DOST-ASTI’s collaborative R&D efforts propel PH towards a Smarter, Sustainable Future

31 May 2024 2:19 PM

Quezon City, PH — DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) recognizes the importance of scientific collaboration in a rapidly evolving Information and Communications Technology landscape. Inspired by the collaborative success of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), DOST-ASTI is bringing together government agencies, academic institutions, and the industry to tackle some of the country's most pressing challenges — from agriculture and food security, the digital divide, to climate change adaptation and empowering sustainable and resilient smart communities. 

This commitment to collaborative research and development was on full display during a technical consultation and onsite visit at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Museum of Natural History. Researchers from the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine (ASTI-ALaM) Project collaborated with resident entomologist Mr. Orlando Eusebio, gaining valuable insights into specimen handling and image acquisition for an insect 3D reconstruction use case application using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) and Gaussian splatting, AI techniques that create detailed 3D models by simulating how light interacts with objects and surfaces. 

AI Engineers from the ASTI-ALaM Project consulted with University of the Philippines Los Baños Museum of Natural History resident entomologist Mr. Orlando Eusebio on specimen preparation, handling, and imaging techniques in preparation for image acquisition. Photos taken at different angles are used to generate detailed 3D insect models using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF). 

DOST-ASTI representatives from various projects, including Kooha, DataProtect, QCS Project, iTANONG, and Gul.ai, engaged with University of the Philippines Los Baños Department of Electrical Engineering students and faculty to showcase the ongoing R&D efforts in the fields of artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, systems engineering, and quantum computing. 

DOST-ASTI’s commitment to inspiring future innovators was evident during the KARSIYENSIYA STEAM Week 2024 celebrations at the Philippine Science High School Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Campus. Technical experts from the Robot for Optimized and Autonomous Mission-Enhancement Responses (ROAMER) and ASTI-ALaM Projects demonstrated cutting-edge AI and computer vision applications for agricultural automation and disaster risk management. The event featured a hands-on workshop on Computer Vision Applications, where students learned about the practical applications of AI in addressing real-world challenges. 

DOST-ASTI technical experts facilitated a hands-on workshop on Computer Vision Applications during KARSIYENSIYA: STEAM Week 2024, held from 25-27 March 2024 at the DOST Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus in Baguio City, with the theme "Kababaihan, Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, Kinabukasan, at Komunikasyon," highlighting the practical uses of AI in geospatial data analysis. 

In another significant move to foster collaboration with the academe, DOST-ASTI partnered with the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) for the seminar “Exploring Deep Learning Frontiers: A Guide for Graduate Capstone Projects.” These collaborations aim to empower the next generation of data scientists and AI researchers, providing them with insights into the latest advancements in deep learning and guiding them in applying these technologies to their capstone projects.

Mr. Elmer Peramo, Senior Science Research Specialist, shared insights on deep learning applications during a seminar at the University of Asia and the Pacific on 6 April 2024 at ALB Dining Hall, UA&P. Organized by organized by the Master in Applied Business Analytics (MABA) program under the School of Management, the seminar aimed to guide graduate students in translating theoretical knowledge into impactful capstone projects in computer vision and natural language processing. Photo Courtesy of UA&P MABA 

Bringing together the academe, government, and industry, DOST-ASTI recently held a productive technical meeting with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) to discuss AI-driven solutions for sugarcane monitoring. The meeting highlighted the use of cutting-edge AI technology for accurate sugarcane mapping and enhancing agricultural practices. DOST-ASTI provides AI expertise, SRA contributes to the agricultural domain knowledge, and TUPV supports this research initiative by validating the solution developed by DOST-ASTI. 

DOST-ASTI AI Engineers with SRA’s Atty. Ignacio S. Santillana, Deputy Administrator for Research, Development, and Extension; Mr. Rolando Torres Jr., Science Research Specialist II, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division, and partners from the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, led by Engr. Gregorio L. Crisostomo, Assistant Director for Research and Extension. 

DOST-ASTI has also played a significant role in the DOST Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Visit to Barangay Suyang, Tabuk City, Kalinga. Technical experts from DOST-ASTI engaged with local officials and community members to present their ongoing R&D initiatives of the agency, focusing on use case applications for disaster risk management and building sustainable and resilient smart communities. This engagement demonstrates DOST-ASTI’s commitment to bringing Science, Technology, and Innovation closer to regional communities, fostering growth and development through cutting-edge ICT. 

DOST-ASTI AI Engineer Ethyl Joy I. Badiang and S&T Fellow John Chris T. Kwong, discusses DOST-ASTI’s ASTIg technology solutions and AI solution on automatic vehicle detection and counting with the City Information and Communications Technology Office of Tabuk City, Kalinga, led by Mr. Erwin G. Manadao, Department Head. 

Through such collaborative endeavors, DOST-ASTI is shaping the future of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Philippines and contributing to the government's efforts to address societal challenges. By embracing open science principles, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, and empowering future innovators, DOST-ASTI is driving sustainable development and ensuring a brighter future for all Filipinos.