Ross Flores Del Rosario Invited to Cover Pivotal Marine Conservation Event in Timor-Leste: CTI-CFF’s SOM-19 and MM-9

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Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of the acclaimed Wazzup Pilipinas, has been formally invited to attend and cover one of the most significant gatherings for marine conservation and sustainable resource management: the 19th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-19) and the 9th Ministerial Meeting (MM-9) of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF). The prestigious event will take place from December 2-6, 2024, in Dili, Timor-Leste, a vibrant host nation that currently chairs CTI-CFF.

This gathering, which convenes senior officials, ministers, and strategic partners from six member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—marks a pivotal moment in collaborative efforts to address the most pressing challenges facing the Coral Triangle.

A Landmark for Marine Biodiversity and Regional Cooperation

The Coral Triangle is often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas,” encompassing some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. Stretching across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it provides critical ecosystem services that sustain over 120 million people. The upcoming meetings aim to strengthen regional collaboration to safeguard this natural treasure.

The events will commence with the Pre-Senior Officials’ Meeting (Pre-SOM) on December 2-3, followed by the Annual SOM on December 4-5, and will culminate in the Ministerial Meeting on December 6. These sessions will review the Coral Triangle’s progress in achieving global conservation goals, including the 30x30 conservation target to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Illegal Fishing and Ocean Pollution
Delegates will strategize on combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and addressing the increasing threat of plastic pollution in marine environments.


Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience

Discussions will highlight measures to fortify ecosystems against climate change impacts, ensuring their continued support for livelihoods and global food security.


Gender Inclusion in Conservation

A significant emphasis will be placed on integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into marine conservation strategies, recognizing the importance of inclusive approaches for sustainable development.


Global and Regional Conservation Goals

Member countries will evaluate progress and set new milestones aligned with the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, the Coral Triangle’s roadmap for sustainable resource management.

Ross Flores Del Rosario: Championing Environmental Journalism

As a respected media figure and environmental advocate, Ross Del Rosario has consistently leveraged his platform to highlight vital issues affecting the Philippines and beyond. His coverage of the CTI-CFF event will offer readers an in-depth view of the collaborative efforts driving conservation in the Coral Triangle.

In preparation for the event, Del Rosario expressed his gratitude for the invitation:

"It is an honor to be part of this critical initiative. The Coral Triangle is not just a regional treasure—it’s a global one. This event is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations."

Wazzup Pilipinas’ coverage will include real-time updates, exclusive interviews with key stakeholders such as Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, and insights into groundbreaking policies that emerge from the meetings.

Collaborative Partnerships for Conservation

The event will also bring together strategic partners, including USAID, IUCN, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), WWF Coral Triangle Program, and many others, highlighting the importance of global alliances in advancing marine sustainability.

Why This Matters

The CTI-CFF meetings are not just another conference; they are a beacon of hope for sustainable development and environmental resilience. The outcomes will influence policies that impact millions of people relying on marine resources for their livelihoods, contributing to global efforts against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Follow the Story

Stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas for exclusive coverage, as Ross Del Rosario takes you to the heart of the action in Dili, Timor-Leste, bringing stories of hope, collaboration, and actionable solutions from the Coral Triangle Initiative.

For more information about the CTI-CFF, visit www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.

CTI-CFF 19th Senior Officials’ Meeting and 9th Ministerial Meeting to Convene in Dili, Timor-Leste

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The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) will hold its 19th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-19) and 9th Ministerial Meeting (MM-9) in Dili, Timor-Leste, from 2-6 December 2024. Hosted by Timor-Leste as Chair of the CTI-CFF for the 2023-2024 period, the event represents a critical opportunity to advance regional cooperation in marine conservation and sustainable resource management.

The event will commence with the Pre-Senior Officials’ Meeting (Pre-SOM) on 2-3 December 2024, followed by the Annual SOM on 4-5 December.

Culminating the series will be the bi-annual Ministerial Meeting on 6 December, where high-level representatives from the six member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—will convene to approve key decisions for the region's marine resources.

"This year’s Senior Officials’ Meeting and Ministerial Meeting represent a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the Coral Triangle's marine resources," said Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

"In collaboration with the National Coordinating Committee of Timor-Leste, we aim to deliver a Joint Ministerial Statement that addresses the pressing challenges facing the Coral Triangle precious resources, from illegal fishing to climate impacts and pollution.

 

Together with our member countries and strategic partners, we will chart actionable, collaborative solutions to ensure the resilience of our ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions who depend on them."

In addition to country delegations, the meeting will be attended by strategic partners, including representatives from USAID, GIZ, IUCN, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), WWF Coral Triangle Program (WWF CTP), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA), and Blue Institute. Their participation underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing CTI-CFF’s objectives, fostering knowledge exchange, and aligning efforts toward sustainable marine resource management.

The meetings will review progress and achievements in marine conservation efforts, both at the national and regional levels, including the protection of ecologically significant marine areas, initiatives contributing to the global 30x30 conservation target, protection of endangered marine species, combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, adapting to climate change, and addressing ocean pollution, particularly plastic waste.

Additionally, the discussions will emphasize the importance of mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into marine conservation strategies while ensuring the livelihoods of millions of people living within the Coral Triangle area are preserved. Senior officials will also finalize the CTI-CFF 2025 workplan and budget, setting a roadmap for sustained action toward achieving targets of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0.

As one of the world’s most biologically diverse and resource-rich marine regions, the Coral Triangle plays a pivotal role in global food security. Its ecosystems support the livelihoods and well-being of more than 120 million people and supply fisheries that are critical for the global economy.

The CTI-CFF Secretariat invites media and stakeholders to support this significant event and its mission to protect and sustainably manage the Coral Triangle. By strengthening regional collaboration and championing conservation efforts, the initiative contributes to the long-term resilience of ocean ecosystems and the food security of millions worldwide.

Celebrating Filipino Greatness: DOST Delegates Received Multiple Awards at SIIF 2024

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The DOST Team Philippines won several awards from the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024 this November 29, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. From 519 inventions and products from 32 countries, our fifteen (15) technologies won three (3) gold awards, three (3) silver awards, four (4) bronze awards, and thirteen (13) special awards from Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Korea.

SIIF 2024 Gold Awardees

 One of the inventions that won a gold medal is Covert Security Yarns & Markings for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications developed by a team of inventors from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). This invention integrates glow-in-the-dark materials embedded into its textile fibers which imitated textiles from authentic ones. With this, it increases the security features for textile products and these markings emit colors when exposed to UV radiation creating traceability of the fabric’s origin.

Engr. Jeremy De Leon’s MAKE-roscope also received a gold award in SIIF 2024, this microscope keychain uses a smartphone’s camera to magnify small objects, allowing the users to observe intricate details without the need to buy types of equipment seen in the science lab. This innovation also bridges the gap in science education, wherein traditional microscopes are often out of reach for many schools due to high cost and space constraints.

Completing the pool of gold awardees, Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon’s Pili Seal is a technology derived from discarded Pili tree resin that offers a sustainable, dual-purpose solution as both an adhesive and a sealant. Its organic composition minimizes environmental risks associated with synthetic sealants. The Pili Seal adheres to various materials, including metal, glass, wood, ceramics, bricks, tiles, and composites. This makes it suitable for various industries, such as aviation, construction, and building and roofing.

SIIF 2024 Silver Awardees

The silver award was given to the 2024 NICE First Prize Winner of the Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research - High School Level - Smart Helmet: The Head Covering Emergency Alarm System, Life Saver, and Monitoring Device invented by Peter John R. Bacani and Miraleih S. Jaime from the Isabela State University - this high-tech helmet uses sensors and AI which keep riders safe and secured. It also primarily focuses on Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music access, and rider-safety features for the detection of overspeeding, drunk driving, and fatigue. It can also allow the rider to analyze surrounding data and can send an emergency alert to the rider’s phone if it senses danger.

2024 NICE First Prize Winner of Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research - College Level which is the IET Pro: the effective and affordable Impulse Excitation Technique Prototype, the invention of Ms. Beatrice V. Bayan, offers an affordable and non-damaging tool compared to commercially available IET tools. These tools are used for measuring how materials bend and stretch. It has three components: a mainframe, USB microphone, and impulse or mallet. The IET Pro is essential for small-scale research, helping engineers choose suitable project materials.

Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) Multifunctional School Furniture/Silyang Pinoy represented by Engr. Edward Paul S. Marasigan is made of engineered bamboo and serves multiple purposes, turning from a student desk and chair into a makeshift bed for evacuees in evacuation centers during emergencies. Engineered bamboo, or an improved version of bamboo, is an excellent alternative to traditional wood due to its properties.

SIIF 2024 Bronze Awardees and Special Awards

Bronze awards were given to these inventions: Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System (SMILHIS) - eHATID represented by Mr. Jaztine A. Calderon, iPOND represented by Ms. Zalda R. Gayahan from the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology represented by Ms. Marie Antonette V. Berces, from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), and Herbal Cream preparation DEBCC Cream in Removing of Basal Cell Carcinoma or Skin Cancer using Cashew Nut Extract represented by Inv. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu.

Below is the list of the special awards that the DOST team of delegation got in the said event:

Special Awardee Country conferring the Award

Pili Seal by Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon Innovation Award Winner from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Pili Seal by Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon Best Inventor of the Year from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA)

Smart Helmet: The Head Covering Emergency Alarm System, Life Saver, and Monitoring Device by Peter John R. Bacani and Miraleih S. Jaime Innovation Award Winner from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

MAKE-roscope by Engr. Jeremy De Leon Innovation Award Winner from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Turbo Rice Steamer by Francisco Gecosala Best International Invention and Innovation Award from the National Research Council of Thailand

Equipment System and Process for Treating Wastewater from Wet-type Finishing Spray Booth by Engr. Edward Paul S. Marasigan from the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Best International Invention and Innovation Award from the National Research Council of Thailand

IET Pro: the effective and affordable Impulse Excitation Technique Prototype by Beatrice V. Bayan Best International Invention and Innovation Award from the National Research Council of Thailand

Herbal Cream preparation DEBCC Cream in Removing of Basal Cell Carcinoma or Skin Cancer using Cashew Nut Extract by Inv. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu Outstanding Innovation Award from Singapore

Herbal Cream preparation DEBCC Cream in Removing of Basal Cell Carcinoma or Skin Cancer using Cashew Nut Extract by Inv. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu Best International Invention from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists

iPOND represented by Zalda R. Gayahan from the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) Best International Invention from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists

Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System (SMILHIS) - eHATID by Jaztine A. Calderon Special Prize for the Best International Invent from SIIF 2024

HormoGroe(R) Nanoformulated Plant Growth Regulators by Dr. Lilia M. Fernando-Corpuz Special Award: Best Inventor from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute’s Covert Security Yarns & Markings for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications and Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology Best Inventor Award from the Takharuj Law Firm, Saudi Arabia

The inventions showcased in the SIIF 2024 exhibition are a collective group of recent winners of the 2024 National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) 2022. DOST-supported technologies across various industries including textiles, water security, disaster risk reduction, environmental conservation, and education, self-funded inventors, and DOST-TAPI’s TECHNiCOM grantees.

The Philippines' triumph at the SIIF 2024 underscores its growing prominence in the global innovation arena after competing with five hundred and nineteen (519) inventions from thirty-two (32) countries in this year's exhibition.

With the nation continuing to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Filipino inventors, researchers, and technopreneurs stand poised to make significant contributions to addressing global challenges and bringing local innovation into the spotlight, where it shines the brightest.