BANGKOK, 17 OCTOBER 2022 – Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz Paredes delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of “APEC Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Thailand 2022: Tech to Biz” held at the Centara Grand Hotel at Central Plaza Ladprao in Bangkok on 10 October 2022.

The Ambassador was invited by the Thai National Science and Technology Agency (NSTDA) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), to represent the Philippines as one of the co-sponsors of the Forum. The Philippines, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), co-sponsored the Forum as a self-funded project of Thailand under the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) working group.

In her speech, the Ambassador conveyed the support of the Philippine Government for Thailand’s initiative to promote its Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model and its related work in APEC as this year’s host.

Ambassador Paredes also highlighted the presentations of two Filipino innovators.

The first presentation was by Mr. Jonathan Co of Manly Plastics/Sentinel Group of Companies on upcycling plastic waste, including single-use plastics that pollute oceans, waterways, and landfills. They convert these waste into high-value, long-lasting plastics such as crates, school chairs, and trash bins.

The second presentation was by Dr. Merlina Palencia of Adamson University on Vigormin, a powder comprising several organo-minerals abundant in the Philippines. She developed Vigormin, with the support of the DOST, into technology that offers a non-toxic treatment of wastewater and solid waste.

Ambassador Paredes also met with MHESI Permanent Secretary Mr. Sirirurg Songsivilai and NSTDA President Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong. END