DOST Philippines. [Photograph]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/DOSTph/photos/this-is-the-official-facebook-page-of-the-department-of-science-and-technology-o/237456201896254/?_rdr Currently, we live in a society where almost everything must be backed up by science—from the policies that govern nations to the technologies that shape our daily lives. Science has become the foundation of modern decision-making, offering evidence that guides innovation, health, education, and even social development. However, for science to truly fulfill its role in advancing society, it must not remain confined to laboratories or academic journals. It needs to be communicated clearly and effectively to the public, bridging the gap between complex knowledge and everyday understanding. After all, the true purpose of science and research is to serve the public. In the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has consistently positioned itself as a driver of innovation, knowledge creation, and community transformation. As the government agency mandated to direct, lead, and coordinate the nation’s scientific, technological, and innovative initiatives, DOST works to ensure that these efforts deliver maximum economic and social benefits to the Filipino people. Serving as the country’s leading enabler and provider of science, technology, and innovation (STI) solutions, the department has also taken a forefront role in advancing science education and strengthening science communication. Through Science and Technology Buenafe, K. (2025). DOST Sec Solidum champions science, technology, and innovation [Photograph]. MSUIIT. https://msuiit.edu.ph/news/news-detail.php?id=2076 DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. has emphasized the department’s work through four interrelated pillars that underpin science communication and application. Specifically, DOST programs must promote human well-being, foster wealth creation, reinforce wealth protection, and institutionalize sustainability.  The first pillar, promotion of human well-being, recognizes that the ultimate goal of scientific advancement is the improvement of human life. DOST’s initiatives in this area span healthcare innovation, nutrition research, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection. Cited by Solidum, one example is the AI-Powered Weather Forecasting for a Resilient Philippines (AI-4RP). Launched in April 2024, AI-4RP uses high-resolution artificial intelligence (AI) models to improve weather forecasting accuracy, lead times, and runtime. This innovation directly supports disaster preparedness and community resilience by giving Filipinos earlier and more reliable warnings against typhoons, floods, and other climate-related hazards. Aside from these, DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) invited the public to avail their livelihood training programs  which help put up businesses using small equipment and investment.  The second pillar, fostering wealth creation, DOST acknowledges science and technology as drivers of economic growth. Hence, this area involves supporting innovation ecosystems, facilitating technology transfer, and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures that transform scientific discoveries into commercial opportunities. As mentioned by Regional Director Dr. Virginia Bilgera, DOST has also been supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in adopting new technologies and enhancing their business capabilities. This includes capacity building for farmers and entrepreneurs, training, and mentorships in providing skills they need to improve product quality, increase efficiency, and explore potential export opportunities. Moreover, one of the flagship initiatives is the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) which enables MSMEs to modernize operations and stay competitive in both local and global markets. Under the third pillar, reinforcing wealth protection, DOST emphasizes safeguarding the nation’s resources and people. This covers not only disaster risk reduction, environmental management, and food security, but also strategic investments in human capital. Through its Scholarship Programs, DOST provides financial assistance and support to students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), ensuring a strong pipeline of future scientists and innovators. In addition, during the recent Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit (ITTS), DOST showcased various Filipino-developed innovations that contribute to wealth protection across different sectors. Among these were the C-Trike by Cagayan State University, a locally manufactured electric tricycle designed to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions; the GenAmplify COVID-19 test kits developed by UP Manila, which were deployed nationwide during the pandemic; and BIo-N and Project SARAI from UPLB, which advance climate-smart and cost-effective farming practices. STI4SDGs. [Photograph]. https://sti4sdg.dost.gov.ph/ Lastly, under the fourth pillar, institutionalizing sustainability, DOST highlights the importance of building long-term systems that ensure resilience and inclusive growth. One key initiative presented during the DOST-Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Zonal Conference was the Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals (STI4SDGs) program, which develops SDG-specific roadmaps covering the entire innovation lifecycle while addressing pressing national challenges. Furthermore, through its Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities initiative, DOST promotes the integration of advanced technologies in urban planning to create livable, efficient, and disaster-resilient communities. Together, these four pillars form a comprehensive framework that aligns scientific innovation with national development. By advancing human well-being, driving economic growth, protecting resources, and promoting sustainability in long-term systems, DOST demonstrates that through science and technology, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and progressive Philippines. With Science and Technology  DOST’s efforts go beyond laboratories and policy spaces. Aside from research and innovation, they directly touch the lives of students, young leaders, and marginalized communities. Through its scholarship programs, the department has empowered countless aspiring scientists, engineers, and innovators to pursue their dreams. DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has been consistently opening its undergraduate scholarship programs, namely RA 7687 and Merit to Senior High School students who wish to pursue courses in Science and Technology. RA 7686, also known as the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994, provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status do not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Meanwhile, the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program is given to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics. These scholarship programs not only empower students to continue their education but also serve as investments in the country’s scientific and technological future. Casimiro, C (2024). DOST 1 Builds Stronger Communities With CEST Program [Photograph]. DOST Region 1. https://region1.dost.gov.ph/news/dost-1-builds-stronger-communities-with-cest-program/ At the community level,  the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program illustrates how research and innovation can translate into concrete opportunities for development. CEST program aims to provide livelihood and alleviate poverty in remote communities by providing technology-based livelihood projects and facilitating knowledge transfer in critical areas such as education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation,

Your mouth is not an isolated corner of the body; it’s a starting point for many of the processes that keep you well. Gums and teeth are in constant conversation with digestion, immune response, and mental clarity, and when that conversation goes wrong the consequences spread. Little infections and chronic inflammation in the mouth can escalate into broader problems if left unchecked. Framing oral care as a central habit rather than an afterthought changes how you act daily. This piece walks through the real mechanisms and then gives practical prevention and treatment measures you can use. Read it as a permission slip to treat the mouth like a major organ system. Oral Health and Digestive Balance Research into how mouth and gut microbiota interact shows the mouth seeds the gut with microbes that assist digestion and influence inflammation from the first chew. When those oral communities are balanced, your digestive tract receives helpful signals that support nutrient absorption and stable immune activity. When oral communities tilt toward pathogenic strains, the gut’s ecosystem falters, and digestive symptoms follow. That makes daily oral habits—brushing, flossing, mindful eating—part of your digestive hygiene. Small, predictable habits at the sink reduce the chance of microbial disruption downstream. Think of oral care as the first step in a longer digestive relay. Prevention, Treatment, and Everyday Measures Clinical care and day-to-day choices must work together: start with consistent hygiene, see a dental professional regularly, and then layer lifestyle measures, because combined action produces the best defense. Practical prevention strategies include twice-daily brushing with fluoride, daily interdental cleaning, routine professional cleanings, and addressing dry mouth or grinding early. When disease is present, targeted treatments—scaling and root planing, local antimicrobial approaches, or coordinated medical referrals—stop local problems from becoming systemic. Integrating diet choices, stress management, and smoking cessation amplifies treatment benefits and lowers recurrence. For an immediate, client-facing action you can explore the value of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle which ties oral habits into a broader rhythm of protective behavior. Prevention is cumulative: small acts every day compound into durable health. Gut Dysbiosis and Disease Risk The migration of oral microbes into intestinal tissue is not hypothetical; studies document mouth bacteria translocating into the gut and triggering immune responses that extend beyond digestion. Once those bacteria establish themselves, they can amplify chronic inflammation and raise long-term disease risk across organs. That reframes sloppy oral hygiene from a cosmetic lapse into a systemic vulnerability you actually can prevent. Stopping bacterial migration at the source—through routine cleanings and targeted care—breaks the chain before it becomes a medical problem. Prevention is therefore as much about containment as it is about cleanliness. The mouth and gut operate as one continuous environment when microbes begin to move. Stress, Habits, and Oral Decline Stress shows up fast in the mouth, and evidence points to how elevated stress reducing saliva and care opens the door to decay and gum disease. When saliva drops and routines slip, bacterial populations shift and cavities accelerate. Chronic stress also increases grinding and jaw tension, which compounds tissue damage. To protect oral health under pressure you must treat stress reduction as an oral-health strategy, not an optional add-on. Sleep hygiene, small mindfulness practices, and a deliberate evening routine protect both mind and mouth. Breaking that feedback loop is essential because stress and oral decline amplify one another. Inflammation and Immune Response Gum disease is not a local argument; it’s an inflammatory broadcast into the bloodstream. Research indicating that caloric restriction reduces gum inflammation highlights how diet influences the oral inflammatory setpoint and, by extension, systemic immune load. Every flare-up in the gums releases cytokines and other messengers that strain arteries, joints, and organs over time. Controlling oral inflammation is therefore a whole-body intervention that involves food choices, hygiene, and clinical care. The cumulative effect of repeated oral inflammation shows up decades later as chronic conditions. Inflammation control at the gumline is preventative medicine in plain sight. Mental Well-Being and Oral Confidence Dental problems affect more than health metrics; they shape social presence and self-regard, and evidence on oral health affecting self-esteem shows how fixing oral issues often restores engagement and confidence. People with untreated dental problems commonly avoid interaction, which fuels isolation and anxiety. Addressing those issues returns spoken opportunities, job prospects, and the simple ease of meeting friends without shame. The restorative process—restorations, cleanings, or targeted therapies—often produces immediate psychological relief. See oral care as part of mental-health maintenance because the two are tightly interwoven. Restoring a healthy mouth restores voice and social traction. The Oral Microbiome as an Early Indicator Saliva carries more intelligence than most people realize; microbial signatures in the mouth can hint at broader risk before symptoms surface, and studies around the oral microbiome as early disease indicator point to saliva’s diagnostic potential. Microbial patterns can indicate cardiovascular risk, metabolic imbalance, and emerging inflammatory states ahead of clinical signs. That means routine dental exams could evolve into screening moments where early interventions prevent escalation. The mouth, in this sense, becomes a routine monitoring station for the body. Leveraging that signal requires both clinician awareness and accessible saliva testing paths. Treat the mouth as you would any other critical system: with routine maintenance, early intervention, and connected lifestyle choices. When you stop viewing oral care as optional, you stop the microbial migrations, tamp down inflammation, and protect mental presence. The evidence shows the mouth’s influence stretches into digestion, immunity, and psychology. Make hygiene, nutrition, stress reduction, and professional care regular priorities and you change your long-term trajectory. Your toothbrush is not a cosmetic tool—it is a frontline instrument for whole-body resilience. Start there, and the rest follows. Elevate your understanding of food safety and quality with the Food Microbiology Academy — where innovation meets education for a healthier world. About the Author Diane founded Health PSA after noticing how many people visited the library searching for reliable, easy-to-understand health information. Motivated to bridge the gap between medical jargon and everyday understanding, she created this

Have you ever felt stomach pain? Not because you skipped meals or ate too quickly, but because you trusted that the food served was safe to eat? Unfortunately, many people fall ill from food—food that was supposed to nourish us, provide energy, and bring joy. A single meal, when mishandled or improperly prepared at home or even in a restaurant, can cause more than just discomfort. In severe cases, it can lead to long-term health complications or even death. Food safety is something many people take for granted until an outbreak makes the news. Beyond the immediate health risks, foodborne illnesses also carry economic and social costs. Families may face expensive hospital bills, businesses can lose consumer trust, and workers often miss days of school or employment due to sickness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in this country can be attributed due to foodborne pathogens. These statistics highlight that food safety is not merely a kitchen concern or a matter of personal hygiene. In fact, it is also a public health  and economic concern that affects families, communities, and economies worldwide. The good news is that most of these illnesses are preventable. With proper knowledge of how to handle, prepare, and store food, we can greatly reduce the risks. From practicing simple habits at home—like handwashing and cooking food thoroughly—to strengthening food systems and regulations, every effort matters. Food safety begins with education that leads to action. By understanding why it is so important, we can protect ourselves, those we care about, and most especially the people around us. I Wanna Know: What are Foodborne Illnesses? Foodborne illnesses, also known as food poisoning, happens when a person consumes a contaminated food or beverage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a total of 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses and 420,000 deaths are recorded every year worldwide. It was revealed that 30% of foodborne deaths occur among children under 5 years of age. Moreover, each year, eating unsafe food takes away around 33 million years of healthy living worldwide—and experts believe the real number could be even higher. Photo from: https://www.statefoodsafety.com/Resources/Resources/training-tip-understanding-food-hazards Foodborne illnesses occur when a hazard enters your food or drink, making it unsafe to consume. These hazards can be chemical, physical, or biological. Chemical hazards are particularly concerning because they can come from different sources in the environment. Some occur naturally, like lectin in beans or algal toxins in seafood. Others are intentionally added, such as food additives, dyes, pesticides, or veterinary drugs used in farming. Still others may be introduced unintentionally, for example through cleaning agents or environmental chemicals. Physical contamination happens when foreign objects end up in food, posing risks of illness or injury to consumers. These objects can come from the environment, such as stones mixed in during harvesting or from poorly maintained equipment and storage areas. They may also enter food during processing, with common examples including glass, plastic, or wood fragments—often the result of inadequate cleaning or maintenance. In some cases, contamination occurs due to human factors, such as untrained staff, carelessness, or wearing unsuitable clothing in food-handling areas. When consumed, this may lead to wounds and choking.  In this blog, we’ll be focusing on biological hazards, or microbiological organisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These tiny yet powerful agents are the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in humans and are responsible for most reported cases worldwide. For example, a recent multistate Salmonella outbreak in California affected 95 people. Investigations revealed that the source was traced to Country Eggs LLC, which had distributed large, brown cage-free eggs—marketed as “sunshine yolks” and “omega-3 golden yolks”—under the brand names Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, and Nijiya Markets. According to Dr.Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, there’s an urgent need to provide the CDC with proper funding so it can effectively respond to outbreaks. Don’t Get Sick: Understanding the Most Common Foodborne Illnesses To better understand the risks, let’s look at some of the most common foodborne illnesses that affect millions of people each year.  Read more here: https://foodsafepal.com/foodborne-illnesses/ Photo from: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/prevention/index.html As mentioned above, foodborne illnesses can be prevented. Here are some reminders to keep you safe: Be Wise: A Call to Action Although foodborne illnesses can affect anyone, some groups are more vulnerable to getting very sick from contaminated food or drinks. These include pregnant individuals, young children under 5 years old, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes, cancer, or other chronic illnesses. International travelers are also at higher risk, especially when visiting places where food and water safety standards may differ. For these groups, taking extra precautions in food handling, preparation, and consumption is important to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. From a public health perspective, food safety is not just about individual choices. It is also about collective responsibility. While careful and informed actions at the individual level, such as proper handwashing and safe food handling, can greatly reduce risks, broader systemic efforts are equally important.  The World Health Organization (WHO) leads efforts to strengthen food safety worldwide by promoting investment, coordinating across sectors, and equipping consumers with tools to make safer choices. Yet, food safety often receives little political attention, especially in developing countries. This is why having reliable data on how many people are affected is so important—it helps raise awareness, get the support of leaders, and secure resources to build stronger systems that can protect everyone from unsafe food. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), inadequate food temperatures and improper cooling were major contributors to bacterial outbreaks. During the pandemic, underreporting occurred due to limited public health resources with sick food workers playing a role in contamination.  Moving forward, individuals are encouraged to practice proper handwashing, cooking food thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination, and storing food safely. Eventually, making these practices a

A Healthy and Pretty You Starts with Food Safety Food plays an important role in our everyday lives—not only because it sustains us, but also because it brings comfort, joy, and even cultural identity. Unlike favorite songs or colors that may change over time, our favorite foods remain close to our hearts, whether it’s a refreshing treat on a hot summer day or a warm meal during rainy weather. For some, eating is simply about survival. For others, it is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. More often, food is that one thing that can instantly lift someone’s mood—especially after a difficult day. Students might celebrate with ice cream after taking a life-changing Biochemistry exam, while office workers often grab a cup of milk tea to recharge after a long and exhausting schedule. But beyond satisfaction, food is a basic necessity that directly affects our health and well-being. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physiological needs are absolutely essential to human functioning and to addressing more complex needs such as relationships, growth, and safety. But how can one truly live a fulfilling life if deprived of these most basic needs—particularly food and the assurance that it is safe to consume? This is why food safety matters. In this article, we’ll explore what food safety means, why it’s important in daily life, and how it influences not just health—but also beauty, confidence, and overall quality of life. What’s On Your Plate? Understanding Food Safety Photo from: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/food-safety Food safety is defined as the proper food handling procedures applied during food preparation, processing, storage, and distribution of the products you deal with in your food business. It also means an assurance that the food you prepared, handled, and served will not cause any adverse health effects towards the consumer. It spans the entire farm-to-fork process:  Here’s an example of a food in a farm-to-fork process perspective. Food safety is important first and foremost because it protects our health and saves lives. If the food we eat is not safe, we can suffer from foodborne diseases such as Norovirus, Hepatitis A, E.coli, Shigella, and Salmonella. After all, food is meant to be delicious, not dangerous. Yet every year, many people around the world still suffer from foodborne illnesses. In fact, 48 million or 1 in 6 people get sick from a foodborne illness with 128,000 people getting hospitalized. Unfortunately, 3,000 people die from this due to food and drinks being contaminated with germs or chemicals that can make people sick.  For instance, just last July 1 in Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, two individuals died while four others were hospitalized after consuming a deadly puffer fish. The victims showed clear signs of food poisoning. Puffer fish are known to be dangerous because they contain a deadly poison called tetrodotoxin (TTX), which is mostly found in their liver, ovaries, and eyes. The said toxin binds to nerve cells, which in turn blocks signals. Therefore, this causes paralysis and often death due to suffocation. That’s why, in Japan, however, pufferfish (fugu) remains a delicacy. The difference? Only chefs who undergo years of specialized training are licensed to prepare it. This shows how food safety regulations can mean the difference between life and death while still respecting culture and cuisine. Food safety incidents also contribute to food waste. In the United States, major sources of food wastes are the food industry and consumers. Within the food industry, food waste occurs at every farm-to-fork process. When food is found to be contaminated, entire batches are subject to be disposed of, even if only a portion is unsafe. This not only wastes resources such as water, labor, and energy used in production, but it also significantly reduces the supply of available food distributed to the public. In countries where hunger and malnutrition are pressing issues, food waste due to foodborne illnesses adds to the economic burden.  For instance, in the Philippines, smuggled onions from China were tested by the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Plants Products Safety Services Division and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division. It was found positive for heavy metals and Salmonella. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. it is important that the misdeclared agricultural goods must not enter the country to ensure food safety and stop potential spread of plant diseases and pests.  More Than A Meal: Why Food Safety Matters  Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/emergency-signage-263402/ Beyond health, food safety also reduces healthcare costs and strengthens communities. When fewer people get sick from unsafe food, families obviously spend less on medicines and hospital bills. In this way, they can still continue their work and life. At a larger scale, this means that communities are also prevented from sickness. Hence, they benefit from stronger and healthier populations.  Safe food is also essential for ensuring healthy diets. It provides us the nutrients needed for our skin, hair, and overall energy. Aside from this, it can also improve access to markets and further support economic growth. By providing safe food, it also brings closer towards achieving overall food security. Meaning, everyone has reliable access to enough safe and nutritious food to lead a more conscious, healthier, and more active life.  Beyond the risks on public health, food safety incidents also reduce consumer confidence. When people hear about outbreaks of foodborne illness or contaminated products being recalled, they often become hesitant to buy from the same brand, restaurant, or even an entire food category. Over time, the food, the brand, and the establishment may become permanently associated with the illness in the minds of consumers. This kind of reputational damage can take years to repair and often drives people to seek alternatives elsewhere. In the long run, businesses suffer financial losses, farmers and suppliers lose opportunities, and communities experience economic setbacks—all because trust was broken by a single lapse in food safety. Ensuring safety at every stage of the farm-to-fork process helps in understanding the interconnectedness of the food system. From the farmer planting seeds, to