Recipients of the 2021 (2nd) Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award

Overview of Asia Innovation Award 2021

The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award is an award program launched in 2020 to promote science, technology and innovation that contributes to solving social issues and realizing a sustainable society in the ASEAN region.

This award recognizes individuals and groups that undeniably served public interests through their outstanding achievements in research and development (R&D) in the fields of science and technology, including their visions of an ideal future society and social implementation plans for R&D as a means of achieving SDGs.

In the fiscal year of 2021, we solicited research and R&D achievements from 21 universities and research institutes in 6 ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam) contributing to each of selected targets of Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

We received applications from above eligible universities and research institutes by recommendation, and the 12 recipients were selected through a document screening and an online interview by the selection committee.

Due to the recent situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided not to hold the award ceremony this year. In lieu of a report on the award ceremony, we would like to introduce the review by Chairman of Selection Committee, the outline of the awardee's research, and awardee's greetings as follows.

Review of The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award

Best Innovation Award

"A Novel Biosensing System for Rapid Estimation of BOD5 and Sensitive Detection of Toxicity in Water (BODTOX)"

Best Innovation Award "A Novel Biosensing System for Rapid Estimation of BOD5 and Sensitive Detection of Toxicity in Water (BODTOX)" Target 14.1
Name	Thuy Phuong Thi Pham
Affiliation/Title	Senior Researcher Department of Process and Equipment Institute of Chemical Technology Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Country	Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Research Title	"A novel biosensing system for rapid estimation of BOD5 and sensitive detection of toxicity in water (BODTOX)" Read More
Social issue	Worldwide water demand has expanded by a factor of six in the past century because of population growth. Thus, water scarcity is becoming a global problem, especially apparent and more severe in Asia which is home to 60% of the world's population but contains only 36% of its water resources. Meanwhile, clean water resources, marine and freshwater ecosystems are under growing threat from pollutions caused by agricultural activities, industrial dumping, and mining, exacerbated by weak administration.
Achievement of R&D	Unlike the costly commercial biosensors, BODTOX is based on packed-bed bioreactor that can easily be self-built from either a variety of cheap media such as biochip, porous ceramic, pumice stone using the natural bacteria consortium presented in the target wastewater, or sodium alginate capsules from the commercial microorganisms for specific purposes. The accumulation of air bubbles and bacteria inside the whole sensing system which may cause incorrect DO signals and responses can be completely prevented by using a novel non-contact fluid delivery system. Accordingly, a peristaltic pump is used to contactless deliver the solution and three air cylinders driven by compressed air from a compressor are employed instead of two three-ways solenoid valves for navigation locks. Consequently, it does not require a complicated and time-consuming cleaning process before each test. Moreover, BODTOX employs a newly developed semi-continuous operating mode which allows to produce peak-type signals, continuous and rapid estimation of BOD5 and determination of toxicity.
Social Implementation	In fact, human-induced environmental disasters cannot be prevented without effective means for continuous monitoring of water quality. At the moment, BOD5 and water toxicity are determined by the traditional analytical method, which is very complex, labor intensive and time-consuming; thus, it cannot be monitored online. Meanwhile, our BODTOX can be used to precisely and rapidly estimate BOD5 and sensitively determine toxicity of water at low cost. The reasonable investment cost of the BODTOX, which can be as low as 1,000 US dollars for the standard version and minimal automation level, together with its low operating cost of 10 US dollars per test, make the developed biosensing system more applicable for online monitor and toxicity early warning purpose, especially in developing countries in ASEAN. Given its advantages, the number of monitoring points can be maximized to reduce the likelihood of environmental accidents happening, and consequently, protect Life below Water and Life on Land.
Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs	With its owned advantages, such as low investment and operating cost, easy to self-build, operate and maintain, reusable, chemical-free, implementing BODTOX for water quality monitoring is sustainable and expected to contribute to the SDG Target 14.1 (Prevent and reduce marine pollution), 15.1 (Conserve, restore and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems); 3.9 (Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution); 6.3 (Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse) and 6.B (Support local engagement in water and sanitation management).
Activities	Schematic diagram of the BOD sensing system based on a packed-bed bioreactor (PBBR) and the results of BOD estimation and toxicity determination of actual wastewater. Simples step to self-build a PBBR on site and the advantages of BODTOX
Message from Awardee	This award brings us a great opportunity to showcase our achievements to: (i) convince authorities of the feasibility of BODTOX for online monitoring of water quality and early warning purposes; (ii) convince potential stakeholders of using BODTOX; and (iii) raise people's awareness about safe water… towards sustainable Life below Water and Life on Land.

Outstanding Innovation Award*Names in Alphabetical Order

"Development and Social Implementation of Community-Led Integrated Non-Mercury Non-Cyanide Gold Extraction Method (CLINN-GEM)"

Outstanding Innovation Award "Development and Social Implementation of Community-Led Integrated Non-Mercury Non-Cyanide Gold Extraction Method (CLINN-GEM)" Target 14.1
Name	Herman Dumpit Mendoza
Affiliation/Title	Professor Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering of the College of Engineering University of the Philippines Diliman (UPDL)
Country	Republic of the Philippines
Research Title	"Community-Led Integrated Non-Mercury Non-Cyanide Gold Extraction Method (CLINN-GEM) Technology for People's Empowerment and Participation" Read More
Social issue	Small-scale mining is often seen as harmful because of its association with hazardous processes such as amalgamation and cyanidation. However, it is also the lifeblood of around 450,000 people operating in 30 of the country's 80 provinces, and accounts for a critical 70–75% of national gold production.
Achievement of R&D	In order to minimize the risk to both human and environmental health, CLINN-GEM was developed in continuous collaboration with small-scale mining communities. It is a clean and sustainable gold mineral processing technology that wholly eliminates the use of mercury and cyanide. Beyond being safer and more eco-friendly, it has a quicker processing time, a higher gold recovery rate, and has operating costs at par with traditional methods. The technology also further shrinks the environmental footprint of small-scale mining through waste management and tailings disposal. CLINN-GEM facilities have been constructed and turned over in four (4) major regions.
Social Implementation	The project spearheaded meaningful collaboration between national government, local government, academia, and stakeholder communities. Major phases: 1) Testing, Training, and Facility Set-up 2) Community mobilization: organization of the operational team, regular monitoring of assemblies and meetings, and hands-on facility operations by the small-scale miners. 3) Technology ownership and stewardship, where CLINN-GEM has regulatory endorsement and is operated as the dominant technology. The ultimate goal is the transfer of technology to small-scale miners, through locally established non-royalty license agreements. The technology, by virtue of utilizing simple component parts, can be easily maintained, upsized, and replicated in any region, making it truly sustainable.
Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs	CLINN-GEM advocates green, responsible mining in the country, and is able to provide a source of livelihood to our small-scale miners without compromising their health and the state of the environment. Through the proven higher overall gold recovery leading to higher production, this elevates the overall economic status of our small-scale miners, nurturing them into self-sufficiency and independence.
Activities	Coordination and Social Preparation of Small-Scale Mining Communities Small Scale Mining Community Workshops and Technical Seminars Field Testing and Training of Small-Scale Mining Community Operation's Group CLINN-GEM Presentation during Workshops CLINN-GEM Pilot Plant Facilities and Locations (5-15 MTD) Turnover and Granting of Free Licenses to use CLINN-GEM Technology and Facilities
Message from Awardee	CLINN-GEM Technology makes possible the intersection of economic development, human well - being, and conservation. It reimagines a world where underserved small-scale miners, whose contributions are so often overlooked, can take on the role of environmental stewards of the land that gives them life.

"Catalysts from transition metal oxides and technologies for the treatment of exhaust gases and waste water"

Outstanding Innovation Award "Catalysts from transition metal oxides and technologies for the treatment of exhaust gases and waste water" Target 15.2 15.5
Name	Thang Minh Le
Affiliation/Title	Professor Department of Organic and Petrochemical Technology Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Country	Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Research Title	"Catalysts from transition metal oxides and technologies for the treatment of exhaust gases and waste water to protect the life on land and below water" Read More
Social issue	The life on land and below water is seriously influenced by chemical wastes from industrial production in low invested factories where effective environmental solutions haven't been applied. Treatment of environmental contaminants in exhaust gases and wastewater of such factories by cost effective solutions is urgent in developing countries.
Achievement of R&D	The cost-effective solution to treat environmental contaminants, e.g., hydrocarbons, VOCs, CO, NOx... in exhaust gases and wastewater is the use of mixed transition metal oxide catalysts instead of the noble metal. Different types of catalysts with different compositions of transition metal oxides on ceramic monoliths have been invented and suitably applied. The catalysts are able to reduce more than 90% contaminant emission, stable in severe conditions and have a long lifetime. The diverse technologies to treat flexibly the environmental contaminants with different concentrations are applied successfully for some factories in Vietnam and reduce significantly smelt to the surrounding areas.
Social Implementation	The application of mixed transition metal oxide catalysts in Vietnam contributed to protect the environment. The treated exhaust gases and wastewater met the national standard and were permitted to emit to the surrounding environment, therefore protect the life there. Our catalysts and technologies have been applied to treat exhaust gases of some waste rubber pyrolysis factories, exhaust gases and wastewater of a factory producing unsaturated polyester, some pilots for treatment of NOx from power plants. Some catalysts were used to produce CO protect mask for firemen and some were placed in the exhaust pipes of used motorbikes.
Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs	When our catalysts and technologies are applied widely in many low invested companies that are facing environmental pollution, the environment in the country and in the region will be improved significantly creating healthy living and working conditions for the life below water (goal 14) and on land (goal 15) there.
Activities	Introduction about the catalytic converter for motorbikes The catalyst in the exhaust pipe of the waste rubber pyrolysis factory (Hai Duong, Vietnam) The catalyst and the catalysis furnace for the treatment of exhaust gases from the waste rubber pyrolysis process The catalytic converters in Vietnam Techfest exhibition 2021
Message from Awardee	The transition metal oxide catalysts are suitable solution for the low invested industrial factories facing environmental pollution of hydrocarbons, VOCs, CO, NOx... Please do not hesitate to apply them to protect our environment. This innovation is ready for technological transfer because of an improved environment for our world.

"Botanical Pesticide with Green Technology to Overcome Water and Soil Pollution for Sustainable Environment"

Outstanding Innovation Award "Botanical Pesticide with Green Technology to Overcome Water and Soil Pollution for Sustainable Environment" Target 15.1
Name	Yenny Meliana
Affiliation/Title	Head Research Center for Chemistry National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) (Former Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI))
Country	Republic of Indonesia
Research Title	"Botanical Pesticide with Green Technology to Overcome Water and Soil Pollution for Sustainable Environment" Read More
Social issue	Sustainable agriculture includes sustainable pest management. The pest management commonly use chemical-based pesticide that might harm human health, harmful for all organism and environment. The use of botanical pesticide as alternative is expected can be an environmentally friendly product which is safer for farmers, increase farm productivity, preserve quality of water and food, reduce chemical pesticide accumulation in soil and increase awareness of society for better healthy life.
Achievement of R&D	We formulate botanical pesticide in nano-emulsifiable concentrate formulation with neem oil as active agent which already licensed by pesticide manufacture industry. We use palm oil-based surfactant, essential and vegetable oil as active agent for the formulation thus relatively safe for environment. The formulation is applied by 1:100 dilution by water. This pesticide has already scaled up and applied directly in field. We raise the awareness of the importance of botanical pesticide through Agricultural extension: farmer education and rural development in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and technical assistance for pepper farmers in Belitung and horticulture farmers in Bandung, West Java.
Social Implementation	The main goals are increasing the health of farmers and reduce environmental pollution. We hold the agricultural extension to educate the farmers about the proper use of pesticides and give them a recommendation for using botanical pesticides. We also plan to cooperate with health workers in the rural areas and will give free healthy access to the farmer who uses botanical pesticide on their farm. In addition, we proactively take part in CRC meeting and implement relevant result in Indonesia.
Social Impact, Contribution to the SDGs	We contribute to SDG Goals numbers 15 "Life on Land", Target numbers 15.1 Conserve, restore and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. The usage of botanical pesticide can reduce the farmers poisoning cases and decrease persistent chemical residue which cause water and soil pollution thus the society can get good quality of water and food.
Activities	technical assistance for pepper farmers in Belitung Island Agricultural extension: farmer education and rural development in Ketapang, West Kalimantan Pilot scale production of botanical pesticide Technical assistance for organic vegetables and tomato in Bandung, West Java
Message from Awardee	I, on behalf of the team, would like to thank The Hitachi Global Foundation for this award. The trends are always evolving towards a green product and technology to achieve healthier human being and environment. Nurturing our mother nature is our duty to create a sustainable environment for us and our legacy.

Encouragement Award*Names in Alphabetical Order

Encouragement Award

"Water Quality Improvement and Ecosystem Restoration in Lake Maninjau through the Introduction of an Integrated Flotation Wetland and Aeration System"

"Water Quality Improvement and Ecosystem Restoration in Lake Maninjau through the Introduction of an Integrated Flotation Wetland and Aeration System" Target 15.1 15.5
Name	Cynthia Henny
Affiliation/Title	Researcher Research Center for Limnology National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Country	Republic of Indonesia
Research Title	"Integrated Floating Treatment Wetland and Aeration System as Tools for Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Benefits of Lake Ecosystem: Restoration of Lake Maninjau" Read More
Summary Exploitation of unsustainable use of floating cage fishery (FCF) in Lake Maninjau for over two decades has caused massive deterioration of lake water quality, eutrophication, lake hypoxic condition, biodiversity loss and fish kill leading to lake's ecosystem service loss. The application of integrated floating treatment wetland and aeration system as a green technology in both tourism area and packed FCF area has improved lake water quality, increased oxygen level, fish and other lake biota population and further improved ecosystem health and increased ecological benefit. Increase awareness and responsibility of the community help maintain the technology applied which they can benefit from good water quality, increase fish population, increase lake amenity, biodiversity, tourism activity and further socio-economic values. Our R&D contribute to SDGs especially goal 6, 11 and 15 (target 15.1: Conserve, restore and sustainable use of inland freshwater ecosystems). The based-ecosystem technology applied not only protects lake ecosystem as water and natural resources by improving water quality and sustaining biodiversity but supports a sustainable ecosystem health as well. Healthy ecosystem supports a sustainable, resilience and well-being society.

"Development and Application of Microbial Remediating Agent for Water and Soil Contamination Caused by Organic Pollutants from Oil and Gas Industry"

"Development and Application of Microbial Remediating Agent for Water and Soil Contamination Caused by Organic Pollutants from Oil and Gas Industry" Target 14.1 14.2
Name	Edwan Kardena
Affiliation/Title	Assoc. Professor, Dr. Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
Country	Republic of Indonesia
Research Title	"Development and Application of Microbial Remediating Agent to Combat Organic Pollutant in Water and Soil (Including Coastal Area) from Organic Pollutants" Read More
Summary Man activities are releasing residues as side effect, causing environmental problems. River, estuary, coastal area, in big cities are getting polluted. Pollution could also be initiated by accident, such as oil spill in the sea which in turn will degrade the environmental quality of coastal area. The research on utilizing capabilities of microbial community to remove pollutants has created alternative technology for remediating polluted environment. Sand, soil, rocks in coastal are being contaminated by oil spill, for example, could be cleaned in a friendlier manner. The same technology could also be applied to other similar problems where environment (soil and water) is threatened by various organic pollutants. Poor environmental conditions can cause health problems. This will have cost implications and lowering the economic situation in the community. The research could finally help us in supporting the UN"s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and environment.

"Effective Coastal and Marine Management in Large Spaces in the Wallacea Region"

"Effective Coastal and Marine Management in Large Spaces in the Wallacea Region" Target 14.2 14.4
Name	Jamaluddin Jompa
Affiliation/Title	Deputy Director Division of Research and Innovation Hasanuddin University (UNHAS)
Country	Republic of Indonesia
Research Title	"Enabling Effective Coastal and Marine Management Across Large Spatial Scales in Wallacea: Applying Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Support Science-Based Management and Locally Managed MPAs" Read More
Summary A marine biodiversity hotspot in Wallacea, Indonesia is naturally blessed with rich and vibrant coral reefs, providing ecosystem services, and supporting livelihoods which should underpin sustainable economic development. However, Indonesia faces great challenges in maintaining this national heritage. In addition to many threats related to human activities (e.g., unsustainable resource exploitation, pollution, etc.), data and resources for science-based management are limited. We adopted a dual approach: cutting-edge technology and local community inclusiveness. We trialed Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a reliable and cost-efficient method to collect ecological data at local to ecoregion scales and an updated design of "Daerah Perlindungan Laut/DPL" (locally managed no-take area) as a solution for sustainable marine ecosystem management and rehabilitation. This research is assisting Indonesian policymakers at all levels to identify opportunities and vulnerabilities, determine conservation priorities and actions, and make a global-scale contribution to SDG goals, especially SDG 14, Life Below Water.

"Promotion of large-scale Biogas Introduction by Improving Biogas Utilization Efficiency using Desulfurization Technology Design"

"Promotion of large-scale Biogas Introduction by Improving Biogas Utilization Efficiency using Desulfurization Technology Design" Target 15.1 15.2
Name	Lyhour Hin
Affiliation/Title	Lecturer Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Royal University of Agriculture (RUA)
Country	Kingdom of Cambodia
Research Title	"Promotion of large-scale Biogas Adoption in Cambodia through Enhancement of Biogas Use Efficiency with Appropriate-scale Desulfurization Technology and Design" Read More
Summary Treating and converting wastewater from livestock farms into electricity is key for sustainable development in Cambodia. Among all farm types, commercial pig farms produce great amounts of wastewater (30 m3/head/day) and have a huge annual energy consumption (30 kWh/head/year). To address the issue, covered lagoon digesters are increasingly used; however, the installation rates remain slow in this country due to fast generator deterioration. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) present in biogas is the main cause because of its corrosive characteristics and must be treated first before the biogas is fed into the generator. With our R&D theme, a series of desulfurization technique testing has been done, with the results showing that H2S is effectively reduced to below 200 ppm, a recommended level for generator operation, in case a proper H2S removal system is used. Therefore, our continuous research aims to design and develop H2S-removing appropriate technology for farms in terms of price and efficiency, to perform economic assessment of developed technology for prototyping in collaboration with farms and the private sector, and to develop a business startup with the prototypes produced. The ultimate goal is to promote cheap biogas technology and promote wider adoption of biogas systems to meet SDGs and help livestock farms meet zero-carbon emissions in the long run.

“Research of Mass Drug Administration with"Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) + primaquine (PQ) for Malaria Elimination”

"Smart Solutions for Recovering Valuable Metals from Difficult Treated Wastewater and E-waste for Circular Economy" Target 14.1 14.7
Name	Ngan Thi Tuyet Dang
Affiliation/Title	MSc., PhD student, Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Country	Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Research Title	ESMS – the smart solution to recovery valuable metals (Indium, Cobalt, Europium,) from difficult treated wastewater as well as e-waste forward to circular economy in Vietnam. Read More
Summary Waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) is one of the fastest – growing wastes (at the rate of 3-5 percent per year). Only 20% of global e-waste is properly recycled through appropriate channels. Besides, there is huge amount of wastewater produced every day. Therefore, developing proper technologies for e-waste and wastewater treatment can not only protect environment but also gain economic value. ESMS solution has been developed in order to replace conventional solvent extraction with many advantages as following: -Very low chemical requirements which minimize impact to environment as well as allow using expensive extractants -Outstanding performance (can remove up to 99.5% metal from wastewater and achieve more than 90% recovery efficiency) -Compact system (even smaller footprint than one-stage extraction - stripping) -Simple operation and easy scale up This technology can be launched in the market in 2 forms: -Sold directly to the manufacturing company -Set up in lab- scale Our R & D contributes to SDGs, especially goal number 14 and 15.

"Space-Based Management and Monitoring System for Watershed Protection"

"Space-Based Management and Monitoring System for Watershed Protection" Target 15.1 15.2 15.5
Name	Roel Mallari De la Cruz
Affiliation/Title	Engineer Department of Science and Technology Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)
Country	Republic of the Philippines
Research Title	Space-Based Management and Monitoring System for Watershed Protection Read More
Summary DOST-ASTI has long been laying out aspects of a space-based research and development agenda through capacity-building activities to complement the DRRM and resource monitoring efforts of national agencies in the Philippines. We have also been initiating capacity and resilience building activities through our S&T infrastructures and research initiatives on earth observation (EO) applications. EO data, when properly used, can considerably combat the risks of climate change and disasters. Leveraging on this technology and innovation that are subsequently faster and more efficient for nationwide mapping applications, we aim to develop a satellite-based monitoring system for forest and watershed resource management. Keeping pace with SDGs, DOST-ASTI along with its partner agencies seek to integrate hazard maps and EO data appropriate for forest and watershed monitoring, as well as aquaculture mapping such as the fishponds, fish cages, fish pens, seaweeds, oyster/mussels farm site management employing remote sensing and geospatial analysis.

"Organic Farming: Cultural Heritage for Better Environment, Health, and Well-being in the Nam Ngum River Basin"

"Organic Farming: Cultural Heritage for Better Environment, Health, and Well-being in the Nam Ngum River Basin" Target 15.1 15.5
Name	Vatthanamixay Chansomphou
Affiliation/Title	Dr. Faculty of Environmental Sciences National University of Laos (NUOL)
Country	Lao People's Democratic Republic
Research Title	"Organic farming: cultural heritage for better environment, health, and well-being in the Nam Ngum River Basin" Read More
Summary Recently, tremendous chemicals are applied to the lands across Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB). Such practices impose a huge threat to soil quality, affected environment, and eventually impacted on human health and wellbeing. The proposed project aims to revive and strengthen the sustainable practice of organic farming to NNRB. It will establish the transnational platform for sharing, exchanging, and integrating the indigenous knowledge and wisdom of farmers in NNRB. The information training and dissemination activities will provide the platform to bring farmers and experts to share and exchange idea/experience. Lao organic farming network will be initiated by incorporating members across Lao PDR including local farmers, academicians, researchers, activists, and governmental officers. As organic farming is a subsistence way of faming; it does not only conserve environment and resources, but it also sustains our valuable farming traditions and culture heritage, the proposed project could revive and strengthen the sustainable practice of organic farming to NNRB. It will contribute to Goal 15 "Life on Land" of SDGs, especially Target 15.1 (conserve, restore and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems) and Target 15.5 (halt the loss of biodiversity and protect the extinction of threatened species).

"Trichoderma Technology for Sustainable Agriculture"

"Trichoderma Technology for Sustainable Agriculture" Target 15.1 15.2 15.5
Name	Virginia Castillo Cuevas
Affiliation/Title	Professor Emeritus Environmental Biology Division Institute of Biological Sciences College of Arts and Sciences University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
Country	Republic of the Philippines
Research Title	"Trichoderma Technology for Sustainable Agriculture" Read More
Summary Agriculture is the primary industry for food security and livelihood in the rural areas of the Philippines. Our country is one of the most vulnerable in the world to global climate change, which has great impacts on agriculture. Erratic rainfall patterns characterized by frequent occurrences of El Niño and La Niña events and strong typhoons are experienced. Small Filipino farmers are the most affected since they are resource-poor and have limited financial capabilities. One season crop failure means extreme poverty for the farmers' families. The Trichoderma technology (TT) aims to help alleviate such dilemma. TT includes activator for rapid decomposition of agricultural wastes and Trichoderma microbial inoculant (TMI) for crop growth promotion, biocontrol of crops' diseases and biofertilizer. The activator converts crop residues into compost, which enriches soil biota and improves soil physical and chemical properties. It endows soil ecosystem with resiliency, especially during drought, by increasing soil water-holding capacity. TMI increases yield, although the use of chemical fertilizers is reduced by 50%, and with zero to minimal pesticide use. Trichoderma improves nutrient use efficiency, protects crops from diseases, and gives systemic resistance to pests. Soil and water resources are also conserved as there is less pollution from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These benefits lead to the preservation of soil health and an increase in farmer incomes. Healthy soils lead to healthy crops that feed healthy communities; increased farmer income and improves the quality of life. Multisectoral partnerships with local government units, farmers, business enterprises, and state colleges and universities in the region can promote TT application in the municipalities' agricultural, restoration, solid waste management, and bioremediation programs. Through the leadership of our University (UP Los Baños), research capabilities of state colleges and universities will be enhanced through trainings in TT. Trained personnel can assist the farmers and municipal agricultural officers in their locality in adapting the technology to specific soil and climatic variability of the area. Through this technology, in tandem with other national government programs and coupled with good governance, some of the Sustainable Development Goals can be attained in the next 2–3 decades. These goals are: no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG2), attain good health and well- being (SDG3) and protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG15).