26 May 2023
ScienTeach brings together eminent national scientists to share their experiences and knowledge, empowering junior and senior high school students to pursue careers in science.
BAGUIO CITY - The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST, PHL) successfully held the ScienTeach: A Symposium for the Youth in the Cordillera Administrative Region on May 20, 2023. The event, co-organized by the Department of Science and Technology-CAR (DOST-CAR), brought together national scientists to ignite a passion for science among junior and senior high school students in the region.
Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL, formally opened the program. This was followed by a message of support from the Department of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR), through Mr. Asterio A. Madalla, Education Program Supervisor under the Curriculum Learning Management Division. Both eagerly welcomed the students and encouraged them to remain curious as they engage and learn the wonders of science throughout the event.
Likewise, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, in her presentation, highlighted the various services DOST offers to support the S&T human resources needed by our country. She also stressed the importance of science, technology, and innovation as main engines for nation-building.
The event featured an impressive lineup of accomplished academicians and national scientists who took the stage to share their personal journeys, challenges faced, and innovative discoveries.
National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz shared her groundbreaking work on the biochemistry of toxic peptides derived from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails. National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, on the other hand, emphasized the critical role of the manufacturing sector in steering the country's economy towards convergent growth. Academician Jaime C. Montoya spoke on the many research opportunities available to physicians outside of clinical work while Academician Camilo C. Roa, Jr. discussed the history of tuberculosis and the cutting-edge technologies that pave the way to ending the disease. The fifth presenter, Academician Cristina J. Montiel advised participants to remain critical of big data analytics and be cautious of its inherent social biases.
Three (3) Outstanding Young scientists conferred by the NAST PHL in 2022 also served as resource speakers. Dr. Ronnie E. Baticulon, the country’s renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, shared his life story and reminded the students to believe in the impossible. Dr. Maria Ruth - Pineda-Cortel, an expert on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), also recounted her journey noting that her achievements demonstrate that women have a place in STEM. Dr. Raymond Francis E. Sarmiento concluded the talks with a discussion on how artificial intelligence bridges the gap between health and information technology.
During the open forum, student-participants sounded off their questions which ranged from technical clarifications on the talks to life lessons and inspirational messages from the resource speakers.
The symposium was well-received by the students. In his impression, Mr. Akihiro Kenji M. Cautiver, a senior student from the Cordillera Regional Science High School, thanked the speakers for sharing their wisdom and inspiring a generation of budding scientists. After being inspired, he revealed his desire of becoming a National Scientist.
Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director of NAST PHL, closed the program on a high note.
The event was attended on-site by 104 student-participants from 22 senior and junior high schools and reached an audience of more than a thousand on its live broadcast.
Revisit the symposium at DOST-CAR and NAST PHL (@nastphl) FB Pages. Click link to watch: https://fb.watch/kJ4OL8Wqbd/
26 May 2023
The Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting (Luzon RSM) which was held in Baguio City on May 17-18, 2023 was attended by over 200 scientists, academicians, researchers, and private and public stakeholders.
The event, organized by DOST- National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (DOST-NAST PHL) and co-organized by DOST Regional Office- Luzon Cluster (NCR, CAR, Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and V) with DOST-CAR as the host, highlighted the role of science and technology in catalyzing and advancing development empowerment in a democracy.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., in a press conference, said “gusto natin na ang ating pamumuhay sa ilalim ng isang demokrasya ay maging participative, collaborative, [at] open sa lahat para ang desisyon ay base sa siyensiya. Dito po natin ipinapakita na marami tayong mga ginagawang programa na puwedeng makatulong sa national and local government… all of these are geared towards applying science, technology, and innovation in a democratic governance system.”
He also shared that experts and stakeholders at the event were gathered to discuss critical issues and identify opportunities for collaboration in advancing science and technology for the benefit of the Filipino people.
Furthermore, DOST-NAST PHL President Acd. Jaime C. Montoya emphasized developmental empowerment in advancing democratic institutions and processes through science and technology. “Science and Technology should be able to distinguish between exploitative and developmental empowerment and advance the latter at all levels,” said Acd. Montoya.
The Luzon RSM was divided into five (5) plenary sessions where experts from the government, academe, and private sector discussed Universal Healthcare; Evidence-Based Democratic Governance and Democratic Citizenship; Strengthening Democratic Institutions; and Open Science Initiatives and the Role of Data in Governance.
Another highlight of the event was the Annual Scientific Poster Contest which featured 14 research outputs from participating academic institutions, research centers, and government agencies in Luzon.
The entry from the University of the Philippines Diliman - "Using Genomics to Profile Anti-Microbial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Salmonella enterica in Poultry and Swine Food Chains in Metro, Manila, Philippines” garnered the 1st spot in the overall ranking. Meanwhile, entries from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Pangasinan State University (PSU) placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
The two-day event likewise featured DOST Programs and Projects implemented in Luzon which was presented by DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog.
To cap off the event, RD Bantog turned over the responsibility of hosting next year's Luzon RSM to Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST II.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. (right; front row) and NAST President Academician Jaime C. Montoya (left; fron row) lead the ribbon-cutting to formally open the viewing of scientific posters and exhibits. Together with them are (2nd row from left) National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, NAST Director Luningning Samarita-Domingo, DOST-CAR regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog; DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, (3rd row from left) DOST-NCR OIC RD Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles, DOST-CALABARZON RD Emelita P. Bagsit, and DOST III RD Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat.
17 May 2023
The DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. with DOST Planning and Evaluation Service Director Cezar Pedraza visited DOST-assisted projects in Baguio City on 17 May 2023.
Secretary Solidum visited the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative (MHDC) located at Santo Tomas Road, Dontogan, Baguio City. The MHDC was assisted by the DOST’s Community-based Project (CBP) through the provision of technology equipment, functional packaging and label design, and technology training.
Likewise, Secretary Solidum visited DOST-assisted projects at the University of the Philippines-Baguio, particularly the R&D and the Innovation Centers, including the Landslide Knowledge Management Center; MULAT BLISTT: Modelling and Understanding LAndslide evenTs in Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay; Tuklas Lunas Development Center; Valorization of Agri-food Waste; and Plasma Physics Laboratory.
He urged the researchers of the university to go beyond publishing their works in journal and to pursue commercialization of their R&D outputs. He also mentioned the importance of integrating S&T and economics for improved R&D outcomes.
Secretary Solidum also visited the Provincial S&T Office (PSTO) Benguet and DOST PHIVOLCS Baguio Satellite Office. He was ushered by the DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, ARD-FOS Engr. Angel L. Maguen, Provincial Director of PSTO-Benguet, Dr. Sheila Marie Singa-Claver, and DOST-CAR staff.
Rest assured that the DOST-CAR will work hand in hand with its stakeholders to advance science, technology and innovation in the region.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. visits (A) Mountain High Dairy Cooperative (MHDC), (B) DOST PHIVOLCS Baguio Satellite Office, (C) University of the Philippines-Baguio, and (D) Provincial S&T Office (PSTO) Benguet on May 17, 2023.
