By:Rodolfo
P. De Guzman
Every
year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) celebrates the National
Science and Technology Week to showcase the latest innovations, interventions
and inventions of Filipino scientists, engineers and various works by the
entire scientific community.
This year, the weeklong event focuses more on the
pressing needs of various sectors like agriculture, transportation, industry,
services and climate change.
Dubbed
as ExpoScience 2013, it carries the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation:
The Road to a Smarter Philippines.” As the theme connotes, DOST gives emphasis
on the role of science and technology in making a better future for Filipinos
through its projects and services that spur socio-economic development,leading
to a “smarter” Philippines.
TheExpoScience 2013will be held on July 23-27, 2013 at the SMX
Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
To
be showcased during the event are some of the DOST technologies that include
the Advanced Materials Testing Laboratory or ADMATEL, a testing facility for
the semiconductor industry; the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system aimed
at providing alternative transportation in Metro Manila to ease traffic
congestion; the Project NOAH and its components asa vital tool to address
climate change; DOST’s Certified Seed Production program for improved
agricultural productivity; and the other ICT-driven tools to makethe business
process outsourcing(BPO) industry more competitive.
Prior
to Expo Science 2013, DOST hasforums and conferences to set the stage in
celebrating the main event and fully jumpstart its advocacy to promote science,
technology and innovation as viable solutions in improving the lives of
Filipinos.
Last
July 4 and 5, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) conducted its
39th FNRI Seminar Series with forums, book launching, mini fair, and exhibits.
Some of the relevant topics discussed were the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for
Filipinos, brown rice, FNRI-developed complementary foods for babies, the DOST
Pinoy model, production of fortified multi-nutrient growth mix and FNRI’s
partnerships with private companies like Del Monte Philippines and Robinsons
Supermarket to promote proper nutrition to a larger audience.
The
8th Outstanding Young Scientists Inc (OYSI) Annual Meeting and Scientific hel
July 9, 2013 at the Manila Hotel had eminent speakers including Dr. Felino P.
Lansigan, OYSI president; Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, director of the Bureau of
Agricultural Research; Jesus M. Tanchanco Jr., chairman of Food Entrepreneurs
and Exporters Organization of the Philippines; Dr. Vicente Y. Belizario Jr.,
vice chancellor for research and executive director of the National Institute
of Health; Dr. Irene M. Villasenor, professor at the University of the
Philippines Diliman; Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, senior vice president of
United Laboratories Inc.; and Dr. Rainier B. Villanueva, founding president of
Chamber of Health Industries in the Philippines.
On
July 10 and 11, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) held its
35th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) at the Manila Hotel with this year’s
theme, “Harnessing Science and Technology: Reversing the Decline of the
Manufacturing Sector in the Philippines.” Among the guests were Secretary
Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
and Secretary Gregory L. Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry. Some
of the topics discussed include development progeria, processed food and wood
products, high value product aquatic biofactories, integrative approach for
developing sustainable manufacturing industry, occupational safety and health,
and stem cell therapy.
