The Los Baños Science Community cluster joins this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) as it opens simultaneously on July 25, 2016 in 16 regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and in four major science hubs of the country.
Organized along the national NSTW theme “Juan Science, One Nation,” the local celebration is being held at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST (DOST-PCAARRD) Complex in Los Baños, Laguna and is jointly sponsored by the Los Baños Science Community Foundation Inc., (LBSCFI), DOST-PCAARRD, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), and DOST IV.
At the backdrop of the celebration was the conduct of SyenSaya, LBSCFI’s traditional way of celebrating science and technology, and SIPAG ni Juan, a DOST-PCAARRD science and technology transfer commercialization strategy. Both activities feature technologies and products, techno fora, and other related activities during the five-day event.
DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC) sees its second engagement for technology transfer and commercialization after having debuted in showcasing agriculture and aquatic technologies during the recent SIPAG FIESTA in March this year.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Acting Executive Director, represented the Los Baños Science Community cluster during the opening of the nationwide NSTW in Bicutan, Taguig, together with the heads of the other three clusters and the Regional Science Community.
Dr. Ebora; Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (Metro Manila Health Science Community); Dr. Vicente B. Malano (Quezon City Science Community); Dr. Carlos Primo C. David (Bicutan Science Community); and DOST Assistant Secretary Urduja A. Tejada (Regional Science Community), delivered their respective messages, which converge on the role of science communities in terms of nation building and in achieving a science nation.
Present in the event were the members of the diplomatic corps, former DOST secretaries, scientists, researchers, academicians, entrepreneurs, representatives from local government units, industries, and the media,
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña brings to fore the spirit of this year’s NSTW theme, ‘Juan’s Science, One Nation,’ which according to him symbolizes government’s resolve to bring the fruits of S&T closer to the people, especially in the countryside.
“We have to keep the spirit of science innovation alive in the country. These innovations should address long standing problems and provide long time solutions to future challenges,” de la Peña said.
Secretary de la Peña also said that DOST and its partners should feel the urgency of making technologies, knowledge, and tools work towards bringing progress in the regions and open new doors that will harness their potentials.
