BICUTAN, TAGUIG CITY – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office VII, successfully conducted the ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth and the Dialogue with NAST PHL Scientists in San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu on March 11 and 12, 2025 respectively.

The ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth was held on March 11, 2025, with 132 participants (40 male and 92 female). The symposium began with welcome remarks from Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL, followed by a message from Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez, Regional Director of the Department of Education Region VII. Ms. Elvirg F. Solana, Science Research Specialist II of DOST Region VII, discussed their plans and programs in the province. Mr. Rino Dominic C. Cabungcal, Science Research Specialist II from DOST VII, served as the moderator for the event.

The program proceeded with a discussions from five (5) esteemed scientists where they shared their journey as a scientist and their in-depth knowledge on the following topics:

• “From Chemistry to Proteins, Biomolecules, and the Hidden Treasures of the Sea” by National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz
• “Decoding the Joys of Math” by Academician Jose Maria P. Balmaceda
• “Year 2025: Cutting Edge Science to Pave the Way Towards Ending Tuberculosis in the Philippines” by Academician Camilo C. Roa, Jr.
• Some Notes on Products from the Philippine Coastal Environment” by Academician Marco Nemesio E. Montaño
• “Climate Change Resiliency in Crops and the Underground Revolution” by Academician Roel R. Suralta

Student participants were given the chance to ask questions to the resource speakers during the open forum. Questions ranged from technical clarifications regarding their various fields of expertise to pieces of life advice as scientists. The resource speakers gladly accommodated the questions and interacted with the participants throughout the program. Afterward, student representatives from participating schools shared their impressions and learnings from the symposium. The activity concluded with the closing remarks from Academician Balmaceda, Secretary of NAST PHL.

The Dialogue with NAST PHL Scientists Lecture Series was conducted the following day, March 12, 2025, wherein a total of 70 professionals (28 male and 42 female) attended. The participants include Filipino teachers, researchers, government officials, and other professionals from different institutions, local government units, and organizations.

The activity commenced with welcome remarks from Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL. This was followed by a message from Engr. Roland M. Padayhag, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST Region VII. Engr. Adrian D. Cruz, Officer-in-Charge at the Provincial S&T Office of Cebu, discussed the plans and programs of DOST VII. Mr. Rino Dominic C. Cabungcal, Science Research Specialist II from DOST VII, also moderated the event.

The resource speakers proceeded with their presentations for the lecture series. National Scientist Cruz focused on tackling the importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) to help attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Academician Balmaceda explained the challenges and concerns of mathematics and the 4th Industrial Revolution. The third presenter, Academician Roa discussed his expertise in the field of respiratory medicine by providing a background on the main strategies and current technologies used to fight and end Tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

Academician Montaño started the afternoon session by sharing his knowledge on the utilization of Philippine algal polysaccharides. Academician Suralta wrapped up the lecture series by presenting the role of biotechnology in Philippine agriculture. The participants were also given a chance to ask questions to the resource speakers during the open forum.

Academician Balmaceda, Secretary of NAST PHL, concluded the lecture series with his closing remarks.

For more details, you may visit NAST Philippines’ social media account @nastphl.