Forester and Environmentalist Tied for 2015 NESA Prize; Five Finalists vied for 2015 NTSYS
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Two distinguished finalists vying for the 2015 NAST Environmental Science Award (NESA) brought home the coveted prize during the paper presentation of finalists and awarding ceremony of NESA on April 22, 2015 held at New World Manila Bay Hotel. The award was given by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the country’s foremost recognition body, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Mr. Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), DOST and Dr. Severino G. Salmo, III, assistant professor and chairperson of the Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) tied for first prize for said award, the second time since the inception of the award in 2001.
Mr. Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), DOST and Dr. Severino G. Salmo, III, assistant professor and chairperson of the Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) tied for first prize for said award, the second time since the inception of the award in 2001.
Ella was recognized for his exemplary contributions in the field of forest products utilization research. Spanning 41 years of hard and dedicated work as a researcher at FPRDI, Ella is credited for a number of notable R&D contributions, including the generation of technical information and technologies on exudates-producing plants that led to the formulation of standards and guidelines towards improved methods of harvesting resins, such as the Manila copal (Almaciga resin), Manila elemi (Canarium resin), balau (Apitong resin), oleoresin (Benguet pine resin), and oil of palosapis (Anisoptera resin). These initiatives have contributed to the conservation of species that produce resins and to prolonging the life span of trees, sustaining and maximizing resin production, generating scientific knowledge and technical skills in non-wood forest products utilization. These in turn have contributed to poverty reduction, and livelihood enhancement among the more marginalized sectors of our society, especially the indigenous communities.
PSHC’s Salinlahi Guro ng Siyensya gathers science teachers nationwide
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The Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC) successfully conducted its seminar-workshop for science teachers, Salinlahi Guro ng Siyensya: An Innovative Way of Teaching Science, on May 7, 2015 at the Philippine Science Heritage Center, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City.
More than a hundred science teachers nationwide attended the activity facilitated by globally renowned scientists, NAST Academician Christopher C. Bernido and Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido.
Known for introducing a revolutionary way of teaching science and non-science subjects called CVIF Dynamic Learning Program, the Bernidos held activities that gave teachers a glimpse of the program. They explained that CVIF-DLP is composed of 70%-80% learner’s independent activity and 20%-30% lecture discussion.
The two resource persons also shared their driving force in all the things they are doing, which is their vision of having a globally competitive Filipino nation. Many teachers were inspired with the passion and commitment the Bernidos have for the education and for the country.
With the overwhelming response PSHC received from schools nationwide, the team is already planning to conduct another Salinlahi Guro ng Siyensya within the year.
The Philippine Science Heritage Center is being managed and maintained by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST PHL) as mandated by RA 9107. NAST Philippines is the country’s recognition and advisory body on matter related to science.
NAST PHL Holds Roundtable Discussion on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Other Health and Wellness Risks from The Marine Environment
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The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), through its Biological Sciences Division (BSD), conducted a Roundtable Discussion on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and other Health and Wellness Risks from the Marine Environment on March 31, 2015 at Hotel Jen Manila.
The RTD is the sixth in the series of discussions conducted in preparation for the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 8-9 with the theme, “The Challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Responding Through Multisectoral Action”. The RTD focused on vectors and pathways of common Philippine health and wellness risks and hazards from the marine environment. Researches, as well as monitoring and management schemes, were reviewed and discussed.
Acd. Antonio Miguel L. Dans, member of Health Sciences Division (HSD), discussed the rationale and objectives of the ASM and gave an introduction to NCDs. Acd. Dans stated the importance of enabling people to live a healthy lifestyle compared to merely educating them. According to him, environment plays a role on the prevalence of NCDs. While lifestyle was identified as culprit, being healthy is not a choice but rather an adaptation to the way the world was built.