Science Policy and Information 2018: “Caring for our Galunggong (Roundscad) and Tilapia Fisheries for Food Security”
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DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), through the Agricultural Sciences Division, organized the Science Policy and Information Forum 2018 with the theme “Caring for our Galunggong (Roundscad) and Tilapia Fisheries for Food Security” on November 7, 2018 at Max’s Restaurant, Quezon City Circle, Diliman Quezon City.
The information and policy forum was conducted to (1) discuss the importance of galunggong and tilapia for the country’s food security, (2) identify the issues and reasons why the supply of galunggong and tilapia have dropped and why prices for the commodities have increased, and (3) formulate recommendations to sustain the supply of galunggong and tilapia in the country for food security. The forum was attended by nearly a hundred participants from different government agencies, academic and research institutions, non-government organizations, and media outlets.Highlighting the importance of developing the blue economy and the need to act on the alarming situations of two major commodities (galunggong and tilapia), NAST President Rhodora V. Azanza welcomed and invited the participants to continue campaigning for the sustainable development of the blue economy which includes fisheries and marine resources.
Academician Rafael D. Guerrero III, one of the focal persons of the activity and member of the NAST PHL Agricultural Sciences Division, discussed the objectives of the forum. He also emphasized the timeliness and relevance of the forum’s topic.
Dr. Nygiel B. Armada, chief of party of the USAID FishRIGHT Project, talked about “Roundscad Fishery and the Northern Palawan Fishing Closure”. He provided a brief description of the various species of Roundscad in Northern Palawan, which accounts for 92% of the landed catch at the Navotas fish port and comprises 22% of the total landed catch nationwide. He also expounded on the declining catch of roundscads in the Philippines brought by overfishing and climate change, and explained if seasonal closure works.
NAST PHL took lead on improving the development of diagnostics in South East Asia
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TAGAYTAY CITY, PHILIPPINES - The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) of the United Kingdom and the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the ASEAN Network for Drugs, Diagnostics, Vaccines and Traditional Medicines Innovation (ASEAN NDI), successfully organized the Joint Policy Workshop on Diagnostics in South East Asia on October 23-24, 2018 in Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Philippines.
With the theme “Improving the Development and Deployment of Diagnostics in South East Asia”, this activity was conducted to: 1) explore the current and potential impact of diagnostics in South East Asia; 2) consider the state of the art, in terms of some of the key platforms and technologies under development in the region; 3) identify barriers and challenges for developing and implementing diagnostics in South East Asia and the potential impacts of efficient implementation; and 4) facilitate cross-sector discussion and identify areas, which would benefit from greater collaboration.
The participants were welcomed by the steering committee co-chaired by Prof. Sanjeev Krishna, FMedSci, professor of molecular parasitology and medicine at the St. George’s University in London, United Kingdom and Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). Acd. Montoya delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the NAST President, Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza.
The first day of the event discussed priorities in diagnostics in South East Asia. The series of sessions was opened by Dr. Jonathan O’Halloran, co-founder and chief scientific officer of the QuantuMDx Group Limited, as he presented the situation of diagnostics globally and mentioned some appropriate molecular diagnostics (MDx) tools for point-of-care (POC). He also emphasized the barriers preventing the development of appropriate MDx POC such as connectivity, facilities, rural locations, distribution, regulatory, and evaluation.
PSHC held its Annual Open House on September 10-14, 2018
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For the 3-day Meet Your Scientist Program, two (2) National Scientists (NS Ernesto Domingo and NS Raul Fabella), one (1) Academician (Acd. Jose Maria Balmaceda), and three (3) Outstanding Young Scientists (Dr. Gabriel Romero, OYS 2002, Dr. Arvin Diesmos, OYS 2008, and Dr. Mario Antonio Jiz II, OYS 2017) were invited to give their lectures and share their experiences.
In partnership with DOST – Science Education Institute, films from the 2nd Indie-Siyensya Film Contest were played during the film viewing activity of the Annual Open House. The visitors also had fun at the games prepared by the PSHC. Games included are Pick-Up Sticks XL, Dragon’s Tail, House of Cards, and Tumbang Preso.
A Disaster Risk Reduction Management Seminar was also organized to increase awareness on the said topic. Invited speakers include Mr. Jeffrey Perez, OYS 2017 of DOST – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Ms. Sharon Juliet Arruejo of DOST – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, and Mr. Ben Brillo, EMT of Taguig City Rescue Team.
The Philippine Science Heritage Center is a science center mandated by the Republic Act of 9107 to be the repository of the achievements and outstanding accomplishments and contributions of the Filipino scientific community. It is located at the Science Heritage Building, DOST Complex, General Santos Ave. Bicutan Taguig City.
For inquiries, e-mail us at secretariat@nast.ph or salinlahi.nast@gmail.com or call (02) 8372071 loc. 2175