NAST PHL to Host Forum on Seaweed-based Bioplastics
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Cebu City – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Region VII, will conduct a "Science Policy Forum on Development of Bioplastics from Marine Sources in the Philippines: R&D and Policy Needs" on 23 August 2024. This event, which will take place in Cebu City and online via Zoom, is part of NAST PHL's project "Bioplastics: Technical Challenges and Opportunities for the Philippines" under the Special Concerns Program.
The forum will bring together experts to discuss the potential of seaweed-based bioplastics as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. The event aims to inform and potentially update the Philippine Plastics Industry Roadmap, exploring marine-sourced bioplastics as a strategic option for sustainable development. It is open to industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and interested members of the public.
For more information about the event, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nastphl/. To register for the event, please go to bit.ly/NASTSPF-Bioplastics-Marine(Janpherson Lapuz/NAST PHL)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.
Malacañang conferred the 44th National Scientist of the Philippine
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TAGUIG CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. recently signed the Proclamation No. 643, s. 2024 conferring Dr. Romulo G. Davide to the Order of National Scientists.Dr. Davide becomes the 44th Filipino to be honored with this prestigious award, joining an esteemed group of individuals who have significantly impacted scientific research and knowledge in the Philippines
National Scientist Romulo G. Davide is recognized for his groundbreaking and substantial contributions to the agricultural sciences, particularly in plant pathology and nematology. His dedication is exemplified by his work on the epidemiology, host range, life cycle, taxonomy, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Dr. Davide’s development of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) has positively impacted the lives of 70,000 Filipino farmers. Through his steadfast mentorship and commitment as a professor, his students and mentees now lead the field of plant pathology and nematology, earning him the title "Father of Philippine Nematology."
Loving the Tree of Love
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Chocolates are always present in everyone’s gift list in the Philippines throughout the Christmas and Valentines seasons because of their symbolism and attachment to special affection and love. And the cacao beans are the only source for chocolates. This is why Cacao has been dubbed as the Tree of Love.
The majority of the cacao beans and chocolates are produced in Mindanao island. According to the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap 2021-2025, the Davao region contributes 78% of the national cacao production having 7,257.85 metric tons (MT) planted in 19,975 hectares of land in 2020. In 2021, Republic Act No. 11547 declared Davao City as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines while the whole Davao Region, composed of Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro, as the Cacao Capital.