Transportation Infrastructure for National Development, Competitiveness, and Resiliency Discussed at NAST PHL RTD
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The Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on Transportation Infrastructure for National Development, Competitiveness, and Resiliency was conducted by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) through its Engineering Sciences and Technology Division (ESTD), chaired by Academician Reynaldo B. Vea on March 6 at the Traders Hotel, Manila. The said RTD is in preparation for the 36th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), which seeks to give advice in areas of infrastructure, information, and innovation, especially in the aspects of policy and governance.
National Scientist Mercedes B. Concepcion, NAST PHL Vice President emphasized in her welcome remarks the need for providing science-based solutions to problems and challenges affecting the transportation infrastructure in the country through the formulation of policy recommendations concerning best practices and impact assessment.
The invited experts were Engr. Felicisimo C. Pangilinan, Jr., deputy director for Planning of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Dr. Hussein S. Lidasan, professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Dr. Jose Regin F. Regidor, director at the National Center for Transportation Studies, UP Diliman, and Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy, dean of the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, Mapua Institute of Technology.
RTD on Mortality Data: Gaps and Inadequacies
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The Social Sciences Division (SSD) of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted a Round Table Discussion (RTD) on Mortality Data: Gaps and Inadequacies last November 21, 2013 at the Hyatt Hotel Manila. The RTD was organized in consideration of the challenges posted in the generation and consolidation of data on mortality. Reliable data sets are important in the conduct of scientific research needed to benchmark public policies for the improvement of the provision and delivery of health and social services.
In the welcome remarks given by National Scientist Mercedes B. Concepcion, she stressed that the ability to have a complete civil registrationsystem and survey data sets will allow the monitoring of indicators of success in achieving the various Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This RTD also parallels other efforts being conducted by the SSD of NAST PHL to capacitate primary and secondary stakeholders to improve maternal health and to combat HIV-AIDS, Malaria and other diseases, which are goals of MDGs 4 and 6, respectively.
The first presentation entitled “The Dynamics of the Mortality, Population Growth and Economic Development in the Philippines” was given by Dr. Dennis S. Mapa, Associate Professor and Director for Research of the UP Diliman School of Statistics and Affiliate Associate Professor of the School of Economics. In his presentation, Dr. Mapa stressed that the relation and implication, not only of mortality data sets but, of mortalityper se to socioeconomic facets of society such as population and economic development were reiterated.Demographic Transition, which is characterized by a significant change from high fertility and mortality rates to low fertility and mortality rates, can be facilitated by progressive public policies through government interventions in health services, family planning and education. A stable population will allow room for a more competitive and productive working class yielding higher economic production, thus reducing poverty.An econometric model using regional and provincial data sets was also presented. The model showed causality effects between public efforts and investments on health, education and labor force participation and fertility and mortality rates. Using the model, it can be said that increasing public efforts and investment decreases both fertility and mortality rates and hence, achieving a stable population.
Second Consultative Meeting on Engineering Education Hosted by NAST
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The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), in cooperation with the UNESCO, conducted the Second Consultative Meeting on Engineering Technology and Engineering Technician Degree Programs on 19 September 2013 at the Traders Hotel Manila. The meeting was a sequel to last year’s successful launch of the UNESCO project on Engineering Technologist/Technician. It aimed to address and discuss issues revolving around engineering technology and engineering technicians program.
The consultative meeting was led by Acd. Reynaldo B. Vea, chair of the NAST’s Engineering Sciences and Technology Division (ESTD) and concurrent Chair of the UNESCO S&T Committee. He is also the president of the Mapua Institute of Technology. He was joined by Engr. Lyndon R. Bague, member of CHED’s Technical Panel of Engineering Technology and Dean of the College of Engineering, Technological University of the Philippines and Ms. Irene M. Isaac, executive director general of TESDA. Dr. Melito A. Baccay, professor at the College of Engineering, Technological University of the Philippines was tasked to present the synthesis while Acd. Alvin B. Culaba, member of the NAST’s ESTD served as the moderator and master of ceremonies.
Acd. Vea discussed the meshing of the engineering technology and engineering technician academic programs. He discussed the professional competencies required of an engineer, engineering technologists, and engineering technicians. He said engineers are expected to work on complex problems, engineering technologist, are expected to work on broadly defined problems, while engineering technicians are expected to work on well-defined problems. He also presented sample curricula on Civil Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology from British Columbia Institute of Technology and Centennial College Toronto citing the scope/coverage of topics or core curriculum needed to be taken in the program. According to him, the Canadian curricula were designed based on the ladderized approach.