NAST PHL, DOST Luzon Cluster organize scientific meeting; stress importance of collaboration in achieving the SDGs
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ALAMINOS, Pangasinan- The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Luzon Cluster stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the recently-concluded Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting on 24-25 April 2019 at Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center.
With the theme “Caring for our Country’s Carrying Capacity,” the event highlighted the Philippines’ efforts on the attainment of the SDG on quality education (Goal 4), responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), and life below water (Goal 14). The specific topics that were discussed were: plastic waste, sustainable marine food security, and sustainable education, talent development, and retention.
Plastic Waste
Discussing the limited biodegradability of most commercial plastics, Academician Ernesto Del Rosario, member of the NAST PHL Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division (MPSD), emphasized the need to restrict and heavily tax the sale of non-biodegradable plastic products and to provide incentives to processors or manufacturers of biodegradable plastic products.
NAST calls for action on key sustainable development areas
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The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) called for a concerted effort to act on key sustainable development areas as it concluded its two-day Visayas Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) in Summit Hotel, Tacloban City last March 20-21, 2019.
The Visayas RSM is the first in the series of regional scientific meetings that will be conducted by NAST PHL this year in preparation for its 41st Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 10-11, 2019 in Manila.
NAST PHL President Academician Rhodora V. Azanza welcomed the participants to the event, composed mainly of researchers and professors across the Visayas region. She highlighted NAST’s major role in providing crucial advice in key science and technology-related concerns of the country.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara delivered the keynote message on behalf of DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. Dr. Guevara highlighted DOST’s commitment in building a progressive Philippines anchored on science and presented the major DOST accomplishments in R&D.
Universal Health Care Law a Dream Fulfilled – NAST PHL
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The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) commends the signing of a law that will provide health care assistance and coverage to all Filipinos.
Last February 20, 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Act that will provide all Filipinos access to health products and services and will automatically enroll them to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). The law ensures that all Filipinos will have a guaranteed access to various health services and affordable health products.
It can be remembered that during its 38th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) last July 2016, the NAST PHL, through its ASM Resolutions, called on the President to include all Filipinos to a Universal Healthcare mechanism, which was also known as “Kalusugang Pangkalahatan”.