NAST 39TH Annual Scientific Meeting Highlights Blue Economy
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With over a thousand attendees, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) successfully held its 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 12-13 at the Manila Hotel, with the theme, “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Philippine Fisheries and Other Aquatic Resources 20/20”.
Academician Fabian M. Dayrit, acting president of NAST PHL, opened the event by emphasizing the country’s need to improve utilization of water resources for national development. He also gave updates regarding NAST’s recent efforts to solve this pertinent science and technology concern, particularly the conduct of Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM) held in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. These RSMs highlighted the significance of fisheries and aquatic resources in the food, transport, and pharmaceutical industry, to name a few.
DOST Secretary Fortunato De la Peña graced the event as keynote speaker highlighting the relevant sustainable development goals (SDGs), linking DOST with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources to fill the gaps in policy-making and to meet the demands of the nation.
The series of plenary sessions was opened by Dr. Ronald Mendoza of the Ateneo De Manila University, as he talked about the Philippines’ Blue Economy, citing it as necessary in pushing forward our national interest.
NAST, DOST Region X Kicks Off Symposium on Development of STI Hubs, Clusters in Mindanao
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Cagayan de Oro, PH—The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region X kicked off the Symposium-Workshop on Developing S&T Innovation Hubs and Clusters in Mindanao last May 22-23, 2017 at the N Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City.
The two-day event was the first in a series of activities under the DOST-supported NAST project on “Supporting the Development of Partnerships in the S&T Innovation Ecosystem”.Attended by more than 120 participants representing different sectors including the industry, academe, civil society, government, and non-government organizations, the two-day symposium aimed to explore how three STI hubs and clusters, both physical and virtual, can be developed corresponding to the three development corridors of Mindanao. The STI hubs are envisioned to provide an innovation ecosystem conducive to creativity and the participation of different stakeholders in translating innovations to actions.Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Dir. Alfonso Alamban, regional director of DOST X, discussed the role of S&T in Philippine Development. He emphasized the need for a more inclusive and participatory STI to encourage the different sectors of the society. He further highlighted the STI efforts of the current and past administration. Finally, he reiterated the role of DOST and NAST in the advancement of STI in the country.Hon. Oscar Moreno, mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, likewise provided a welcome message. Mayor Moreno began by giving a brief history of CDO. He ended his speech by stressing the role of CDO as a strategic place for a convergence hub and center for STI and education, connecting Misamis and Lanao.
Giving the program overview, National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, the project leader, talked about fostering a culture of science and innovation among Filipinos and improving STI ecosystem in the country. She ended her overview with the objectives of the activity, which was to generate proposals for establishing STI hubs in Mindanao.
Dr. Franco G. Teves, director of Research in MSU-IIT talked about “Academic Research at the Nucleus of Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem for Mindanao Development.” He defined and described innovation ecosystem and the role of academic research in the innovation ecosystem stream.
Luzon-Regional Scientific Meeting: Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Philippine Fisheries and Other Aquatic Resources 20/20
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The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) will conduct its 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 12 – 13, 2017 with the theme “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Philippine Fisheries and Other Aquatic Resources 20/20”.
For this year, NAST PHL adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) to be its overarching theme. The Agricultural Sciences Division, being the host division, agreed to focus on “fisheries” where science is critical. They are also interested in determining how these sectors will impact the achievement of SGDs in the Philippines.
This annual activity of the Academy aims to convene a conference to determine how the Philippines will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It serves as the leading forum for the presentation of the results of scientific and policy research.
In line with the thrust of the Duterte administration, NAST PHL will conduct Regional Scientific Meetings in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For Luzon, NAST PHL will hold the two-day Regional Scientific Meeting in Baguuio City on 15 – 16 May 2017. This is in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology Luzon Cluster (Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, CAR, and NCR).