Mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology and to serve as a reservoir of competent scientific and technological manpower for the country, the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) recognized distinguished Filipino scientists and outstanding publications during NAST’s 37th Annual Scientific Meeting on July 8-9, 2015.
Five new Academicians were sworn in and joined the roster of NAST Members. They are: Ceferino P. Maala, Ph.D. (Veterinary Medicine), Jurgenne H. Primavera, Ph.D. (Marine Science), Estrella F. Alabastro, Ph.D. (Chemical Engineering), Fortunato B. Sevilla III, Ph.D. (Instrumentation and Analytical Science), and Edward H.M. Wang, M.D. (Orthopaedics).
Awards presented included the following: Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries Prize for Young Scientists in the Philippines, NAST Environmental Science Award, NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, Outstanding Books and Monographs, Outstanding Scientific Papers, and Best Scientific Posters.
The Outstanding Young Scientists award is given to young Filipino scientists (must not be 41 years old within January to December in the year of the award) who have made significant contributions to science and technology. For 2015, seven (7) honorees were named OYS awardees: Dennis V. Umali, Ph.D. (Veterinary Science), Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, Ph.D. (Entomology), Joey D. Ocon, M.Sc. (Chemical Engineering), Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, Ph.D. (Fisheries Science), Enrico C. Paringit, Dr. of Engineering, Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Ph.D. (Organic Chemistry), Clarissa C. David, Ph.D. (Communication).
The TWAS Prize for Young Scientist in the Philippines is an award given to outstanding young Filipino scientist by the Academy (NAST) and TWAS in the field of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics. He or she must not be 41 years old during the year of the award. . For 2015, Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. Nat. Sci. (Organic Chemistry) was the recipient of the said award.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted its 37th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 8-9, 2015 at the Manila Hotel. The NAST PHL, established by Presidential Decree No. 1003-A in 1976 and the primary adviser to the government and science community on matters related to science and technology, chose The Challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Responding through Multisectoral Action as the theme of this year’s ASM.
The meeting aimed to extensively discuss the control and prevention of NCDs, share new conceptual framework in the development of NCDs, identify the major role of the various sciences, civil society and other sectors in the prevention of NCDs, and to draft recommendations to the President and policy makers responsible for the prevention and control of NCDs.
Acd. William G. Padolina, president of the NASTPhilippines welcomed the participants and gave a brief overview of the two-day program which included presentation and discussion of current knowledge on NCDs, research gaps, and policy interventions to address the growing prevalence of NCDs using the tools of science and technology.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) preparatory conference on June 11, 2015, at Hotel Jen Manila.
The pre-conference integrated the results of the pre-ASM roundtable discussions and discussed the draft resolutions that will be presented on July 9, 2015, the second day of the ASM. The activity was hosted by the Health Sciences Division (HSD) and the 37th ASM Resolutions Committee, chaired by Academician (Acd.) Jaime C. Montoya and Acd. Antonio Miguel L. Dans, respectively.
Prior to this conference, NAST PHL conducted a series ofpre-ASM roundtable discussions on the roles of theagricultural, social, biological, mathematical and physical, health,and engineering sciences in the control and prevention of NCDs.
Acd. Montoya gave the objectives of the pre-conference and overview of the 37th ASM. Acd. Dans presented and discussed the draft resolutions.
According to Acd. Dans, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) happen “everyday, everytime, and everywhere”. He dispelled common misconceptions about NCDs; among these are that NCDs are “diseases of the rich” and that “lifestyle is a choice”. He presented the results of several studies about the prevalence of NCDs and showed that more poor people suffer from NCDs. He also said that behavior is not exactly a choice, rather an adaptation on the world we live in. Acd. Dans added that education alone does not work in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. According to him, knowledge about a healthy lifestyle is universal, but the practice is limited.
Dr. Jaine C. Reyes, associate professor at the College of Public Affairs of University of the Philippines Los Baños, gave a synthesis of the discussions. Dr. John Mark S. Velasco, Outstanding Young Scientist 2014 and deputy head and research coordinator of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, served as the moderator of the activity.