Senator Pia Cayetano Keynotes NAST PHL 37th Annual Scientific Meeting
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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.
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.
NAST PHL Annual Scientific Meeting pre-conference focuses on non-communicable diseases
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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 of pre-ASM roundtable discussions on the roles of the agricultural, 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.
NAST PHL Discusses Screening of Genetic Defects in Livestock
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The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), through the Agricultural Sciences Division (ASD) and in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), held the Roundtable Discussion on Screening of Genetic Defects in Domestic Livestock Industry on May 14, 2015 at Acacia Hotel Manila. The RTD focused on animal breeding and development, particularly genetic defects screening of breeder stocks in commercial farms.
Dr. Michelle M. Balbin, science research specialist II of the PCC, discussed common genetic defects in domestic animals. Dr. Balbin gave a background on the local livestock production and genetic improvement program. She discussed the impacts of animals with genetic defects to the industry, which include lower production, physical deformities, and deadly diseases. According to Dr. Balbin, not all animals show signs of genetic defects. Some animals are carriers that will pass on the defect to the next generation. Dr. Balbin reiterated the importance of testing the herd for the presence of genetic defects to avoid economic losses from genetic defects. bShe enumerated common defects in domestic animals, with focus on cattle and water buffalo.. She also discussed genetic defects on swine, sheep, goat, and horse.
Dr. Ming-Che Wu, division chief of Breeding and Genetics, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, talked about screening for genetic defects in domestic animals. He explained the ACTION scheme: Aware status, Core facility, Team ready, In-time service, Outreach system, and Niche management. According to Dr. Wu, the action scheme was established for the genetic improvement of elite breeding stocks in private farms of Taiwan using DNA-based screening for genetic defects.