GOVPH
MENU
Sa
Statements
Position
Feedback.png

Details
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) through its Agricultural Sciences Division, held the Roundtable Discussion on Livestock Nutritional Biotechnology: Pre and Probiotics in Food Animals on May 11, 2015 at Hotel Jen Manila. The RTD focused on the hazards of the long-term consumption of meat and meat products with antibiotic residues and the use of pre and probiotics as alternatives in animal food production.
 
Dr. Soo-Ki Kim, professor at the Department of Animal Science and Technology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, discussed the pre and probiotics and their application in food animal production. Dr. Soo-Ki stated that the use of antibiotics is already banned in the European Union in 2003 and South Korea in 2011. The ban challenged the development of alternative methods to control pathogenic bacteria. Potential alternatives to antibiotics are probiotics, enzymes, immune modulators, organic acids, and herbs. According to Dr. Soo-Ki, pre and probiotics are used in animal production for the improvement of animal productivity, reduction of environmental pollution, and production of designed animal food. He suggested areas for future research, which include safety of animal probiotics and verification of efficacy of probiotics, among others.

Dr. Loinda R. Baldrias, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, discussed antibiotic residues in meat and meat products and their implications to human health. She discussed the benefits of using antibiotics in animal production to the producers (production efficiency), consumers (affordability and improved quality), and animals (improved health). However, excessive antibiotic use in animal production causes antibiotic residues that may lead to antimicrobial resistance in consumers.
 
According to Dr. Baldrias, antibiotic residues  may be caused by the following: giving antiobiotics to animals without availing of proper veterinary services, the non-observance of withdrawal period (time between the disappearance of drug effects and the point at which the drug concentration in the animal reaches the “safe” level, improper dosing, and emergency slaughter and sale of treated animals without certification of treatment, among others. She suggested promoting awareness among producers of antibiotic resistance and heightened surveillance through regular mandatory testing to help address the issue of antibiotic resistance.

Details
Two distinguished finalists vying for the 2015 NAST Environmental Science Award (NESA) brought home the coveted prize during the paper presentation of finalists and awarding ceremony of NESA on April 22, 2015 held at New World Manila Bay Hotel. The award was given by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the country’s foremost recognition body, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
        
Mr. Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), DOST and Dr. Severino G. Salmo, III, assistant professor and chairperson of the Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) tied for first prize for said award, the second time since the inception of the award in 2001.  
 
 
Ella was recognized for his exemplary contributions in the field of forest products utilization research. Spanning 41 years of hard and dedicated work as a researcher at FPRDI, Ella is credited for a number of notable R&D contributions, including the generation of technical information and technologies on exudates-producing plants that led to the formulation of standards and guidelines towards improved methods of harvesting resins, such as the Manila copal (Almaciga resin), Manila elemi (Canarium resin), balau (Apitong resin), oleoresin (Benguet pine resin), and oil of palosapis (Anisoptera resin). These initiatives have contributed to the conservation of species that produce resins and to prolonging the life span of trees, sustaining and maximizing resin production, generating scientific knowledge and technical skills in non-wood forest products utilization. These in turn have contributed to poverty reduction, and livelihood enhancement among the more marginalized sectors of our society, especially the indigenous communities.

Details
The Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC) successfully conducted its seminar-workshop for science teachers, Salinlahi Guro ng Siyensya: An Innovative Way of Teaching Science, on May 7, 2015 at the Philippine Science Heritage Center, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City.
 
More than a hundred science teachers nationwide attended the activity facilitated by globally renowned scientists, NAST Academician Christopher C. Bernido and Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido.
 
Known for introducing a revolutionary way of teaching science and non-science subjects called CVIF Dynamic Learning Program, the Bernidos held activities that gave teachers a glimpse of the program. They explained that CVIF-DLP is composed of 70%-80% learner’s independent activity and 20%-30% lecture discussion.
 
 
The two resource persons also shared their driving force in all the things they are doing, which is their vision of having a globally competitive Filipino nation. Many teachers were inspired with the passion and commitment the Bernidos have for the education and for the country.
 
With the overwhelming response PSHC received from schools nationwide, the team is already planning to conduct another Salinlahi Guro ng Siyensya within the year.
 
The Philippine Science Heritage Center is being managed and maintained by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST PHL) as mandated by RA 9107. NAST Philippines is the country’s recognition and advisory body on matter related to science.