Diwata, the first satellite made by Filipino scientists and engineers, ignited the interest of the whole Philippines in space science. Since the launching of the satellite in 2016, space technology has become more and more relevant to each and every Filipino through its applications to various fields, including agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources management.
As the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) continues its role as a primary advisory body on issues and concerns related to science, technology, and innovation, it created a Technical Working Group (TWG) to conduct in-depth studies on the use of space technology in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources management under its Special Concerns Program in 2023.
The group is headed by Dr. Josefino C. Comiso, NAST Corresponding Member and senior scientist emeritus of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), with the following members: Acd. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr.; Acd. Rex Victor O. Cruz; Acd. Rafael D. Guerrero III; Acd. Glenn B. Gregorio; Acd. Juan M. Pulhin; Dr. Gay Jane D. Perez, deputy director general of Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); Dr. Franz A. De Leon, director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI); Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, executive director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, retired professor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, professor at the College of Engineering and officer-in-charge of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Business (OVPREB) of Mariano Marcos State University.
Cebu City – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Region VII, will conduct a "Science Policy Forum on Development of Bioplastics from Marine Sources in the Philippines: R&D and Policy Needs" on 23 August 2024. This event, which will take place in Cebu City and online via Zoom, is part of NAST PHL's project "Bioplastics: Technical Challenges and Opportunities for the Philippines" under the Special Concerns Program.
The forum will bring together experts to discuss the potential of seaweed-based bioplastics as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. The event aims to inform and potentially update the Philippine Plastics Industry Roadmap, exploring marine-sourced bioplastics as a strategic option for sustainable development. It is open to industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and interested members of the public.
For more information about the event, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nastphl/. To register for the event, please go to bit.ly/NASTSPF-Bioplastics-Marine(Janpherson Lapuz/NAST PHL)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.
TAGUIG CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. recently signed the Proclamation No. 643, s. 2024 conferring Dr. Romulo G. Davide to the Order of National Scientists.Dr. Davide becomes the 44th Filipino to be honored with this prestigious award, joining an esteemed group of individuals who have significantly impacted scientific research and knowledge in the Philippines
National Scientist Romulo G. Davide is recognized for his groundbreaking and substantial contributions to the agricultural sciences, particularly in plant pathology and nematology. His dedication is exemplified by his work on the epidemiology, host range, life cycle, taxonomy, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Dr. Davide’s development of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) has positively impacted the lives of 70,000 Filipino farmers. Through his steadfast mentorship and commitment as a professor, his students and mentees now lead the field of plant pathology and nematology, earning him the title "Father of Philippine Nematology."