2019 NSTW Opening Ceremony

To commence the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week, the Department of Science and Technology officially made the NSTW exhibit open to the public through an opening ceremony held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, on July 17, 2019. 

Grand Opening Procession

From the arrival of the VIPs and guests until they walk on the red carpet toward their seats, the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) band played several genres of music to set a festive and welcoming mood. The national anthem was also led by the SLSU Band together with DOST Himig ng Agham, a choir composed of DOST employees. This was then followed by an opening prayer rendered through a song led by the DOST Secretary himself, Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña, Usec. Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, Usec., Usec. Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra, Asec. Maridon O. Sahagun, and Asec. Teodoro M. Gatchalian.

Science For The People- Welcome Remarks of SFTP

Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña welcomed and thank everyone for attending the opening ceremony of the 2019 NSTW. He began by explaining last year’s theme, “Innovation For Collective Prosperity”, and how this year’s theme “Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development”, reflects how science, when woven in the everyday lives of the people, is an effective medium towards development. He also explained how Science and Technology help the Philippines achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, he emphasized that “there is hope in the Philippines because of Science and Technology”.

NSTW Awards

The opening ceremony was made exceptional by the awarding of medals to the different awardees in the field of Science and Technology. Dr. Donabelle L. Balela won the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research (Julian A. Banzon Medal). Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel won the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research (Eduardo A. Quisumbing medal). Dr. Erlinda S. Paterno received the Gregorio Y. Zara special citation. Mr. Robertson S. Chiang,MBA, and Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia both won the Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award  (Gregorio Y. Zara medals). Dr. Ricardo P. Babaran won the Outstanding Science Administrator Award (Dioscoro L. Umali medal).

Tuklas Lunas Manuals Turnover

The opening ceremony also paved way for the turnover of the Tuklas Lunas Manuals. Tuklas Lunas is one of the health R&D priorities under the agenda thrust of DOST for 2017-2022 that aims to develop health products and technologies to address pressing health problems. The turnover of the Tuklas Lunas Manuals is a leap towards the further development of the Tuklas Lunas Program.

Keynote Speech: “Nobody dares argue with a Scientist”

Sec. Leonor Magtolis-Briones, Secretary of the Department of Education, delivered the President’s message. She shared how President Rodrigo Roa Duterte offers his full support whenever Sec. de la Peña suggests S&T solutions in solving problems. She also shared that whenever Sec. de la Peña speaks in a cabinet meeting, “nobody dares argue because who would argue with a scientist”.

Sec. Briones talked about sustainable development goals and how development shall be attained “never at the expense of the environment and the future generations”. She elaborated how Science and Technology as well as practical leadership is needed in achieving these sustainable development goals.

The opening ceremony was also graced by the presence of Senator Francis Tolentino who congratulated DOST and ensured everyone that he will be of full support to the S&T initiatives towards the development of the country.

Ribbon cutting and Exhibit Tour

Sec. de la Peña and Sec. Briones officially opened the NSTW to the public through a ceremonial ribbon cutting which was followed by a tour around the different booths together with the other VIPs. (Myrrh Caithlin L. Gutierrez)