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 led by the DOST
Secretary himself, Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña and Usec. Brenda L.
Nazareth-Manzano.
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. (
Comments
Post a Comment