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With the theme of “Caring for the Country’s Carrying Capacity,” the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) renewed its call for the country to attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) during its 41st Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) last July 10-11, 2019 at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila, Mandaluyong City.

Focusing on the challenges of sustainable marine food security, plastic waste, and talent development and retention, the 41st ASM submitted specific recommendations that were presented to NEDA Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña.

The recommendations included the creation of a separate department for fisheries and ocean resources, the adoption of a Circular Economy which includes the re-design of plastics, and a call to increase support for the development of STEM faculty and facilities in K-12 and for graduate education scholarships for study in the Philippines and abroad.

The ASM is annually conducted by NAST PHL and aims to formulate science-based, research-backed recommendations that will be transmitted to the President of the Philippines, the Cabinet, the Senate, and the House of Representatives for their appropriate action.

KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mindanao Cluster highlighted the need to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure progress and sustainability during the recently-concluded Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting on 18-19 June 2019 at The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The Health Sciences Division, chaired by Acd. Jaime C. Montoya and Social Sciences Division, chaired by National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, in close coordination with DOST XII, led by Regional Director Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, spearheaded this year’s Mindanao RSM.

With the overarching theme “Caring for our Country’s Carrying Capacity,” SDG on [Goal 4] quality education, [Goal 12] responsible consumption and production, and [Goal 14] life below water were discussed through topics namely plastic waste, sustainable marine food security, and sustainable education, talent development. The Mindanao RSM is the last leg of the three regional scientific meetings organized in preparation for the 41st Annual Scientific Meeting on 10-11 July 2019 at Edsa Shangri-la, Ortigas, Manila.

DOST XII Regional Director Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan formally opened the event and welcomed the participants from different parts of the country. She said that Mindanao has great potential for progress thus, contributing to the country’s development and socio-economic growth. NAST PHL President Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza also delivered her opening message, highlighting the need to create recommendations for environmental sustainability. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña then shared his message emphasizing the need to achieve each of the SDGs. This was followed by the DOST Programs Orientation by Dr. Laidan, NAST PHL introduction by Director Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, and overview of the RSM by NAST Vice President Fabian M. Dayrit.

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) held a Science Policy and Information Forum (SPIF) on the Sustainability of Manila Bay last May 29, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The conduct of the Forum is in support of NAST PHL’s mandate to provide research-backed recommendations to the government and the public on matters related to science and technology.

Attended by around 75 participants from government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and media personnel, the Forum served as an avenue to learn about the status of the various plans for Manila Bay, gather science-based recommendations, and elicit discussions in relation to its sustainability.