Ensuring progressive and sustainable Mindanao through the 2019 Regional Scientific Meeting
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.
NAST PHL holds Forum on Manila Bay Sustainability
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.
NAST holds Multi-Sectoral Forum on Plastic Waste
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) recently held the Multi-Sectoral Forum on Plastic Waste last May 24, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila.
Attended by more than 150 participants from national government agencies (NGAs), Congressional committees, local government units (LGUs), academic and research institutions, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, the Forum served as an avenue for discussions on how the country can effectively address the problem of plastic waste.
Facing the realities
NAST PHL President Academician Rhodora V. Azanza, in her opening remarks, highlighted the realities being faced by the country in its problem of plastic pollution. She mentioned the report by the Mother Earth Foundation that each Filipino uses 591 pieces of plastic sachets and 163 plastic (sando) bags every year.