DOST, NAST hold Mindanao-wide scientific confab

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 25 (PIA) – Scientists, academicians, and policy makers gathered in Koronadal City on June 18  to 19 to discuss pressing issues related to science and technology. 

The event, the Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting, was hosted by the Mindanao cluster of the Department of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL)  in preparation for the 41st Annual Scientific Meeting in Manila on July 10 to 11.

Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST XII, told Philippine Information Agency that the regional scientific meeting is the third regional conference that DOST and NAST PHL have conducted this year.

"It is a great platform for crafting resolutions to address  pressing national problems," Laidan said. 

Participants of the current series of scientific meetings discuss issues on plastic waste; sustainable education, talent development, and retention; and sustainable marine food security. 

“Sharing of knowledge and ideas is one of the most crucial strides to gathering and drawing solutions as part of careful planning for solving problems and turning challenges to opportunities,” Laidan said. 

The conference in Koronadal, the final leg of regional scientific meetings before the national gathering in July, included a plenary session on the sustainable halal ecosystem toward mainstreaming of halal science in non-Islamic countries. 

 “Philippines, with over 10 million Filipinos or 11 percent of the country’s population has recognized the fact that development of Halal industry can significantly contribute to the local and national socio-economic development and sustainabilty,” said Dr. Laidan, who presented the paper on the topic. 

Meanwhile, Fabian Dayrit, vice president of the NAST, PHL and chair of the 41st Annual Scientific Meeting explained further that this year’s meetings of the S & T community hope to provide answers to the following questions: "Can we develop a science-based strategy on the design, use, reuse, recycling and disposal of plastic?", "What are the challenges to attain a sustainable food security?",  and "How has the Philippines responded to the urgent need to make available the critical mass of highly-trained individuals in the public and private sector to help craft and implement the country’s development agenda?."  

“After the annual scientific meeting the NAST should be able to pass resolutions to be presented to the DOST Secretary which will then be forwarded to the President of the Philippines,” Dayrit said.  

This 41st annual scientific meeting is anchored on the theme “Caring for the Country’s Capacity.” 

“This year’s annual scientific meeting and regional scientific meetings highlight the Philippines’ efforts on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals on Goal 4, quality education; Goal 12,  responsible consumption; and Goal 14, life below water,” Rhodora Azanza, president of the NAST PHL, said. 

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña attended the event in Koronadal City. (DED)


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