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THE
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) marked its
Golden Anniversary on Wednesday, highlighting the
significant developments in science and technology (S&T)
and its contribution to national development in the past
50 years.
Science
Secretary Estrella Alabastro led the opening ceremony
which saw the launching of the DOST’s commemorative
stamp, a coffee-table book, Sinag, that depicts the
DOST’s history and the launching of the maiden issue of
Tron Comics and music video.
The
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), which is
also celebrating its 50th year, likewise, launched its
commemorative stamp.
In the
kick-off ceremony on Wednesday, Alabastro was
accompanied by Postmaster General Hector R.R. Villanueva
and PNRI director Dr. Alumanda de la Rosa in the
unveiling of the commemorative stamps.
The
yearlong celebration will feature the awarding of the 50
Men and Women of Science composed of a select group of
scientists, researchers, administrators, educators,
technopreneurs and communicators who made significant
contributions to the development of science and
technology in the Philippines in the last 50 years.
Likewise, DOST employees who had logged at least 25
years of service will be awarded during the flag-raising
ceremony in the DOST’s science complex in Bicutan. They
will receive jubilee medallions for service loyalty
through an aptly dubbed “Lingkod Kagawaran” awards.
Secretary Alabastro said she would consider the
development of the Philippine human resources through
scholarships, study grants and providing basic education
in science and technology as the single most important
achievement of the DOST in its 50 years of existence.
“Wherever I go, I would hear Filipinos say ‘I am a
scholar of the DOST.’ Malaking bagay ‘yan [It is
a big achievement],” Alabastro said when asked about the
matter at the open forum.
Filipino
scientists and researchers are known internationally for
excelling in their fields of studies and work. Many of
them have received awards of recognition or were
recruited by foreign and locally based multinational
companies and institutions because of this capability.
Among
the latest to receive such international recognition was
Dr. Baldomero Olivera, who garnered the Harvard
Foundation Scientist of the Year for 2007 award for his
research on conus, a poisonous snail found in Philippine
waters, from which he discovered new drugs for pain,
Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña, for his part, said
he would consider S&T’s presence “being felt in the four
corners of the country” as the DOST’s single biggest
achievement.
“Before,
S&T was confined only to the scholars and researchers.
But now S&T is known by everyone. DOST presence is being
felt,” de la Peña said.
Alabastro said the DOST contributed to economic
development by enhancing the productivity of the micro,
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and also the
farming sector.
She said
the DOST has provided technical assistance to 30,000
MSMEs since 2001 through its Small Enterprises
Technology Upgrading Program.
At the
same time, the DOST’s Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development has helped improved farm productivity
through its programs, such as the Techno-Gabay,
Magsasaka Siyentista and Farmers’ Information and
Technology Services.
Other
highlights in the anniversary celebration is the
fiesta-like event that includes entertainment programs
and sports awards during the DOST Anibersaya on June 13,
also in Bicutan grounds.
On June
9, a cultural show, dubbed “Gabi ng Ginintuang Sinag,”
that merges science and art will be held at the UP
Diliman Theater. The two-hour musicale arranged by dean
Ramon “Montet” Acoymo of the UP College of Music will
showcase classical talents from the local music
industry, including Asia’s Queen of Song Pilita Corales,
the Ateneo College Glee Club, Kundirana, Opera Band, UP
Intertwined Voices, UP Jazz Orchestra and the UP
Symphonic Band. (With Lyn Resurreccion) |
