President Benigno Aquino III lauded the Filipino scientific community at the formal opening of the annual National Science and Technology week (NSTW) on July 28. Held at the Mall of Asia’s SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the event showcased various recent Filipino innovations in the fields of science and technology.
In his keynote speech, Aquino called on the DOST to continue to take an aggressive stance in its development initiatives, even as he praised the agency’s latest research awardees —in particular, newly-inducted National Scientists Dr. Raul Fabella and Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ.
“Time and again, DOST have proven in its awardees that profit is not the only motivation for good research and inventions. May you serve as an inspiration not only to the youth but to all Filipinos as well. Despite lucrative career and offerings abroad, you chose to stay and serve your countrymen," Aquino said.
Some of the Filipino innovations on display at the NSTW were an automated weather station, PCOS machine, Mosquito Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap, eRizal PC tablet, brown rice, baby foods, water filter, gantry crane, windmills, RxBox, and the latest projects in the fields of genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and nuclear energy.
According to the DOST, this year’s theme, “Nasa Siyensa ang Pag-asa" (There is Hope in Science) aptly depicts the department’s role in steering the country towards national development.
Scheduled activities and more information about the NSTW can be found at the event's website. — TJD
