NARTDI researchers and extension workers actively participated in the webinar series of the 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) on July 8-10, 2020.
This year’s theme, “Science and Technology for Society: Solutions to Long-Standing Concerns”, was timely and relevant as we continue to fight a battle against an invisible enemy. The 3-day virtual conference was an avenue to convene the S&T community despite the limitations of COVID-19. Numerous pertinent societal issues were presented by highly esteemed Academicians who served as Resource Persons. During the opening program, Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the DOST, shared that the meeting aims to bind all the members of the academe, researchers, scientists, and government agencies across the country, to share and profile research with particular focus on S&T for our country’s sustainability, resiliency, and recovery.
On July 8, 2020, Plenary Session 1 which centered on Food System and Health was attended by Rolyne Mae C. Pajarillo, Adora A. Garcia, Mishima P. Soliba, and Susan A. Ordoño. In the afternoon, Rowel M. Munar, Dante M. Mortela, Renato L. Cadio, and Emmanuel O. Dangle joined in Plenary Session 2 (Energy, Water, and Transportation Systems). The third and final topic focused on Environment, Climate Change, and Blue Economy was participated in by Rizalde A. Claro, Arvin C. Tuyan, George T. Bondot, Merlito D. Tangalin, and Jimson I. Manuel.
On July 9, 2020, three more important concerns were discussed. Jessie Vallecera, Mac Donald C. Acosta, Claro, Munar, Mortela, Manuel, Dangle, and Ordoño were present during the Plenary Session 3 (ICT, Shelter and Other Infrastructure). On the other hand, Carolyn A. Akilith, Mishima P. Soliba, Adora A. Garcia, Rolyne Mae C. Pajarillo, and David T. de Castro participated in the fourth session where “Science Education and Talent Retention” was discussed. All NARTDI personnel attended Plenary 6 – The Way Forward.
NARTDI set the Institute Conference Hall as venue for each plenary session with two (2) hours of discussion and open forum. However, due to the 4-day work arrangement being adopted by the University to protect its employees from SARS-COV-2, the concluding topic titled “Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preparing for the New Normal” was not enforced to everybody.
Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire, Undersecretary of the Department of Health; Dr. Ma. Regina Justina E. Estuar, DOST FASSSTER Project Team Leader from the Ateneo De Manila University; and Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chairperson, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, were the resource persons during the last day (July 10, 2020). They delivered lectures on “Ensuring Health and Safety of Communities”; “Enhanced Disease Surveillance”; and “Addressing Societal Concerns: Economy, Business, and Education”, respectively. In a nutshell, the powerhouse guest lecturers ended the meeting by underscoring that the government does not have all the answers but its top priority is the people’s health. The speakers encouraged everyone to be actively involved in a functioning society with strengthened spirit of volunteerism as everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19. (RMCPajarillo)
All photos except the featured image were borrowed from the NAST PHL Social Media Page.