DOST
chief urges Filipinos to harness S&T innovations for development
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA) – In order to achieve greater heights
for economic development and social progress, Science and Technology (DOST)
Secretary Fortunato dela PeΓ±a is encouraging Filipinos to foster interest in
finding innovative solutions through a wide range opportunity in science and
technology (S&T).
Dela PeΓ±a said that DOST covers a comprehensive scope from
agriculture, research and development, and even climate change mitigation,
among others. “We are committed to serve the people to improve the quality of
life of every Filipino through the use of science and technology,” dela PeΓ±a
stressed.
The secretary further underscored, during a press conference in
celebration of the recently concluded Science and Technology Week held recently
in this city, that the department is working on programs to reduce disaster
risks, extraction of gold without the use of mercury, programs on malnutrition
and scholarship.
While there are advantages and disadvantages in science and
technology undertakings, DOST upholds its unabating effort in the furtherance
of novel S&T discoveries. “The department continues to embark on projects
and innovations that will benefit the people and something that will improve
the way of their living,” said Dela PeΓ±a.
S&T for trade and industrial development
The current trend of science and technology has its influence on
how industrial sector are running their businesses faster, simpler and more
efficient.
Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Lawrence Fortun, in
his message during the opening program of the 2017 National Science and Technology
Week celebration, stressed that Caraga is one of the richest regions that is
abundant with natural resources and it is opportune time to also use the
advantage of S&T in the processing and delivery of the final products to
the market.
Engr. Edgar Garcia, Technology Application and Promotion
Institute (TAPI)-DOST director underlined that the Food Innovation Center of
DOST helps the micro small and medium enterprises in providing them the
technology which they could use in making their food processing easier and more
convenient.
In Caraga region, the launching of the Caraga's Food Innovation
Center, is part of the week-long celebration of the 2017 National Science and
Technology Week
DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga said that the
Food Innovation Center located at the Caraga State University (CSU) in this
city will help support food processors and other involved in the food value
chain to be globally competitive.
“I’d like to thank the different stakeholders, our highly
regarded partners, for their continued support to the various programs of the
department and I encourage them to diligently work for new technological
developments that could eventually help the different industries in the
region,” Mallonga said.
Also, Dela PeΓ±a added that they are continuously collaborating
with other government agencies in trying to look for quality solutions with the
use of technology to assist the different sectors in improving their businesses
and livelihood. “This will also help achieve sustainable development in the
region,” he said.
Dela PeΓ±a further said that there are vast opportunities for the
Philippines as it collaborates with the other members of the ASEAN community
since they could help in giving out resources to be used by the country in
improving the industries that could also improve the quality of life of the
Filipinos.
S&T for community resiliency
As technology continues to permeate medicine, manufacturing,
industry and communication, it also posed greater significance in strengthening
community resiliency.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine
Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development
(PCIEERD) research program entitled “Geo-informatics for the Systematic
Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks towards a Resilient Mindanao (Geo-SAFER
Mindanao) aims to continue the detailed flood hazard mapping of Mindanao using
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. The official launching here in
Caraga region will help enhance flood disaster management and mitigation.
“The Geo-SAFER Agusan Project aims to conduct geo-informatics
based approaches for the systematic assessment of flooding in the Agusan River
Basin,” said Mallonga.
Meanwhile, DOST Asst. Secretary for Finance and Legal
Affairs Atty. Emmanuel Galvez said in a press conference that the department
aims to communicate the developments on science and technology in the
grassroots level. "We want to inform them of the accomplishments in the
field of science and technology and how they can benefit from it," added
Galvez.
On the other hand, DOST Sec. Dela PeΓ±a highlighted the
significance of having a space technology in the country. He added that in the
ASEAN community, only four countries which include the Philippines do not have
a space technology yet.
Dela PeΓ±a encouraged the different sectors in Caraga region to
work in the spirit of convergence and cooperation for sustainable development.
He further said that S&T have lots of advantages which Caraganons can
benefit from. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
