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(Naga City)— The Department of Science and Technology and the Local Government Unit (LGU)—NAGA—officially reopened the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) on 16 March 2023, following a revitalization and improvement project that started in April 2021.

With a PhP 6.9 million budget, the BSTC is now ready to cater again to the local viewers, especially children, teachers, and even researchers and innovators, who can experience science through visiting the center.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. reminded the populace that such facilities would also be the best means of promoting science literacy and appreciation, particularly among younger students. "Since BSTC was established in 1995, the Bicol Region has benefited from the services it has provided. As it was reopened this year, we planned to take advantage of it by leveraging science in the area in line with the inclusive, innovative, and integrated approaches we aimed for the department", the secretary shared.

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Despite the increase in the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults, 20 years old and above from years 2013 to 2015, its prevalence significantly declined in 2018-2019.  

This is based on the study on “Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypertension among Filipino Adults in Different Survey Periods,” of which the data comes from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, 2015 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups (Updating Survey), and the 2018–2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

This research is important in understanding the downward trend and in identifying the factors associated with hypertension that can help further reduce its prevalence by 33% between 2010 and 2030. This is one of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

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Filipino researchers are one step closer to understanding engineered bamboo.

A research team at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) recently found that cross-laminated board made from local bamboo species is a promising construction material.

Explains Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI Deputy Director and one of the researchers, “Engineered bamboo refers to various kinds of composite boards that come from processing raw bamboo. Several layers of bamboo strips or slats are glued together and pressed to form boards that can be used for specific purposes - furniture, decors, and house parts such as walls, doors, ceilings, and floors. Engineered bamboo panels are often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid woods.”

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“The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognizes the massive potential of Mindanao as a prime mover of socio-economic development,” Dr. Anthony C. Sales, DOST XI Regional Director said during the Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City.

This is manifested in DOST’s continuous promotion of the thriving R&D ecosystem in Mindanao and by mapping out sound programs, projects and policies that will aid in the increase of R&D investments and human resources, and enhancement of R&D capabilities.

Of late, Mindanao exhibited agricultural advancements in the form of the development of new crop varieties, improved plant nutrition, disease detection and management, and the production of climate-resilient crops, among others.