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DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo saluted the inauguration of the first online science and technology library in the Philippines in ceremonies held in conjunction with the 24th anniversary of the Science and Technology Information Institute at the DOST Complex, Taguig City.

Called STARBOOKS, or the S&T Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations, this new academic resource for students and researchers shall be equipped with key access portals in strategic areas in the Philippines. Users can have access to the latest data and information contained at DOST (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases.

“[STARBOOKS] shall serve as our humble contribution to the world of education and science. The fact that time and distance have been neutralized as limiting factors for undertaking research is a big benefit especially for our young, intellectually curious minds,” Secretary Montejo noted.
He added, “We at the Department of Science and Technology shall always support initiatives that encourage our people to develop new ideas because of this kind of knowledge explosion, and even inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research for socio-economic development.”

Since his assumption of the top S&T portfolio in government, Secretary Montejo has aligned the priority thrusts and mandated tasks and responsibilities of the Department of Science and Technology toward providing science- and engineering-based solutions to national problems.

As a result, this outward-oriented approach has won for DOST broad cross-sectoral support for Secretary Montejo’s programs to address issues such as the recent rash of freshwater fishkills in Luzon, the unmitigated spread of water hyacinths in large waterways, flooding, malnutrition, and the availability of potable water for marginal communities throughout the country. (Alan Taule)

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo during the STARBOOKS launch at the Science and Technology Information Institute (Photo by Louise Ian de los Reyes, STII)

Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for S&T Services Fortunato T. dela Peña was elected as Chair for the 15th Session of the prestigious UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) during its 14th Session in Geneva on May 27.

The election of Usec. dela Peña serves as international recognition of the country's initiatives in promoting science and technology, as well as the use of information and communications technology for development.

UNCSTD, a UN agency tasked to promote science and technology for development, is mandated by the Economic and Social Council to oversee the system-wide follow-up, review and assessment of progress in the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

UNCSTD addresses issues pertaining to the problem of digital divide and internet governance, and helps promote technologies that address global challenges.

The Permanent Mission provided full support to ensure Undersecretary Dela Peña's election.

 


The Department of Science and Technology will host a free seminar on renewable energy technology for building, agricultural, and industry application May 30 1-5PM at the DOST Executive Lounge, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila. Sponsoring the free seminar is the Free Eco + Energy Development Society (FEEDS) in cooperation with the DOST and its line agency Technology Application and Promotion Institute.

Renewable energy technologies are essential contributors to the energy supply portfolio, as they contribute to world energy security, reduce dependency on petroleum based products, such as diesel and LPG, and provide opportunities for individual self-reliance.

Climate change, pollution, and energy insecurity are among the current greatest problems. Addressing these problems requires major changes to energy infrastructure. The world is currently shifting from coal, oil, and gas to wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Moreover, the new energy economy harnesses wind, solar, and biogas energy.

Topics to be discussed at the forum include biogas preparation and development, irrigation wind and run off water spiral pump, solar and wind energy assembly and servicing, and emerging energy generations. The discussions will have actual demonstrations.

The seminar is open to the public. However, early registration is required. Interested individuals may contact Ms. Onnie Ramos, FEEDS executive director, at tel nos: 2261965 or 4819776 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Countryside development is the most effective and equitable strategy to achieve the Aquino administration’s pursuit of inclusive growth, Science Secretary Mario G. Montejo stressed during a meeting held at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 3 Office in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Speaking before provincial directors and staff, Sec. Montejo highlighted the importance of regional offices in promoting DOST services that can help small- to medium-sized firms to be more competitive, employ more people, and spur more wealth-creating activities in their locales so that provincial folk will no longer move to the big cities looking for jobs.

“Despite our successes, we need to convince more people about S&T and their benefits toward improving their lives. Sa ganitong paraan natin maipaparamdam sa kanila na nasa syensya at teknolohiya ang daan sa pag-unlad,” Secretary Montejo said.

The Secretary also challenged the DOST 3 provincial directors and staff to go the extra mile and exceed their original targets, particularly in technology commercialization and public assistance in their respective areas. He added that people in government service should always strive to be relevant just as how their entrepreneur-clients strive to remain in business.

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo speaking before the provincial directors and staff of the DOST Region 3 Office. With him are DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Carol M. Yorobe (seated) and DOST 3 Officer-in-Charge Julio Caesar Sicat (standing).

 

 

Severe Weather Bulletin No. 9
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "CHEDENG" (SONGDA)
Issued at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday 25 May 2011

"CHEDENG" has intensified into a typhoon as it remained almost stationary.

Areas having Public Storm Warning Signal
Signal No. 2 (Winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hrs)
Luzon: Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte
Visayas: Samar provinces
Mindanao: None

Signal No. 1 (Winds of 45-60 kph is expected within the next 36 hours)
Luzon: Marinduque, Masbate, Burias and Ticao Islands, Southern Quezon and Polilio Is.
Visayas: Biliran Island, Northern Leyte
Mindanao: None


Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signals #2 & #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Typhoon "Chedeng" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

For updated information on CHEDENG and Storm Warning Signals, visit: http://www.weather.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1313:severe-weather-bulletin-no-9&catid=213:severe-weather-bulletin&Itemid=488