Bringing social dimension to basic research

About a thousand members of the National Research Council of the Philippines will form four scientific clusters that would draw action plans to cushion the impact of the unfolding global economic downturn to the Philippine economy during its 76th general assembly at the Manila Hotel March 11.
      NRCP, a collegial body under the Department of Science and Technology, has adopted the theme “Science beyond science: Bringing social dimensions to basic research” to highlight the research community’s concern for the increasingly overcast economic outlook expected to dominate national and global events in the next few years.
      Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral is expected to deliver a report on the current state of public welfare along with the preparations that DSWD is doing to help Filipino cope with the global economic decline.
   

 

Dr. Leoncio A. Amadore, a University of the Philippines professor and NRCP Outstanding Researcher in 2002, will lead plenary presentations and discussions.  He will also talk about the effects of climate change or global warming to agriculture (food, fiber, and forest products), hydrology (fresh water resources), ecosystems (coastal and low lying areas), and socio-economic implications (health, settlements, and industry).
      Meanwhile, Dr. Alicia O. Lustre, director of National Food Authority’s Food Development Center will discuss national food security issues and planned counter-measures, while Dr. Rowena Reyes-Boquiren of Conservation International Philippines’ Socio-Economic and Policy Unit will speak on laws and policies supporting biodiversity conservation. 
      On the other hand, Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo of the University of Sto. Tomas will shed light on the effects of the current economic difficulty on the Philippines’ many-sided culture.
      The event’s other highlight is the awarding ceremony for the 2008 NRCP Basic Research Achievers from the 12 scientific divisions.
    Other activities include oath taking of new NRCP associate and regular, election of new chairmen of the 12 scientific divisions, launch of the book “NRCP 75@75” and NRCP membership directory, and scientific poster presentation and competition.
    Department of Science and Technology Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro, NRCP President and Philippine Council for health research and Development Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya will lead the event’s ceremonies.