JOHN HAY, Baguio–The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in a scientific meeting held recently, underscored the need to strengthen research and development (R&D) initiatives in various fields particularly in agriculture, including the fisheries sector. Strengthening R&D is part of the development strategy under this administration to reduce economic inequality in the regions.
To have a look on R&D carried out in agriculture, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña led the opening of the Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) at the CAP John Hay Convention Center, Baguio City to be held May 15-17, 2017. The Luzon RSM is organized by the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines which is mandated to formulate policies pertaining to development of science and technology in the country.
This to-day event, the last of a series of RSM with the first two held in Cebu and Davao, is a prelude to the NAST 39th Annual Scientific Meeting to be held July 12-13, 2017 in Manila. This year’s theme is “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Philippine Fisheries and Other Aquatic Resources 20/20.”
This year’s events focus on the fisheries sector and fishing industry in the country with presentations of research studies in various fields forums on issues and prospects affecting the fisheries sector.
The Luzon RSM focuses on six plenary sessions with topics that include the following: Fish Health and Its Implication to Food Security, Water Quality Issues Linked to Fish production, Environmental Contamination of Aquatic Resources: Implications on Health, Fish in the Filipino Diet, Philippines Seas: Frontier of Pharmaceutical Discovery and Development, and Fresh Water Aquaculture: Status, Prospects and Problems in the Philippines.
“There is a need to harness potentials through the blue economy with practical green infrastructures that include strategic marine mapping for sustainable development as the Philippines is at the center of biodiversity where there can be economic activities like food processing and transportation,” added Sec. de la Peña.
The RSM in Baguio is conducted with the cooperation of the DOST Luzon Cluster composed of Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, CAR and NCR. This event is also made possible with the collaboration of other stakeholders: DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Health, National Economic and Development Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Laguna Lake Development Authority, University of the University of the Philippines Baguio, University of the Philippines Los Baños, University of the Philippines Manila, Central Luzon State University, Marine Science Institute, Mariano Marcos State University, Far Eastern University, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
Also in attendance are other DOST officials from the Central Office and Regional Offices, local government officials, representatives from the academe are in attendance, namely: National Scientists Raul V. Fabella, Chair of the Social Sciences Division of NAST Philippines and Ernesto O. Domingo of the Health Sciences Division; Acd. Rafael D. Guerrero III of the Agricultural Sciences Division of NAST Philippines; Acd.Agnes C. Rolaand Acd.Michael L. Tan of the Social Sciences Division of NAST Philippines;Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, Chair of the Health Sciences Division of NAST Philippines and Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development;Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV of NAST Philippines; and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
For more details on the event, please contact the National Academy of Science and Technology at (02) 837-3170 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (S&T Media Service)
