DOST holds S&T week

Top officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Tuesday led the kick-off of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said this week’s celebration highlights the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in achieving national development.

“This year, we will be featuring the latest and most innovative products, knowhow, and services developed and funded by Filipinos. More importantly, they are going to be displayed in a manner that highlights their positive impact,” Dela Peña said in his message.

“One of the major reasons for the NSTW celebrations is to provide an opportunity for the country’s researchers and scientists to meet up and interact with potential venture investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, industry workers and students,” he added.

Dela Peña said such interaction and networking activities between and among members of government, private sector, academe and non-government organizations are essential in broadening the science and technology knowledge base that would benefit the people.

Technologies developed by the DOST and its attached agencies and partners are featured in interactive displays clustered in four groups: STI at home, in school, in the workplace and in the marketplace.

“We decided that in order to relate more closely to ordinary Filipinos… we arranged it in such a way that they can feel the importance and shall we say the presence of ST in the various phases or aspects of life,” Dela Peña said.

Aside from the main exhibit, various forums will also be held this week, including those on Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology programs of the DOST.

Other activities include film showing, scientific career talks and science journalism write shop.

The NSTW is celebrated every third week of July through a presidential proclamation issued in 1993.

It aims to recognize the contribution of science and technology in the country and garner support from the public and private institutions for its sustainable development.

The DOST said a series of regional science and technology fairs will be held until December.