he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will open its doors to the public during the celebration of the 2016 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), dubbed as “Juan Science, One Nation,” from July 25 to 29.
This year’s NSTW will be celebrated simultaneously in all DOST regional offices and in the four major science hubs in Bicutan, Taguig City; Quezon City; Manila; and Los Baños, Laguna.
Newly installed Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña will lead the annual NSTW activities at the DOST Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City, as the celebration kicks off on July 25. The event will be de la Peña’s first major science and technology (S&T) activity upon his assumption to office under the administration of President Duterte.
“This is the first time that the DOST will be doing a simultaneous celebration not only in Manila, but in the different regions of the country,” de la Peña explained. “We hope to sustain the enthusiasm on science and technology created by the past administration and work on what remains to be resolved for the benefit of even those who are on the outskirts of development.”
The 2016 NSTW will feature several technology open houses, symposia, scientific forums, technology fairs, film showings, scientific career talks and technology launches, among others.
“For those who are in Metro Manila,” de la Peña added, “you can choose to visit our exhibits on disaster preparedness, weather and education in Pagasa [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration], Phivolcs [Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology] and Philippine Science High School in Quezon City; and in SM MOA [Mall of Asia], where the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development will feature health- and nutrition-related forums and other fun activities.”
On the other hand, DOST’s main office in Taguig has prepared numerous treats for those who will be visiting the NSTW celebration. Among the activities lined up are food tasting on DOST-assisted products called Future Flavors; technology forums on livelihood; career talks; product launches; science film showings; and many more.
The Los Baños Science Community will hold open houses on research and development facilities, and testing laboratories on forest products at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute.
Moreover, technologies on agri-aqua sector will be on display on the S&T exhibits of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
For those in provinces, DOST regional offices have prepared various exciting activities that will surely entice everyone to join the celebration.
The NSTW is celebrated every third week of July as mandated by Proclamation 169 of 1993. It aims to recognize the contribution of S&T in the development of the country and garner support from public and private institutions for its sustainable development.
For more information, please visit www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and NSTW Facebook page at 2016NSTW or e-mail 2016nstw@gmail.com.