The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) partnered with the Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. - National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (OYSI-NAST PHL) in holding the 17th Annual Meeting and Scientific Convention held on July 12, 2022 via Zoom and FB Live Streaming.
This convention expanded DOST-PCAARRD’s reach to the S&T community and other key stakeholders by providing augmentation funds to qualified professional/scientific and academic organizations that pursue activities in support of the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.
Themed, “Opportunities for a sustainable future in a digital and green economy,” the one-day virtual convention served as a platform to discuss different opportunities in revolutionizing our scientific innovations, and technology for a sustainable future as emphasized by the Philippine Foresight 2050 in Science, Technology, and Innovation or PAGTANAW 2050.
In his message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. pointed out the importance of Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) to accelerate global action for a sustainable planet in a digital age. He explained that CODES was created in response to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation to steer the use of digital technologies toward accelerating environmentally, and socially sustainable development.
Academician William G. Padolina’s keynote address titled, “PAGTANAW 2050: Business and Trade Digital Transformation,” emphasized the importance of an Information Infrastructure in Digital Transformation and explained that digital technologies greatly support the inclusion, efficiency, and innovation among businesses, people, and governments. He also pointed out that the government and private entities should focus on the Enhanced and Expanded Participation in Recycling of science and technology based on biogeochemistry which can be a potential industry.
Padolina further suggested that PAGTANAW 2050 should be regionalized for the consortium to address and take actions on the problems immediately. He encouraged the younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology and lastly, for everyone to read the PAGTANAW 2050 and provide suggestions for modification and revisions. Academician Padolina is the chair of the Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Foresight Steering Committee and a member of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division of NAST Philippines.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy underscored that we need to implement strategies at the national and local levels to support the Filipino people in their journey toward the digital economy. Atty. Uy stressed out that digital infrastructure, that is far-reaching, accessible, and affordable for most, if not all, is a necessity.
Dr. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, outstanding young scientist 2009 and district representative of the 2nd District of Marikina City, presented the “Economic Recovery: The Role of ICT and LGUs,” which highlighted that digital transformation is a necessary condition for economic growth and recovery. She mentioned that digitalization will allow better access to basic and essential services in health and education sectors. Dr. Quimbo also enumerated the importance of E-Governance and further elaborated the increased transparency in LGU transactions.
Following Dr. Quimbo, Dr. Sherly Lyn C. Monterola, director of the National Institute for Science and Mathematical Education Development, University of the Philippines Diliman, talked about “Preparing the Filipino Youth for the Green Economy through STEM Education.” She enumerated the following forces that shape the global village: a) automation and digitalization; b) recovery and vigilance against health outbreak; and c) shift toward green economy. She showed the results of their case study paradigm which is a trans-disciplinary approach, a community-based innovation that integrated STEM curriculum. Dr. Monterola accentuated the satisfactory results, positive impact, and favorable outcomes of the case study which significantly improved skills, such as resilience, group mindset, critical thinking, work ethics, grit, metacognitive awareness as well as the Science, Math, and ICT skills.
The convention was concluded through the oath-taking of new OYSI members. Academician Windell L. Rivera, OYSI president, Dr. Allan N. Soriano, OYSI vice president, and Academician Rhodora V. Azanza, NAST PHL president also gave their Welcome and Closing remarks during the convention.