“[In this activity] we will explore how Science and Technology can accelerate democratic and developmental empowerment,” said President Jaime Montoya of the NAST PHL during his message, “Specifically in democratizing health and healthcare through equity in health, evidence-based democratic governance and democratic citizenship, strengthening democratic institutions and open-science initiatives, and the role of data in governance.”
With this year’s theme of “Science and Technology for Democracy”, the Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) was conducted from May 17-18, 2023 at the Orchard Hotel in Baguio City, Benguet.
This was organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) and hosted by the DOST – CAR in cooperation with the DOST Regional Offices (RO) of the Luzon Cluster. This was the last leg of the series of RSMs conducted in the country.
DOST Key Officials graced the event including DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang of the DOST Regional Operations, President Jaime Montoya of the NAST PHL; and Director Luningning Samarita Domingo of the NAST-PHL.
Sec. Solidum expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the event. “We are grateful for your efforts in bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss critical issues and identify opportunities for collaboration in advancing Science and Technology for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Sec. Solidum remarked.
Regional Directors of the Luzon Cluster were also present including OIC-Regional Director Teresita Tabaog of DOST I, Director Virginia G. Bilgera of DOST II, Director Julius Caesar V. Sicat of DOST III, Director Emelita P. Bagsit of DOST-CALABARZON, OIC-Regional Director Romelen T. Tresvalles of DOST-NCR, and Director Nancy Bantog of the DOST-CAR (host region).
This year’s RSM gathered stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the role of S&T in democratization and development, and explored ways to further empower Filipinos through greater inclusivity and better welfare. Contestants and winners of the Scientific Poster Session were also evaluated and awarded.
Moreover, DOST-CALABARZON’s representatives to the Scientific Poster Session also presented their researches, namely, Joepet Jerome S. Jaro and Christine Joy D. Montalbo of the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)-Lucena, and Lloyd O. Balinado of the Cavite State University (CvSU).
After a series of plenary sessions, a resolution was drafted and will be further discussed and presented during the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) this coming July 12-13, 2023.#
