The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has paid tribute to the late President Benigno S. Aquino III, honoring his “immense” contributions to the science and technology community, which include the development of the country's microsatellites.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said they were one with the nation in mourning the passing of the country’s 15th chief executive who passed away Thursday morning, June 24, at the age of 61.
“President Aquino, who is fondly called “PNoy” by his countrymen, has contributed immensely to the science and technology (S&T) community,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday.
He even shared a photo of him with Aquino receiving the replica of the country’s first microsatellite, Diwata-1 from his predecessor, former DOST secretary Mario Montejo, during the courtesy call of the DOST officials in Malacañang Palace on June 21, 2016.
The DOST chief cited that Aquino was “instrumental” in the development of PH’s microsatellites Diwata-1 and Diwata 2 under the STAMINA4Space Program.
“Diwata-1 is the first micro satellite owned by the Philippine government involving Filipino engineers in its development,” he said.
The historic launch of the 50-kilogram satellite was held on March 23, 2016.
Diwata-2 was launched into space on Oct. 29, 2018.
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De la Peña also cited Aquino’s support to the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute’s (ITDI) national testing laboratory.
“He was present during the inauguration of the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL), a national testing laboratory of DOST that provides our local industry shorter turn-around time for analysis at competitive cost of services,” he said.
"Before, products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to undergo testing. Because of ADMATEL, products can now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the electronics sector and to entice potential investors seeking for a more conducive business environment.”
The DOST chief also noted that it was Aquino who signed into law Republic Act No. 10692 or An Act Providing for the Modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).
He said the law “compels the weather bureau, an agency under the DOST, to modernize its technological operational capacity and strengthen its role as the premier national weather agency to attain its vision as a center of excellence for weather-related information services.”
De la Peña said the creation of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard) happened under the late leader’s watch.
He said the project “was a response to his calls for a more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas throughout the Philippines in the aftermath of the destructive Tropical Storm Sendong in December 2011.”
The development of an Information Communications Technology (ICT) dubbed as “Thin Client Cloud Computing Project” was also included in the list of Aquino’s major accomplishments in the S&T community.
He said the ICT project was implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), and the DOST.
“This is in line with his directive that “Education is for all and no Filipino should be left behind.”
"The whole community of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mourns the passing of former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. Taos-puso po kaming nakikiramay sa kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, at sa sambayanang Pilipino (We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Filipino people),” de la Peña said.
Aquino,who served as chief executive from 2010 to 2016, died Thursday due renal failure arising from diabetes, according to his family.