The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will unveil next month its major programs and technologies, including its interventions against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as an expression of support to the government’s whole-of-nation approach to recovery from the pandemic.
The launch of the research and development (R&D) projects and programs will be held during the 6th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC) set on Nov. 10 and 17.
The ongoing and completed R&D projects and programs, which are aligned to the priorities identified in the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) will be presented during the event.
This year’s theme of the virtual event is “Pananaliksik at Pagpapaunlad: Daan Tungo sa Pagbangon (Road to Recovery through R&D)”.
“Our response to the pandemic should always be met with urgent action and collaboration with the policy makers, key government departments, local government and community leaders,” DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said in a statement.
“The road to recovery demands protection of lives and livelihood. Such an endeavor must always be guided by the best available scientific solution.”
The conference has been promoting coordination and collaboration among industry members, academic institutions, and research and development institutions (RDIs) since 2015.
The event is organized in partnership with nine government agencies: the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“At the forefront of the event are public health interventions against COVID-19,” the DOST said.
During the event, the public will be apprised of the progress of the SIBOL Program as an effective COVID-19 response and on the status of the studies of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as adjutants against COVID-19.
The Locally-Developed Electronic Stethoscope Prototype “E-Steth” Using A Phantom-Based Simulation System in the Auscultation of Lung Sounds, and agricultural technologies in disease detection with the African Swine Fever or ASFv Nanogold Biosensor Test Kit, organic farming and Mussel Depuration will also be unveiled.
“Programs in support of industry will highlight the ongoing projects under the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program such as the Development of a Design Guideline Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for Semiconductor Packages,” the DOST said.
“In support of the agricultural industry, the NRDC will showcase sustainable livelihood R&D like the Mangrove Crab Fattening Cum Fish Culture and Coconut Hybridization Scheme that will introduce income-generating opportunities for farmers,” it added.
Disaster risk reduction and management technologies for weather assessment and monitoring like the Severe Wind Exposure, Risk and Vulnerability Estimator (SWERVE) Project and Real-time Optical Aerosol Monitor (ROAM) will also be featured during the NDRC.
“We must allow science to lead the way in our road to recovery,” DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said.
“The Philippines should emerge stronger than the pandemic, powered by notable legislation like the Science for Change Program Bill that sustains scientific capabilities and fosters collaboration between the academe, the RDIs, the industry, the local community and the country.”
The DOST advised those who are interested to attend the event to register via this link: https://bit.ly/6thNRDC2021. For additional details, the public may access the NRDC website at http://nrdc.dost.gov.ph/.
The event will be livestreamed at the NRDC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dostnrdc.