The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) bared Wednesday, Nov. 17, innovation breakthroughs that would help the country achieve its “kaayusan” and “kinabukasan” development goals.
Unveiled during the second leg of the 6th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC) were Innovative defense technologies. These include the Urban Fire Hazard Mapping and Fire Spread Modeling from the University of Cebu and Project BUHAWI – Building a Universal-Mount for Heavy Barrel Automated Weapon Integration from the Philippine Navy in partnership with the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC).
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana discussed insights on the government’s efforts on law and order amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for the “Kaayusan” goals.
The 6th NRDC is anchored on the theme “Pananaliksik at Pagpapaunlad: Daan Tungo sa Pagbangon (Road to Recovery through R&D)”.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones also tackled Insights on the government’s efforts on providing basic education amid COVID-19 and solidifying the country’s development goals for the future generation.
During the virtual conference, Irene A. Papa of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (BIOTECH-UPLB) made a presentation on drug development drawn from the country’s biodiversity.
Jon Alfonso P. Horvidalla of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discussed the threats of micro plastics, as he presented the R&D Programs aimed at protecting and cleaning the environment.
Meanwhile, the DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) unveiled technological breakthroughs in disaster risk reduction and management. These include Project ULAT or Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms for Extreme Weather Monitoring and Information Sharing.
Using a dense sensor network, a satellite antenna, and various scientific devices, the system would collect nationwide data on lightning frequency, weather parameters, and cloud structure to generate precise estimates of typhoon and thunderstorm behaviors as they occur, the DOST said.
DOST Undersecretary for R&D Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the COVID-19 pandemic "presents complex problems that require novel solutions."
"Our hopes for a robust economy, a strong health system and improved quality of life for every Filipino is made possible through the outputs of R&D. The works of our science community in consonance with the goals of the Harmonized National Research & Development Agenda (HNRDA) for 2022-2028 are presented to the public with the hope that everyone will realize the value of R&D in socioeconomic development.” she said.
The 6th NRDC is organized by the DOST in partnership with 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).