By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, July 4 (PNA) — The forthcoming 36th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) will focus on the areas of competitiveness, specifically on infrastructure, information and innovation.
With the ASM’s theme, “Infrastructure, Information and Innovation for National Development, Competitiveness and Resiliency,” the country’s leading scientists and government officials will discuss policy and governance aspects regarding energy, water, telecommunications and transportation.
”A lot of times, the governance is an issue — how the government could really help and carry on to solve these problems… So that will be addressed, in fact, in our sessions. That’s the reason we have invited government officials, because they are the best people who can talk about it,” NAST 36th ASM Steering Committee member Dr. Guillermo Tabios III told the Philippines News Agency on Thursday.
The ASM will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from July 9 to 10.
On opening day, discussions will focus on four main topics: possible solutions to Metro Manila’s traffic problem; the plausibility of mitigating the flooding problem in the metropolis and other areas; the reason behind the high electricity rates in the country; and the possibility of using broadband internet for everyone and everywhere.
The topics have been decided after a pre-conference event and two plenary sessions, Dr. Tabios said.
On the second day, a parallel technical session regarding electronic health (e-health) and biological innovations will be conducted, followed by the presentation of NAST awards.
The award-giving body’s categories are composed of Best Scientific Poster, Outstanding Scientific Papers, Outstanding Books and Monographs, NAST Environmental Science, NAST Talent Search for Young Scientist, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Prize for Young Scientist in the Philippines, and the Outstanding Young Scientist.
Among the speakers at the ASM are officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), along with the heads of NAST Philippines.
The NAST serves as the highest advisory body to the government and science community on issues related to science and technology.
Meanwhile, this year’s National Science Week, which will also be organized by the NAST, is scheduled for the third week of July. (PNA)