By Juzel L. Danganan & Jinessa U. de Domingo
MANILA, July 3 (PNA) — The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Awardees have given their advice to the young aspiring scientists on becoming the next outstanding innovators of the country.
“Start young. We need to expose the child in science and you can motivate them to continue in doing that,” said Young Scientist Awardee Dr. Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz at a press conference for the recipients of the NAST Awards for 2014 at the Max Restaurant at Quezon City Circle.
Dela Cruz also pointed out that a mentor is crucial in the aspirant’s college years and graduate schooling.
For his part, Ian Kenrich C. Fontanilla, another outstanding young scientist recipient for his work in genetics, expounded that one has to have compassion.
”You need to have compassion on what you are doing, it is hard to enter something that you do not believe in and most especially if you do not love what you are doing,” he said.
Moreover, National Scientist Awardee for 2014 Angel C. Alcala shared that his research in Marine Biology, specifically in the production of fish through coral reefs, requiress a lot of years.
Also, Gavino C. Trono Jr., National Scientist recipient said that it is always a matter of hard work.
Glenn S. Banaguas was also among the recipients of the Outstanding Young Scientist Award for 2014.
On the other hand, President of NAST Philippines William G. Padolina also raised that there are less than 1,000 individuals left who are actively engaged in research.
The cash prize for the young scientist is at P50,000, while an amount of 125,000 PHP is given to the national scientist awardee. The research grant is excluded from the cash prize.
The young scientist recipients will also be presented at the 36th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of NAST Philippines to be held on July 9-10 at the Philippine Interrnational Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The NAST is the primary institutional body, under the DOST, that advices the government and science community on issues pertaining to science and technology. (PNA)