A one-day science and technology and
innovation festival called Aghambayan was held at the Jose Rizal Hall of the Philippine
International Convention Centre, Pasay City on 20 June 2018.
An announcement
from the University
of the Philippines (UP) described how the event was able to showcase
UP-led science and technological innovation projects that were funded by the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), which provide practical value to the everyday
lives of Filipinos.
DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña and UP
President Mr Danilo L. Concepcion were in attendance to open the event with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Pres Concepcion, during his welcoming
remarks, said, “In UP, we are doing research not just for the sake of
discovering new knowledge. Everything that we do in the University is dedicated,
through our efforts, resources and expertise, to researches that benefit the
Filipinos and the nation. Science for UP is for the nation. UP is agham bayan.”
Scientific works were on display for
exhibit purposes. Four major themes that encompassed the exhibit were health
and well-being, environment, food, and human resource development-job creation.
Actual discussions with project leaders and
scientists, who were in attendance, were also part of the event. There were
corners showcasing interactive technology demonstrations. Other highlights
include panel discussions and conference breakout sessions.
Participants who are primary stakeholder of
science, technology, and innovation as well as government and industry leaders
took part in the panel discussions on the topic of policy implications and
utilisation of scientific research and innovation that benefit the public.
UP faculty members and researchers, along
with other state universities and colleges, policy makers and investors, also
contributed their expertise in the discussion.
The industry panel discussions brought
about the importance of research and development (R&D) especially to major
industry investors. Existing policies relating to R&D should be reviewed.
Emphasis was also given for issues on patenting and intellectual property.
The government panel discussion raised
issues on funding support, strengthening commercialisation, knowledge transfer
and patent as well as the government’s trust in the research products of
scientists and academe.
DOST Secretary Dela Peña stressed, “This
endeavour has gone far in achieving its goal, take for example, in uplifting
the lives of agricultural farmers and its sector.”
He continued, “This is a gift to the whole
country. And the DOST does not work with UP alone; in fact, we have launched
the ‘Science for Change’ program to accelerate science and technology
innovation through a massive investment in science and technology, human
resource development and R&D.”
He concluded, “We are working aggressively
to establish lead-centres for R&D in the regions through the R&D
leadership program, and efforts to connect R&D institutions with industry.
So, with this kind of program, we hope to have more activities like Aghambayan
to manifest DOST’s strategy: science for the people.”
A recent announcement that was released
described Aghambayan as an event that will showcase technological and scientific
innovations that impact the seemingly ordinary challenges of daily living.