THE former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) shared that in the last six years, the public awareness on S&T as well as on the programs of the country’s science department has gradually increased and he attributed it not only to the efforts of other government institutions but also the contributions of the private sector and media partners.

In a special virtual presser announcing the upcoming 71st PhilAAST Annual Convention, former DoST secretary Fortunato de la Peña pointed out that we should keep in mind that promotions of science, technology and innovation are not only in the hands of the academe and research and development (R&D) institutions but also part of the responsibility of the business and industry sectors, as well as the non-government organizations and media outfits to cultivate a science culture in the country.

He said that with the data that DoST received from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) in recent years, the country’s science department is very thankful to their reliable partners for their significant contributions by providing them the opportunities, networks, platforms, channels and venues to reach out to the public and target beneficiaries that allowed them to explain how the DoST flagship programs, products and services could give them a chance to achieve a better life.

“That is why I would like to give importance this time to the growing role of business and industry sectors in all areas, whether we are talking about agriculture, transportation, energy, health, or emerging technology, as well as our media partners,” said Prof. de la Peña.

And to the reliable partners that he mentioned, PhilAAST or the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology is one of them.

On Sept. 9, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the PhilAAST will hold its 71st Annual Convention at the Manila Hotel with the theme “Accelerating Transformations for Sustainable Development through Science, Technology, and Innovation.