MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is intensifying its awareness campaign efforts among students and teachers, an executive told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.
Luningning Domingo, Director IV, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) said it was the directive of DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña to make the public appreciate science, and also to bring benefits of science to them. “This is also why the DOST carries the tagline, ‘Science for the People’,” she said.
As a DOST-attached agency, NAST brings scientists to schools in the regions. The goal is to encourage students to pursue a career in science and technology.
Domingo said the DOST also sends speakers from the Science Education Institute (SEI) to different schools to talk about scholarships that they can avail of.
“Because oftentimes, students may be interested, but they do not know how they could pursue a career in science due to financial constraints, for instance,” Domingo explained.
NAST also brings scientists to the regions to guide teachers how to prepare research proposals, especially for international publications.
“Normally, the teachers have case studies and they need to partner with universities to do the research. Our scientists are here to guide them how to prepare proposals,” Domingo said.
Bringing the scientists to the regions is beneficial for both the students and teachers, as they would not need to spend for their fare to go to Manila, she noted.
Domingo cited the DOST’s plans to develop the Philippine Science Heritage Center as a “world-class science center”.
Domingo shared that NAST had also set two international meetings this year.
She said an international meeting is slated next month, and this would be attended by select medical practitioners.
The other meeting will be in October, and this will be organized by the UK Academy of Science. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
