The Scientific Career System (SCS), in coordination with the Philippine Association of Career Scientists (PACS), successfully held its Annual Scientists Meeting and 9th Scientific Symposium at the Acacia Hotel Manila last December 8, 2015 with the theme “Harnessing Scientific Research Innovations towards ASEAN Integration”. The event was highlighted by presentations on various topics led by an eminent personality and the scientists of the Scientific Career System and was attended by administratorsand officials from different institutions.
Academician Gisela P. Concepcion, professor at the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman and currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines was the keynote speaker of the event.
Acd. Concepcion, who is also the official representative of the Hon. Alfredo E. Pascual to the Scientific Career Council delivered a compelling lecture on achieving national key result areas identified by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) through higher education (HE) and research and development (R&D) which requires immense government support. Government funding is very much needed for the growth and development of a healthy, intelligent, and highly educated population, which in turn, will produce large pools of expert (PhDs/Professionals), competent (Masters) and skilled (Technical/Vocational) manpower that will lead in innovation and the planning and implementation of sustainable programs in academic institutions, government agencies, industries and civil society in every region and priority economic sector of the country.
The second part of the program highlighted the significant works of five SCS scientists and the recent advances in their research works. These scientists and their topics were: Dr. Marilla G. Lucero, Scientist I of DOH-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, “Studies in Pediatric Pneumonia in Children;” Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Scientists II of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), “Biotechnology Research and Innovations for Livestock Health;” Dr. Erlinda L. Mari, Scientist I from DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute, “The Abaca, Paper, and Textile Industries in the 2015 ASEAN Integration;” Dr. Roel R. Suralta, Scientist I from DA-PhilRice, “Roles of Roots in Sustaining Crop Productivity under Stressful Environments;” and Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, another Scientist I from PhilRice, “PHILRICE’ Collaborative Research Network in Asia Pacific Region in Developing Climate Resilient- High Temperature-Tolerant Rice.”
SCS scientists constitute a pool of experts in their respective field of disciplines performing R&D activities, yet at the same time committed to sharing their knowledge with the general public through presentations of their works to a larger audience. It has always been the scientists’ goal to increase the public’s appreciation of science, and the scientific forum is an effective way of promoting their scientific works.
The Scientific Career System is administered by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL).