16-21 July, Pasay City – With the theme “Science for the People: Innovation for Collective Prosperity,” this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2018 highlighted science, technology, and innovation’s (STI) role in achieving national development. To better display the impact of STI in our lives, the exhibit was divided into three clusters namely STI at Home, STI at Workplace, and STI at School. A marketplace themed area was also placed featuring products supported by the DOST regional offices.

The STI at Home exhibit highlighted Philippine Council for Health Research and Development supported health technologies such as the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler (FASSSTER), ReliefVent, Tuklas Lunas Program, Agapay Project, and Biotek- M Dengue Aqua Kit. Supported products of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), and some DOST regional offices were also featured in this cluster.

As part of the festivities, PCHRD organized several events that further engaged the exhibit goers into science and technology. The activities were as follows: Hataw Agham, a Zumba fitness activity ; DAAD Workshop, a two-day workshop on strengthening health research in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Orientation, a venue to encourage Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the country and share their expertise to promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development.

Aside from the annual exhibit and organized events, people were also engaged into interactive games, raffle, nutrition counseling, demonstration, and photo booth.

Through events like these, the Council is hopeful that students, researchers, and enthusiasts find inspiration in the newly developed technologies to also pursue science and contribute research-based solutions to address national concerns.

The NSTW is celebrated every third week of July under Proclamation No. 169 of 1993 which authorize DOST agencies to conduct commemorative events and activities to promote scientific breakthrough programs and technologies in the country.