NAST’s 27th Annual Scientific Meeting

The National Academy of Science and Technology held its 27th Annual Scientific Meeting at the Manila Hotel last July 13-14, with the country’s best scientific minds in attendance.

The ASM revolved around the theme: “Philippines 2020: A Strategy for Food Security, Competitiveness and Sustainability,” that highlights seven plenary sessions and presentation of different NAST awards.

The ASM steering committee has said comprehensive discussions ran through the proposed “Philippine Agriculture 2020”, a long-term, independent, and thought-provoking plan that can inspire all stakeholders in the agricultural sector as it is expected to be market-driven and private sector-led. 

The document also outlines the government role to facilitate the institutionalization of macro, sectoral and sub-sectoral policies, infrastructure development, and opportunities for convergence through good governance.

This year’s ASM aimed to develop a science-based medium and long-term strategy for Philippine agro-industrial transformation focused on ensuring food security, competitiveness, and sustainable development. 

In general, the activity’s output will benefit the entire country.  The document is specifically developed for the use of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, and concerned stakeholders from all sectors, NAST has said.

Activities also included poster sessions and exhibits, seven plenary sessions, and awarding ceremonies for various outstanding S&T achievements including investiture of new academicians. 

 NAST’s annual awards include Outstanding Young Scientist, Third World Academy of Science Prize for Young Scientist in the Philippines , NAST-Du Pont Talent Search for Young Scientists, Outstanding Scientific Papers, Outstanding Books or Monographs, and Best Scientific Posters.

NAST’s agricultural sciences division was in charge of this year’s ASM chaired by Academician Teodulo M. Topacio Jr. and co-chaired by Academician Emil Q. Javier.  Other division members include National Scientists Benito S. Vergara and Dolores A. Ramirez, Academicians Ramon C. Barba, Romulo G. Davide, Ricardo M. Lantican, Faustino T, Orillo, Ruben L. Villareal, Leopoldo S. Castillo, and Rafael D. Guerrero III.

The Executive Council, which is NAST’s governing body is headed by NAST President and Academician Perla D. Santos-Ocampo (health sciences); Academician Emil Q. Javier (biological sciences) as vice president; and Academician Ledivina V. Cariño (social sciences) as secretary.  The council’s members are Academician Ceferino L. Follosco (engineering sciences and technology), Academician Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza (chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences), National Scientist Gelia T. Castillo (social sciences), and Academician Teodulo M. Topacio Jr. (agricultural sciences).

Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos signed presidential decree 1003 on October 6, 1976 creating the National Academy of Science.   However, it was only on December 17 of the same year that the enabling legislation or PD 1003-A, “Creating the National Academy of Science and Technology” was signed.

 PDs 1003 and 1003-A were basically the same except for the title and expanded membership.  But PD 1003-A became known as the enabling legislation for NAST.

NAST’s mandate is to recognize outstanding achievements in S&T and to serve as the nation’s reservoir of competent scientific and technological manpower.  In 1982, Executive Order 818 made NAST an advisory body to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Cabinet on policies concerning S&T in the country.