The event was instituted in 1982 through Presidential Proclamation 2214, which was amended through Republic Act 169 in 1993 to set the National Science and Technology Week every third week of July. The NSTW aims to bring science and technology closer to the people by letting them experience the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in improving the people’s quality of life, protecting the environment, and contributing to national development, particularly in poverty alleviation. (nstw.dost.gov.ph)
Monday, July 27, was allotted for the PSHS System. Dr. Larry Cabatic, the Executive Director of the PSHS System, led the ribbon cutting to officially start the day. Other campus directors were also present. Dr. Ma. Corazon A. de Ungria (PSHS Main Campus Batch 1985), head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the National Sciences Research Institute at the University of the Philippines—Diliman, gave an inspirational message to all scholars, encouraging them to pursue professions in the field of science and technology, and urging the young women to strive in becoming female scientists in the predominantly male environment.
Different campuses participated in the event, sharing their own inventions and discoveries while enjoying the booths set up by different agencies under DOST. The student exhibits showcased robotics and interactive sciences. Mr. Joel Bautista and his students assembled a visual reality simulator using a smartphone and a cardboard box while Mr. Mark Xavier Bailon and his students created a contraption that allows calamansi plants to power up LED lights. The exhibit also included food kiosks showing the specialty of different regions. UP students also had their own booths set up. Before the day ended, the students and faculty members were able to ride the hybrid electric road train (HERT) invented by local scientists and launched by DOST. This hybrid train was designed to alleviate traffic in Metro Manila’s main roads.
Students and teachers alike went home with better appreciation for the importance of helping science and technology progress in our country. DOST will continue to organize events like these to continually inspire scientists in the making.
