This year was the biggest delegation of CMU faculty researchers (with more than 16 scientific poster papers accepted) from the Colleges of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Education, and Forestry and Environmental Science who attended the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the country’s National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on July 10-11, 2013 at the Manila Hotel, Manila.
“Harnessing Science and Technology: Reversing the decline of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines” was this year’s theme. The 35th ASM aimed to sensitize the manufacturing sector to improve productivity by using the latest knowledge, tools and machineries in order to respond in a timely manner and be able to identify a technology explicit road map to revitalize the manufacturing sector by adding value to the inputs in the manufacturing process. The continuing decline on the productivity and viability of the local manufacturing sector has been the subject of many discussions even prior to the 35th ASM. Many Faculty researchers attend 35th ASM-NAST observers attributed the decline to a combination of several factors. Perhaps the factor that concerns the science community is on the access and use of modern technology.
The CMU researchers were: Dr. Joy M. Jamago and Ms. Mellprie B. Marin from the College of Agriculture; Dr. Rico A. Marin from the College of Forestry; Mr. Joemar B. Capuyan from the College of Education; and Drs. Reggie Y. dela Cruz, Alnar L. Detalla, Emmanuel P. Leaño, Alma B. Mohagan, and Lorelie Gloria A. Samaniego; Professors Marilou M. Ediza, Victoria T. Quimpang, and Evangeline B. Sinamban; Mr. Dave P. Buenavista, Mr. Bienvenido M. Butanas, Jr., and Mr. Braulio D. Peñalosa from the College of Arts and Sciences.
The NAST Philippines is the symbol of the nation’s commitment to science. The ASM started in 1978 and has earned the distinction as the most prestigious Philippine Scientific Conference. NAST publishes books and monographs based on studies of its members and other renowned scientists. The NAST members are those who have made outstanding contributions to science and technology in the Philippines and also Filipino scientists who work outside the country (FCT).