DOST launches the final installment of Science for the People book series
Two weeks before the end of his term, Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña made sure that his predecessor would have a lot to build on in terms of the implementation and the enhancement of various research and development (R&D) programs and technical services of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The legacy and significant contributions of the country’s science department in the past six years have been immortalized through the 'Science for the People' book series.
The public unveiling of its final installment, composed of five special books, was held on 14 June 2022 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City.
Each volume of this series provides us with a better view of how S&T related services and research and development initiatives could make significant and tangible contributions to various local sectors and communities.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña noted that these books highlight a number of innovative technologies, products and services introduced by our local scientists poised to generate local employment, create livelihood opportunities, and improve economic activities.
“Through these books, so many stories have been told. From the mouths of our scientists and researchers as well as from the target beneficiaries of their noble works, all of us would see how conducting S&T-related research and picking the brains of our local science heroes would give us a huge chance to achieve inclusive development,” said Sec. de la Peña.
There is the book titled ‘Science for the Arts’, co-authored by DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Executive Director Marieta B. Sumagaysay. This book features how science and technology enhance cultural expressions and artistic platforms, bridging the gap between the different disciplines.
“There is no science, technology, and innovation without the arts and humanities. To leverage inventiveness, we believe that it is necessary to recognize that art and science share many basic requirements and techniques that promote creativity and innovation,” said Exec. Dir. Sumagaysay.
The second book featured was the ‘Science for Healing’ co-authored by DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya and DOST Assistant Secretary Maridon O. Sahagun. This book highlights how the entire health research community played the vital role in addressing health concerns particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is our hope that by documenting these stories, we can generate appreciation for our own researches and encourage more to share our vision of leading R&D initiatives to make lives better of our Filipino people. Even beyond the pandemic, you can rest assure that we will continue to work for the advancement of our healthcare landscape for the benefit of everyone,” said Exec. Dir. Montoya.
The third book unveiled was titled ‘Science for Resilience’ that is co-authored by DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. The book uncovers how science and technology guided government agencies and local government units in various parts of the country in addressing natural hazards and it chronicled stories of triumphs in mitigating risks and addressing the negative impact of climate change.
“This book is inspired by the context of Filipino Resilience - not merely surviving amidst repeated losses and damages but about living, coping, thriving, and adapting to risks,” shared Usec. Solidum.
The fourth book is the ‘Science for Awareness’ co-authored by DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) Director Richard P. Burgos. This book shares the various efforts and programs of the department towards communicating the benefits of science to the people in an easy-to-understand way. It tells stories of how the DOST and its agencies and regional offices adapted to the changing communication landscape to bring science closer to the people.
“While R&D projects have a beginning and an end, communicating Science for The People is a process that never ever ends. We need to regularly inform our publics of all the developments in the areas of science, technology, and innovation. That is an advocacy you will become more familiar with in this book,” said Dir. Burgos.
The last book, titled ‘Science for Business’, is co-authored by DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena. This book puts emphasis on the journey of some of the great Filipino inventors, innovators, and technopreneurs toward building their own and successful enterprises and how the DOST contributed to making them more competitive.
“This volume is one of the best ways we can offer in order to reach out and inspire as many inventors, innovators, and technopreneurs in the country who are in their journeys toward building their own enterprises,” said Dir. Decena.
Incidentally, the initial five books in the series were launched on 23 November 2021. These books were; 'Science for Change', 'Science for Innovation', 'Science for Human Capital', 'Science for Cooperation', and 'Science for Communities'.
Sec. de la Peña also shared that the printed copies of the books will be distributed to selected recipients for free while the digital versions of Science for the Arts and Science for Resilience books will be available for download starting June 15 at www. dost.gov.ph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII,)
DOST legacy. (From left to right) DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña together with his co-authors of the five volumes of the final installment of the ‘Science for the People’ book series during its launching held on 14 June 2022, at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City. The co-authors were DOST-NRCP Executive Director Marieta B. Sumagaysay for the Science for the Arts, DOST Assistant Secretary Maridon O. Sahagun and DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya for Science for Healing, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. for the Science for Resilience, DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos for Science for Awareness, and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena for Science for Business. Also gracing this momentous event were DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara (right), and DOST Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio (5th from left). (Photo by Henry A. de Leon, DOST-STII)
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