DOST's
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR-LONG CELEBRATIONS
March 13, 2008
The
Department of Science and Technology is
celebrating its 50th anniversary this year
around the theme “Making Science Work for
You” and has lined up a series of activities
until June 2008.
It has recently unveiled a jubilee banner
and a mascot named Tron that dances to the
tune of a new DOST jingle called “Lift Your
Head High” to promote interest in science
and technology among Filipino youth. Tron
debuted during last year’s National Science
and Technology Week opening rites held at
Dusit Hotel in Makati City.
The science community also commissioned
Dr. Ramon Acoymo, dean of UP College of
Music to re-arrange the DOST hymn, which
will be launched in time for the opening
of DOST Exhibit and “TienDOST” on June 9
at the Bicutan science complex.
The busy day will be followed by “Gabi ng
Ginintuang SinAg” (Sining at Agham), a cultural
night anticipated to be rich in memorable
performances to be held in UP Theatre. Meanwhile,
the spotlight will focus on 50 science achievers
during the awarding ceremony set June 10
at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.
The science achievers will be composed of
technology adopters and generators, science
administrators, scholars, and scientists.
A coffeetable book detailing the history
of the department will also be launched
to highlight the event.
Fun and festivities will enliven the science
community when it holds game shows and sports
fest on June 11, and participation to the
Independence Day parade of floats on June
12 in Rizal Park. The activities will be
capped by a grand reunion and awarding of
agency floats on June 13 in Bicutan.
The activities are designed to promote public
awareness in science and technology and
its important role in national economic
development.
DOST traces its roots to the National Science
Development Board established in 1958 mainly
based on the report of Dr. Frank Co Tui,
who was tasked by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay
to survey the state of S&T in the Philippines.
The report was completed during the Garcia
administration.
In 1982, the NSDB was revamped into the
National Science and Technology Authority
and accorded broader policy-making and program
implementing functions.
The NSTA was elevated to Cabinet level following
EDSA II and becomes the Department of Science
and Technology in response to increasing
demands for S&T-based intervention in
national development.
DOST has mandate to provide central direction,
leadership, and coordination of all S&T
activities in the country and support for
national development priorities. It has
now 16 regional offices and 87 Provincial
S&T Centers that provide S&T services
to people and industries in the regions.
Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development Executive Director Jaime Montoya
chairs the committee in-charge of the year-long
activities for the 50th anniversary celebration.
(By
Yen Ocampo and Liza R. Gutierrez, S&T
Media Service)
(DOST-9
PRESS RELEASE)
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