spot_img
28.3 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

2019 NSTW ups sci-tech appeal with Tiu on tap

- Advertisement -

(First of two parts)

The Department of Science and Technology has taken all viable steps to bring science and technology closer and more appealing to the Filipino public through the 2019 National Science and Technology Week, a platform to promote S&T advocacy.

The agency has made great strides as S&T enthusiasts young and old braved the inclement weather and visited the NSTW exhibits at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from July 17 to 21.

Now the DOST has made another move by appointing a brand ambassador in former basketball star turned television host Chris Tiu.

Through Proclamation No. 169 of 1993, the NSTW is celebrated every third week of July to highlight the significant contributions of S&T to national development.

- Advertisement -

Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña discussed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how developments and technologies are paving the way for the attainment of the country's SDGs.

"With our NSTW experience, I can say that there is hope in the Philippines because of science and technology," said De la Peña.

With the theme "Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development," this year’s NSTW features the latest breakthroughs, technologies, and programs through exhibits divided into eight clusters—Food Security, Energy and Environment, Aging Society, Health, and Medical Care, S&T Human Resource Development, Equity and Growth in the Countryside, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Resilience and Innovation, and International Linkages.

Visitors were given the chance to immerse themselves in a variety of S&T information and their real-life application, and were even able to interact with scientists, innovators, and specialists from the different fields of S&T.

Meanwhile, Tiu was introduced as brand ambassador during the NSTW opening program on July 17.

“I hope that I can help promote science and technology especially among the youth,” Tiu said. “My role is to help encourage the youth to love science or to pursue a career in science, or at least consider it.”

He also challenged the youth to consider going beyond being a YouTube or social media star with millions of followers as their priority, and instead channel their social media interest to create science-related content.

“I want to help the youth to realize that science is cool, and it is for everyone and benefits us all,” Tiu explained.

De la Peña expressed hope that with Tiu as DOST ambassador, more people will become aware of how science and technology can help them.

A 2017 Social Weather Station survey commissioned by the DOST to survey public awareness on S&T revealed that only six percent expressed awareness on science and technology issues.

In 2018, after a year of active promotion, the number went up to 13 percent. By March 2019, the number inched up to 15 percent.

"The public became more aware of S&T because we launched new programs, we were busier, we were noisier,” said Dr. Richard Burgos, Director of the Science and Technology Information Institute. “And now with Chris Tiu onboard, we can expect those numbers to further improve." 

(To be continued)

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles