Legarda Keynotes Opening of 2012 Science and Technology Week

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY STRESSED THE VITAL ROLE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN FACING THE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH AT THE OPENING OF THE 2012 NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK LED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DOST).
“With each disaster that we allow to happen in our environment, in our communities, Filipinos are dragged even deeper into poverty,” Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said during her keynote speech at the opening ceremony.
Noting the theme of this year’s Science and Technology week (July 10-14, 2012), “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development”, Legarda said that it is high time to utilize science, technology, and innovation to transform the Philippines into a country not just of potential but of actual success.
Furthermore, she lauded the DOST for setting the Philippines on the right path towards genuine progress and enjoined fellow public servants to hold true to their mandate and continue efforts towards growth and development with renewed inspiration and a sense of urgency.
The Senator cited a few of DOST’s programs including the Filipinnovation on Coral Restoration Program, which aims to restore the beauty of reefs and rehabilitate life; the Superfarms that intends to increase the quality and quantity of our yield in shrimp and milkfish and make them more competitive in local and international markets; and the development of an early warning system for freshwater fishkill, which will help prevent the extensive damages in livelihood by predicting freshwater fishkill one week before its actual occurrence.
Legarda also lauded the DOST for the recently launched Project NOAH, or Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, a map which can be accessed through a real-time information website. It shows information coming from rain gauges and Doppler radars stationed around the country.
“Project NOAH is a welcome development in making the country disaster-resilient. This will be an effective tool for disaster risk information and early warning dissemination,” she stressed.
“Through science, our cities will be planned better, our farmers and fisherfolk will be more adequately supported, our people will live in a healthier and safer environment, and our economic growth will finally start to benefit all. Let us make sure that we will achieve genuine growth and development through the indispensable triad of science, technology, and innovation. No more two steps forward, one step back; let us find the sustainable way to march ever forward,” Legarda concluded.