Consent Upheaval for National Advance:The DOST S&T fellows program agreement

DOST Secretary Renato U Solidum Jr, delivers the Keynote Address during the 3rd S&T fellows convention.

Launched in July 2021 with an 800-million-peso budget over five years, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science and Technology (S&T) Fellows Program aims to strengthen the country’s research and development (R&D) capacity. By pooling science experts and empowering them through the program, the initiative boosts the capabilities of DOST’s Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) and Councils to deliver innovative programs, projects, and services that benefit Filipinos.

The DOST hosted its third S&T Fellows Convention today at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City, with the theme “Inobasyon ay Solusyon! Sama-sama sa Iisang Layunin ng Masagana at Matatag na Kinabukasan.” The event underscored innovations and solutions achieved through collaborations between national government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.

The convention highlighted the critical role of the S&T Fellows Program in driving innovation and advancing national development through science, technology, and partnerships. By fostering collaborations across sectors, DOST continues to position the Philippines at the forefront of addressing global challenges with homegrown solutions.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized the program’s role in fostering national progress, stating, “Strengthening the nation’s science and technology workforce is essential for progress. This program is vital to national development, given the potential of S&T Fellows to provide R&D solutions to economic concerns while addressing social and environmental issues of different stakeholders.”

The convention focused on four strategic pillars of DOST: Wealth Creation, Wealth Protection, Human Well-being, and Sustainability. Several high-impact R&D projects led by S&T Fellows were showcased, reflecting the program’s efforts to address pressing societal issues.

One of the standout initiatives is the i-ABC Project, led by Engr. John Paolo Lazarte, an S&T Fellow assigned to the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). This innovative project explores the use of nuclear energy for environmental protection by converting plastic waste into biofilm carriers for wastewater treatment. Through electron beam irradiation technology, the initiative targets both plastic waste reduction and enhanced water treatment in Metro Manila.

Another groundbreaking project, led by Mr. Danilo V. Barcelon, Jr., an S&T Fellow assigned to the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), focuses on the valorization of agro-industrial by-products. By utilizing banana peel waste, the project aims to develop alternative dietary fibers and flours, addressing waste reduction while offering sustainable commercialization opportunities.

In the field of aquaculture, Engr. Glen Espena leads a project designed to enhance local milkfish fry production. The initiative involves the implementation of a Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Milkfish Hatcheries, utilizing a Recirculating Aquaculture System. This system integrates a heat pump, electric heater, and automated water quality monitoring to maintain optimal water conditions year-round, reducing reliance on imports and boosting local fish production.