63 years of S&T service to the Filipinos over “Coffee chat” with Sec Boy
The time to reminisce the 63 years of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was made near perfect over a cup of coffee when Secretary Fortunato ‘Boy’ T. de la Peña who talked about the many accomplishments of the department during a live online special conversation dubbed as “Coffee Chat with Sec Boy” aired on 15 June 2021 over DOST Philippines Facebook page.
Secretary de la Peña, together with other DOST officials, looked back at the early years of the DOST from 1958 when it was called the National Science Development Board and later became the National Science and Technology Authority up to the present DOST.
The DOST’s 63rd Anniversary”, that was streamed live and watched by almost 900 online viewers, marked the many milestones of the department in various fields like the peaceful use of atomic energy, innovations in agriculture, assistance to entrepreneurs and startup businesses, harnessing emerging technologies, development of mass transport solutions, and the DOST’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary de la Peña shared the spotlight with DOST Undersecretaries Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara for Research and Development, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. for S&T Services, and Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang for Regional Operations who each talked about DOST’s accomplishments and the new developments through the years.
Meanwhile, Engr. Eric Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of the Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, a DOST assisted enterprise, shared his thoughts on the local coffee industry and how DOST can help the industry further expand its reach.
Interestingly, many participated in the contests during the show. Online viewers were asked to send in their “Coffee Thought” where they can send in short messages about DOST. Also, participants sent their best photos sipping their coffee while glued on their computers and watching the online special.
Here are the winners of the “Coffee Thought” contest with the best entries that will be given prizes courtesy of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation.
- Ms. Jasmin L. Donaal, DOST-CAR “Maraming salamat po Panginoon sa 63 na taon na ipinagkaloob ninyo sa DOST, ahensiya na pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga tao. Maraming salamat po sa mga empleyado ng ahensiya at sa mga stakeholders.”
- Ms. Donna Raquiza, Ganda Negosyo Media “Babangon ang Pilipinas kasama ang DOST”
- Dir. Celia B. Elumba, DOST-PTRI- “547,200 minutes - marami pang pwedeng magawa! Ilang NICERS pa at Innovation Centers pa! Maraming scholars ng Bayan as future scientists, engineers ... so help me God, and always, not as I will but as You will.”
Winners of the Best Mug photo contest are the following:
- Ms. Miriam Du Baltazar of Cavite State University
- Ms. France Bicomong of PES-PDPD
- Dir. Celia B. Elumba of DOST-PTRI
- Ms. Framelia Anonas of DOST-PNRI
- Ms. Elizabeth P. Alladel of PESS-PCMD
- Ms. Marie T. Bugas of DOST-FNRI
- Mr. Kenneth Armas of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
- Ms. Annalie L. Rosales of DOST Regional Office I
The special “Coffee Chat with Sec Boy” was jointly organized by DOST Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio, DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard P. Burgos, the DOST-Central Office, and the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute.
