MANILA -- The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) capped the 90th General Membership Assembly and the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference last March 10 and 11 at the Philippine International Convention Center. This year’s assembly and conference was graced by no less than the president of the republic Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with the theme Science and Governance: Shaping Policies Towards a VUCAD2 Future.
The NRCP President Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo provided the welcome and opening remarks. The keynote speech this year was given by Dr. Melody Burkins of the International Science Council and the Institute of Artic Studies Director from Dartmouth College. Her talk about Science and Governance interfaced with the thrusts and NRCP with shaping policies from Volatile Uncertain Complex Ambiguous Futures to Visionary Understanding Clear Agile Digital Diverse Futures.
The NRCP assembly and conference also had several parallel sessions on the following topics: international relations, intra-state conflict resolution and the Mindanao peace process, gender and inclusivity in science and governance, unprecedented climate change, greener economy, closing the digital divide and vaccine self-reliance.
The second day of the assembly and conference featured the accomplishments of NRCP during the past year and also charted the calendar of activities of the incumbent year. The two day NRCP event concluded with the oath-taking of newly elected members and new members of the governing board, chairperson, and member-at-large along with associate and regular members.
Based on the program, Dr. Renato Solidum of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary remarked, “Research has always been a critical backbone in the development of every country. To sustain our efforts in accelerating research and development (R&D) in the Philippines, we need to concentrate on establishing and strengthening extensive networks of individuals who can help address the demand for knowledge, skills, and innovations. The DOST-NRCP brings together researchers, academic leaders, scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers which makes the Council crucial to achieving socio-economic development.”
DOST Dr. Solidum and the NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda also graced the occasion with close to a thousand in-person and online participants. Dr. Sepeda said, “We’ve accomplished a lot in the past two days just as we have achieved so much in the past 90 years. However, we are not resting in our laurels. We will continue to bring researchers, scientists, artists, and other lovers of scientific inquiry together to promote and actively emphasize the value of basic research in uplifting the lives of the Filipino people and in realizing a better future than ours.” - | via Randy Nobleza/ MN
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