Dr. Rodel Lasco, executive director of the OML Center, was among the resource persons during the National Academy of Science and Technology’s (NAST) first Virtual Speakers Bureau last Thursday, November 5, 2020. The event was held via Zoom, with the theme Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, Kaayusan.

The Speakers Bureau is a program of NAST which provides resource persons on science-related topics to help academic institutions and any provincial centers. The 1st Speakers Bureau was organized in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region I and in line with the National Science and Technology Week.

Dr. Lasco, who is a member of NAST, discussed Science and Technology for climate change and disaster risk reduction, sharing how innovations have led to improvements in storm forecasting, monitoring of volcanic activity, and hazard mapping over the years. Dr. Lasco also shared the OML Center’s series of advisories on the combined risks of extreme weather and the COVID-19, surfacing suggestions on important adjustments that the local and national government must consider to effectively address multiple hazards including insights on the intersections of climate change, tropical cyclones, and pandemics. 

Dr. Lasco was joined by Mr. Romeo Javate, division manager of the Investment and Business Development Division of DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and Dr. Edward H.M. Wang of the UP Manila – College of Medicine Surgical Innovation and Biotechnology Laboratory (UPM-CM SIBOL). Dr. Wang is also a member of the NAST.

Mr. Javate discussed technology transfer and commercialization, providing an overview of the three major programs of TAPI while Dr. Wang shared reflections and lessons learned from setting up the Biomedical Program in UP Manila and how SIBOL responded as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. 

Ms. Annalie Rosales, senior science research specialist of DOST I Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory moderated the event. Ms. Luningning Samartia-Domingo, director IV of NAST,  delivered the closing remarks, extending gratitude to the speakers and participants.

The NAST also conducted the 2nd Virtual Speakers Bureau last Friday, November 13, featuring discussions on conducting investigatory projects for high school students and forensic science and criminal investigations. Visit NAST’s Facebook page for more information.

To read about the OML Center’s Typhoon Ambo and COVID-19 series, click on the following links:

Part 1: Typhoon Ambo threatens COVID-weary communities, modifications to current response strategies required

Part 2: Response and recovery to prevent climate-health system chaos

Part 3: No quick fixes: Defining a new normal that is pandemic-ready and climate-resilient