DOST-NCR, DOST-ITDI, DOST-MIRDC, and RTU take part in Pasig City’s 2024 Division Science and Technology Fair  

The DOST-NCR is investing in the future of S&T in the country as it joined the DOST-ITDI, DOST-MIRDC, and the Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) Center for Astronomy Research and Development at the 2024 Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF), which was held from 11 to 12 October 2024 at the Eusebio High School (EHS) and San Joaquin Elementary School (SJES), City of Pasig. 

The DSTF, an annual activity that is organized by the Department of Education Schools Division Offices, identifies the most innovative student science research studies in the areas of Life Science, Physical Science, Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Mathematics and Computational Science, and Science Innovation Expo.   

At this year’s DSTF, representatives from DOST-NCR, DOST-MIRDC, and DOST-ITDI served as judges for the following categories:     

Life Science :
Chairperson: Dr. Myra L. Tansengco, Supervising Science Research Specialist, DOST-ITDI
Dr. Donamel M. Saiyari – Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-ITDI   
Ms. Sheila D. Mantaring – Science Research Analyst, DOST-ITDI  

Physical Science :
Chairperson: Dr. Emelda A. Ongo – Associate Scientist, DOST-ITDI   
Dr. Araceli M. Monsada – Supervising Science Research Specialist, DOST-ITDI   
Mr. Carlos Antonio Peña – Science Research Specialist II, DOST-NCR     

Robotics and Intelligent Machines :
Chairperson: Mr. Osric Primo Bern A. Quibot – Chief Science Research Specialist, DOST-NCR  
Engr. Niel A. Mariano – Science Research Specialist II, DOST-MIRDC  
Engr. Rence Audry R. Merino – Project Technical Assistant IV, DOST-NCR   

Science Innovation Expo :
Chairperson: Engr. Franz Joseph D. Libao – Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-MIRDC   
Ms. Camile E. Canieso – Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-NCR   
Engr. Godfreyson J. Nardo – Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-MIRDC   

The Science Fair also featured interesting discussions led by representatives from RTU’s Center for Astronomy Research and Development (CARD), namely Mr. Jason Kalaw, Mr. Willie Anthony Sapalaran, Mr. Gian Paulo Santos, and Ms. Franchette Amabelle Castillon. The resource persons from CARD discussed constellations and ethnoastronomy, Stellarium, as well as demonstrated the use of Vex Robotics. Mr. Jan Raven Aspacio, Mr. Neil Aster Abellano, and Mr. Miguel Artificio, also from RTU-CARD, facilitated the discussions and awed the elementary students of Pasig with their mobile planetarium located at SJES  

By: Angenette Almine, PAMAMARISAN CASTO