DOST-PAGASA’s IBF, a gamechanger in weather forecasting
- Details
- Hits: 294
For over a century, the country had been frequented by strong typhoons and history would tell us how, in the past, typhoons had indelibly made its mark into the Filipino consciousness.
In the last 20 years or more, Typhoons Yolanda (Haian) in 2013, Odette (Rai) in 2021, Pablo (Bopha) in 2012, Glenda (Rammasun) in 2014, and Ompong (Mangkut) in 2018 brought a combined amount of P263 million in property and economic losses to the country. As a sidebar, the country experiences about a handful of 21 typhoons on average. Yet, it seems that the public cannot draw the impacts that these destructive typhoons bring year-in and year-out.
At this time and age, one can only see a ray of hope in the darkest of times as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical, Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) is now transitioning into Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF).
Read more: DOST-PAGASA’s IBF, a gamechanger in weather forecasting
DOST, LGU-NAGA launch the PhP 6.9 million revitalized Bicol Science and Technology Centrum
- Details
- Hits: 272
(Naga City)— The Department of Science and Technology and the Local Government Unit (LGU)—NAGA—officially reopened the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) on 16 March 2023, following a revitalization and improvement project that started in April 2021.
With a PhP 6.9 million budget, the BSTC is now ready to cater again to the local viewers, especially children, teachers, and even researchers and innovators, who can experience science through visiting the center.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. reminded the populace that such facilities would also be the best means of promoting science literacy and appreciation, particularly among younger students. "Since BSTC was established in 1995, the Bicol Region has benefited from the services it has provided. As it was reopened this year, we planned to take advantage of it by leveraging science in the area in line with the inclusive, innovative, and integrated approaches we aimed for the department", the secretary shared.
Hypertension among Filipinos down, study says
- Details
- Hits: 275
Despite the increase in the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults, 20 years old and above from years 2013 to 2015, its prevalence significantly declined in 2018-2019.
This is based on the study on “Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypertension among Filipino Adults in Different Survey Periods,” of which the data comes from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, 2015 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups (Updating Survey), and the 2018–2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
This research is important in understanding the downward trend and in identifying the factors associated with hypertension that can help further reduce its prevalence by 33% between 2010 and 2030. This is one of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Local cross-laminated bamboo, a promising construction material
- Details
- Hits: 131
Filipino researchers are one step closer to understanding engineered bamboo.
A research team at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) recently found that cross-laminated board made from local bamboo species is a promising construction material.
Explains Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI Deputy Director and one of the researchers, “Engineered bamboo refers to various kinds of composite boards that come from processing raw bamboo. Several layers of bamboo strips or slats are glued together and pressed to form boards that can be used for specific purposes - furniture, decors, and house parts such as walls, doors, ceilings, and floors. Engineered bamboo panels are often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid woods.”
Read more: Local cross-laminated bamboo, a promising construction material