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Experts at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) stressed that there is no reason for the public to be alarmed in the event the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea launches to orbit its earth observation satellite “Kwangmyongsong-3” on April 12 and 16 which many analysts say is a ballistic missile test. The United States and its allies described the planned rocket launch of the DPRK as a ballistic missile test in disguise of a satellite launch. According to PNRI Director Alumanda De la Rosa, the information gathered by the Institute states that the tests will not involve any nuclear material. However, she said that PNRI will activate the Radiation Monitoring team under the Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan in case the debris from these tests will fall into the country’s territory. PNRI will make some measurements to ensure that these are not radioactive debris. “According to information that we have, DPRK will only launch its satellite, but we will send our team to check if there may have been radioactive components present in the debris,” explained Director De la Rosa. She also advised the people not to touch the debris and cordon off the site until experts arrive. Moreover, Director De la Rosa said that PNRI will continue air measurements for radioactivity in Metro Manila before and after the DPRK rocket launches but maintains that it is the agency’s routine job to monitor daily the ambient gamma radiation in the air. “As part of our program, DOST-PNRI will continue to monitor the radiation levels present in the environment, “ said Director dela Rosa. The Philippine government has expressed concern over the purported missile test launches in the Korean peninsula. Information gathered by the Department of Foreign Affairs states that the rocket’s first stage will reportedly separate and fall in a zone -140 kilometers west of Republic of Korea’s Byeonsan Peninsula, while the second stage is expected to fall in an area 190 kilometers east of Luzon.(Joy M. Lazcano)

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“We are grateful to our countrymen who have accomplished so much in their chosen careers abroad and have taken the time and effort to share their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the country. Mr. Manongdo’s invaluable contribution to the ICTO will go a long way in developing an integrated government,” Denis Villorente, NCC Officer-in-Charge and project leader of the iGov project said. Originally established in 1975, The Balik Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology aims to support and strengthen the scientific and technological human resources in the Philippines and reverse the effects of migration of skilled workers by encouraging Filipino scientists and technicians to return to the country and share their expertise and promote scientific, and economic development. (Roy Espiritu and Allan Ace Aclan, S & T Media Service)

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DOST Secretary Mario Montejo with Smart CEO and President Napoleon Nazareno (left) and Sun Cellular CEO and President Orlando Vea (right).

 

 

The Department of Science and Technology will work together with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Sun Cellular to improve the communication system in the DOST-developed disaster preparedness system in the country.

 

The collaboration will be formalized in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on March 16, 2012 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel to be led by DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, and Sun Cellular President and CEO Orlando B. Vea.

 

In the MOU, DOST, Smart and Sun commit to collaborate in helping the public access information from the DOST’s monitoring system installed in key points across the country. The three partners have agreed to share their core competencies to help reduce the risks of vulnerable communities from rain-triggered hazards.

 

"DOST's collaboration with Smart and Sun demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing issues of common concern such as disaster preparedness," Secretary Montejo said. "We need to do this to make our people and their properties safe."

 

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he Department of Science and Technology’s scientific advisory body, the National Research Council of the Philippines, will confer achievement award to nineop Filipino researchers in its 79th General Membership Assembly to be held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza on March 7, 2012.

The nine awardees include Dr. Vicentita Macuja-Cervera, Dr. Macrina Tamayo-Zafaralla, Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, Dr. Roland V. Sarmago, Dr. Alicia M. Aguinaldo, Dr. Erlinda Kintanar-Alburo, Dr. Edanjarlo J. Marquez, Dr. Remigio M. Olveda, and Dr. Joseph S. Masangkay.

DOST-NRCP recognized Dr. Macuja-Cervera for her significant research contributions in psychology, guidance and counseling, and other fields. A prolific author and editor of books and several official journals of professional organizations, Dr. Cervera also developed psychological tests that are widely used in the country today. She is a member of the Philippine Team of the 2006 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).