Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Los Baños Science Community celebrates 32 years of scientific innovation

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—Twenty-two member-agencies of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) are celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the organization this week at the headquarters of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). The LBSCFI week-long celebration runs through 29 July.

 "I congratulate LBSCFI on 32 years of successfully building a community that is prosperous, environmentally conscious, humane, and united,” said Reynaldo Ebora, acting executive director PCAARRD, during the opening ceremony.

Dr. Carol Yorobe (photo), undersecretary of S&T Services at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), congratulated the foundation on behalf of DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña. In his message, dela Peña emphasized the importance of an environment that is conducive for scientific discovery and investigation and in maintaining the process of innovation in our society.

"If we wish to become a progressive, knowledge-based society, then we must work toward creating an environment where science and technology provide the key drivers for economic development and material growth benefiting all Filipinos,” Yorobe read. “Equally important is our role in promoting a culture of science for Filipinos, so they can take greater charge of their lives.”

 LBSCFI is one of three science communities organized by the National Science and Technology Authority (now DOST) to promote and encourage the sharing of knowledge among various scientific institutions.

Yorobe noted that LBSCFI has grown from a membership of nine agencies when it started more than three decades ago, to today's 22 members, which includes the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). 

Ms. Corinta Guerta, director for external relations at IRRI, joined other representatives of agencies in renewing their commitment to LBSCFI. 

LBSCFI is presenting exhibits, lecture series, a technoforum, and an open house that is showcasing innovations from various research institutes based within and outside the community. A special video, Looking back, was also presented during the opening ceremony.

The foundation’s official website and institutional video were also launched during the opening ceremony. Additionally,  the LBSCFI R&D Awards Committee selected the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) project of IRRI as this year's PARRFI Outstanding R&D Award in the Research Category. 

(This news article was written by Paula Bianca Ferrer, IRRI.)


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