PHILIPPINES EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINED ACTIVITIES IN MEETING DEVELOPMENT NEEDS THROUGH NUCLEAR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 01 October 2013 - At the 57th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from September 16 to 20, the Philippines highlighted the important contributions of nuclear science, technology and innovation to address the needs of developing countries, particularly in the areas of food security and safety, health and nutrition, water resources assessment and management, and energy security. Citing the country’s development agenda through the goals of inclusive growth along with ecological responsibility for present and future generations, Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology said that “Filipino scientists are developing smart-farming alternatives using isotope-based techniques that will ultimately update obsolete farming methods, avoid large wastage of resources notably fertilizer and water, and improve the production of rice and corn.” Secretary Montejo also announced the recent launching, with technical assistance from the IAEA, of a Technetium-99m generator production facility, the first in the country. This facility is expected to cut at least 50 percent of hospital procedures, making diagnostic tests more affordable, faster, and more accessible to a wider segment of the population. At the Scientific Forum of the General Conference, with the theme “The Blue Planet: Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment,” the Philippines, through its presentation on sediment record of harmful algal blooms in Manila Bay and in Juag Lagoon, emphasized how nuclear and isotopic techniques are improving understanding of coastal processes and their role in sustainable development. The Philippines chaired one of the side events of the 57th Session, entitled “Radon in Homes — An Unrecognized Risk.” Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas and comes from natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, and can get into any type of building. The side event focused on policy issues relating to developing and implementing a national radon strategy. In support of the contribution of IAEA in enhancing the capacities of developing countries in cancer control, the Philippines once again led the Group of 77 and China in the presentation and subsequent adoption of a General Conference Resolution on strengthening the Agency’s Programme of Action on Cancer Therapy (PACT). The Philippines also took the lead in two other resolutions, namely the Staffing of the Agency’s Secretariat and Women in the Secretariat. More than 3,000 delegates from 159 IAEA Member States, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the media attended the 57th Session of the General Conference held from September 16 to 20 at the Vienna International Center. The Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, was elected Vice-President representing the Asian Group and chaired the Plenary Session of the 57th Session on September 18. END phl ambassador, National University of Laos President DISCUSS COOPERATION IN FIELD OF EDUCATION 01 October 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to Laos Maria Lumen B. Isleta called on the President of the National University of Laos (NUOL), Professor Dr. Soukkongseng Saignaleuth, to discuss Philippines-Laos cooperation in the area of education on September 25. Dr. Saignaleuth received the Ambassador at his office located at the NUOL Dongdok Campus. Present during the call were Associate Prof. Dr. Sengdeuane Wayakone, Director of International Relations, and Associate Prof. Phout Simmalavong, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. END
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 06:19:16 +0000
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