Organization of Scientists and Engineers of Filipino Descent to Hold Two-Day Summit
The Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering (PAASE) will hold a two-day summit from October 24 to 25 at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The summit aims to discuss how science and technology can help improve the lives of Filipinos.
PAASE is an organization composed of some 230 scientists and engineers of Filipino descent. Their members originate from different parts of the world including the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The agenda of the summit is to discuss how PAASE can support the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and contribute to National Economic Development Authority’s (NEDA) project, which is AmBisyon Natin 2040.
AmBisyon Natin 2040
NEDA, after an arduous process that started in 2015, came up with a long-term plan for the country’s development planning in the next 25 years: AmBisyon Natin 2040.
It is designed to serve as a development planning guide for the next four administrations since it contains the vision and aspirations of Filipinos.
To produce AmBisyon Natin 2040, approximately 10,000 people were asked to respond to the national survey while over 300 participated in FGDs or focus group discussions. An Advisory Committee was also formed to provide guidance to this activity. It is composed of experts from the government, private sector, academe, and civil society.
A single core message gives direction to AmBisyon 2040: Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay (“a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life”).
Socio-Economic Development Powered by Science
PAASE already had a meeting at the University of Arizona early this year. The two-day summit here in the Philippines is the follow up to that.
The summit will be comprised of discussions between research groups that are funded by local and international collaborators as well as the submission of position papers of PASSE members to both the executive and legislative branches of the government. The position papers will give focus to the empowerment of academics and research and development in schools and universities.
On the first day of the summit, NEDA Secretary and PAASE member Ernesto Pernia will deliver his keynote speech.
“PAASE, as a scientific and engineering academy, was founded on the principle of intercontinental and global cooperation in science and engineering against a backdrop of national development. As such, PAASE members connect with minds globally, create value through impactful innovation, and contribute to improving lives through innovation,” said PAASE President Dr. Joel Cuello.
PAASE has made major contributions to the science and technology legislation in the past including Executive Order 586, which helped establish UP Diliman’s National Science Complex.
