UNEP Young Scientists Celebrate Science Week

IRIGA CITY ---  Recognizing the importance of  Science and Technology (S&T) in nation building and the country's quest for progress, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) here celebrated on Oct. 6 and 7  the commemoration of this year's Science Week in partnership with its Association of Science Students, Educators and Trainers (ASSET) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

In her opening message during the event, UNEP President Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda cited the vital role of S& T in the development of the country.

"UNEP is fully aware of the priority of S&T in the overall progress of our country and we as school officials are giving this specialized field the boost and emphasis so that you our students are train and equip with the needed knowledge toward this end," Moraleda said.

Moraleda stressed that excellence in S&T is a must for UNEP students to enable the school to maintain its reputation as the home of global achievers.

With the theme " Responding to Global Challenges Through Science and Technology,"  the two-day affair was graced by Engr. Manuel Lucena Jr., DOST Bicol chief science specialist.

Lucena in his talk before the group of UNEP young scientists cited the services offered by DOST, which include: . Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP); Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL); S&T Scholarships; Technical Training; and Productivity Consultancy Services.

Among the highlights of the S&T activities were the contest on poster making and investigatory/discovery projects where members of ASSET competed and an educational tour of the Bacon-Manito Geothermal Plant in Sorsogon.

Ricardo Garumot Jr., dean of UNEP's Arts and Sciences and General Education, Dr. Eleanor Osea, UNEP vice president for Academics and Administration, and ASSET President Ma. Angeli Aguila joined Moraleda and Lucena during the program proper.

The S&T Week celebrations started with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Senen Tijam.

The officers of ASSET for School Year 2009-2010 are: Ma. Angeli M. Aguila, president; Roger John G. Placido, vice president;           Kennette I. Blanco, secretary; Mary Justine Sienne O. Dasigan, treasurer; Arnel Q. Moran, auditor; Homer Q. Villareal, PIO; Jarmin Colleen I. Fontanilla and Jhoemar Philipp B. Candido, business managers; :   Eroll Christian L. Tayas and Kristine Allyssa A. Colarina, sergeant-at-arms; Michelle A. Ilarde, muse; Christian B. Colarina, escort;

ASSET representatives include: Educations - Kevin A. Delos Santos; Nursing-Merry June Dizon; Midwifery- Orpha Mia I. Manaog; CEA-Jo Angelo M. Moran; CBED -Joseph Tapia; CAS-Geleen C. Germino;Maritime - Kim T. Palcon; HRM -Ailyn V. Subaybay.

The group's advisers are:  Arnel Jardinel; Ma. Eugenia Grageda; Maria dela Vega; and Engr. Joseph Ortinero.