On 15 April 2024, the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc.(LBSCFI) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 40th Anniversary. The event, held at the UP Open University (UPOU) Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium in Los Baños, Laguna, was a testament to the enduring commitment of all twenty-five member agencies of LBSCFI to the community.
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor and President of LBSCFI, officially opened the program with a congratulatory message for all member agencies who persist in engaging in sustainable science and technology to affect the lives of Los Baños and its surrounding communities. “This celebration is not just about celebrating the success of the past 40 years but also looking forward to another 40 years.” She also added that the milestone celebration symbolizes the commitment of member agencies to put forth the vision of LBSCFI to reality.
After recognizing and acknowledging all member agencies and the heads and representatives, Dr. William D. Padolina, Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology and Former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, delivered the keynote address. His presentation was titled “Sustainability: The Conscience for Development,” where he delved into the problem of development only being beneficial to the already fortunate. He presented the current status of poverty in the Philippines vis-a-vis the projected increase in population in the next 20 years and how the concept of sustainable development and its operational aspects will be able to address this problem with the help of various institutions in the country. Dr. Padolina said, “No new knowledge, no new wealth.” He concluded his talk by discussing challenges for the knowledge economy workforce and the priority areas a science community should work on.
After the keynote address, the LBSCFI Strategic Plan was launched through a video highlighting its commitment to fostering scientific innovation. To commemorate the event and as a sign of the member agencies’ renewal of commitment to LBSCFI, a commemorative marker was given to all member agencies, and each representative was asked to sign a commitment board that will be on display at the DOST- PCAARRD building. Each head also shared a message reaffirming their dedication to LBSCFI’s mission, vision, and goals. This was concluded with a ceremonial toast led by Joanne Kane-Potaka, IRRI’s Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD and Secretary of LBSCFI concluded the program with his closing remarks. Asst. Prof. Joselito Florendo, Deputy Director for Administration of the Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Studies in Agriculture (SEARCA), was the master of ceremonies.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel
