In celebration of National Science Technology Week, the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) opened the 14th SiyenSaya on 5 December 2022. The opening ceremony kicked off the science-filled celebration and the start of the Wonderama virtual exhibit. Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), graced the event with a message. The ceremony was also graced by a welcome message from Hon. Anthony F. Genuino, Mayor of the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna.
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, LBSCFI President and UPOU Chancellor
The opening ceremony officially commenced with a message from Dr. Melinda d.P. Bandalaria, President of LBSCFI and Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). In her remarks, Dr. Bandalaria highlighted that technology made it possible for SyenSaya to happen this year in a hybrid setup. She also highlighted that science and technology played a very critical role, but more than that, she shared that people have a more critical role in shaping the direction of science and technology and its development toward sustainability and human and human-centeredness.
Dr. Renato U. Solidum, DOST Secretary
Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Secretary, emphasized the importance of science and technology in the improvement of regions and education toward achieving national goals. Also a former director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), Dr. Solidum furthered the vision for a progressive future through scientific solutions.
The opening ceremony was made more entertaining by Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) dancers. The event was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Joselito G. Florendo.
For those who missed the 14th SyenSaya opening day, you may still access the recorded live event on LBSCFI’s Facebook Page. To learn more about SyenSaya, you may visit https://lbscfi.org/.
Written by Alessa Shainne Hostalero
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Pinky Halos
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