Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña recognized PhilRice’s role in scientific work and inducted some of its able scientists and researchers as new members of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PHILAAS) during his visit to the Institute, January 24.
The newly-inducted PHILAAS members are Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice acting deputy executive director for research; Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, PhilRice acting deputy executive director for development; Dr. Manuel Regalado, Scientist I; Dr. Roel Suralta, Scientist II; and, Dr. Ricardo Orge, Scientist I.
As new members of PHILAAS, they are expected to join the agricultural cluster that will carry the commitment of the association to promote science consciousness and serve as a forerunner of science and technology in the country.
Dela Peña, one of the PHILAAS Board of Advisers, said they recognize PhilRice as a viable partner in advocating agricultural science considering the Institute’s contribution in rice research and development.
“PhilRice has established farm machines, such as the mechanical transplanter and flourmill. We are eyeing these equipment for expansion because they can surely help farmers and even small entrepreneurs,” Dela Peña said.
During their visit to PhilRice, Dela Peña and other officials from DOST and PHILAAS were toured around the FutureRice Farm, the Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division and the Rice Science Museum. They also visited some of the science institutions in the Science City Muñoz including the Philippine Carabao Center, PhilMech, and Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
Some of the highlights during the tour:
