29 September 2014 - "Certainly there is movement, there are significant strides being taken, there is progression towards the goal of making nuclear science and technology work for the common good."
This was highlighted by Science and Technology Undersecretary Amelia P. Guevara as she formally opened the Philippine Exhibit on September 22 at the Rotunda of the Vienna International Center on the margins of the 58th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, which opened on the same day.
Adopting the theme, "The Philippines: Moving Forward with Nuclear Science and Technology," significant milestones the country has reached in nuclear science and technology were highlighted by Undersecretary Guevara. These include the Philippines' recognition as a Collaborating Center of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the study of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs); selection as one of three pilot countries for the IAEA Water Availability Enhancement project (IWAVE project); development of a quarantine treatment to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippine super mango in the world market; and development of plant growth promoters using radiation-processed local carrageenan.
Undersecretary Guevara noted that the Philippine exhibit was inspired by Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo, and the product of the combined passion, creativity and hard work of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and its partners from the academe, the private sector, other government agencies, bilateral and international partners, including the IAEA.
Philippine Ambassador and Resident Representative to the IAEA Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, representatives of Permanent Missions, officials and staff of the IAEA Secretariat, and members of the nuclear scientific community participating in the General Conference, graced the opening day of the exhibit.
Light refreshments of Philippine dried mangoes, spring rolls, sapin-sapin, and drinks were served to give the exhibit a truly Filipino flavor. END