DOST-7 taps media, hosts quarterly forum

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) launched yesterday a quarterly media forum designed to engage and inform media outlets in Cebu about the various programs, services, and upcoming events of the agency.

DOST-7 regional director Jesus Zamora, Jr. recognized the importance of partnering with the media in disseminating vital information for the public to know their plans and programs.

The lack of information is believed to have contributed to the lack of interest in science, technology, and innovation among some Filipinos.

The first media forum aims to establish a strong and collaborative relationship with the media, ensuring effective information dissemination and public enlightenment on science and technology issues.

During the forum, Zamora and DOST-7 assistant regional director for Technical Operations Division Tristan Abando highlighted their key initiatives, shared insights on their projects, and outlined the schedule of upcoming events.

Among these upcoming events are the Visayas and Regional Scientific Meeting on May 27 to 28, 2024 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City and the Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas Visayas leg on July 22 to 24, 2024 at Radisson Blu Hotel.

Beyond Farm Productivity, Transforming the Philippine Food system to address equity, consumer health, and environmental issues is the theme for the upcoming scientific meeting.

Abando said the meeting will tackle among others, the impact of the food system on climate change, resource depletion, and pollution under contrasting scenarios, how can space technology and relevant Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies be used to transform the food system, the impact of the food system on farmer/fisherfolk income under contrasting scenarios, the impact of the food system on consumer health and nutrition under contrasting scenarios as well as the role of digital technology and food technology in transforming the food system.

The Handa Pilipinas, on the other hand, will have Enhancing Visayas Resilience Through Science, Technology, and Innovation as a theme.

Abando said the objective is to enhance the country's resilience by raising awareness on disaster risk reduction, informing and capacitating the stakeholders and the public on the disaster risk reduction technologies of DOST and other agencies, and accelerating the practical use of DOST developed, funded, and supported innovations and technologies for disaster risk reduction and management.

The media forum also served as an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations with media partners, particularly through radio and television programs, to enhance public understanding and interest in science and technology.

DOST-7 recognizes the need to work closely with media partners to bridge the gap between scientific communities and the general public. One of the goals of this initiative is to make science accessible and comprehensible, especially when dealing with complex scientific jargon, it said in a separate statement.

The media forum also aims to foster a cooperative environment where the media can seek assistance and gain insights from DOST-7 on various science, technology, and innovation topics.

This initiative, it said, will not only enhance the accuracy of science reporting but also ensure that the public receives clear and reliable information.

Science and technology are critical drivers of innovation and progress. However, the technical nature of these fields often poses a communication challenge. Through this forum, complex concepts will be simplified and the DOST 7 will be able to provide the necessary support to its media partners, thereby empowering them to better inform and engage their audiences, it added.

The media forum is set to become a regular activity in DOST- 7 s calendar, occurring every quarter to maintain a continuous and productive dialogue with the media.

By working together, both organizations can ensure that advancements in science and technology are communicated effectively, fostering a culture that values and celebrates scientific inquiry and innovation, the department further said.  — /FPL (FREEMAN)