THE ILOCOS Norte Science Community (INSC) celebrated its 11th foundation anniversary July 30-Aug. 1 at MMSU’s  Teatro Ilocandia.  It ran with the theme: “Science, Technology, and Innovation for Progress”.

Dr. Graciano P. Yumul Jr., undersecretary for R&D of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) served as guest of honor and speaker where he dealt on the dry spell experienced in Luzon.

Seven plenary papers were presented by experts from academic and S&T institutions in the country:  “S&T and innovation in information technology” by engineer Tomasito C. Ascaño, GIS resource officer, College of Engineering and Computing, University of Southern Mindanao; “S&T and innovation in medical sciences: by Dr. Modesty A. Leaño, medical officer, Department of Pathology and Laboratory, MMMH&MC; “S&T and innovation in science and engineering” by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra, executive director, National Engineering Center, UP Diliman;

“Harnessing the power of academia-industry partnership for progress” by Dr. Eduardo Gutierrez Ong, vice president for education, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Makati City; “Trends in e-learning” by Dr. Delailah Valencia, vice president for academic affairs, University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City; and “Interactive lecture in sciences: Harnessing the power of e-Science” by Dr. Aristotle A. Ancheta, vice president for academic affairs, Colegio de Dagupan.

Meanwhile, a workshop on basic computer manipulation and Internet navigation was conducted at the Information and Communication Center by Ms. Raquel M. Espiritu, science research specialist of DOST-ROI. 

Representatives from different agencies and institutions from Regions I, II, and CAR attended the said activities.  Provincial Board Member Mariano V. Marcos II was also present to welcome participants on behalf of Ilocos Norte Governor Michael M. Keon.  Mayor Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta of the City of Batac came, likewise, to welcome attendees composed mostly of students.

The science community is composed of 15 academic, S&T, local government, health, training, and research agencies aimed at accelerating economic development through an intensive advocacy of S&T in the province.  Based at MMSU, the organization is headed by Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr.