Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Mario G. Montejo announced recently the science and technology (S&T) ambassadors who will champion S&T programs in Davao.
The initial batch of science ambassadors include Senator Paulo Benigno ?Bam? Aquino IV, chair of the Senate Committee on Youth; Representative Mario U. Piamonte, senior vice chair of the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives; Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta and Marissa S. Abella, Davao City councilors; Joey Ayala and Ronulfo ?Popong? Landero, both Davao-based singers-songwriters.
Aquino, the youngest senator of the 16th Congress, is a member of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. He authored the S.B. 1091: Magna Carta for Philippine Internet Freedom which includes provisions on security and privacy of data and information, establishment of an executive department for information and communications technology, and penalties for cybercrimes, and other prohibited acts, among others.
Moreover, in 2013, Aquino was unanimously adopted by all the ten tribes of?Davao City?as ?Datu Matulangod,? meaning ?the dependable, sincere and trusted leader.?
?This DOST plaque is very special to me,? announced Compostela Valley Vice Governor Manuel ?Way Kurat? Zamora. ?When I get home, I can throw away all of my awards and keep this one.?
His humble beginnings had him working as a farmer and an agriculturist who relied on science and technology to be more productive. In fact, he even invented a bicycle pedal-powered peanut sheller that won him third prize at an inventor?s contest in Mindanao in the early 1980s.
Meanwhile, Rep. Mario U. Piamonte of the A-Teacher Party List is considered as a true advocate of science in the House.
Among the bills he authored or co-authored include House Bill 3512, which mandates the provision of computer laboratory in every school campus, the computerization of teaching modules and the equipping of teachers through training programs.
Other named S&T ambassadors include Davao City Councilors Maria Belen Acosta and Marissa Salvador Abella, as well as Joey Ayala and Ronulfo ?Popong?Landero, both Davao-based performer-song writers and environmental advocates.
The S&T ambassadors were awarded with plaques and officially given their envoy duties during the Science Jam concert recently at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium – Obrero Campus, Davao City.
The announcement of S&T ambassadors is a part of the campaign called ?Science Nation Tour? which aims to bring to the regions relevant science and technology programs that help boost the economy of local governments.
The campaign uses conventional and alternative activities, such as concerts and physical fitness, to make people appreciate how S&T weaves into their daily lives.
