Photo shows (from L) Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, Founder and Director Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia, DOST-SEI Deputy Director Albert G. Mariño, PH Consul General Zaldy Patron, PH Consulate General in Calgary.
DOST eyes tie up with science facilities in Canada
To boost PH health, agri, energy tech
THE Philippines is expected to make headway in furthering the country’s capacity in health, energy and nuclear technology use with the recent visit of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. to the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada.
Consul General Zaldy B. Patron of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary noted that the DOST Secretary is the first cabinet secretary to have visited the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta since the establishment of the Consulate General in 2016. Alberta and Saskatchewan have the second-largest Filipino diaspora in Canada.
“International partnerships are essential for research and development,” said DOST Secretary Solidum. “We hope that through this visit, we can support the needs of Filipinos by creating partnerships that can improve our services, and continued access to basic necessities like clean water and air, nutritious food, and being able to appropriately manage our local resources. We are also exploring Canada’s experience in commercializing science, technology and innovation.”
Secretary Solidum and his delegation visited the Canadian Light Source (CLS), a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan and the only synchrotron in Canada. The DOST will explore partnerships with the CLS for Philippine Science High School students to deepen their appreciation for science.
At the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences, the province’s first cyclotron and radioisotope facility, marked the benchmarking on the efforts to take in developing the Philippines’ own cyclotron. This facility focused on innovations in radioisotope production, the synthesis of molecular imaging agents, the development of imaging technology, and the production of radiopharmaceuticals for clinical use. Secretary Solidum envisions similar technology in the Philippines to provide life-saving information and affordable PET-CT scans.
Secretary Solidum also visited the University of Alberta’s Centre for Energy and Mineral Processing. The Centre serves as an interface for industry, researchers and stakeholders to access expertise in energy and related technologies, research and innovation.
During the visit to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, the Secretary was also able to visit the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. This Institute researches significantly on viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, correlates of immunity, enhancement of vaccine efficacy, oncolysis, and development of novel antivirals. It was discussed during the visit that the possible partnership will be instrumental in capacitating the Philippines for the proposed Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). This will also better prepare the country in future epidemics and pandemics.
In addition to these key visits, Secretary Solidum held fruitful discussions with notable institutions in the provinces, including Traction Uranium, Saskatchewan Research Council, Alberta Innovates, Edmonton Unlimited, Olds College, and Alberta Minister for Innovation Nate Glubish.
Traction Uranium is a Canadian uranium mining company led by a Filipino, Lester Esteban, an experienced mining executive with 15 years’ experience in the mining, chemical and industrial markets. The delegation discussed the possible engagement of Traction Uranium in the Philippines as we try to widen further our peaceful uses of nuclear technology as well as a source of energy.
Saskatchewan Research (SRC) was also visited, particularly their Rare Earth Processing Facility. The SRC is Canada’s 2nd Largest Research & Technology Organization, has 1,600 Clients in 22 Countries. Subsequently, Rare Earth Processing Facility – the first-of-its-kind in Canada – laying the foundation for a Rare Earth Element (REE) supply chain in Saskatchewan.
Olds College is also another academic institution that is taking huge strides in advancing smart agriculture in Canada. What makes Olds College unique is its access to 3,000 acres of land that they develop for smart agriculture.
Minister of Innovation Nate Glubish, Alberta Innovates, and Edmonton Unlimited, as business assistance institutions, align with DOST’s focus on translating science, technology, and innovation into viable business endeavors, significantly contributing to the Philippines’ development agenda.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Miscellaneous
