DOST holds science, technology advocacy writeshop in Dgte

The writeshop participants pose after the workshop. (PIA NEGOR PHOTO)

(Dumaguete City, September 30, 2010) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently held a one-day writeshop on information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns for science and technology concerns here.

The writeshop, held in line with DOST’s 7th Visayas Islands Science and Technology Fair, was attended by local media members and key personnel from government-line agencies. 

In his opening speech, Provincial Science and Technology Officer Atty. Gilbert Arbon said that the writeshop aims to foster closer ties between DOST and the media as well as the government-line agencies to help communicate the science and technology-related advocacies of DOST. 

Arbon added that the activity also aims to equip local communicators with the ability to conduct effective IEC campaigns. 

The writeshop was facilitated by Aristotle Carandang, chief of the Science and Technology Information Institute, which is the information and marketing arm of DOST. 

Caranding in his discussion stressed the importance of local media in reaching the agencies’ intended audience.

He admits that most often than not, the local media is seen as “inferior” to the national media. “However, the real score is that people are more interested in what’s happening in their own street or town than what’s happening in the world and this is why the local media is very important,” said Carandang.

During the workshop, the participants came up with their own strategic communication plans with emphasis on how developing effective communication materials and making use of the local media to increase positive media coverage. (PIA/Rachelle Nessia)

DOST bent on upgrading weather equipment

Aristotle Carandang of DOST's STIII being interviewed by DYEM-FM reporter Florence Baesa. (PIA NegOr)

(Dumaguete City, September 30, 2010) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is pushing to improve the weather monitoring capabilities of the country’s weather agency following the agency’s earlier debacle involving inaccurate weather forecast on Typhoon Basyang that hit Metro Manila last July 13.

Aristotle Carandang, who heads DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute, said the budget proposition presented by DOST during the recent budget hearing shows that the lion’s share of the budget is allotted for PAGASA and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“The department is really planning to upgrade its weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities as it is necessary. This affects lives and properties,” said Carandang who was in town for the 7th Visayas Islands Science and Technology Fair.

Carandang stressed that the Aquino administration is likewise focused on implementing the necessary changes, particularly on installing early warning devices.

He disclosed that flood forecasting and monitoring sensors are already being set up along Marikina River. “With these sensors, the nearby residents are warned ahead of time, at least a two-hour lead time, once the water level starts to rise. This should give them enough time to prepare,” he said. (PIA/Rachelle Nessia)