By: Miguel Victor T. Durian

With the theme “Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development”, the SyenSaya Los Baños Festival was held on August 28-30, 2019 at the Baker Memorial Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

During the opening ceremony held on August 28, Usec. Rosemarie G. Edillon of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) served as guest speaker and talked about the current status of the country in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

She ephasized the importance of technology in achieving these goals, particularly in making more eco-friendly and affordable goods and processes and in  promoting sustainable consumption and production.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., UPLB Chancellor and President of LBSCFI, welcomed the participants to the SyenSaya 2019.

For. Roberto P. Cereno, chair of the LBSCFI Tourism Committee, also talked about SyenSaya as the pioneering science tourism program of the foundation. He said that it not only aims to inspire the youth to pursue careers in science and technology, but also to promote Los Baños as a science and nature haven in the  Calabarzon region.

Mayor Cesar P. Perez also witnessed the donation of storybooks by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to six public schools in Laguna. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña also gave a message, delivered on his behalf by ASec. Maridon Sahagun.

Lastly, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Acting Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development-DOST (PCAARRD) and LBSCFI Secretary, delivered the closing remarks.

The LBSCFI is composed of 22 member agencies from the research and development, academic, and health sectors. as well as cultural and medical agencies in Los Banos. The directors of these agencies attended the event.