For the 47th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on 9-10 July 2025, the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme “Bioscience Innovations: Transforming Enterprise Ecosystems for Wealth Creation.” Anchored on the Department of Science and Technology’s four pillars—human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability—the meeting emphasises the transformative role of bioscience in bridging scientific discovery with community needs. It highlights how bioscience-driven solutions can enhance resilience, promote inclusive livelihoods, conserve resources, and empower future generations through education and skills development. By focusing on community-based livelihood innovations, sustainable resource management, and workforce development, the ASM emphasizes bioscience as a key driver of economic growth, social innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Transactions NASTPHL
For the 46th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and the 2024 Regional Scientific Meetings, the NAST PHL adopted the theme “Beyond Farm Productivity: Transforming the Philippine Food System to Address Equity, Consumer Health, and Environmental Issues”.
For the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and 2023 Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM), the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Demokrasya (Science and Technology for Democracy). This theme underscores the crucial role of science and technology in fostering developmental empowerment within a democracy, aiming to distinguish between exploitative and developmental empowerment and mitigate threats to democracy. The meetings serve as a platform to discuss how science and technology can enhance inclusion, welfare, and democratic processes. Examples include renewable energy technologies enabling decentralized power systems, mobile telephony empowering farmers, blockchain technology decentralizing trust, and electronic voting machines expediting election credibility. However, the proliferation of social media also poses risks, such as the spread of fake news, necessitating societal discussions and solutions.
For the 44th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and 2022 Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM), the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: PAGTANAW 2050: Agham Tungo sa Mabuting Kinabukasan (FORESIGHT 2050: Science for a Sustainable Future). Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are recognized as crucial but insufficient elements in addressing societal challenges. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña entrusted NAST PHL with developing a 30-year STI Foresight, known as PAGTANAW 2050, the first Philippine-focused plan anticipating factors influencing the country’s development. Aligned with the vision of a “Prosperous, Archipelagic, Maritime Nation,” PAGTANAW 2050 advocates for a globally competitive, knowledge-based, inclusive, and sustainable Philippine blue and circular economy. Drawing from constitutional aspirations, national plans, and global goals, the initiative aims to cultivate an educated, healthy, and productive citizenry. NAST PHL chose PAGTANAW 2050 as the central theme for its scientific meetings to raise awareness in the STI community and present recommendations for its implementation to relevant government agencies during the 44th ASM.
Issue Editor: Editor-in-chief: Acd. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza Associate Editor: Ms. Guada B. Ramos-Dimaya Assistant Editor: Ms. Ladylove May B. Baurile Editorial Staff: Mr. Vince Aren B. Cortez Ms. Alyssa Kaye S. Mojar Website Developer: Mr. Abdul Jalil T. Yacob Website Staff: Mr. Niño M. Rodil
Luvina B. Madrid, Rosemarie T. Tapic, and Norvie L. Manigbas
Jennifer Kate I. Pailma, Meng-Hui Li, and Allan N. Soriano
National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines
Commissioned by the Department of Science and Technology
Starting with Volume 43 (2021) this journal is open to contributions from the global scientific community in all fields—agricultural sciences, biological sciences, engineering science and technology, health sciences, mathematical and physical sciences and social sciences. The types of papers this journal will publish include the following: plenary papers presented at NAST PHL Annual Scientific Meetings, perspectives/commentaries, original articles, review articles, feature articles, brief reports, and biographical essays of members of NAST PHL and other outstanding men and women of science. All contributed papers will be subjected to double-blind peer review.
For the 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and 2020 Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM), the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: Science and Technology for Society: Solutions to Long-Standing Concerns. This annual gathering serves as a forum that convenes stakeholders from various sectors to discuss important and timely national issues and concerns towards formation of policy recommendations and actions. The 42nd ASM, held from July 7-10, 2020, focused on pivotal societal challenges including (1) food system and health, (2) energy and water, (3) environment, climate change, and blue economy, (4) ICT, shelter, and other infrastructure, and (5) science education and talent retention as well as the learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic to formulate policies or implementing guidelines in providing solutions to our long-standing woes.
For the 41st Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and 2019 Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM), the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: Caring for the Country’s Carrying Capacity, focusing on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including quality education, responsible consumption and production, and life below water. Held on July 10-11, 2019, the ASM and RSMs convened stakeholders to address pressing national concerns such as plastic waste management, sustainable marine food security, and talent development, within the framework of carrying capacity defined as the sustainable supply of biological products and services from the natural environment.
For the 40th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on July 11–12, 2018, the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme “Science and Technology-Enhanced Transformation for Sustainability and Resiliency (2018–2030).” The meeting reviewed the country’s performance on the Millennium Development Goals and initiatives toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those on clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, and life on land. It also underscored the importance of peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships in supporting these goals. The ASM aimed to provide policy recommendations and action plans to strengthen the Philippines’ efforts in fulfilling its SDG commitments through effective, participatory, and integrated approaches involving both government and the private sector.
For the 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on July 13–14, 2017, the National academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be its overarching theme, with focus on SDG No. 14 Life below Water. The Philippines being an archipelago has more water than land. Thus, the country’s water resources should be adequately developed. Our seas are not only a source of food. They are a source of industrial raw materials, such as seaweeds and algae, and source of active ingredients of pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.
Majah-Leah V. Ravago and James A. Roumasset
For the 38th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on July 13–14, 2015, the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme “Looking Back and Looking Forward.” Serving as the country’s leading forum for scientific and policy research, the meeting reviewed past achievements and identified reforms and actions needed to address current national issues and concerns. Policy recommendations arising from the plenary sessions and discussions were submitted to the Philippine government and the private sector for consideration and implementation.
The Transactions of the National Academy of Science and Technology (ISSN 0115-8848) has been published by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) since 1979. Transactions NAST PHL has For the 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and 2011 Regional Scientific Meetings (RSM), the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) adopted the theme: Meeting the Challenges of Agricultural Productivity, Competitiveness and Sustainability. This theme builds on the Philippine Agriculture 2020 strategy — addressing the stagnation in agriculture, declining GNP share, and persistent rural poverty.
Acd. Emil Q. JavierPresident and Chair Biological Sciences Division Acd. Ledevina B. Cariño (deceased)Vice President Acd. Evelyn Mae Tecson-MendozaSecretary Acd. Mercedes B. ConcepcionMember Acd. Ceferino F. FolloscoMember Acd. Quintin L. KintanarMember National Scientist Dolores A. RamirezMember
Acd. Evelyn Mae Tecson MendozaProfessor EmeritusInstitute of Plant BreedingCollege of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños EDITORS Acd. Gisela P. ConcepcionProfessor EmeritusMarine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Acd. Allan Benedict I. BernardoDistinguished University Professor & University FellowDe La Salle University Acd. Raymond Girard R. Tan Professor & University FellowDepartment of Chemical EngineeringDe La Salle University Acd. Caesar A. SalomaProfessorNational Institute of PhysicsCollege of ScienceUniversity of the Philippines Diliman BOARD OF EDITORS Acd. Benito M. PachecoProfessor, Institute of Civil EngineeringCollege of EngineeringUniversity of the Philippines Diliman CM Francis L. de los Reyes III, Ph.D.ProfessorUniversity Faculty ScholarDepartment of Civil, Construction, andEnvironmental EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina, USA Dr. Claro B. MingalaScientist IVPhilippine Carabao CenterNueva Ecija, Philippines Acd. Arvin P. DiesmosDirector, Biodiversity Information Management UnitASEAN Centre for BiodiversityLos Baños, Laguna CM Joel L. Cuello, PhDProfessor, Department of Agricultural andBiosystems EngineeringUniversity of ArizonaArizona, USA Acd. Christopher P. MonterolaProfessorHead, Aboitiz School of Innovation,Technology, and EntrepreneurshipAsian Institute of Management CM Annabelle P. VillalobosConsultant, Johnson & JohnsonBiopharmaceuticals, USABalik Scientist, Department of Science andTechnology Maria Corazon A. De UngriaScientist IIDNA Analysis LaboratoryNatural Science Research InstituteUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Dr. Queena N. Lee-ChuaProfessorDepartment of MathematicsAteneo de Manila University Acd. Victor B. AmorosoProfessor EmeritusCentral Mindanao UniversityMusuan, […]
Shelley de la Vega
The 31st Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL), held on 08-09 July 2009, centered on the theme “Active Aging: Preparing for Quality Life.”
Acd. Emil Q. JavierPresident Acd. Ledevina B. CariñoVice President Acd. Evelyn Mae Tecson-MendozaSecretary Acd. Mercedes B. ConcepcionMember Acd. Ceferino F. FolloscoMember Acd. Quintin L. KintanarMember National Scientist Dolores A. RamirezMember
Rodolfo F. Florentino