President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will speak at the start of the National Science and Technology Week celebrations on July 7 organized by the Department of Science and Technology.

The president confirmed that S&T plays a key role in the development of the country, while developments and innovations done by DOST spur progress and open new opportunities to improve the Filipinos’ quality of living.

The NSTW and the ASEAN Science and Technology Week, which the country hosts this year will be a “great opportunity to remind the people, and keep them aware of the latest breakthroughs in the field and their implications in daily living”, she said

The event highlights the accomplishment and will feature discussions on issues and challenges facing S&T developments in the Philippines.

It starts on July 7 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Other activities include the annual Science and Technology Fair that will showcase technologies that DOST developed or supported with applications that meet domestic industrial and consumer needs.

DOST, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary hosts the 8th ASEAN Science and Technology Week in time for the 2008 National Science and Technology Week on July 7-11 that will be held in three separate venues in Manila.

For details, parties may contact the NSTW secretariat at telephone numbers 838-1140 or 837-2071 locals 2166 and 2153 or visit the NSTW website at www@nstw.dost.gov.ph.(Yen Ocampo, S&T Media Service)