APTLY themed “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa [In Science there is Hope],” the 2011 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebrates Filipino genius and ingenuity in the field of science and technology (S&T) that raise the hope of the nation.

The event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with the title “Expo Science 2011,” describes the latest breakthroughs from the Philippine science community to be showcased at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City from July 27 to 30.

The event opens with President Aquino who recently commended Science Secretary Mario Montejo for being a “bringer of good news” in his Cabinet.

The NSTW features S&T fairs and exhibits, and other events in different venues to give audiences updates on the goings-on within the local science community.

Among the activities include: Outstanding Young Scientist Summit (July 13, Manila Hotel), Annual Scientific Meeting (July 14 to 15, Manila Hotel), Science for Kids (July 18 to 22, DOST-NRCP Auditorium, Bicutan, Taguig City), Starbooks launch (July 19, SM Mall of Asia-Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center), Tagisang Robotics (July 28, SM Mall of Asia-Music Hall), S&T Summit and S&T Quiz Bee (July 29, SMX Convention Center), and In Touch With Excellence (July 29, Landbank Auditorium).

The highlight in the science exposition are the DOST’s High-Impact Technologies and Services, or HITS, the centerpiece exhibit. The latest technologies and services from the DOST system on display include the Mosquito Ovicidal-Larvicidal Trap, brown rice, baby foods, water filter, automatic weather stations, mass transit system, PC tablet, RxBox, PCOS machine, gantry crane, windmills, and initiatives on emerging fields of genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and nuclear energy.

These technologies alleviate the socioeconomic conditions of Filipinos, provide long-term solutions, strengthen national competitiveness and contribute to national development.

The NSTW will be participated in by government offices, the business sector and the academic community, mostly with their respective exhibits.

The Expo Science 2011 overall concept vividly pictures the mission and vision of the department as it steers the country towards national development.

The NSTW 2011 is cochaired by Science Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña and Director Raymund Liboro of the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute.