National Academy of Science and Technology

The establishment of the National Academy of Science and Technology was a proposal of several professors from the University of the Philippines. It was endorsed by the National Science Development Board (now Department of Science and Technology) to the President of the Philippines. NAST was created through Presidential Decree 1003-A issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 6, 1976.[4] In 1978, President Marcos named the first ten members of the academy from members of the scientific community with three of them proclaimed as National Scientist, namely: Juan S. Salcedo Jr., Alfredo C. Santos and Gregorio Y. Zara. Through Executive Order 818 in 1982, the academy was tasked to give recommendations to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country.

The National Academy of Science and Technology is mandated:

1. To recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological researches
2. To advise the President and the Cabinet on matters related to science and technology
3. To engage in projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding achievements in science and to promote scientific productivity
4. To embark on programs traditionally and internationally expected of an academy of science
5. To manage, operate and maintain the Philippine Science Heritage Center

The Academy's functions are the following:[5]

• Recognition: As the highest government recognition body, it recognizes and supports works of different Filipino scientist that promotes advancement of science and encourages the youth to pursue science related careers.
• Advisory: As an advisory body, it brings science closer to the people through awareness, promotes public participation on science issues and advises the government and non-government entities on science-related policies
• Scientific Linkages: NAST communicates with other scientists inside and outside the country to promote collaboration and exchange of works, knowledge, and participation.
• Management of the Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC): By virtue of Republic Act 9107, the NAST is mandated to manage the PSHC as a repository of all Philippine outstanding accomplishments in science and technology.

Members of the National Academy of Science and Technology are nominated by members of the scientific community. Current NAST members deliberate on the membership of an individual, following strict rules and regulations.[4] Once admitted to the organization, members are called Academicians (abbreviated as Acd.). The academy is divided into several divisions to which an Academician is a member depending on his area of expertise. The divisions are the following:

1. Agricultural Sciences
2. Biological Sciences
3. Engineering Sciences and Technology
4. Health Sciences
5. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
6. Social Sciences

From each division of the academy, a chair is elected to form the Executive Council. A president, vice-president, and secretary are elected from the Executive Council. The secretariat of NAST is headed by a director and implements the decisions of the Executive Council, and attends to the day-to-day affairs of the Academy. Currently, the NAST Executive Council is composed of:[6]

• Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, President and Chair, Health Sciences Division
• Acd. Alvin B. Culaba, Vice President and Chair, Engineering Sciences and Technology Division
• Acd. Jose Maria P. Balmaceda, Secretary and Chair, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division
• Acd. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., Chair, Agricultural Sciences Division
• Acd. Windell L. Rivera, Chair, Biological Sciences Division
• National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, Chair, Social Sciences Division
• Acd. Arnel A. Salvador, Member

A Director heads the NAST Secretariat, which implements decisions of the Executive Council and attends day-to-day affairs of the Academy. The Secretariat is composed of two divisions, namely: Technical Services Division and Finance Administrative Division.

The academy conducts a scientific meeting every July since 1978.[4] It gathers scientist from all over the country to discuss relevant issues related to science and technology and thus earning the distinction of the most prestigious Philippine scientific conference.[7] At the end of the convention, NAST honors exemplary scientists from different fields and presents recommendations to the government through the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.

NAST also recognizes worthy contributions of Filipino scientists in the advancement of science and technology in the country during its Annual Scientific Meeting. It includes the following recognitions: Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS), The World Academy of Sciences for Developing Countries (TWAS) Prize for Young Scientists in the Philippines, NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, NAST Environmental Science Award, NAST-LELEDFI Award for Outstanding Research in Tropical Medicine, Outstanding Scientific Papers, Outstanding Books and Outstanding Monographs.

As a promoter of science and technology, NAST also publishes books and monographs based on studies of present academicians, members of the scientific community and world-renowned scientists. Conference proceedings of their annual scientific meeting is published as the NAST Transactions.

• Official Website of the National Academy of Science and Technology
• Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, s. 1976