NRCP, DOST-7 bring basic research caravan, promote S&T culture to regions

CEBU CITY – Central Visayas learned how to produce potable water using the power of the sun and sea through the Regional Basic Research Caravan (RBRC)-Year 3 held on November 10 in Cebu City conducted by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region 7.

The NRCP brings the basic research caravan to the regions in the country to share the results of an NRCP funded project which will be of interest to the region; promote science and evidence-based policy making; disseminate and enhance awareness on the priority regional R&D agenda; and to inform local researchers, scientists and artists that NRCP is an opportunity to do research and research translation for the benefit of the Filipino people.

The RBRC in Central Visayas featured the research project led by Dr. Camila Flor Lobarbio entitled “Harnessing the Power of the Sun and Sea: Design and Characterization of a Passive Solar-Driven Membrane Seawater Desalination Set-up.”

Dr. Lobarbio with her co-researchers, Glebert Dadol and Pamela Mae Ucab discussed desalination and how it can help solve the country’s water issues. During the talk, participants were also able to get a taste of desalinated water.

DOST-7 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Division, Engr. Tristan Abando said by bringing the RBRC to the regions, “we hope to promote S&T culture in various parts of the country,” and he also shared updates and milestones of the Central Visayas Regional Development Research Agenda.

NCRP president, Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo on the other hand said that the discussion on water is very important as people cannot live without it.  With the study of Dr. Lobarbio, she hopes that everyone can contribute to this new sustainable goal to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

NRCP’s efforts such as this ensure community engagement and collaboration among regional local government units (LGUs) to promote the importance of scientific researches in finding solutions to society’s basic and common problems, Villagonzalo added.

The event was hosted by NRCP Executive Director Dr. Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay in a face-to face couch talk and was also streamed via Zoom and Facebook live for other participants to watch and interact. (Photos: DOST-7/Google Images)