August 30, 2021 — “I want to emphasize the importance of sustained local support for scientists and scientific institutions in the Philippines, and elsewhere. This support is the necessary foundation to attract funding from outside the country. It is also an essential element for economic vitality and growth”
Thus stated distinguished infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony S. Fauci during his keynote address at the 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on July 13, 2021.
The NAST-ASM is a yearly forum that presents and discusses diverse and relevant scientific and policy researches from local stakeholders. This year, themed “COVID-19 Pandemic: Learning from the Past, Coping with the Present, Moving to the Next,” NAST invited Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser of President Joe Biden, to formally open its week-long virtual forum. Fauci undeniably played a key role in the US pandemic response and has been giving significant insights around the globe in handling prominent infectious diseases.
In his keynote address, Fauci expressed sincere appreciation for Filipino-American research collaborations which have been existing for more than 30 years. He emphasized how “talented Filipino scientists” have been instrumental in various health research endeavors such as in the global fight against HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis and in research against dengue, malaria, and schistosomiasis.
He also cited the expanding scientific leadership of the Philippines in the Asia Pacific region, and thus hoped for strengthened support from the Philippine government “so that they [Filipino scientists] remain competitive”. He emphasized the value of biomedical research especially in pandemic preparedness and practical response. At the end of his talk, he stressed the need for continued and sustainable government support for research efforts; as it is essential for economic vitality and growth.
The 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting was attended online by diverse academicians, researchers, scientists, and health leaders from various institutions, including UP Manila which was one of the participants and sponsors.
Francis Nicole G. Maga
Featured in UP Manila Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 31 (Sept. 2021)
