The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), together with the Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC), marked their milestone anniversaries through a joint celebration titled “Two Birthdays, One Big Science Party!”, held on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the Philippine Science Heritage Center, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City.
More than a commemorative event, the celebration was anchored on a clear goal: to strengthen public appreciation of science, honor Filipino scientific excellence, preserve the nation’s science heritage, and inspire young Filipinos to pursue science and innovation. By bringing together scientists, educators, policymakers, students, and partners, the event underscored the vital role of science in national development and everyday life.
𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮
The morning program formally commemorated the founding anniversary of NAST PHL and the continued mission of PSHC as the country’s repository of science heritage. Through messages from national leaders and science advocates, the celebration reaffirmed the importance of evidence-based decision-making, scientific leadership, and collaboration in addressing national challenges.
A key highlight of the program was the launch of the Official NAST PHL Hymn, which symbolizes the Academy’s identity, values, and enduring commitment to scientific excellence. The hymn was composed by National Artist Raymundo “Ryan” Cayabyab, with lyrics written by NAST President, Academician Jaime C. Montoya. Its unveiling strengthened institutional pride and unity within the Philippine scientific community.
The event also officially unveiled the NAST PHL 50th Anniversary Logo, recognizing creativity and public engagement in celebrating science. The winning designer, Kevin Eugene White from Cebu, received Php 50,000, highlighting NAST PHL’s support for Filipino talent across disciplines.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Science Engagement
In the afternoon, the celebration shifted its focus to the future through a Science Festival held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., explicitly designed to ignite curiosity and interest in science among young learners. Organized at the PSHC, the festival featured interactive and live science demonstrations led by the Philippine Association of Career Scientists (PACS) and Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. (OYSI).
Targeting students aged 9 to 15 from selected schools in Taguig and Pateros, the festival made science accessible, engaging, and relevant. Activities showcased real-world applications of science and technology, encouraging students to see science not only as clearly pertinent but also as exciting and achievable.
𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮
The celebration also emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration in science communication and education through the signing of memoranda with key institutions, including the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), FELTA Multimedia Inc., PACS, and OYSI. These partnerships reflected a shared commitment to expanding science literacy, innovation, and public engagement nationwide.
“Two Birthdays, One Big Science Party!” encapsulated NAST PHL and PSHC’s shared vision of honoring the past, engaging the present, and inspiring the future. By celebrating milestones through meaningful programs, the event reinforced science as a unifying force for progress and a cornerstone of sustainable national development.