PNRI Director Honored Among Women In Nuclear (WIN)
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The Philippines chalks up another reason to be proud, as one of its scientists, Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa, Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, is formally recognized internationally as among distinguished "Women In Nuclear" who have contributed significantly to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The World Nuclear Association (WNA), who conferred the special honor on Ms. dela Rosa, cited her "excellence in leadership and her achievements in the realm of nuclear science and technology and for embodying the value, spirit and aspirations of women in the nuclear professions throughout the world". The awarding ceremony was held on 8 September, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Center in London, on the occasion of the 30th Annual Symposium of the WNA.
On top of her already substantial list of professional achievements, Dr. dela Rosa also recently gained honor with her appointment as Chairperson of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Standing Advisory Committee on Technical Assistance and Cooperation (SAGTAC), where she has the distinction of being the first woman Chair. She likewise performs in the following capacity: National Representative to the IAEA Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA); National Focal Person for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); and Philippine Coordinator for the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA).
Dr. dela Rosa is a Career Scientist IV who earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry as a scholar at the University of Hawaii.
PHILIPPINES SENDS FRUITFLY EXPERT TO SOUTH AFRICA
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Entomologist Sotero S. Resilva of the PNRI recently embarked on an expert mission to the Agricultural Research Council in Stellenbosch, South Africa to share his expertise on "Using Pupal Eye Color in Determining the Development of Medfly". The technique will be useful in assessing the optimum time for pupal irradiation, which is a critical factor in effectively rendering sterility in the said insects. The correct timing of irradiation would help achieve the required degree of sterilization without damaging the pupae nor compromising the competitiveness of the sterile flies in the field.
The Western Cape in Africa has highly developed fruit export sector that is, however, facing difficulties because pesticide use has led to environmental problems, pest resistance, and even legal impediments. Non-pesticide techniques, such as biological control, mating disruption and sterile insect technique (SIT), have therefore found its role in pest management increasing.
Mr. Resilva's ten day mission was implemented through the South African Technical Cooperation project, SAF/5/007, on Expanding the Use of the Sterile Insect Technique Against Fruit Pests in the Western and Northern Cape, which is under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
PNRI Hosts Regional Workshop on Waste Management Activities
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The Philippines hosted last 22 to 26 August the Regional Workshop for Planning of Waste Management Activities on East Asia ant the Pacific, with twelve foreign delegates and three local participants in attendance.
The Workshop was conducted under the framework of the IAEA interregional project on "Sustainabe Technologies for Managing Radioactive Waste", which is under the technical charge of Mr. Mohamed Al-Mughrabi. It provided a venue for addressing policy and operational issues concerning radioactive waste management, with special emphasis on managing sealed radioactive sources.
Representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand gave country presentations that highlighted the key issues they were facing, while also identifying priorities that they seek to be addressed in a potential regional project for the next cycle 2007-2008.
The Planning Workshop was chaired by Ms. Eulinia M. Valdezco, Chief of PNRI's Regulatory Division.
IAEA Country Officer Conducts Upstream Work for 2007-2008 Technical Cooperation Programme
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IAEA's Programme Management Officer for the Philippines, Dr. Reyad Kamel, was in town a few days ago (22 - 27 August) to review the progress of the ongoing Technical Cooperation projects of the Philippines with IAEA and to discuss programming prospectives for the next project cycle.
While on his one-week mission, Dr. Kamel had the chance to meet with the Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, top officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and with the local project counterparts and collaborators.
He was also able to conduct a national seminar detailing the latest Technical Cooperation trends and strategies being adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The Philippines currently implements national Technical Cooperation projects in the following areas: enhancing agricultural productivity through radiation technology, water resources management, assessment of erosion and sedimentation processes, evaluation of air pollution, training in non-destructive testing, siting for a near-surface disposal facility, and the upgrading of the existing gamma irradiation facility.
