A Celebration of Science and Innovation

ASEAN Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Science and Technology (S&T) will be wearing barongs, the Philippine's national costume at the opening ceremonies of the 8th ASEAN Science and Technology Week (ASTW) on July 7,2008 in Manila. The attires are a fusion of science, innovation and art through the use of natural fibers and natural dyes. Fabrics to be used are made of 100% piña liniwan, hand embroidered with Philippine silk craftsperson's of Lumban, dyed by technicians of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and designed by US-based designer Anthony Cruz-Legarda.

Mr. Legarda in close collaboration with DOST-PTRI had designed each minister and their deputies, a barong tagalog embroidered with their country's mythical symbol to make each of these barong unique to the wearer. Like for example the Garuda of Thailand, Three headed elephant of Laos, the Merlion of Singapore and our own Sarimanok for Science Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro. Another unique feature is the use of natural dyes in giving each of the barong an exotic hue. Natural dyes are applied using PTRI developed technologies. Various tints from the Philippine's abundant plants have been used to give a green shade from the mayana (Coleus blumei) leaves, ebony from talisay leaves, orange shade from achuete, brown shade from mahogany bark and a peachy shade from the sampalok bark to name a few.

The ASEAN Science and Technology (S&T) Week is one of the major and continuing undertakings in ASEAN S&T cooperation. It aims to promote science and technology development in the region by creating awareness of S&T, developing an S&T culture, as well as providing a medium for participation and collaboration in regional S&T programs. The ASTW is held every three years and hosting is rotated among ASEAN member countries.

This year the Philippines through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is hosting the 8th ASEAN Science and Technology Week (ASTW) celebration from July 1 to 11 in Manila. This event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of DOST and the country's annual celebration of National Science and Technology Week (NSTW). (Malu A. Flores)