Growth in the information and communications and technology (ICT) sector has been targeted as a major growth area by the government. Just recently, the Central Luzon Cyber Corridor, one of five Super Regions planned by the government, has been touted to be “an oasis of hope” in the face of the global economic meltdown. Its vision is simple: build more business process outsourcing centers a.k.a call centers not only in so-called science parks within Metro Manila but also in the provinces around the country.

Yet despite this push, there are various problems that deter the implementation of these initiatives and make ICT go beyond providing services. We have to address deep rooted problems not only in the education and preparation of our computer and information technologists but also in the industrial base that demands their expertise.

A quote printed on a t-shirt has become an effective vehicle of expression for its wearers. Campaigners have made full use of this fact by making t-shirts with memorable slogans and organizations produce their own shirts with matching logos to advertise their trademarks.

I came across a design for a t-shirt made by a physics student organization in UP. It has the phrase “This is a horse” and an arrow pointing to a dot on the front and the words “Don’t argue, I’m a physicist” on its back. Many found it funny and apt in describing both method and attitude of physics majors.

In the ongoing campaign against the reopening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, the Network Opposed to the BNPP Revival (NO to BNPP Revival) asked our group to create a website for them to host news and materials related to the campaign. We also suggested that they create an online petition (http://www.petitiononline.com/no2bnppr/petition.html), email it to different mailing lists and to open a Facebook group for the campaign. Welcome to Activism 2.0.

Here's to share with you a poem recited in last December's AGHAM Christmas Party by a renowned poet of his time.  He is a dear friend of AGHAM and Agham Youth, the Filipino farmers and all oppressed people.  An agriculturist, who has chosen to work closely with the farmers and serve them, the author of the recently published book - TUGMAANG MATATABIL*-- Axel Pinpin.

* available at Popular Bookstore in Timog Avenue
http://www.arkibongbayan.org/2008-12Dec07-2booklaunchings/booklaunchings.htm

Last weekend, I watched Michael Moore's documentary “Sicko” with a group of friends. What particularly struck me was the contrast between the situation of healthcare in the US, the biggest superpower in the world, and the in Cuba only 145 kilometers away.

Image from wikipedia.org

This led me to look on how Cuba's science has grown and continued to be vibrant and inventive. Compared to its Latin American neighbors, Cuba has invested more in science and engineering taken as a percentage of their national economy.

During the holidays, a deluge of email has swamped my Inbox. Surprisingly, only a fraction was sent by dubious characters selling snake oil and offering instant money. Most of the emails were notifications from virtual communities such as Friendster, MySpace and FaceBook that my (real) friends were sending greetings and whatnots to my profile page. There are some friends who have just “added” me to their list. With a simple click of a webpage button, I “accept” them into my friend list-- an instant recipe for making new “friends”

Class on ALTERNATIVE FUEL for Cooking

January 24, 2009 (Saturday)

3PM

Apitong Taas, Marikina Heights, Marikina City

Pictures and other events at
www.pss2008.multiply.com

HERBAL MEDS CLASS LAST DEC.20 WAS POSTPONED.
2009 1st Class in PSS:

The Science and Technology Scholarship Act or R.A. 7687 was enacted in 1994 for the purpose of “strengthening the country’s science and technology manpower by creating a pool of scientists, engineers and technicians who shall fill the needs of industrialization.” According to R. A.