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.
RCA Regional Office Despatches to the Philippines its Special Advisor
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The RCA Regional Office (RCARO) in Korea has sent its Special Advisor, Dr. Carlito R. Aleta, on a mission to the Philippines - among other countries - in an effort to improve the visibility and increase the viability of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) Programme.
The visit to the region aims to explore potential partnerships with United Nations and other developmental organizations that would have programme thrusts in keeping with the Millennium Development Goals. The RCA programme implements nuclear technology projects in thematic areas such as agriculture, health, environment, industry and energy which seek to addres priority needs of the Member Countries through a regional cooperative framework.
While in the Philippines, Dr. Aleta was able to visit the World Health Organization, Asian Development Bank, Food & Agriculture Organization, United Nations Development Programme, and the International Rice Research Institute. He likewise met with the local RCA National Project Counterparts to gather success stories and acquire insights on the partnerships which they have established in the course of project implementation.
Dr. Aleta is the immediate past RCA Coordinator in Vienna, Austria, and the Director of PNRI prior to the incumbent.
