DOST-SEI announces call for film entries for the 7th Indie-Siyensya Film Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas;?




The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), is thrilled to announce that the Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition is now accepting entries in its bigger and better season.

With this year’s theme, "Sustainnovation: Harnessing Science and Technology towards a Greener Community," the competition aims to showcase the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

In its seventh edition, the filmmaking competition seeks to highlight the vital role that science and technology play in building a more sustainable community that contributes to wealth creation and protection and promotion of human well-being.

The Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition is a highly anticipated event in the science community and the film industry, celebrating the convergence of science, technology, and the arts. It serves as a platform for talented filmmakers to showcase their creativity while tackling pressing scientific issues and solutions.

Aspiring filmmakers and students from all over the country are invited to submit their entries in the following categories: 

Open Category: at least 19 years old and above

Student Category: 13 - 18 years old

This year, the prizes for the winners have been doubled, with a grand prize of P200,000 for the Best Film in each category. The second and third best film will receive Php 150,000.00 and Php 100,000.00, respectively. A Viewer’s Choice Award, with a cash prize of P20,000 will also be given to the finalist with the greatest number of votes based on the onsite and online voting.

This season’s upgrades demonstrate the commitment of DOST-SEI in supporting and recognizing the outstanding work of filmmakers who contribute to the advancement of science and technology through film.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo expressed her excitement as the Institute launches a bigger and better season of Indie-Siyensya.



"This competition is an opportunity for filmmakers to share the stories behind inventions and innovations and to demonstrate the vital role of science and technology in contributing to social and economic development of the country,” added Dr. Biyo as she encourages students and young filmmakers to join the film festival.

A distinguished panel of scientists, science communicators, and film experts will evaluate the entries based on their scientific content, storytelling, execution of ideas, and film techniques.

To learn more about the competition’s guidelines, interested filmmakers may visit https://bit.ly/7thIndieMechanics and register through https://bit.ly/7thIndieRegForm and submit their film entries at indiesiyensya@sei.dost.gov.ph.

The deadline for submission of entries is on August 31, 2023

Teatro ni Juan returns to the live stage with 'Tawid'

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Emerging from a three-year hiatus, Teatro ni Juan debuts its original pandemic productions to a live audience with ‘TAWID: Remote to Stage’. In partnership with Tahan Na Cafe, Teatro ni Juan pioneers the traverse of online materials from the digital space to the physical stage as TAWID breaks free from the constraints of virtual performances through staged readings that pay tribute to our collective journey of crossing over the new normal.

From the audio drama anthology OYAYI: MANIGO (adapted from ‘Ang mga Ibon na Lumilipad’) and BONAK KIDS (adapted from Ili-ili Tulog Anay’) reimagines well-loved nursery rhymes into cautionary tales; an excerpt from the crowdsourced, all-femme production SINA MARIA that grounds on the realities of womanhood; and selections of demos from the musical-in-development BKNW Rising, a tragic retelling of the Bakunawa myth.

TAWID: Remote to Stage is a fundraising show for TNJ’s permanent residence, Tahanan ni Juan. The show runs from July 1-2 and 8-9, 7 PM at Tahan Na Cafe, Provident Village, Marikina City. Seats are limited. Tickets are available at Php 300, inclusive of one complimentary drink.

For tickets, visit bit.ly/BuyTNJTawidTickets.

TAWID: Remote to Stage is co-presented by Kurio Krafts, AboutFace Cosmetics, Buyo the Studio, and The Maker’s Den. For sponsorships and showbuying inquiries, you may email contact.teatronijuan@gmail.com.

Tahan Na Cafe is a found space venue with no air-conditioning. Directions are available on Waze, Google Maps, Grab, and Angkas. Limited street parking is available.

#TNJTawid

Philippines' Nuclear Energy Readiness

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The decision to embrace nuclear energy is a complex one that depends on various factors, including economic, social, environmental, and political considerations. Some arguments in favor of nuclear energy include its potential to provide a stable and reliable source of electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigate climate change. Additionally, advancements in nuclear technology have led to improved safety measures and waste management techniques.

On the other hand, there are concerns about the safety of nuclear power, particularly in light of accidents like the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. There are also issues related to nuclear waste disposal, potential nuclear proliferation, and the high initial costs of building nuclear power plants.

To determine if the Philippines is ready to embrace nuclear energy, several key aspects need to be evaluated. These include:

Safety: Assessing the country's ability to implement and maintain robust safety measures to prevent accidents and handle emergencies effectively.


Infrastructure: Evaluating the existing infrastructure and determining if it can support the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. This includes considering factors such as availability of water resources, appropriate sites for plant construction, and transportation of nuclear materials.


Public Acceptance: Understanding the level of public acceptance and support for nuclear energy. Public perception and awareness of the benefits and risks associated with nuclear power play a crucial role in decision-making.


Regulatory Framework: Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the development, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants. This framework should address safety, security, waste management, and non-proliferation concerns.


Alternatives: Considering the viability of other energy sources and evaluating their potential to meet the country's energy demands in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

It's important to note that the decision to embrace nuclear energy ultimately rests with the government and the people of the Philippines. They need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, conduct thorough studies and assessments, and engage in public discourse to determine if nuclear energy is a viable option for the country's energy future.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the Philippines remains non-operational. The plant was completed in the 1980s but never commissioned due to concerns about its safety and the corruption allegations surrounding its construction.

The BNPP is located in Morong, Bataan province, and was intended to be the country's first nuclear power plant. However, after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 and due to concerns over safety, the plant was mothballed and has not generated electricity since. The BNPP's design is similar to the Chernobyl reactor, which further fueled public skepticism and opposition.

Over the years, there have been discussions and debates about the potential revival of the BNPP. Proponents argue that it could provide a stable and reliable source of energy, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and help address the country's energy needs. However, there are also significant concerns about the plant's safety, operational costs, and waste management.

The Philippine government has conducted various studies and assessments to evaluate the feasibility of reviving the BNPP. As of my knowledge cutoff, there has been no decision to restart the plant. The final decision on the fate of the BNPP lies with the government, and it would require significant investments, thorough safety assessments, and public acceptance to proceed with its operation.

It's worth noting that the situation may have evolved since my last update, so I recommend referring to the latest news, official statements, and government reports for the most up-to-date information on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.