Banga, Aklan – The President of Aklan State University, Dr. Benny A. Palma, was recently appointed member of one of the six technical panels of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology, and Engineering (COMSTE).

Dr. Palma has joined the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education Panel. The other expert panels comprising the technical advisory board of COMSTE are composed of outstanding academe and industry experts, which include the: (a) IT and IT-enabled Industries; (b) Electronics and Semiconductor Industry; (c) Health Sciences; (d) Agriculture and Food; and (f) Energy and Environment.

COMSTE was created through a joint resolution authored by Senator Edgardo J. Angara, which became a law when it was signed by President Arroyo on the Thirteenth Congress.

COMSTE will review and assess the state of competitiveness of science and technology and engineering research and development sector in the Philippines, and will provide recommendations on harnessing these sectors to make the country more competitive. It will also undertake a thorough review of science education in public and private schools, particularly at the graduate level. COMSTE would review or even overhaul the educational system to encourage students to go into science, technology and engineering.

COMSTE is composed of five senators and five congressmen, Chaired by Sen. Angara and Co-chaired by Rep. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, together with the government and private agencies for assistance.