With the implementation of General Community Quarantine in the National Capital Region starting 01 June 2020, the DOST - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) is opening the month with a new take on its usual activities, adhering to the "new normal." 

Last 01 June, the agency held an online flag ceremony via video conference, an activity usually held every week in front of the DOST-ASTI premises. It was followed by the agency's e-Kapihan session, a monthly initiative by the institute that brings its staff members together to discuss updates and new announcements. The activity was also participated by DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. 

"Now that we are in GCQ, we have to be very careful because the fight is not over," says Undersecretary Guevara during the session. "We are [also] waiting for the COVID-related projects that ASTI is working on. Magiging very useful talaga ito, like the temperature scanner and software [being developed]." 

The DOST-ASTI’s Human Resources team also took this opportunity to present ASTI’s current office arrangements prepared for the skeletal workforce during GCQ. This was followed by the official turnover of the agency’s Officer-in-Charge (OIC) position.  

"I would like to thank everyone from ASTI for doing their best during the pandemic. I know it is very difficult for us, and we had to do a lot of adjustments. Certainly, I think our character showed during this time and I am very happy that we pulled through and was able to deliver what was expected of us," shares Solutions and Services Engineering Division (SSED) Chief Alvin E. Retamar during his turnover message. "I think we are a prime example of an institute that can work from home, although not exactly in the scenario that we may have envisioned."  

Engr. Retamar, who has been OIC since 05 March 2020, will be passing on this post to Research and Development Division (RDD) Chief Peter Antonio B. Banzon, who is slated to be OIC from 01 June 2020 to 31 August 2020. 

"We are still in quarantine. So [staff should] only go to work if it is absolutely necessary. ASTI is one of the institutes most suitable for work from home," says Engr. Banzon. "We have a tradition of excellence and professionalism, and I hope this goes on. I’m sure the [ASTI] core team will always be here to support you.” 

DOST-ASTI personnel during the recent E-Flag Ceremony and Kapihan session 

Under GCQ, the DOST-ASTI will still be implementing both a skeleton workforce and work from home scheme. For more information, visit https://asti.dost.gov.ph/