The success of science is borne on collaboration and partnership, so says British Ambassador Asif Anwar Ahmadasthe UK government, through the Newton Agham programme, provided over £10 Million or Php 620 Million for collaborative projects.
The Newton Agham programme, now on its third year, is a partnership among The British government together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). The partnership continues to co-develop and implement programs that strengthen science and innovation capacity and create solutions to development challenges in the country.
For 2017, the programme awarded 16 institutional grants and 23 individual grants under six components: BBSRC - PhilRice Sustainable Rice Programme, British Council – CHED Institutional Links, British Council – CHED PhD scholars, RCUK – DOST Research Partnerships Programme, Royal Academy of Engineering – DOST Leaders in Innovation Fellowship and Met Office – DOST PAGASA Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena’s message, delivered by Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services, Carol M. Yorobe, highlighted that the key principles of the Newton Agham programme are part of the Philippine Government’s new 10-point economic agenda.
“These key items of our economic agenda, centered on creating genuine, positive change in our nation, through Science and Technology underlies our renewed and reinvigorated determination to continue support for the Newton-AghamProgramme,” he said.
Awardees under the Research Councils UK (RCUK) – DOST Research Partnerships Programme are Michael Angelo Promentilla and Aileen Huelgas-Orbecido of De La Salle University and Ronald del Castillo of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
The 15 Leaders in Innovation Fellows with the UK Royal Academy of Engineering are Mary Donabelle L. Balela, DJ Darwin R. Bandoy, Glenn N. Baticados, Nilo T. Bugtai, Drexel H. Camacho, Clarissa Yvonne Jueco-Domingo, Hidelisa P. Hernandez, Ma. Carmen A. Lagman, Prospero C. Naval, Jr., Jonathan N. Nayga, Arturo M. Ongkeko, Jr., Edgar A. Orden, Chelo S. Pascua, Janice A. Ragaza and Rosula San Jose-Reyes.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) will also be working with the Met Office to advance scientific understanding and forecast modeling capabilities to deliver services to protect lives and livelihoods in the Philippines and across South East Asia.
The awardees were regonized in a reception held at the British Ambassador’s Residence on February 7, 2017.
