Geneva, Switzerland – The Philippine delegation headed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. represented the country at the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland which was held from 25 to 26 October 2022.

Secretary Solidum showcased the Philippines’ initiatives on green technology and innovation at the first day of the Meeting. The initiatives include policies such as the Philippine Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and the Green Jobs Act of 2016.

The S&T chief also underscored the importance of research and development, upskilling the relevant actors in the society, and investment in green transformation.  “It is essential to strengthen technical and innovation capacity and build knowledge. The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides technological, technical, and financial support to public research and development programs in line with green technology and innovation”, the Secretary said.

Aside from the deployment of solar energy systems in rural health units nationwide, the DOST Secretary mentioned that the country also conducts cleaner production assessments and clean energy audits. The Commission recognized that one of the constraints in shifting to green technology and innovation is the lack of financial resources and technical know-how of developing countries. Highlighting the DOST’s investment to support Micro-, Small-, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Secretary Solidum featured the Department’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or “SETUP” which provides seed funds for technology, equipment and its upgrading, and technical training and consultancy services. He also underpinned that the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines also implements the Alternative Energy Research Trends or “ALERT” program that aims to investigate alternative energy sources in the Philippines.

Secretary Solidum ended his statement by calling for support from international community and relevant stakeholders to continue to craft and expand national policies and institutional frameworks; to incentivize the users and producers of green technologies through financial grants, subsidies, and tax reliefs to encourage them to produce more; and implement capacity building activities to promote green transition. (By Karen Lou S. Mabagos, ITCU-OASECIC)