By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said, on Monday, that in establishing a culture of innovation, it should work hand in glove with a culture of entrepreneurship. With this, science and technology, especially R&D, will be at its foundation.
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos assures full support for programs that would not only capacitate the skills and knowledge of our scientists, researchers, and engineers but also provide them better compensation that they truly deserve.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), particularly on some of its programs and initiatives on scholarships, the Balik Scientists, and space technology programs.
“To address the challenge of staying at the cutting edge of technology, 44 renowned Filipino scientists in diverse areas of expertise have returned home under the Balik-Scientist program,” said President Marcos.
The President explained that these so-called ‘balik scientists’ will undertake research in various priority fields and will be supported by upgraded facilities and R&D funding.
In his speech, Pres. Marcos also shared that the country has launched two additional satellites into space. He said that together with the first satellite, they will track weather, predict storms, evaluate soil and water supplies, analyze shifts in population, and be used for traffic management, geological hazard mapping, risk assessment, and even security and defense. Additionally, science and technology-related scholarships are made available for talented and technically gifted students, from high school all the way to graduate school.
“Science, technology, and innovation will drive the quality and competitiveness of our workforce as well as our manufacturing, export, creative, and service industries in existing markets and new ones waiting to be explored,” said Pres. Marcos.
Meanwhile, during the flag-raising ceremony held the following day at the DOST compound in Bicutan, Taguig City, Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. acknowledged the support received by the Science Department from the current administration. He mentioned that in response to the marching orders from President Marcos, the DOST will continue to enhance its programs and services. And it all starts by refocusing it to be more suitable to provide innovative solutions in the areas of human well-being, wealth protection, wealth creation, and sustainability.
