On September 18, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines hosted the 16th Protocol of the Joint Commission of Science and Technology (JCMST) at the Crimson Hotel, Alabang. The delegates from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People's Republic of China, led by Vice-Minister Zhang Guangjun, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, Ph.D., for the warm welcome extended by the Philippines and preparations made for the meeting.
The meeting was graced by a keynote video message from the Philippine Ambassador in China, H.E. Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz. He noted that Science, Technology and Innovation are an important driver of the national and global socio-economic developments thus, he hoped that the Philippines and China can continue sharing scientific knowledge and technological innovations. In his keynote video message, Chinese Ambassador in the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Huang Xilian said that Science and Technology development is a key driving force for human progress. He also suggested that the Philippines and China should focus on further expanding cooperation on people-to-people exchanges, joint laboratory building, technology transfer, and poverty reduction.
The gathering witnessed fruitful exchanges between the two nations as they discussed progress in the ongoing Joint Research Projects and outlined their plans for the upcoming second phase. Notably, both sides eagerly confirmed their commitment to continuing the Joint Research Project following the success of the initial phase.
The Philippine Delegation and the Chinese delegation posed for a photo during the 16th Protocol of the Philippines-China Joint Commission Meeting
The Philippines presented comprehensive updates on the first phase of Joint Research Projects, demonstrating the tangible outcomes achieved through collaborative efforts in areas such as health, agriculture, and energy and industry. For the 2nd phase of the Joint Research Projects, The Philippines and China jointly agreed to collaborate on the areas of Health, Agriculture, Energy and Industry, and High Technology including Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.
Undersecretary Buendia and Vice Minister Zhang Guangjun signed the Implementing Guidelines for the Joint Research Project 2024 which would focus on Health, Agriculture, Energy and Industry, and High technology
In a closing ceremony that symbolized the continued spirit of cooperation, the DOST and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of China formally signed the Implementing Guidelines for the Joint Research Project 2024. This significant step solidifies the commitment of both nations to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing global challenges through collaborative research initiatives.
