by: Michael Angelo R. Pereira (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation)

10 SEPTEMBER 2024, TAGUIG CITY, MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines have formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in crucial areas of climate change, green and circular economy, renewable energy, and digital readiness.

The MOU will support the implementation of the DOST Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024-2028 through enhanced strategic cooperation in addressing complex challenges, including energy transition, building smart and sustainable communities, and accelerating the active participation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) community in development initiatives, among others. Central to this cooperation is accelerating the active participation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) community in strategic multi-stakeholder collaborations, including the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP) of the European Union (EU) towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his opening remarks, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. spotlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that:

“Our partnership with UNDP stretches back to 2005 or perhaps even earlier–focusing on vital projects aimed at disaster preparedness, risk analysis, and community-based disaster risk management. Given our converging priorities, we see that there is an opportunity here for much broader convergence beyond the traditional areas of cooperation.”

UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Selva Ramachandran echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative potential of this partnership to springboard more opportunities towards building a brighter and sustainable future. He mentioned that:

“Today’s ceremonial signing is a milestone that underscores our shared commitment… As we look ahead, I am confident that this partnership will yield significant benefits for the people of the Philippines. Together we can contribute to lasting positive change and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.”

The Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié presented a brief overview of the collaboration between the DOST and UNDP. His presentation manifests the longstanding partnership, current and potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations in the pillars of Innovation, Digitalization, and Climate Action. During his presentation, he previewed UNDP’s modalities of collaboration including:

1) Facilitation and collaboration, together with stakeholders and development partners, among others, in designing interventions and specific programs, activities, and projects, in accordance with agreed standards and provisions;

2) Ensuring whole-of-government and relevant stakeholders’ participation, in designing interventions, implementing activities, and delivering outputs for all joint programs, activities, and projects;

3) Facilitation of linkages and technical cooperation to support the effective and timely roll-out of partnership activities;

4) Supporting relevant capacity building and technical workshops by providing resource persons and/or experts, and 

5) Promotion of programs, activities, and projects, and advocating for the adoption and utilization of DOST-developed or supported technologies to its network of partners.

Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Philippines, who is present to witness the ceremony expressed support for the collaborative efforts between DOST and UNDP, particularly in the areas of green and circular economy. The UNDP is one of the technical partners of the EU that supports the implementation of the EU-GEPP.

Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation, Mr. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr., who delivered the closing remarks, reaffirmed DOST’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of ongoing and future projects, such as the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme, Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP), and Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level (DRREALL) programme, among other initiatives. Asec. Calzado emphasized that, “This partnership will play an even greater role in various multi-stakeholder platforms, where policy, opportunity, and action meet.”

Following the signing proper, UNDP guests were toured to DOST research facilities, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AmCen) of the the DOST-MIRDC, TELA Innovation Hub of the DOST-PTRI, and the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) of the DOST-ITDI. These facilities showcase the latest scientific advancements and capabilities of the DOST to provide solutions and open opportunities through STI.

The signing ceremony marks the continuation and strengthening of a strong partnership between DOST and UNDP, with both organizations committed to promoting STI as key drivers of sustainable development.

For more information on this activity, you may contact the DOST - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

DOST-UNDP Memorandum of Understanding Ceremonial Signing Backdrop 

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. delivering his Keynote Message

UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran delivering his Keynote Message 

Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié presenting the Overview of UNDP Partnership in the areas of Innovation, Digitalization, and Climate Action 

EU Delegation to the Philippines Head of Cooperation, Dr. Marco Gemmer delivering his Message of Support

Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation, Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. delivering his closing remarks

From Left to Right: DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum Jr.; DOST Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr.; DOST Usec. Teodoro M. Gatchalian; UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, and EU Delegation to the Philippines, Head of Cooperation, Dr. Marco Gemmer

DOST, UNDP, and EU Colleagues posing for #OneDOST4U”

From Left to Right: Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié, Asec. Diana Ignacio, Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr., Usec. Teodoro M. Gatchalian, and EU Head of Cooperation, Dr. Marco Gemmer

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran

During the MOU signing proper, Asec Calzado shakes hands with Deputy Resident Representative Carrié

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran shakes hand after the MOU signing 

From Left to Right: DOST Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr.; DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.; UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran; EU Delegation to the Philippines, Head of Cooperation, Dr. Marco Gemmer, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié

Group Photo of the MOU Signing Proper

 From Left to Right: Ms. Lynn Melosantos (DOST), Ms. Ester Aungon (DOST), Ms. Liz Peñaflor (DOST), Ms. Razaile Besa (DOST), Asec. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. (DOST), Ms. Karen Lou Mabagos (DOST), Usec. Teodoro M. Gatchalian (DOST), Mr. Emil Palileo (DOST), Asec. Diana Ignacio (DOST), Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. (DOST), DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran, Ms. Floradema Eleazar (UNDP), Head of Cooperation, Dr. Marco Gemmer (EU), Ms. Jacqueline Soliguin (UNDP), Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié (UNDP), Ms. Moeko Saito-Jensen (UNDP), Ms. Cecilia Cruz (UNDP), Mr. Rosstyn Fallorina (UNDP), Mr. Michael Angelo Pereira (DOST)

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert Dizon and UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran during their visit at the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCEN)

Group Photo during the courtesy visit at the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCEN)

From Left to Right: Ms. Lynn Melosantos (DOST), Mr. Rosstyn Fallorina (UNDP), DRR Edwine Carrié (UNDP), Ms. Cecilia Cruz (UNDP), Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (DOST), Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran (UNDP), Ms. Moeko Saito-Jensen (UNDP), Ms. Floradema Eleazar (UNDP), Ms. Jacqueline Soliguin (UNDP),  Executive Director Robert Dizon (DOST), and Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. (DOST)

Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié, Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran, DOST-PTRI Director Julius L. Leaño, and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. during their courtesy visit at the TELA Innovation Hub

Group Photo during their visit ate the TELA Innovation Hub

From Left to Right: Ms. Cecilia Cruz (UNDP), Mr. Rosstyn Fallorina (UNDP), Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. (DOST), Ms. Floradema Eleazar (UNDP), Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran (UNDP), Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. (DOST), Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié (UNDP), Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. (DOST), Ms. Moeko Saito-Jensen (UNDP), Ms. Lynn Melosantos (DOST), and Ms. Jacqueline Soliguin (UNDP)

UNDP Colleagues during their courtesy visit at the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL)

Group photo at the ADMATEL lobby during the courtesy tour

From Left to Right: Ms. Lynn Melosantos (DOST), Mr. Rosstyn Fallorina (UNDP), Ms. Moeko Saito-Jensen (UNDP), Dr. Araceli M. Monsada (DOST), Cecilia Cruz (UNDP), Ms. Floradema Eleazar (UNDP), Dr. Rey Esguerra (DOST), Resident Representative. Selva Ramachandran (UNDP), Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié (UNDP), Ms. Jacqueline Soliguin (UNDP), Asec. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. (DOST), Mr. Ricardo Iguales (DOST), and Mr. Michael Angelo R. Pereira (DOST)