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Friday, March 29, 2024

PBBM to Pinoy scientists, researchers: Stay in PHL and we will support you

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on local scientists and researchers to come up with new technologies to address climate change and help the country achieve food security and economic transformation.

In his speech at the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in Pasay City, the President said the government must set the agenda for companies and institutions engaged in research and development (R&D) so they could have direct contribution in nation building.

“[The] problem that we are finding is that research is not directed. Everyone has their own program, has their own projects. It’s not their fault. They’re studying what they’re interested in,” Marcos said.

“We in government have to give direction so that the output of our R&D is immediately useful to our farmers, to our businessmen, to our MSMEs [micro, small, and medium enterprises], to our citizens,” Marcos said.

National priorities

HE noted several researchers have already conducted studies, which provide new solutions for pressing national problems on food security, job creation, health, education and climate change adaptation, among others.

Among the innovations, which he cited is the GeoRiskPH Integrated System that allows the government to consolidate hazard and risk data and then share and analyze it through the platform.

The President also lauded the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) and Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which help companies, particularly MSMEs to improve their products, processes, and services to boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Aside from setting research agenda, the President said the government, particularly, local officials, also have a crucial role in mainstreaming the new technologies from local researchers.

“I think that it is absolutely necessary that you invite all the LGUs [local government units] or a representative thereof to come and see some of the available technologies because many of these are immediately applicable to the local government— the local communities around the country. And this will provide new opportunities,” Marcos said.

Government support

The government, through the DOST, will continue to provide aid to local researchers through scholarships and other support, according to Marcos.

The President hopes the commitment will convince researchers to remain in the country and share their knowledge to others.

“We underscore the important role of our scientists, our researchers, and engineers who diligently conduct studies, generate new knowledge, and devise better strategies to safeguard and advance [the] well-being of Filipinos,” Marcos said.

“Let us dedicate our knowledge and skills, [and] work harmoniously so as to uplift the lives of our countrymen as we take further strides towards a more informed, a more inclusive, more prosperous, [and] more sustainable nation,” he added.

Image credits: DOST-SEI

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