Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña has urged country’s scientists, researchers and artists to continue standing up to the ideals of “free mind” and continue their “noble pursuit" of seeking solutions to the country’s pressing problems, especially during this time of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic crisis.

He made the call during the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines’ (DOST-NRCP) unveiling of a life-size sculpture, “Malayang Isip” (Free Mind) held on Tuesday, March 9, to pay tribute to the valuable contributions of Filipino scientists, researchers, and artists in nation building.

"The unveiling of the NRCP marker dubbed as Malayang Isip is a fitting occasion to signify such development. Not only does it pay tribute to the members of the NRCP who are both scientists and artists but more importantly, to commemorate their significant contributions to society. The freedom and the development we enjoy today would not have been possible without their selfless commitment to uphold the general welfare,” de la Peña said.

It was renowned artist, Jose Manuel “Manolo” Sicat who designed and created the sculpture.

De la Peña cited the NRCP for its commitment in promoting the development of the creative arts in the country, aside from fulfilling its role as the country’s hub of pioneering basic researches.

"As we unveil the Malayang Isip, we reflect on how our artists and scientists have endured struggles to push for a just and peaceful nation, where collective rights are respected and the general voices represented. They toiled the path to servitude amidst the odds stacked against them. We all know that even after the colonial period, our country still faces great challenges. Poverty. Environmental Degradation. Indigenous Peoples persecution. Wildlife extinction. Moral degradation. And now, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been unlike the world has ever seen.”

"But then we also know that the persistence of challenges have bred generations of both men and women who consecrated themselves to the common good. Our scientists and artists have persisted even more in this continuing and noble pursuit of seeking solutions to the country’s pressing problems.”

He described the country’s scientists and artists as "actual persona of the Malayang Isip” who "choose to stand up in the face of struggles” and made sacrifices to ensure that "their countrymen can savor genuine freedom.”

"Today, it is not merely freedom from colonial chains but also liberation from the shackles of societal problems that drags our country down. We are grateful. But at the same time, we are challenged to continue standing up to the ideals of the Malayang Isip, to the artists and scientists who struggled before us. We continue to leave our marks for both the present and future generations.”

De la Peña served as NRCP president from 2002 to 2007.