The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) is expected to release soon the country’s 30-year science, technology and innovation (STI) “Foresight” plan and roadmap which seeks to ensure inclusive growth and sustainable development in the country.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña relayed this to the Manila Bulletin on Monday, June 7, as he congratulated the NAST PHL, country’s premier recognition and advisory body on science and technology (S&T), and the Academy Sciences Malaysia for organizing the ASEAN Foresight Alliance (AFA) Workshop from June 7-9.

“Recently, NAST PHL has announced that they will soon come out with this Philippines STI (Science-Technology-Innovation) Foresight and Roadmap for the period up to 2050,” he said in a Viber message to the Manila Bulletin on Monday.

It was de la Peña who prodded the NAST PHL to develop such STI foresight document and 30-year strategic plan.

"Some four years ago I was invited by the Minister of Science and Technology of Malaysia to be a speaker during the turnover of the Malaysia Foresight 2050 that was prepared by Academy Sainz Malaysia. On the other hand, I presented our S&T Innovation Strategy and some major activities of our NAST Phil,” he recalled.

"Upon my return I immediately discussed with our own NAST led by NAST PHL President Rhodora Azanza my desire to have a Phil STI Foresight Document with a corresponding Roadmap. So with DOST Support a project was undertaken by NAST PHL.”

In his opening message during the AFA workshop on Monday, de la Peña announced that NAST PHL "has just completed and is now printing" the country’s STI Foresight document entitled "PAGTANAW 2050", which translates to “looking ahead”.

"This Foresight includes a compendium of science, technology and innovation (STI) megatrends; global and national societal goals; and transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary operational areas such as Blue Economy, and current and emerging technologies,” he said.

"With back casting of the pre- and peri-pandemic period, the report suggests significant drivers of change and provides insights and reflections on plausible STI development paths that will impact on the aspirations of the Filipino people by 2050.”

The DOST chief said "PAGTANAW 2050” is firmly grounded on a shared vision of a united and Inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable maritime archipelagic Nation.

"This nation’s aspirations are within the context of the country’s natural and physical endowments—an archipelago with abundant marine resources—as well as our shared Filipino values and skills, and other potentials as embodied in our Constitution and other national documents.”

"Equally important is the report’s STI Roadmap to guide national development towards our preferred future which traces the foresighted trajectories of the enablers, drivers, and opportunities that are seen to shape Philippine STI for the next three decades.”

De la Peña thanked Azanza the Foresight project leader; academician William Padolina, who heads the Steering Committee; and the members of the panel who are National Scientists and past secretaries of our Science and Technology, who contributed to the development of the NAST-DOST Philippine STI Foresight Project.

"It is indeed an undertaking with a big responsibility in furthering the aspirations of the NAST and DOST for a progressive Philippines anchored on science.”

NAST PHL serves as the country’s highest recognition body for outstanding achievements in science and technology.

It also provides advice on matters related to science and technology in the country and engages in projects and programs designed to promote scientific productivity and science culture in the Philippines and facilitate collaboration and communication with international scientific academies, de la Peña said.