The Philippines is committed to continue optimizing the use of research and development (R&D) investments and ensuring that R&D outputs will benefit the concerned stakeholders and the public.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña made the assurance during the first session of the Global Business Forum (GBF) on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Dec. 8.

GBF is a high-level,flagship event series of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the sidelines of the Dubai Expo 2020.

“We will continue policies in optimizing the use of R&D investments and making sure that R&D results are being utilized by stakeholders and communities,” de la Peña said.

He said technology-based startups and new sectors like health products are expected to attract investments and to contribute significantly to economic growth.

De la Peña served as one of the panelists during the first session of the GBF wherein the ASEAN region’s recovery, and the drivers, designers, and definers behind it were tackled.

During the session, he discussed the country’s legislations that aimed at helping Filipinos and businesses recover from the impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

He cited that during the pandemic, both public and private sector advocated for science-based policies that created more awareness to strengthen the science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem not only in the Philippines, but in the Southeast Asian region as a whole.

During the GBF session, the DOST chief expressed commitment to continue strengthening the R&D institutions’ participation towards a more inclusive and sustainable development.

De la Peña said the DOST adhered to President Duterte’s directives to ensure the implementation of programs that will contribute to global competitiveness, put more value in the value chain especially for rural enterprises, and develop world class human resources.