Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) proposed project called the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) has been touted as the country’s premier research facility encompassing all areas in the study of viruses and viral diseases.
Hungary, according to DOST, has a very strong strategic research, development and innovation (RDI) program under its National Research, Development, and Innovation Office - the country’s premier funding and RDI policy adviser to the government.
It also has a developed science and technology sector, and an efficient RDI system that includes a reliable network of universities and industry players.
Currently, the country has limited capacities in quantum computing which and its subsequent hardware due to the prohibitive cost which Hungary excels at. In this respect, quantum computers are only limited to a few R&D specialized institutions performing complex R&D activities.
In a recent development, Hungary recently signed a bilateral agreement with the DOST that will “promote and develop scientific and technological cooperation” between the Philippines and Hungary. It was conducted at the Embassy of Hungary located at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City led by DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña and Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth.
Quantum computing would complement the VIP in terms of drug development as it would need quantum computing to speed up the development of new drugs and vaccines.
“This is the first time that we, at DOST, is discussing quantum computing in a bilateral agreement,” De la Peña said.
The mutual cooperation will center on joint R&D initiatives on various technologies, foreign missions and exchange visits for scientists, researchers, and experts; capacity building activities including scholarships, fellowships, and training programs; RDI policies and strategies and programs; and promotion of collaboration between other relevant scientific institutions and organizations from the Philippines and Hungary.
The two parties will explore mutual cooperation in the fields which include, but not limited to, sustainable Agriculture (including Aquaculture), Infocommunication Technology (includes Spectrum Monitoring and Earth Observation) and Quantum Technology.
Also present during the MOU signing were DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Advanced Science and Technology Institute Director Dr. Franz A. de Leon, and Hungarian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Dávid Ambrus and Trade Attaché Gábor Lehőcz.
Ambassador Tóth mentioned several collaborations in the areas of dairy production through the local Philippine carabaos, and water management using advanced water technology, mineral mining, and renewable energy.
DOST-ASTI’s Dr. de Leon shared that the country would benefit from this very young technology as Hungary is already ahead in this field. This new development in computing would benefit the following areas such as optimization of real-time logistics and transport processes; medicine and vaccine development; new materials simulation and development; weather forecasting; and artificial intelligence and machine learning.