President Marcos said he would have introduced his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, to big businessmen to show him that he was wrong that no one could get rich in science and technology.
Marcos said this after he graced the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, October 14.
In his speech, the President said he was a "frustrated scientist" and spent most of his academic years pursuing a career in science only to be discouraged by his father.
"I am a frustrated scientist. All my scholastic career was spent in science, and it was only towards the end that it was explained to me by my father that mahirap yung science, hindi ka yayaman diyan (it is difficult, and you can't get rich in science)," Marcos said.
President Marcos said if his namesake father were alive, he would introduce him to science and technology business moguls.
"Boy, if he were alive now, I would like to introduce him, I would like to introduce him to Elon Musk, I'd like to introduce him to Bezos, I'd like to introduce to Microsoft, to Apple," he said.
Musk is the founder, CEO, and chief engineer of SpaceX, an American spacecraft manufacturer, space launch provider, and satellite communications corporation. Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur, media proprietor, investor, computer engineer, and commercial astronaut who founded the American technology company Amazon.
Meanwhile, Marcos assured Filipino scientists that his administration would support their endeavors.
"You may always be assured that I, and my administration, will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino," he said.
According to the President, supporting the scientists may encourage the youth to follow in their footsteps.
"Let this platform, as well as other programs, inspire the younger generation of Filipino scientists to dedicate their talent, their knowledge, and energy to the nation," he said.
"I know the advantages that science can bring and that the training in the technical, the technical training that our students can receive and the advantages they will bring to themselves and also to our transforming economy," he added.