DOST gets full support of Marcos, highlights crucial role of science in creating new solutions

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. believes that science plays a large part when it comes to the new solutions in the new normal, emphasizing the role of innovation, being able to adjust properly to new ideas, and systems, with science becoming the lifeblood of survival in the coming years.

Marcos shared on Wednesday, Nov. 23 that the DOST has the full commitment of his administration to all the research and development (R&D) programs and services of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the opening of the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

He underscored in his keynote message the importance of harnessing the country's existing resources and capabilities through various science-based and related efforts and initiatives to provide inclusive development in the countryside as well as career and livelihood opportunities for every Filipino.

“I assure you the full support of my administration to research institutions and emphasized the need for the government to provide direction in determining the necessary R&D needed for the country’s economic transformation, especially acknowledging collaboration between DOST and DTI to help startups and MSMEs,” said President Marcos Jr.

He also stressed that the government has the responsibility to give direction so that the output of our R&D is immediately used by our farmers, businessmen, and citizens.

Meanwhile, he also said that there is a need to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM subjects in the country. The President added that the material is available, it is just a matter of incorporating it into our curricula.

“We should give it (STEM) an emphasis because every aspect, STEM subjects have become important,” President Marcos Jr. said.

Lastly, he acknowledged the efforts and commitment of DOST and its attached agencies for implementing programs that create solutions to address the country’s problems in food security and climate change adaptation, among others.

The 2022 NSTW celebration returned at the World Trade Center this year to showcase the latest innovative R&D products and services developed by DOST and its partners from the academe and non-government and private organizations.

Carrying the theme “Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan, this year’s S&T festivity showcases all the R&D outputs as well as innovative products and services developed and offered by DOST agencies and regional offices that helped address the challenges brought about by the pandemic and climate change.

Exhibits of the latest technological innovations can be viewed on-site while forums, webinars, and virtual talks are broadcast online so that more people can attend and participate. Furthermore, there will be technologies to be bannered that will help the people and the country bounce back better from the pandemic.

In addition, there will be techno-products and activities that will provide a better angle on DOST innovations that respond to the pressing needs of various sectors and stakeholders towards the goal of attaining inclusive growth in the various areas: agriculture and food security, health, job creation, education, energy, transportation, blue and green economy, and environmental protection.