Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., on Monday, Oct. 2, encouraged the public to reach out and consider a career in Science and Technology (S&T) DOST to improve their businesses and research.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, ang paggamit ng siyesniya't teknolohiya ay magiging daan natin sa isang maunlad at maayos na pamayanan ng ating bansa (To our fellow countrymen, the use of science and technology will pave the way for a progressive and well-organized community in our nation),” Solidum said in a televised public briefing.
During the briefing, Solidum discussed efforts to promote DOST’s technology innovations and he also gave an update on its priority programs.
Solidum underscored the importance of science and technology when it comes to helping businesses thrive.
Corporations, he added, can also benefit from science and technology. “If they want help from DOST for their business or research, we are here to help you,” he said.
Solidum also emphasized that S&T is crucial in various fields, including health.
“Kaya importante sa ating mga kababayan na pumasok sa larangan ng science and technology (That's why it's important for our fellow countrymen to enter the field of science and technology),” he added.
Global innovation
The Philippines recently made significant progress on the global stage in terms of innovation. The country climbed three spots to 56th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 out of 132 economies last Sept. 28.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/28/ph-climbs-to-56th-in-global-innovation-index
For innovation outputs, Solidum noted that investments in technology transfer are among the factors that contributed to the rise of the Philippines' ranking.
He added that these efforts have not only contributed to the nation's rising innovation rankings but also created jobs and boosted production in various enterprises.
Solidum highlighted some of the DOST's key initiatives, including the Wealth Creation, Science for Change Program, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program, as these programs aim to support local companies, drive innovation, and create wealth for the nation.
He also cited some of DOST’s human resource capacity development program such as the “Balik Scientist Program” which aims to provide researchers and scientists whose expertise are not available locally. These returning scientists also contribute to technology development and assist universities in improving their research and development.
“Kaya naman kailangan ng DOST ng mga maraming scientists at engineers who can devote their time for research and development at magamit ito ng tama para mas maraming makinabang (That's why the DOST needs many scientists and engineers who can dedicate their time to research and development and utilize it correctly for the benefit of more people),” he added.