A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Universities Canada seeking to advance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
In a statement, DOST said that this was held during a virtual ceremony held Friday, June 16.
DOST said that the MOU was signed by Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., and Universities Canada President Paul Davidson and was witnessed by DOST and Universities Canada officials, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Canada, and the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
DOST Philippines, Universities Canada, DFA, Philippine Embassy, and Canadian Embassy officials join a group photo after the virtual MOU signing ceremony. (Photo courtesy of DOST)
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia in her opening message explained that the MOU seeks to integrate the Department’s engagements with various Canadian universities under the framework of the agreement, particularly with the 96 member institutions of Universities Canada.
According to DOST, through this MOU, DOST and Universities Canada will facilitate, promote, support, and develop STI cooperation, including collaboration on graduate and post-graduate scholarship programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Both parties will also work collaboratively to support joint research and development initiatives and other forms of scientific collaboration between Filipino and Canadian scientists, researchers, engineers, and students in the fields of health and life sciences; science and technology education and human resources development; environment, agriculture, and energy; advanced manufacturing; artificial intelligence; space technology and applications; and entrepreneurship.
In his keynote message, DOST Secretary Solidum said that he hopes the partnership with Universities Canada will create a platform for Filipino and Canadian scientists, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful collaboration that will enhance their capabilities and foster an environment that nurtures global perspectives, encourages intellectual curiosity, and cultivates cross-cultural understanding.
He also said that the combined expertise and resources between DOST and Universities Canada will cultivate a strong global network of innovation to tackle the complex challenges faced by societies, and to drive inclusive and sustainable development through science and technology.
Meanwhile, Universities Canada President Paul Davidson said that the “Collaboration will provide numerous opportunities for us [DOST and Universities Canada] to build and strengthen individual and institutional linkages and work together to find solutions to pressing challenges facing our world.”
“Universities Canada is proud to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of the Philippines and look forward to the collaboration between our two countries,” he continued.
Officials from the Philippine Embassy in Canada and the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines delivered their respective congratulatory messages to DOST and Universities Canada.
“For Canada, the Philippines is a strategic partner with which we are committed to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” said Canadian Embassy Senior Trade Commissioner Guy Boileau.
“DOST and Universities Canada can count on the Embassy of Canada’s continued support as concrete projects are developed in the years to come,” he added.
The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Canada Myca Magnolia Fischer, on the other hand, also expressed the Embassy’s support for the partnership and looks forward to the implementation of the MOU and its outcomes in science, technology, and innovation, especially as the Philippines and Canada commemorate their 75th year of bilateral relations next year.