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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipino scientists call for bioscience policy, investment

Filipino scientists call for bioscience policy, investment

Published Jul 31, 2025 03:07 pm
NAST PHL President Academician Jaime C. Montoya (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
NAST PHL President Academician Jaime C. Montoya (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Top scientists and policymakers urged stronger government and private sector support for bioscience as a national growth engine, citing its potential to address economic inequality, public health challenges, and rural underdevelopment.
The call was made during the 47th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), held July 9–10 at The Manila Hotel, with the theme “Bioscience Innovations: Transforming Enterprise Ecosystems for Wealth Creation.”
Speakers emphasized that bioscience breakthroughs must be backed by policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and stronger industry engagement to achieve meaningful, on-the-ground impact.
“We need to harness bioscience innovations to address national challenges and uplift communities, particularly through science-informed policies and inclusive enterprise models,” NAST PHL President Academician Jaime C. Montoya said.
“All sectors must work collaboratively in transforming research breakthroughs into real-world impact,” he added.
Science to solutions
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., in his opening remarks, reinforced the department’s commitment to bringing science to street level.
“We are committed to translating research into sustainable solutions,” he said, citing programs like CRADLE, SETUP, and the newly launched Program PROPEL, which accelerates technology transfer to enterprises and communities.
The event drew attention to how bioscience is already reshaping sectors from agriculture to health, but flagged the urgent need to bridge gaps between science and implementation.
Regional collaboration, opportunity
In his keynote, Professor Ivan Marusic, vice president of the Australian Academy of Science, said bioscience holds the key to regional development if countries invest in the right systems.
“Bioscience offers extraordinary opportunities for our region to drive innovation, build sustainable communities, and improve health and well-being. Realizing this potential depends on our ability to collaborate across borders and sectors, invest in education, technology, and infrastructure, and strengthen the links between science, policy, and society,” Marusic said.
He highlighted joint Philippines–Australia research on coral reefs, crop resilience, and biotech support for farmers, and introduced Australia’s Science 2035 strategy, which calls for long-term investment in research infrastructure and partnerships.
Six plenary sessions tackled how bioscience is already transforming the ground: from biotech-enhanced crops and public health innovations to community-led research initiatives and the role of mathematical and social sciences in ensuring bioscience is inclusive and sustainable.
In the closing program, Academician Rhodora V. Azanza, the chair of the ASM Resolutions Committee, presented policy recommendations that include mainstreaming bioscience in national development programs, investing in research and development infrastructure, and strengthening local innovation ecosystems.
The resolutions were formally received by Secretary Solidum and DEPDev Undersecretary Dr. Joseph Capuno, who affirmed their alignment with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
As such, NAST conferred its prestigious awards to outstanding researchers and inducted three new Academicians: Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, Dr. Charles Y. Yu, and Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan. Their investiture and oath-taking were led by Solidum.
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