BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called on the North Luzon Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) stakeholders for stronger partnership and collaboration in advancing STI as a major contributor in nation building.

Speaking during the first leg of the DOST National Research and Development (R&D) Call Conference on January 11 at the Baguio Country Club, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr, encouraged the  stakeholders to submit R&D proposals that can help in the attainment of the socio-economic development goals of the Marcos Administration, and to bring better life to all Filipinos.  
 
“We invite you to take part in this endeavor, and be our partners in building the nation through STI. We hope that today’s event will inspire you to pursue excellence in your proposals. I believe we are one in the desire to create a lasting, inclusive impact that will truly be felt by all Filipinos,” Solidum said.

“Ultimately, we aim towards attaining higher productivity and better quality of life for all. Our vision  in DOST is to achieve this by enabling and providing science, technology and innovation explicit solutions. And we cast this vision to you today,” he told the participants. 

The Secretary said the DOST and its attached bureaus have aligned their programs and projects to the socio – economic development agenda of President Marcos focusing on  four priority pillars. 

“Wealth creation, wealth protection, promotion of human well – being and sustainability – these again are the four pillars of DOST. Our role here is to provide a nurturing environment for basic R&D and knowledge creation, support market drive and customer – centered R&D; scale up technology adoption, utilization and commercialization, and to promote innovation culture and entrepreneurship”, Solidum said. 

He encouraged that proposals be aligned with these priorities.  

The presentations for the R&D priority areas in the call conference included “Basic Research” by  the National Research Council of the Philippines R&D Management Division officer -in- charge  Beverly Mae Dela Cruz; “Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology” by PCIEERD deputy executive director Niñaliza Escorial; “Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources” by PCAARD executive director Reynaldo Ebora, and Health” by PCHRD executive director Jaime Montoya. 

The DOST and its attached agencies and R&D councils have funded 828 R&D projects with around P11.54 billion total funding from 2016 to 2022 through the Grants- in- Aid program. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)