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VP Robredo urges gov't to increase funding for science and technology


Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday urged the executive and legislature to increase the funding for the science and technology sector, underscoring the importance of scientists amid crises like the coronavirus pandemic.

In her weekly radio show, Robredo said the pandemic has served as an “eye-opener” about the true value of Filipino scientists.

“Ito sanang nangyayari sa atin ngayon maging eye-opener sa pamahalaan—hindi lang sa Executive pero siguro lalo na sa Kongreso—na taasan iyong budget sa science and technology, kasi ito talaga iyong parating napapabayaan,” she said.

Robredo pointed out that scientists should be continuously supported by the government, even after the coronavirus crisis has ended.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he will grant a P50-million reward to Filipinos who will discover a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019. 

“Parati nating gusto na mayroong discovery na manggaling sa atin, pero tingin ko iyong mas hihigit pa diyan, iyong suporta pagkatapos nito,” Robredo said. “Kasi ang dami naman nating... mahuhusay na scientists. Sa kasamaang palad, hindi lang talaga enough iyong suporta sa kanila.”

China and Germany recently approved human clinical trials for possible COVID-19 vaccines.

The Philippines, meanwhile, will take part in the World Health Organization-led “solidarity trial” that aims to find a cure for the respiratory disease. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News

 

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