Bongbong, Sara vow support for Pinoy inventors

Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, on Friday expressed belief that Filipino inventors should be given the needed support so enable the Philippines to be at par with other countries when it comes to technological innovations.

According to Marcos, the national government should provide all the necessary support to Filipino investors when it comes to research and development, funding, benefits, and necessary upskilling.

The BBM-Sara tandem is eyeing to elevate the level of research and development in the country as well as raise its technological status by "focusing more and supporting Filipino inventors and scientists for them to prove to the world that Filipinos are as talented and inventive as other races.”

“If the student has a potential and passion to discover or make an innovative invention, he should be immediately supported by the government,” Marcos said.

“Make them feel how important they are to the country and that all the support will be given to them as they work on their inventions,” he added.

Further, Marcos said he wants to improve the quality of solar panels and other alternative and renewable energy sources in the country to help address high electricity rates that burden Filipinos.

He said solar panels could be a huge help to the electricity problems of many households, especially those who are in so-called underserved areas.

“Dahil hindi pa ganoon ka-reliable ang ilang solar panel ay marami sa ating mga kababayan ang natatakot pang bumili ngayon kasi ang tingin nila ay masisira agad. Kung magiging mahigpit ang pamahalaan para matiyak ang quality, siguro naman lahat ay tatangkilik na sa solar energy kahit sa ating kabahayan,” said Marcos.

(As some solar panels are not yet reliable, some Filipinos are still hesitant to purchase. If the government will be strict in checking the quality of solar panels, maybe they will be encouraged to use solar energy.)

“Isipin niyo kung lahat ng ating kabahayan ay naka-solar panel na. Hindi ba’t malaking tipid ito sa lahat? Lalo na ang ating mga pabrika kung naka-solar energy na rin sila, tiyak mababa rin ang magiging presyo ng ititinda nilang produkto,” he added.

(If all households use solar panel, we can save money. If factories use solar panel, prices of goods could be lowered as well.) — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News