Solidum outlines DOST plans in line with admin economic agenda

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum on Monday outlined plans that he said are in line with the socio-economic agenda of the Marcos administration.

At the Palace public briefing, Solidum said they have plans for job creation, research and development, food security and resiliency, health, and human resource development.

“Nandyan po ‘yung job creation sa pamamagitan ng science technology and innovation and also this is for countryside development,” he said.

He said the DOST also has a science for change program that will focus on research and development engagement for organizations in the DOST and higher education institutions. He added that this will also help start-ups and small and medium enterprises.

“Pagdating naman po sa food security, meron pong mga tinitignan diyan na posibleng makatulong sa production ng agricultural crops tulod po nung plant growth o water,” Solidum said.

(When it comes to food security, we are looking at something that may possibly help the production of agricultural crops such as plant growth or water.)

“Magkaiba po ito sa fertilizer na nilalagay sa lupa, display lang po ito sa dahon, pwede po magkaroon ng 15 to 30% increase in rice yield. Ganon rin po sa munggo at iba pang crops,” he said.

(This is different from fertilizers that may help increase rice yield by 15 to 30%.)

Meanwhile, he said the DOST has jump-started the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines.

“Habang hindi pa naisasabatas, meron na pong mga proyekto na ginagawa ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng DOST patungkol sa virus na puwedeng makaapekto sa tao at siyempre sa mga hayop at halaman kasi importante ito sa food supply,” he said.

(While it is not yet in law, we have projects involving viruses that can affect humans, animals, and plants because this is important to the food supply.)

According to Solidum, they are also seeking to improve human resource development for scholarship and the Balik Scientist program.

“At marami na po tayong nahihikayat na mga Pilipino na at least panandalian ay tumulong sa iba’t ibang ahensya, ‘yung mga unibersidad, para ma improve po ang ating research,” he said.

(We have encouraged many to temporarily help the agencies to improve our research.)

“‘Yung human resource development ay pagpapatuloy po ang ating scholarship sa Philippine Science High School, sa mga undergraduates, masters, and PhD degree,” he added.

(For human resource development, our scholarship at the PHS for undergraduates, masters, and PhD will continue.) — RSJ, GMA News