Phl emerging as vital force in regional economy

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines may soon be a major force making the economic region highly competitive especially as it gears up for ASEAN integration 2015.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said promoting the S&T agenda embodied under the department’s umbrella program, “Smarter Philippines” can also help the country attain “global leadership.”

This is important as DOST accelerates its agenda in key result areas of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan to prop up the country toward global competitiveness, Montejo said in his speech read by DOST Deputy Executive Director for ICT Industry Development Alejandro Melchor III before the recent general membership Meeting of Philexport.

“One major pit stop is the imminent Asean integration 2015 in which we expect the country to be a major force in making this economic region highly competitive with equitable economic development and fully integrated into the global economy,” he noted.

Montejo said S&T, particularly through information and communication technology (ICT), plays an important role in accelerating the country’s economic growth through the latest scientific knowledge and technological breakthroughs.

“Our global environment is rapidly moving forward. Transformational tools such as smart technologies are the keys that open the gateways to novel and exciting opportunities for all Filipinos,” he said.

Montejo said Smarter Philippines contains DOST’s roadmap in helping every Filipino experience inclusive economic growth through science and technology.

He pointed out that under one of the program’s components, Smarter Agriculture, the department is poising its research and development (R&D) on diverse farm and fishery commodities to ensure local food security and gain a foothold in the world market.

The DOST chief said Smarter Economy, meanwhile, is a two-fold program for the industry and for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Other components of Smarter Philippines include Smarter Government, Smarter People, Smarter Mobility, Smarter Environment, Smarter Living and Smarter Cities.

“With its broad range that cuts across sectors, Smarter Philippines is envisioned to help bring more jobs especially in the cities and countryside and contribute to creating a better environment for living for all,” Montejo further said.