DOST holds talks to spot priority concerns for 2009

CEBU, Philippines - Food, energy, and the environment remain to be the priority of the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology for 2009.

The three concerns were identified through discussions initiated by PCIERD with government agencies, the private sector, and the academe to identify priority concerns amidst the ongoing global economic crisis. PCIERD is celebrating its 27th year this year.

At least 60 sectoral representatives participated in the discussions here in Cebu, the second of the three forums, which was kicked off in Clark, Pampanga. The third forum will be held in General Santos City. 

Aside from setting the road map towards addressing the concerns, participants were also made to identify the specific concerns of each region, so they can be properly addressed at a regional level.

Rose Marie Castillo, Business Development Manager on Food of the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, said that aside from the crisis, the climate change is also affecting the supply of food in the country.

Castillo said this provides a challenge for them in terms of production and food safety, thus, they have come up with interventions such as fairs and exhibits, as well as implementation of productivity and competitiveness programs wherein the supply of food would be strengthened.

PCIERD itself aims to attain a “Philippine Identity” on food products developed in the country. It said the food safety program, which would focus on packaging, food biotechnology and use of natural products, is one of the ways to achieve this goal. — AJ dela Torre/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)