"The more competent a nation is in science, the more it can absorb transferred technology and develop it further for its own competitiveness in the international market," he stressed.
Guingona was keynote speaker at the opening of the three-day "World Conference on Science and Technology" being held at the Manila Hotel.
The scientific meeting is sponsored by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science (PhilAAS) in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
About 300 scientists from at least 15 countries are attending the conference.
"It is hoped that the lectures and discussions will distill ideas on how S&T can be tapped to enable our nation to respond to the challenges posed by modernization," PhilAAS president Dr. Lydia Tansinsin said.
The celebration is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and some of its research councils and institutes, and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Meanwhile, three Filipino scientists received an award yesterday for their numerous contributions to the progress and advancement of science and technology in the country.
The award was given during the opening of the World Conference on Science and Technology hosted by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Inc. to Dr. Emil Javier, Dr. Benjamin Austria and Dr. Teresita Espino.
Both Austria and Espino received the Gregorio Zara Award while Javier was given the PhilAAS Golden Jubilee Award, considered one of the highest awards in science and technology.
The three awardees received the awards given by Dr. Estrella Alabastro, DOST secretary, Tansinsin and Guingona. — Rudy A. Fernandez, Leo Solinap