Bigger research budget to boost RP's global competitiveness

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will spend more than half of its budget this year for basic research to help improve the country’s global competitiveness, officials said yesterday.

Dr. Jaime Montoya, president of the DOST’s National Research Council of the Philippines, said the agency is spending roughly P2.8 billion of the DOST’s P5.4 billion budget this year for it grants-in-aid program which includes funding for basic research.

Montoya said there are groups that are currently conducting a survey to determine the most important areas of research in the country. The findings will be submitted to the Presidential Coordinating Council for Research and Development (PCCRD).

“Most likely it will involve issues on environment and health,” Montoya told reporters after attending a forum at the Traders Hotel in Pasay City.

President Arroyo signed in June last year Executive Order no. 604, creating the PCCRD which will review and take charge of research and development projects of various government agencies.

Montoya stressed that spending more money for basic researches will help improve the country’s global competitiveness.

“Because of the country’s meager budget for research and development, the DOST must have strategic allocation of R&D funds,” Montoya said. He said the country is now spending nearly one percent of the gross domestic product for R&D.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), developing countries like the Philippines should allot at least one percent of their GDP for R&D.