Nation Innovation

MANILA, Philippines - “People need to believe in local technology and not be biased against it,” says Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, who has been advocating the importance of developing the local science and technology industry throughout his career as an engineer and inventor. In fact, the engineering philosophy that he adheres to is to use science and technology “for the betterment of society in terms of better products, services and solutions to its problems – and that is always a sound business model.”

As secretary of the DOST, Montejo aims to inculcate a culture of innovation in the department and in the whole country as well. “Every day we discover new ideas that can really make a change,” he says.

Being an inventor himself, Montejo knows the importance of innovation first hand. Montejo’s list of achievements and inventions is dotted with firsts, including the first locally manufactured steel car park that is modular and transferable; the first motorized zipline in the world; and the first aero-musical ride in the world.

“For the past 22 years, my livelihood is really innovation,” he says.

Throughout his career in the private sector, Montejo has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the field of engineering. His most recent accolade was given this year by the University of the Philippines College of Engineering, which named him as one of the 100 Outstanding Alumni Engineers of the Century.

He also received the gold medal for Creative Research for Filipino Inventors Week awarded by the Filipino Inventors Society and was top six in the mechanical engineering board exam.

“I have never worked in government,” says Montejo, reflecting on his new post. Needless to say, he has had to undergo many changes and adjustments, like getting used to being a public figure and making speeches. Montejo says that he decided to accept the post because “there are projects you can’t do on your own… there are many more ideas that can be realized as part of the DOST.”

At first, Montejo shares, he felt like a “boy in a candy store” when he started his term as secretary, considering the many projects that could be implemented. “But of course we had a reality check,” he admits, after which he was able to set goals and priorities for his term in the department.

In line with his advocacy of supporting local scientists, Montejo’s top projects include a locally developed monorail. “This will cost one-fifth the amount of an imported train,” he says, adding that this will generate more savings both in manufacturing and maintenance, as well as creating a viable industry for technical personnel and ideally decrease heavy traffic in the metropolis.

Another project the DOST is working on is a locally developed windmill that will provide the country with a much needed alternative source of energy at a cost that is half of those currently being used in the Bangui, Ilocos Norte wind farm.

While inventions are his forte, Montejo says that because of the time he has spent so far at the DOST meeting so many different scientists from varied fields, he has realized “there are so many exciting areas where we can have a role.”

In the field of medicine, for example, the DOST has done research and development on dengue and malaria management. “This is not the first anti-dengue project, but it is probably the only one that has undergone extensive scientific research and development,” says Montejo, adding, “We are now on the field testing phase.”

Among other projects of the DOST are the reestablishment of a flood monitoring and early warning system, locally developed personal computer tablets, food supplement sachets, tuberculosis management, antibody and molecular oncology research, and a locally developed PCOS (precinct count optical scan) machine.

Already, under Montejo’s leadership, DOST has been yielding positive results.

When Typhoon Juan hit the country recently, DOST and PAGASA, headed by newly appointed Graciano Yumul, was under close watch by both the President and the whole country.

Because of the PAGASA’s forecasts and efficient reports on the typhoon, many have responded positively to the visible improvement in the bureau’s performance so far.

Montejo, in line with the President’s fight against corruption, says that the DOST aims to go beyond fighting corruption by also providing more cost-efficient solutions to the country’s problems by utilizing local but effective materials and technology and tapping the talents of Filipino scientists.

“We have talented scientists,” says Montejo, but they lack support, especially from the private sector. He hopes that an increased awareness and appreciation of the abilities of Filipino scientists and their work will create a viable industry for science and technology in the country.

“Before, modernization almost always involved foreign technology, which is expensive,” says Montejo. He challenges everyone to redefine this notion. “Modernization means upgrading, using more local technology that is also less expensive, but as effective.”

To be able to support local science and technology, Montejo says Filipinos must develop a culture of innovation. “It takes time,” he says, adding, “Today everyone is used to instant gratification, especially the youth.”

But the secretary advises, “Be determined. There is no other way and the results are much more fulfilling.”

Montejo has high hopes for his field in the future. “Science and technology will have a bigger role in the development of our economy,” he says, and adds, “Our country cannot really develop without science and technology,” noting that the developed countries all have strong science and technology programs.

“The DOST,” says Montejo, will “act as a catalyst for this positive change… there are even more exciting ideas in sight.”