DOST boasts of P11B support for research and development projects

CEBU, Philippines — Around P11.5 billion worth of budget from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) went to research and development activities from the year 2016 to 2022 and hopes to support more projects and proposals in the coming years.

This was the report by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum during the CY 2024 Research and Development Call Conference held in Cebu recently, sharing that the amount came from their DOST-Grants In Aid (GIA) Program.

Solidum in his speech, as delivered by DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, said through this funding, they have provided significant support to a number of universities and institutions in the Visayas.

The DOST-GIA program aims to harness the country's scientific and technological capabilities to spur and attain sustainable economic growth and development.

The conference, which was attended by over 300 researchers in the Visayas, prepares researchers and various stakeholders to submit proposals aligned with the R&D priority areas and specified requirements by the DOST for potential funding.

DOST undersecretary Leah Buendia said that in the Visayas region, they kicked-off numerous collaborative initiatives between the academe and several industries, like when DOST supported projects aimed at extending the shelf life of one of Cebu's culinary treasures- the Lechon.

She said that this innovation not only enhances product quality but also augments the income of local producers, thereby contributing to economic growth.

Buendia said that this recent conference marks the 5th year that they are doing this call conference series.

Over the past years, she said it has been a huge success, with thousands of proposals received and hundreds approved under the DOST and Councils GIA Programs.

“And we are optimistic that, if not all of you, majority present here today will be implementors of future high impact projects,” she said before the participants.

She said that from 2023 to 2028, the DOST has charted its course around four pillars: wealth creation, wealth protection, sustainability, and human well-being.

She said that their focus areas in science, technology, and innovation (STI) are strategically aligned with the socioeconomic development goals of our nation, both in the medium and long term.

“Ultimately, our aim is to foster a life of stability and security for all Filipinos. It is imperative that the scientific endeavors we support resonate with the needs and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders. Our funded programs and projects stand as testament to this commitment,” she added.

DOST-7 regional director Jesus Zamora, Jr. in his speech told the attendees that they eagerly anticipate receiving a substantial number of proposals with high-impact potentials.

“We do want to engage in projects that would not only address critical challenges but also foster innovation, facilitate effective technology transfer, and contribute significantly to our industries and communities. Thus, Let's work together to turn your researches into not just possible but achievable,” Zamora said.

Solidum said that wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability- these are four pillars of DOST.

Solidum said that the role of DOST is to provide a nurturing environment for basic research and development and knowledge creation; support market-driven and customer-centered R&D; scale up technology adoption, utilization, and commercialization; and promote an innovation culture and entrepreneurship.

“We still have a long way to go in these areas but we continue to make every effort to push for programs that are anchored on these four pillars.’Ultimately, we aim towards attaining hicher productivity and better quality of life for all,” Solidum said.

He further said that DOST’s vision is to become the leading enabler and provider of science, technology, and innovation (STI) explicit solutions toward national development.

He likewise commended the efforts of the researchers and everyone joining the event in taking intentional steps to advance STI in the country and collectively pursue excellence and strive for genuine impact in our society together with DOST. — (FREEMAN)