PGMA highlights role of S&T in nat’l dev’t
MANILA,
March 18 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo highlighted on
Wednesday the leading role of science and technology (S&T) in
national development, including adaptation to the impact of climate
change.
The President specifically cited the invaluable role of the
Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development
(PCIERD), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), in bridging private and public sector cooperation to fuel
technology-backed economic development.
The President said S&T is also crucial in adaptation to
climate change, even if the Philippines is a “good world citizen” having
a low carbon footprint of 1.6 tons per capita compared to the carbon
footprint of many industrialized countries of six tons per capita.
“I have an unshakeable faith in science and technology as
the main driver of modern-day growth and now as the main protector
against the onslaught of climatic changes,” the President said.
The President was the guest of honor and speaker during
PCIERD’s 28th anniversary celebration at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila this
afternoon.
The President said she served as a member of PCIERD's
Governing Council when she was an undersecretary of the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI). The group provided policy and management
decisions on the implementation of plans and programs in the industry
and energy sectors.
In her very first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) in
2001, the President said she underscored the importance of technology as
a means to spur economic growth and the foundation of future economic
development.
To date, the President said her administration has reformed
the educational system by strengthening the teaching of mathematics and
science in basic education and has reviewed policies to forge broader
coordination among public and private institutions, including the
increase of budget allocations especially with the implementation of the
expanded value-added tax in 2007.
Included, the President said, are the investment of P3
billion for R&D technology, the opening of 100,000 DOST masteral and
doctorate scholarships to 27,000 beneficiaries, the allocation of P1
billion for the establishment of the Science and Technology Complex at
the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, the retention of at
least 100,000 teachers in Math, Science and English, and the provision
of Internet connection to 5,000 public high schools in the country.
Under the 2004-2010 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), the
President said human capital has been enhanced to develop a critical
mass of engineers and scientists; increase productivity through S&T;
and promote technology-based entrepreneurship.
For climate change adaptation, the President said 10 Doppler
radars has been earmarked to modernize the weather reporting of the
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) with five radars fully operational in the next
two years.
To help the environment, the President added PCIERD’s
researches on energy such as on geothermal, solar and wind power are now
proven to be commercially viable.
To sustain national growth, the President said she hopes the
next administration will also provide the necessary support and funding
to S&T and R&D, including PCIERD’s invaluable contribution in
helping develop an ASEAN S&T Roadmap towards a Climate
Change-Resilient ASEAN Region by 2015. (PNA)
DCT/OPS/ssc
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