DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum expressed gratitude to Senator Francis Tolentino for inviting him to the launching of the “Townhall Meeting on Public Policy” organized by KLABARZON, a non-profit humanitarian organization, held at Kawit, Cavite today, February 23, 2023, as this provides a mechanism for national and local leaders to convene and collaborate.
He said that this is vital for promoting regional development and the socio-economic development of the country.
“Itong pagpupulong ay very timely dito sa DOST at sa topic na inassign sa akin kasi po ay mag-lo-launch kami ng ‘Smart and Sustainable Communities Program,’ hopefully, sa susunod na buwan at kayo po ang unang makakarinig nito sa isang probinsiya,” the Secretary gladly introduced.
Aside from refocusing the programs, projects and activities of DOST to support the socio-economic agenda of the President, he said that the agency is strengthening the collaborations, complementation and synergy within the DOST system, as well as in partnership with other national government agencies. This will help them concentrate their human and financial resources and efforts, and realize the full potential and benefits of science, technology and innovation (STI).
The Secretary also emphasized the advocacy of DOST which is, “ Science for the People” and “One DOST for you!”
In photo: Sen. Francis Tolentino, Sec. Solidum, DOST-Cavite Provincial Director Gilda de-Jesus and DOST4A Regional Director Emelyn Bagsit
(Photo courtesy of DOST-Office of the Secretary)
“Ibig sabihin, kami ay tutulong sabay-sabay para kayo ay matulungan sa inyong mga posibleng problema o di kaya ay plano,” he assured.
The “Smart and Sustainable Communities” program that the Secretary introduced will be the consolidation of all the STI initiatives of the department with all the national agencies down to the local government. This means DOST is committed to provide their identified needs, given the premise of collaboration and agreement.
Through this program, he said the DOST will be offering smarter solutions, approaches and strategies to the key development areas of the country, including agriculture and food security, energy, transportation, health, education and human capital building, among several others.
Sec. Solidum asserted that science, technology and innovation must be utilized for wealth creation, wealth protection, sustainability and promotion of human well-being.
Firstly, wealth creation for an improved quality of life and economic condition of the Filipino people. Secondly, there is a need to protect the wealth we create through developing STI for disaster resilience as an archaeological country that is prone to natural hazards and global warming. Thirdly, sustainability to ensure the continuity of STI initiatives for a better future. And lastly, to maximize the use of STI for enabling a holistic human well-being – physically and mentally healthy, has access to quality education and modern transport systems, lower energy cost, and many alike.
The DOST Secretary highlighted that there is a paradigm shift happening in DOST in terms of doing research and development. From being a peer-centric and publication-driven endeavor to becoming a more society-centric, market-driven, and impact-based undertaking.
He ensured that DOST will work closer, engage, and encourage more partnerships among government departments, academe, local government and private institutions to collaborate in developing sustainable and more responsive solutions to bridge the science, technology and innovation gaps in the country.
The event was attended by Mayors, Vice Mayors, and officials of PNP and national Government Agency of Calabarzon region.
