Tags: Government Policies, Research and Development, Science News and Developments
By Alexander Villafania
TAGUIG CITY, METRO MANILA – The Department of Science Technology (DoST) aims for more implementations focused on agriculture, food, meteorology, education, and genomics in the coming year.
The country’s S&T agency also aims to put more effort in strengthening linkages between the scientific community and various industries and sectors.
The DoST, which has at least 22 sub-agencies, will also be getting a higher budget for 2012.
The increase in budget is largely because of more appropriations and acquisitions, which include Doppler radars for weather forecasting and additional budget for a micro- and small-to-medium scale enterprise (MSME) funding called the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
The inclusion of the newly integrated Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), formerly the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), also adds to the budget requirements of the DoST.
In an interview, DoST Secretary Mario Montejo said the efficiency of the agency is highlighted by the success of several “interventions” by sub-agencies, which includes the information drive of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) during the height of the Japan nuclear disaster in February.
The upgrading of the forecasting process of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also helped reduce damages during powerful typhoons.
In addition, the creation of a water hyacinth drying machine by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) also helped unclog water systems while creating new businesses that utilized the dried water hyacinth as raw materials for clothing and bags.
The establishment of the Philippine Genomics Center also raises the possibility of creating new forms of flora and fauna that can be used for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and natural biodiversity.
Genomics, which is essentially sequencing the genome or living organisms, is different from genetic engineering as the latter manipulates genes while the former selects the best genetic code from specific organisms for breeding. This does not change the genetic code of the organism itself.
Montejo stressed that strengthening the intellectual property (IP) capabilities of the DoST to ensure that results from research and development work are safeguarded. He stressed that IP also helps a country economically as royalties from patents and copyrights can generate additional income for the Philippines.
Related stories:
Genomics can curb dengue and tuberculosis in PH
Pinoy scientists told to focus on genomics, nanotech
DoST raises need for more Filipino female scientists
DoST develops chemical-free anti-dengue solution
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