Resolutions summarizing the recommendations of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) were presented by National Scientist Edgardo D. Gomez, chair of the Resolutions Committee during the second day of the NAST 40th Annual Scientific Meeting on July 12, 2018.
The Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato De la Peña expressed his appreciation to the Academy for the presented the Resolutions. He responded warmly by assuring that all recommendations on infrastructure will be considered in the research and development, technology transfer, and human resource development initiatives of DOST. On the recommendations on environment, he assured that DOST will pay special attention to the reel-time monitoring of the quantity and quality of groundwater, being an emerging problem facing by the country. In a more specific move, Sec. De la Peña had already instructed Philippine Science High School (PSHS) campuses to install rainwater collection for their use. On the recommendations on fisheries and oceans, he is requesting the Academy a good proposal for a long-term research and development programs on the oceans.
Sec. De la Peña’s response was followed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco V. Densing III. He highlighted the importance of science and technology to be able to grow business. “We do not need to be technology savvy to be able to grow our economy but we should understand the importance of technology as the foundation of growth”, he said. In the issue on environment, he noted that the best way to rehabilitate the Boracay Island on its pollution, especially on the water and solid waste management is technology. He invited the national scientists and local scientists to help not only in the rehabilitation of Boracay but all major tourist destinations in the country. According to him, “there is no other way to do it but to bring in local scientists to be part of the whole rehabilitation process, to become part of the solution”.
On the issue on governance, he mentioned that science and technology must be isolated from politics as it destroys the foundation of growth. Lastly, he encouraged everyone to not only teach science to children or how science works in our lives but most importantly inspire them to become scientists of our country. “If we can double, triple, or we can multiple 10 times the scientist of this country, I will assure you we can really be assured that in the next 5 to 10 years we will be able to meet all our sustainable development goals, we will be able to meet our Ambisyon Natin 2040. Again if anchored correctly, by 2040 science and technology can be a major contributor to be able to zero-out poverty in our country”. He expressed his hope to collaborate regularly to able to localize scientists. He noted that he will encourage local chief executives to produce scientists in the many localities of the country.
Usec. Densing’s response was followed by the Dr. Simplicia A. Pasicolan, chief of Urban Ecosystem Research Division of DENR. She extended Secretary Cimatu’s remark by emphasizing that the theme for this year’s ASM is consistent with what DENR is working on. She expressed DENR’s commitment in achieving the sustainable development goals particularly SDG no.11, SDG no. 13. SDG no. 14, and SDG no.15. She also shared DENR’s contributions and programs that are responsive to Ambisyon Natin 2040.
The Academy expressed its hope that the result of this year’s ASM will be favourably considered by the present administration as a guide to assist the concerned departments and agencies in preparing and implementing the roadmap to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
40th Annual Scientific Meeting Resolutions:
40th ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING
Theme: Science and Technology-Enhanced Transformation
for Sustainability and Resiliency (2018-2030)
July 11-12, 2018; The Manila Hotel
Theme: Science and Technology-Enhanced Transformation
for Sustainability and Resiliency (2018-2030)
July 11-12, 2018; The Manila Hotel
RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015 with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets as a continuation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
WHEREAS, while the Philippines Progress Report on MDGs in 2014 shows that the country had been on track in most of its targets, the country needs to increase its efforts in some targets;
WHEREAS, the Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022) provides the blueprint for inclusive growth, a high-trust and resilient society and a globally competitive economy aimed at enabling Filipinos to achieve their aspiration of a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay;"
WHEREAS, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), recognizes the importance of transformation of science-based knowledge and research into goods and services for the Philippines’ path towards sustainability and resiliency as focused in the seven SDGs: (6) Clean Water Sanitation, (7) Affordable and clean energy, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible consumption and production, (13) Climate action, (14) Life below Water, and (15) Life on Land, targeted for 2018-2030, which are interconnected with other SDGs but deemed vital in achieving the goals;
WHEREAS, the NAST PHL organized the 2018 Regional Scientific Meetings in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to understand local concerns and needs in relation to the above-mentioned SDGs;
WHEREAS, the Philippines is rich in natural resources that have been significantly depleted due to resource overuse in the last few decades leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and environmental degradation;
WHEREAS, there is a need to protect and safeguard our rich cultural heritage and properly educate local communities to ensure sustainable and empowered regions, cities and communities;
WHEREAS, there is insufficient coordination among government agencies in fulfilling our commitments to the attainment of the SDGs;
WHEREAS, the Philippines needs to invest more in S&T human resources, research and development, and physical infrastructure as indicated in the Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that the following measures be recommended:
KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
1. To significantly scale-up programs to produce research scientists and engineers (RSEs) to reach the UNESCO benchmark by 2022 and provide a supportive policy environment to retain them;1.1 Create and increase regular budgeted positions for scientists, engineers, and other S&T personnel in government;
1.2 Provide attractive remuneration packages and incentives for S&T personnel in government;
1.3 Provide incentives to public-private sector engagement in S&T activities and employ highly trained S&T professionals;
1.4 Provide fast and free support on Intellectual Property protection.2. Strengthen and unify efforts to protect and safeguard indigenous and local knowledge systems (IKS).
ENVIRONMENT
1. Implement science-based, comprehensive and collaborative initiatives toward water security and sanitation;1.1 Expand local access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities;
1.2 Promote proper storage and use of rainwater for domestic purposes;
1.3 Improve enforcement of standards on quality of drinking water and monitoring procedures for all water suppliers and providers (WSPs), including water districts, bottled drinking water manufacturers, and refilling stations;
1.4 Develop alternatives to the use of single-use plastic and promote the use of environment-friendly containers made from local resources;2. Accelerate the implementation of evidence-based highlands-to-oceans programs such as river basin and watershed management and rehabilitation of coral reefs, mangroves, beach forests and freshwater bodies.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS
1. Reiterate the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans;
2. Increase funding and policy support for value-adding programs such as agri-fishery tourism, agri-fishery industrialization and agri-waste utilization.
INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Urgently increase public investment in reliable, fast and efficient information infrastructure;
2. Use the tools of ICT to promote collaborative innovation in planning, monitoring and decision-making in government;
3. Design and implement mass-rapid transport systems, such as urban and intercity railways;
4. Support the local production of seacraft;
5. Increase investment in green technologies, such as energy harvesting, low energy electronics, and the efficient use of redundancy and large-scale intelligent environment.
GOVERNANCE
1. Implement and monitor science-based Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and the Local Climate Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAP);
2. Review regulatory environment that hinder R&D activities (such as Commission on Audit (COA) rules, Customs, and chemical regulations);
3. Encourage the government to adopt a whole-of-nation approach in science and technology-based decision-making in fulfilling our commitments to the attainment of the SDGs.
ACD. RODEL D. LASCO ACD. EUFEMIO T. RASCO JR.
Member Member
Member Member
ACD. EMIL Q. JAVIER ACD. REYNALDO B. VEA
Member Member
Member Member
ACD. AURA C. MATIAS ACD. ALVIN B. CULABA
Member Member
Member Member
ACD. JAIME C. MONTOYA ACD. WILLIAM G. PADOLINA
Member Member
Member Member
NS RAUL V. FABELLA ACD. FABIAN M. DAYRIT
Member Member
Member Member
DR. ANTHONY C. SALES DIR. ALFONSO P. ALAMBAN
Member Member
Member Member
DR. JULIUS CAESAR V. SICAT ENGR. ROWEN R. GELONGA
Member Member
Member Member
DR. GLENN B. GREGORIO DR. MARCOS B. VALDEZ JR.
Member Member
Member Member
DR. ALLAN N. SORIANO DR. MUDJEKEEWIS D. SANTOS
Member Member
Member Member
NS EDGARDO D. GOMEZ
Chair
Chair