QUEZON CITY — To gather valuable feedback and insights from experts across various industrial sectors in support of the updating of PAGTANAW 2050, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in collaboration with the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST), successfully conducted its first hybrid Roundtable Discussion (RTD) titled “Insights from the Industry: A Roundtable Discussion for the External Review of PAGTANAW 2050” on 14 October 2025 at the Learning Commons, University of the Philippines Diliman.
Serving as a kick-off activity, this first RTD focused on the general assessment of the foresight document. Discussions centered on identifying additional issues and concerns that need to be addressed, examining potential risks and uncertainties, and generating evidence-based insights to guide the document’s enhancement and updating process.
The activity opened with welcoming remarks from Academician Jaime C. Montoya, NAST PHL President, followed by an opening message from Academician Fortunato T. de la Peña, the Academician-in-Charge of the PAGTANAW 2050 updating and President of PhilAAST.
Three distinguished resource speakers shared their expertise during the discussion: Engr. Dante M. Briones, Chairman and CEO of SasonBiSolar; Maj. Gen. Elmir S. Dela Cruz (Ret.); and Engr. Nicanor S. Villaseñor III, President of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology.
The presentations collectively underscored the importance of strengthening science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) systems across sectors to better respond to national development needs. Key insights and suggestions gathered from the discussion included the need to enhance support for the agriculture sector, promote equitable access to energy and technology, ensure multi-year funding for ST&I initiatives, prioritize nature-based and green innovations, and embed foresight and evidence-based policymaking as integral functions of governance. These perspectives will serve as valuable inputs in refining and updating the PAGTANAW 2050 foresight document.
Following the presentations, industry experts shared their reactions, insights, and recommendations, drawing from their extensive experience in their respective fields:
- Engr. Felipe B. Santiago, President, Trident Electronics Corporation
- Engr. Rodel Emmanuel C. Adiviso, Founding Chairman, Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers
- Dr. Raul V. Destura, President and CEO, Manila HealthTek Inc.
- Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, President, Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika
- Engr. Roberto F. Batungbacal, Vice President, SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation
- Engr. Roy Anthony C. Luna, Chairman, AMH Philippines, Inc.
The discussion concluded with a message of appreciation from Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV of NAST PHL, who expressed gratitude to PhilAAST, the resource speakers, reactors, and participants for generously sharing their time, expertise, and valuable industry perspectives in support of the PAGTANAW 2050 updating process. — Clarene Bae Barbosa/NAST PHL
PAGTANAW 2050 is the first DOST-funded inter-disciplinal and trans-disciplinal project on Philippine-focused ST&I Foresight and Strategic Plan that would impact the aspirations of the Filipino people on or before 2050: A Prosperous, Archipelagic, and Maritime Nation.
For more information about PAGTANAW 2050, you may visit the NAST PHL website at https://nast.dost.gov.ph/index.php/pagtanaw-2050 and social media accounts through Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @pagtanaw2050