Photo of DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña during the high-level roundtable discussions at the 24th Annual Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Science and Technology for Development. (Photo courtesy of DOST-STII)
Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) headed the Philippine delegation and delivered the Philippine statements at the two high-level roundtable events of the 24th Annual Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD).
The high-level roundtable sessions discussed “the role of science, technology and innovation in a sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic” on 17 May 2021. The following day, 18 May, the discussions focused on “using science, technology and innovation to close the gap on Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being”.
Secretary de la Peña showcased the government’s COVID-19 recovery efforts through science, technology, and innovation (STI). These include the development of local COVID-19 rRT-PCR detection kit, epidemiological modeler software, 3D printing of personal protective equipment, telemedicine device, local ventilators, specimen collection booths, and travel management application. DOST programs on diagnostics development, support to MSMEs and communities, CRADLE and BIST were also featured.
Moreover, the science chief highlighted that the Philippines now enjoys the benefits from joining the COVAX facility and underscored its participation in the WHO Solidarity Trials.
The 24th CSTD was held virtually from 17-21 May 2021. The re-election of the Philippines, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), took effect on 01 January 2021, seven years after the country had its last membership term. Secretary de la Peña and Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, along with other officials from the DOST participated in this year’s session.