The Philippines once again showcased the scientific efforts that the country has been doing to recover from the pandemic and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. Through the Department of Science and Technology,m Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, several programs are revealed as part of the Philippines initiatives and these are Harmonized National R&D Agenda 2017-2022, technology breakthroughs in agriculture and marine resources, drug discovery and health programs, waste-to-energy facilities and hybrid vehicles development, scholarship offerings in STEM, food security programs, and science-based interventions for livelihood among others.
This year’s theme is “Science, technology and innovation for building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.
As practiced in previous years, experts and representatives from various sectors around the world gathered together at the STI Forum to exchange insights on issues and topics aligned with the priorities of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. This year’s discussions zeroed in on the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in SDGs 4 on quality education, 5 on gender equality, 14 on life below water, 15 on life on land, and 17 on partnerships for the Goals.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña delivers the Philippine Statement at the seventh annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on STI for the SDGs.
Ministers and government leaders also shared their best practices in response and recovery from COVID-19. The DOST chief also highlighted that the country provided funding support to research studies on COVID-19 supplemental medicines, needed medical equipment and biomedical devices, and repurposing of available technologies.
At the end of the statement, Sec. de la Peña stated that “for sustainable recovery, investment should be made in research and development, infrastructure, and STI ecosystem. Short- to long-term agenda must also be set.”
Distinguished speakers of the Forum collectively called for harnessing full STI potential for the benefit of all sectors in all countries.
