Isulong ang Science and Technology

IGINIIT ni Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada na ang pagpapalakas at epektibong aplikasyon ng Science and Technology Activities (STA) sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng lipunan ay isa sa mga naging susi sa pag-unlad ng maraming bansa, kaya nakapanghihinayang na hindi ito pinaglalaanan ng sapat na pansin ng Pilipinas.

Tinukoy niya ang STA bilang ‘all systematic activities concerned with generation, advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific and technical knowledge in all fields of Science and Technology, including Research and Development, and Scientific and Technical Education and Training.’

Aniya, “The Philippines is falling behind its neighboring countries in the area of science and technology research and development. It is ironic that despite continuous economic hardship, the Philippine government still has not done much for the development of science and technology which could be the tool to turn the situation around.”

Dagdag niya, “For years, the country’s annual Research and Development (R&D) budget receives a measly average of .21% share from the Gross National Product (GNP) or an amount between P3 to 4 million, which is only equivalent to the R&D budget of a single firm in the United States. In Asia, Japan allotted the most for R&D with 2.92%. This explains why they are among the top technologically-advanced countries in the world. Korea comes second with 2.33%. Singapore comes next with 1.12% followed by Malaysia and Indonesia with .37% and .26% respectively.”

Kaugnay nito ay ipinupursige niya ang Senate Bill 968 (Science and Technology Funding Act)” na nagtatakda ng mga sumusunod:

—The State shall endeavor to allocate… at least 1% of the GNP as annual budget for STA;

—The allocation for STA shall be gradually increased until it reaches the prescribed norm on the 5th year which shall include both government and private sector activities;

—The first five years shall focus on enhancement of agricultural productivity to ensure sufficiency of basic food and services;

— For the 6th year and onwards, 1% of GNP shall be allocated solely for research and development (R&D)… to attain competency and mastery in the production and processes.