DOST scholars urged to contibute to tech dev't, innovation

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo called on the latest batch of DOST undergraduate scholars to contribute to technology development and innovation essential to the country's economic growth.

“We are in an era where technological development is accelerating at rocket speed and if you are in an industry anchored in technology, you’ll get left behind if you fail to embrace constant innovation. As we recognize this phenomenon, we have adopted measures that would impute modern ICT (information and communications technology) into strategic functions in government aimed at giving better services to the citizens,” the DOST chief said before the qualifiers of this year's scholarship program sponsored by the state agency.

Montejo said DOST has a goal of placing its initiatives in disaster mitigation, governance, health care, agriculture, transportation, education and others into a single encompassing roadmap, calling it the "Smarter Philippines" vision.

“Scientists and engineers create world class solutions to our national problems and innovations that add value to local products and services,” he said while citing the vacuum frying technology developed to increase shelf life of Asian green mussels or tahong.

Montejo told the scholars that they had little reason to fail and that they are assured of a good future as science professionals.

For his part, former scholar Salvador Eugenio Caoli, an associate professor, scientist and medical doctor from the University of the Philippines Manila, told the scholars to broaden their base and influence others in advancing science and technology.

“Being a scholar means you are in an elite group but that should not isolate us [from normal people]. We should find ways to get [people] on the same track as ours so that the development will be wider and more effective,” Caoli said.

DOST Science Education Institute Director Filma Brawner also told the scholars that the support they will get from the government will allow them to do special things in science and technology.

“You have proven that you deserve this scholarship and your mission now is to prove that you can accept the challenge that you can excel and be of big help for the country soon,” Brawner said.

The state agency's undergraduate scholarship programs, specifically Republic Act 7687 and merit scholarships, are DOST’s primary strategy to develop the science and technology human resources of the country.