SWS: DOST should focus on food security

MANILA, Philippines — Six out of 10 Filipinos want the Department of Science and Technology to focus on projects that ensure food security, according to a December 2024 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the DOST, amid growing challenges in the agricultural sector.

In the SWS survey, which was released on Sunday, respondents were asked what aspects should the DOST’s science and technology initiatives focus on the most.

Sixty-three percent answered “ensuring food security,” followed by “improving the provision of health and nutrition intervention” (57 percent) and “enhancing science education and opportunity to earn” (50 percent).

Last Feb. 5, the DOST launched eight big-ticket programs under the banner “Elev8 Philippines” to support national development, which include promoting precision farming and digital agriculture.

The launch came just two days after the Department of Agriculture declared a food security emergency in response to the “extraordinary” rise in local rice prices.

In the same survey, 71 percent of respondents agreed that the DOST’s programs and services “contribute to a resilient, unified and sustainable Philippines,” while six percent disagreed.

“The survey is an affirmation of the department’s efforts to be at the forefront of providing solutions and opening opportunities to the Filipino people through science, technology and innovation,” Science Secretary Renato Solidum said in a statement on Sunday.

“We are committed to ensuring that the public understands how science and technology benefit our society and contribute to inclusive development,” he said.

The SWS poll was conducted between Dec. 12 and 18, 2024 with 2,160 respondents.