PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, urged Filipino scientists to stay in the country, noting that they can be a big help and partners of the government in nation-building.

During the opening ceremonies of the 2022 National Science and Technology Week held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Marcos urged Filipino scientists, researchers, inventors and innovators to pursue their career in the Philippines and share their expertise with young people.

The event showcased the latest innovations, inventions and other science and technology researches made by Filipino scientists and engineers, as well as innovative products and services developed by the DOST’s agencies and regional offices that helped address the challenges brought by the pandemic and climate change.

It also aims to bring science, technology and innovation closer once again to Filipino science enthusiasts and advocates.

Marcos vowed to continuously support them by backing initiatives in pushing for science and technology, as well as research and development-based solutions to the country’s problems, especially in the agriculture and business sector.

“I’ve spoken to some of the researchers and some of the – those that are administering the research institutes around the country, not only agriculture but all kinds of other research and development,” he said.

“And they’re willing to take direction from us, from the private sector as to what are the necessary technologies for the Philippines in terms of improving – well again, climate change mitigation, adaptation, and our food supply, our economic transformation, all of these things,” he added.

Marcos said the government looks at them as active partners to bolster efforts to uplift the lives of the people as the administration takes further strides towards a more inclusive, more prosperous and more sustainable nation.

He said his administration will impose measures that are championing science and technology research, developing data-driven and science-based policies, implementing evidence-based responses, and supporting the community of scientists and researchers.

“I also urge the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) and all other concerned agencies to allocate resources to institutions that carry out research and development,” Marcos said.

“Through this, we will institute a scholarship program, specifically for Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students and this will not be limited to those who have shown their capabilities, their ability and how they deserve these scholarships here in the Philippines but to any institution that they are accepted to abroad. So, this is important so that they continue to develop our workforce, we continue to develop our capabilities and our knowledge,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)