THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology Davao (DOST Davao) joined forces with the DOST Department of Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) to organize a hybrid consultative forum to advance the nation’s scientific landscape.
The event aimed to inform and update stakeholders on the priority bills of the DOST while seeking crucial support to enact the proposed science legislation.
The consultative forum, a collaborative effort between regional and legislative branches, gathered key figures in the scientific and legislative communities.
The priority bills discussed during the forum included the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Modernization Act, the Philippine National Nuclear Safety Act (PhilATOM), the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act, the National Measurement Infrastructure System (NMIS) Act, the DOST Regional Office Act, and Science for Change Program Act.
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Act seeks to strengthen the capacity and capability of PHIVOLCS to provide better services critical to reducing disaster risk and losses and ensuring a safer, sustainable future.
The PhilATOM aims to create an independent regulatory body to synchronize all regulatory activities on ionizing radiation under one organization, conforming to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The VIP Act aims to establish an institute to lead in-depth studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents among people, plants, and animals.
The NMIS Act will strengthen NMIS and harmonize metrology standards, resulting in globally competitive and quality products and services, consistent with ASEAN and other recognized international standards.
Lastly, the Science for Change Act (S4CP) aims to significantly increase investment in Research and Development (R&D), and accelerate it to improve industrial competitiveness and capacity building among universities and industries, fueling innovation and socioeconomic growth in the country.
Dr. Anthony C. Sales, DOST XI regional director, emphasized the importance of the activity, stating, “This is a pivotal moment as we gather to inform and update our esteemed stakeholders on the priority bills of the DOST and, more importantly, to seek your valuable support for the enactment of proposed science legislations.”
The Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Priority Legislative Agenda was at the forefront of discussions during the forum, reflecting the relentless commitment to fostering innovation, scientific advancement, and technological breakthroughs.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. expressed his call for collective effort, saying, “Let us help our country move forward through milestone STI legislations.”
The sentiment was echoed by DLLO Director Lita Suerte Felipe who highlighted the opportunity at hand, stating that regional consultation is an opportunity they value because it helps improve the bill.
Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns, underscored the Department’s dedication to enhancing services and efficiency, emphasizing the need to pass the proposed Acts.
“The DOST is not resting in its desire to make its services more responsive, relevant, efficient, and effective. Our operations are always governed by directions, policies, guidelines, and laws that will make our services legitimate. We need the passage of these Acts,” remarked Dr. Gatchalian.
