Recognizing important role of Science and Technology
ANGARA URGES DOST: CREATE PREEMPTIVE MEASURES
FOR CALAMITIES

With the advent of recent tragedy Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasizes the vital role of science and technology in addressing calamities and challenged them to come up with a measure that will preempt such events.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday that 69,513 families are displaced and 337,216 are severely affected in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

"This is just a sample of things to come. Although authorities are conducting rescue operations I call on experts in the field of science and engineering to create a coping mechanism and learn from best practices abroad and see what can we adopt in the Philippines so next time our country faces this kind of tragedy we are better prepared and equipped," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and technology.

Sen. Angara believes that not only is lack of competitiveness in science and technology a threat but also impedes basic education and overall socio economic development, he stresses " we need to address basic education first, this competitiveness problem has been a problem and it will stay that way until we start investing in basic education. We need outstanding school facilities, laboratories and faculty development."

He added, "Building a strong science & technology foundation is necessary for the country to push forward - to equipped itself for disasters like this and become more competitive."

To date science and technology is not given utmost attention in relation to its role in the progress of our country making it imperative to push more effort in bringing science and tech part of political debate and ensure its inclusion for the next administration's agenda.

Sen. Angara encouraged Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to work with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd) and lead a crash course program enhancing science and technology in the country and provide solutions and recommendations to disasters like this.

Furthermore Sen. Angara told DOST to expand networks for foreign scholarships and strengthen Balik Scientist Program that requires graduates of science and engineering courses to return service to the country.

"I call on people in the academe to provide a Strategic National Science and Technology Plan to be ready for the new administration that will give recommendations, set targets, and focus spending taking into consideration the almost perennial S&T and R&D challenges of the country," ended Angara.