RP’s growth requires more funds, improved policies for R&D

MANILA, Philippines – The government should adopt a national program for research and development (R&D), with better policies and a bigger budget.

Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones made this call, pointing out that “creating links between knowledge generation and enterprise development is the primary challenge for achieving national growth.”

Palmones bewailed, during the 166th general assembly of the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard Education (FUSE), that the Philippines has lagged behind in research and development, and is the second to the last in southeast Asia.

This is because, he said, of the following:

• Insufficient R&D funds provided to the science community;

• Inadequate infrastructure for R&D;

• Need for better R&D and extension program coordination;

• Outdated financial management for R&D;

• High taxes on the importation of research tools and equipment; and

• Low number of trained R&D personnel;

Palmones recommended, aside from more funds and better policy environment, the following:

• Develop infrastructure for research and for science and technology (S&T) human resources with sustainable program and institutions;

• Make government financial management responsive for R&D;

• Remove tariff for the importation of research tools, equipment and inputs;

• Establish environment that encourages students to pursue careers in science and technology;

• Accelerate technology transfer and utilization; and

• Strengthen vital linkages and popularize S&T.

“We all share in the aspiration that someday the country’s scientific enterprise shall be one of our greatest strengths,” Palmones said. “Thus, we must take pains to ensure that this enterprise be characterized by intricate interrelationships between the government, the industry and the academe.” –(The Philippine Star)