A better quality of life can be achieved through science, technology and innovation (STI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum said.
Solidum was the keynote speaker in the yearly celebration of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Caraga Region which opened on Sept. 29 at the Surigao del Norte Provincial Gymnasium in Surigao City.
The theme of this year’s RSTW celebration Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan encapsulates the significance of STI in attaining a prosperous and sustainable future, Solidum said.
“We cannot ignore the fact that science and technology are the driving forces behind economic growth. The data from the World Intellectual Property Organization including the Global Innovation Index rankings shows that countries with strong STI 4 ecosystems tend to have higher GDP per capita,” he said.
Guests and attendees also witnessed the unveiling of various DOST-supported projects during the event as they attended the informative S&T fora and visited the different exhibits.
The DOST chief said the agency is guided by DOST’s four pillars of promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability.
DOST-CARAGA is headed by regional director Engr. Noel Ajoc. Other guests present at the event were Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers represented by Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers from the 2nd District of Surigao del Norte and Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II represented by Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra.
The pillars of DOST orchestrate the interrelationship of processes involving knowledge production and generation through research and development; technology transfer, commercialization, adoption and utilization; and provision of scientific and technical services to target beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Solidum said they serve as guide on how DOST can contribute to social and economic development at the national, regional, and local level to achieve “Ambisyon 2040” and the vision of a Prosperous, Archipelagic, 3 Maritime Nation by 2050, as articulated in the PAGTANAW 2050 document, the country’s science, technology and innovation foresight.