Competence, Competitiveness and Conscience: The Medium Term Plan of the Department of Science and Technology (1999-2004)

Framework Plan

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has set a national vision of economic growth with social equity. This vision calls for a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth; a sustained increase in the amounts of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged.

The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) for 1999-2004 is the principal instrument for translating this vision into reality. This Plan will be effected through the following broad strategies:

Acceleration of rural development by modernizing the agriculture and fishery sectors and expanding non-farm income opportunities of rural households;

Delivery of basic social services and ensuring greater access of the poor to these services, complemented by social safety nets and human capital investment program;

Strengthening the competitiveness of Philippine industries in global and domestic markets, complemented by programs aimed at encouraging investment in education, science and technology in order to raise the country's productivity to international benchmarks;

Sustained development of infrastructure especially those that will strengthen the linkages of rural communities to markets of goods and services; and

Reforming governance to strengthen partnerships among national and local governments, the business community and civil society.

Science and Technology Vision and Strategies

In the current era of globalization, science and technology have become the most important factor for national economic growth and source of competitive advantage. Recognition of this fact has led technologically-progressive nations and firms to invest substantial resources in research and development (R&D), technology acquisition and adaptation, S&T education and training, and S&T infrastructure.

No less than the President has identified science and technology (S&T) as a principal means to fuel the nation's economy and ensure the well-being of all Filipinos.

In line with the MTPDP, the Department of Science and Technology (Department or DOST) will pursue programs and activities guided by the principles of competence, competitiveness and conscience. Accordingly, the Department has adopted the following vision: A competent and competitive science and technology community with a social conscience.

In pursuit of this vision, the Department will work with the S&T community on the urgent task of addressing the needs of Philippine society in proportion to their importance. In so doing, the Department enters into a new social contract with the Filipino people.

The following strategies will be pursued: firstly, by implementing high priority flagship programs; secondly, by strengthening and continuous refocusing of ongoing programs; and thirdly, by improving S&T governance and management.

Implement High Priority Flagship Programs

The Department will implement six high priority programs to develop competence, enhance competitiveness and address the needs of the poor and socially disadvantaged sectors.

Comprehensive Program to Enhance Technology Enterprises (COMPETE)

COMPETE aims to spur private R&D initiatives, particularly among small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs); to enhance public and private sector participation in S&T activities; and to upgrade the facilities and technical competence of government, academic and private sector institutions involved in S&T activities. This will be accomplished primarily through the establishment of Virtual Centers for Technology Innovation (VCTI). VCTIs will be set up in two strategic areas, namely: microelectronics and information technology.

Integrated Program on Cleaner Production Technologies

This Program aims to promote sustainable development and strengthen the competitiveness of the Philippine industries, particularly SMEs, by providing technical information and assistance in adopting cleaner production technologies that include waste minimization and pollution prevention techniques. Through the adoption of these industrial practices, Philippine industries will become highly competitive in the global market.

The Program will have four components: a) policy study on the promotion of cleaner production technology transfer; b) establishment of a center for cleaner production technology development; c) setting up of a regional network for cleaner production technology transfer; and d) the identification of market-based and command-and-control instruments for the adoption of cleaner production technologies.

The Program is DOST's response to the MTPDP's objective of promoting environmental sustainability through the adoption of environment-friendly technologies and practices in agriculture and industry and the development and transfer of appropriate technologies for solid waste management as well as water and air pollution control.

Establishment of a Packaging R & D Center

The Department will establish a national packaging R&D center that will provide, among others, a common service facility for the use of industry. Through the Center, the Department will offer testing and related services for industry; conduct training programs and information dissemination campaigns; facilitate technology transfer to industry; and develop and maintain regional industry networks on packaging technology and services, particularly for SMEs.

The Center is DOST's response to the MTPDP's concern over the low quality and added-value, and lack of competitiveness, of Philippine export products. Through the development of attractive, inexpensive, appropriate and environment-friendly packaging materials, as well as of designs that conform to international standards, the Center aims to make Philippine export products more competitive.

Expansion of Regional Metrology Centers

The Department will implement a National Metrology Program to develop the pyramidal metrology infrastructure of the country and upgrade the capabilities of public and private calibration laboratories in the regions to match the requirements of the various users. The Program will provide the framework for promoting metrology awareness and application among all sectors and regions of the country.

The Program has four components: a) identification of gaps in the present metrology system; b) the development, through the upgrading and expansion of regional/local calibration laboratories, of a national measurement system; c) the establishment of a metrology training center; and d) the development and adoption of a laboratory proficiency evaluation program.

The Program responds to the MTPDP's call for product standardization, higher quality and competitiveness of local products, and better protection of the consumers.

S & T Intervention Program for the Poor, Vulnerable and Disabled

This Program aims to the provide the poor and the disadvantaged sectors of the civil society access to DOST generated/sourced technologies and science-based approaches to resource management to meet the minimum basic needs and to facilitate technology based-livelihood opportunities through the efficient and effective delivery of S&T services. This will enable our poor people to actively participate and contribute to the country's economic development.

Through the Program, the marginalized coastal and upland communities, indigenous communities, displaced communities, persons with disabilities (PWDs), vulnerable groups which include other persons, children, and women will be provided techno-transfer training, technical assistance, higher skill/knowledge acquisition, equipment grant and/or prototyping, and linkages for resource generation, including marketing and financing, integrated with value orientation to provide a wholistic approach to development.

S & T Program for Mindanao

The Program aims to build up the Mindanao region's technological capability in order to boost its long-term attractiveness to investors. It has generated the support and collaboration of various line agencies, and the local governments including some cultural minorities from Mindanao.

The Program has two major components: 1) Technology Program for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises; and b) Mindanao S&T Human Resources Development Program.

To optimize the use of limited government resources, the Program will focus on four priority sectors, namely: 1) food industry; 2) marine; 3) horticulture; and 4) furniture.

Strengthen and Continue Refocusing of Ongoing Programs

Even as it initiates new program, the Department will strengthen and provide sharper focus to continuing programs in S&T to make them more relevant to and supportive of the priorities of the Arroyo Administration.

Research and Development

The Department's program will focus on the MTPDP's priorities of enhancing the delivery of basic services in health, nutrition and housing, improving agricultural and industrial productivity, developing competitive and high value-added new products, and upgrading the country's S&T human resources.

In undertaking and supporting R&D projects/activities, the Department will give priority to those that (a) address the most urgent problems of society; (b) are "use-inspired" or demand-driven; (c) enhance private sector participation; and (d) build the competence and long-term capability of the Philippine S&T community. In keeping with the new social contract, R&D activities that promote intergenerational equity (i.e. benefit future generations) will also be given high priority.

The DOST will work in tandem with the Department of Agriculture in implementing a comprehensive R&D program under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA). More specifically, the DOST will support R&D aimed at increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector through the application of modern, efficient and appropriate technologies, thus enhancing their competitiveness in the world market and ensuring food security.

The Department will intensify its conduct of/support for R&D in microelectronics, information technology and biotechnology. In biotechnology, the Department will support R&D on the varietal improvement of agricultural crops and the development of vaccines, pharmaceuticals and biomedical devices.

DOST will also continue its support for R&D activities aimed at developing products that respond to the needs of the poor such as low-cost medicines from locally-available resources, inexpensive but highly nutritious food, and low-cost materials for housing.

To ensure a more socially-responsive and cost-effective R&D, the Department will strengthen institutional mechanisms for setting R&D priorities.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

The Department's technology transfer and commercialization program will be strengthened to hasten the delivery, adoption and commercialization of appropriate technologies to farmers and entrepreneurs. The Program will respond to the MTPDP's call for the promotion of foreign capital and technology to augment domestic resources and improve the country's technological stock as well as the provision of improved product matching and technology exchange services.

Through the program, support will be provided for the accelerated development of technology business incubators (TBIs) and S&T parks in order to, respectively, assist in spinning off technologies from the laboratories to industries and provide an environment conducive to industry-academe collaboration for R&D and innovation.

Support will also be provided to initiatives, government as well as private-sector led, to develop and transfer technologies that benefit the poor, such as those on medicine, food and housing.

DOST will work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to link international technology transfer with local technology development. As in all the other S&T programs, active private-sector participation will be encouraged.

S&T Services, Testing and Calibration

In line with its commitment to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local industry, the Department will upgrade its calibration, testing and S&T services. This is in line with the MTPDP's objectives of improving product standards and quality, encouraging innovation, and protecting the consumers.

The program will include the following components: Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program for Export Promotion (MPEX), Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE), Municipal Science and Technology Advisory Program (MSTAP), and Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP), and Assistance to Inventors.

MPEX will aim to reduce production costs and improve the productivity and profitability of SMEs through the provision of technical assistance and consultancy services.

Through the CAPE Program, the Department will provide technical assistance to farmers with the end-view of improving farm incomes.

Under the STEVPP, experts will extend free assistance (e.g., training, seminars, workshops, hands-on-demonstration) to NGOs, cooperatives and other interested parties in the countryside.

Pursuant to R.A. 7459, the DOST will also provide prototyping, piloting, information materials development, intellectual rights protection, loan assistance and other services to Filipino inventors.

The Department will also continue to provide calibration, analytical and testing services to Filipino firms to ensure the quality, safety and competitiveness of their products and to assist them in obtaining ISO Certification.

Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation

The Philippines is prone to a wide range of natural disasters and hazards that threaten lives, properties and food supplies, and whose effects are particularly adverse on the poor and disadvantaged sectors.

The Department will thus continue to provide timely information, monitoring and prediction services on weather, floods, earthquakes and related natural phenomena. It will also conduct studies such as hazard identification and mapping and vulnerability and risk assessment of potentially active volcanoes, faults and lahars.

To be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, the DOST will continuously upgrade its prediction capability, warning systems and quick response mechanisms. It will also establish regional forecasting service centers in strategically located areas of the country and maintain as well as enhance its nationwide network of seismic monitoring stations.

S&T Human Resources Development

The S&T Human Resources Development Program is the Department's response to the MTPDP's call on the government to "complement its competition (and other) policies by programs aimed at encouraging investment in education and S&T in order to raise Philippine productivity to international benchmarks".

Pursuant to RA 7687, the DOST will continue to provide scholarships to bright young Filipino students, especially those from underrepresented areas. It will also push for the training of more science and mathematics teachers under the Project RISE (Rescue Initiatives in Science Education). It will likewise maintain the existing Philippine Science High School campuses and plan for the selective establishment of new campuses in areas of the country where there is strong evidence of a real need.

The Department will also revive and redirect the Balik-Scientist Program to complement domestic expertise especially in the six high-priority flagship programs. To respond to the need for high-caliber manpower in such fields as information technology (IT), the Department will refocus its human resources development program towards the upgrading of national capability in computer design and engineering and related fields.

S&T Promotion

Enhancing S&T awareness and consciousness is a necessary first step in creating a culture of innovation and in heightening appreciation of S&T's potential for solving the country's socio-economic problems.

The DOST will thus continue to implement S&T promotion programs which aims to develop and enhance S&T awareness and literacy among the people, specially in far-flung communities. These programs include S&T week celebrations, S&T caravans, technology fairs, youth programs, and science centrums. To reach the general public more effectively, the Department will also strengthen its communication and information programs and improve its strategies.

Improve S&T Governance and Management

To enhance the capability of DOST and S&T community to implement the Medium Term Plan, policy, institutional and management reforms consistent with the governance thrusts of the MTPDP will be undertaken during 1999-2004. This includes the full implementation of the Magna Carta for S & T Workers, the enhancement of DOST's technology management capability, a more active policy advocacy role, support for propose and pending bills on S&T, and the review of DOST's organizational structure and mandate.

Full Implementation of the Magna Carta for S&T Workers in Government

In order to attain and attract the country's top science and technology personnel, the incentives for scientists and technologists must be made sufficiently attractive and competitive. RA 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Government S&T Workers, attempts to address the incentive problem.

The Department will thus work for the full implementation of RA 8439. At the same time, it will explore alternative ways of funding the law's implementation.

Enhance DOST's Technology Management Capability

To further enhance its role and status as the country's premier government S&T institution, the Department will improve its capability for technology management, particularly in such areas as technology scanning, forecasting, assessment and policy analysis. To achieve this, the Department will accelerate the provision of scholarships and training in the aforementioned areas for its personnel. The Department will also tap public and private institutions for specific technology assessment, forecasting and evaluation tasks or assignments to augment its internal capability.

Assume Active Role in Policy Advice and Advocacy

In keeping with its social contract to address the pressing problems of society, DOST will assume a more proactive and aggressive role in providing policy advice and advocacy on issues relating to the S & T community in particular and the welfare of the country in general.

The DOST will actively tap the considerable expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and encourage them to assume leading roles in making the new social contract a reality.

The Department will also spearhead the preparation and updating of the second S&T Master Plan for the country.

Seek Legislative Support for Pending and Proposed Bills on S&T

At least three bills seeking to provide additional services for the country's R&D efforts and upgrade S&T capability have been introduced in Congress. One is a bill which seeks to increase the government allocation for S&T and R&D. A second bill seeks to expand the country's metrology system, while a third one seeks to institute financial management reforms to promote efficiency and productivity in S & T activities.

The Department will actively support the passage and immediate implementation of pending and proposed bills on S&T.

Review of DOST's Organizational Structure and Mandate

In line with the Arroyo Administration's thrust to streamline the bureaucracy, the DOST will review its organizational structure and mandate. Such review will explore, among others, the feasibility of alternative organizational arrangements like privatization, corporatization, and contracting out of certain S&T functions, activities and services.

Conclusion

The adoption and effective implementation of the DOST Medium-Term Science and Technology Plan will go a long way in developing and sustaining a Filipino S&T community that is not only competent and competitive but is also imbued with a social conscience. The Plan will thus contribute significantly to the advancement of the MTPDP's goals of reducing poverty, modernizing agriculture and industry, and promoting ecologically-sound and sustainable development. It will also contribute in a no small way to the realization of President Arroyo's vision of a Filipino nation in which poverty and inequality are no longer the inevitable condition of the majority of Filipinos.

Finally, the full implementation of the Plan fulfills the science community's social contract with the Filipino people. It brings about the convergence of science, technology and society.