Economic growth alone will not enable the Philippines to meet its sustainable development targets, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, calling for science, technology, and innovation to be integrated into national policymaking.
Speaking at the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Balisacan said research should be used to address development problems, strengthen institutions, and improve productivity and public services.
“Science is not separate from development. Innovation is not an optional complement to policy,” Balisacan said. “Rather, they are increasingly becoming the principal means through which countries solve complex development problems, strengthen resilience, and sustain long-term prosperity.”
With the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals approaching, Balisacan said economic expansion must translate into measurable improvements in Filipinos’ lives.
He called for closer cooperation among the government, private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to narrow the gap between scientific research and its application in public policy and industry.
Balisacan also cited the role of NAST in providing scientific evidence to support government decisions.
DEPDev said it would advocate increased investment in research and development, stronger institutional support for Filipino scientists, researchers, and engineers, and the adoption of sustainable and resource-efficient technologies by local industries.
“As we look toward 2030 and beyond, our challenge is therefore not simply to generate more knowledge,” Balisacan said. “It is to ensure that knowledge is translated more quickly into practical solutions, productive enterprises, effective public policies, and better lives for every Filipino.”
