S & T for poverty reduction

We in business always consider Science and Technology (S & T) as important factors in achieving a competitive edge due to innovation, creativeness and cost minimization of products, services and processes. Science and technology professionals are seen as active partners in profit maximization and business expansion.

However, as businessmen began to see the need for inclusive growth so did scientists and technologists. The concern shifted from economic growth to ensuring that all sectors benefit from those increases in national wealth.

It is not surprising to receive from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) a position paper providing guidance to the Duterte administration and proposing the adoption of the following policies and programs in key areas of the national economy and Philippine society.

In agriculture, which is seen to have the greatest potential to solve poverty, unemployment, poor health and nutrition and environmental degradation, NAST proposes a science-based, nature-inspired program anchored on – diversification in agricultural and aquaculture production, more emphasis on sustainable fishery, shift from single commodity to a farm systems-orientation, replace rice sufficiency with food security as the primary national goal, restructure agricultural R& D to make them catalyst for diversification, integration and intensification of the farms, coupling of mechanization with energy self-reliance, manage land and water resources, adopt a whole industry approach in critical sectors like the coconut sector.

For MSMEs, establish an industrial extension network using advanced technologies and accessing financing to produce high value products for marketing globally. Quality would be enhanced through provision of needed analytical services, making products meet international and global standards.

In manufacturing and industry, transform agricultural raw materials and mineral resources to higher-valued food and non-food products. Improve product quality, efficiency and productivity of the sector by facilitating access to emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, information technology, materials science and nanotechnology. Rather than industry-specific technologies, industrial policy should promote broad technologies.

Modern nuclear energy should be restudied as a source of safe, reliable, clean and affordable energy. Mindanao could be connected to the national grid via the Negros-Zamboanga submarine cable for stable power. Review of present policies to allow provision of reliable and inexpensive power to industry and MSM enterprises.

In health and nutrition, use part of the sin tax to fund health research addressing the major health concerns while sustaining policy and operational research to provide quality health care to all Filipinos. Actively campaign for diversified and balanced diets, more open spaces and parks, strengthen the anti-smoking and liquor campaigns and escalate the war on drugs would lead to better health and nutrition. Increase R& D support to the National Unified Health Research and Development Agenda for noncommunicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases and emerging infectious diseases like MERS-CoV and Zika. Intensify support for science-based alternative and complementary medicine.

In services, improve the national information infrastructure by installing a reliable and secure high-speed wide bandwidth Internet system. Adopt measures and utilize technology to ensure a reliable and safe transportation system on land, sea and air, with special emphasis on the expansion of the railway system.

In environment and climate change, increase investments in R & D to develop highly reliable early warning systems; harness technological advances to deal with climate change, disaster risk reduction/ management, biodiversity conservation; and adoption of measures that balance development and environmental concerns.

To combat brain drain and improve science education, provide additional incentives for scientists and technologists – improve work environment, attract the best and the brightest to pursue degrees in S & T, and change government hiring rules to facilitate entry of scientists and researchers. Regional and global academic linkages should be developed as the national science foundation is strengthened with a focus on math and science education in the schools.

All these programs will be pursued with the main objective of eradicating poverty in the Philippine archipelago.