Lacson laments lack of funding for research and development amid COVID-19 pandemic

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday lamented the meager allocation dedicated for research and development in the country's national budget every year.

Lacson made the statement following the P76-million budget cut of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the proposed 2021 national budget, which is expected to affect the agency’s research and development.

“Ang problema kasi year in and year out 'yung budget na binibigay natin sa research and development, not just sa DOST, across the board, lahat ng mga agencies, nagko-constitute ito ng 0.4% lang ng national budget,” he said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

“Ang problema nating mga Pilipino, ang research and development natin, mag-Google, maghanap ng mabibili, instead na i-harness nating 'yung ating mga homegrown talents,” he added.

In September, DOST officials expressed concern that their research and development initiatives would not push through as planned following the budget cut.

For Lacson, the funding should support scientists and researchers.

“Kailangan natin ng vaccines at mga gamit para sa pandemic, bili tayo nang bili.  Siyempre kapag bibili tayo, mas mahal. It’s time we stopped shopping, tayo sana magbenta,” he added.

“And hindi tayo nagkukulang sa scientists and researchers, ang dami nating mga talents. Suportahan na lang sana natin para we would someday become an exporting country ng mga new inventions,” he added.

Due to this, Lacson vowed additional funds for DOST. —KBK, GMA News