Marcos to Pinoy scientists, researchers: Stay in the Philippines

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday encouraged Filipino scientists and researchers to stay in the Philippines, saying they could be the government's active partners in terms of nation-building.

Marcos graced the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. was also in attendance.

"I encourage our Filipino scientists, researchers, inventors and innovators, to continue sharing your expertise, especially to young people. I urge you to stay in the country as you pursue your career. We will continue to support you and continue to look to you to be active partners of the government," Marcos said in his speech.

Marcos underscored that these Filipino scientists and researchers should partner with the national government and dedicate their skills to uplift the lives of Filipinos and help in building a more sustainable country.

He admitted that the national government should give direction in the science and development field so that the output of every research will be beneficial to farmers, businessmen, MSMEs, and all citizens.

"I’ve spoken to some of the researchers and some of the – those that are administering the research institutes around the country, not only agriculture but all kinds of other research and development," the President said.

"And they’re willing to take direction from us, from the private sector as to what are the necessary technologies for the Philippines in terms of improving – well again, climate change mitigation, adaptation, and our food supply, our economic transformation, all of these things," he added.

He assured scientists and researchers of his administration's measures "in championing science and technology research, developing data-driven and science-based policies, implementing evidence-based responses, and supporting your community."

Marcos also reiterated his call for the DOST to provide more scholarships to Filipino students to develop a bigger pool of scientists, researchers, and innovators in the country.

"Through this, we will institute a scholarship program, specifically for STEM students, and this will not be limited to those who have shown their capabilities, their ability, and how they deserve these scholarships here in the Philippines but to any institution that they are accepted to abroad. So this is important so that we continue to develop our workforce, we continue to develop our capabilities, and our knowledge," he said.

Marcos' father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., institutionalized the National Science and Technology Week through Proclamation No. 2214.

According to the DOST, this year’s celebration will showcase the research and development outputs as well as innovative products and services developed and offered by its agencies and regional offices, which helped address the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. — RSJ, GMA News