The recent coral reef destruction in the West Philippine Sea has become one of the sideline topics during the Senate's deliberation on the proposed P25.6-billion budget of the Department of Science and Technology on Thursday.

Senator Francis Tolentino raised the need to strengthen public awareness in science and technology as well as the integration of DOST with marine studies in light of reported destruction due to coral harvesting in WPS.

This came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard reported an "extensive destruction" of coral reefs along Rozul (Iroquois) Reef in WPS after Chinese military militia vessels left the swarmed area.

"Kung sakaling tuloy ang destruction ng corals, totoo bang mas malakas ang waves kapag may lindol at mas may posibilidad na magkaroon ng tsunami? (If the destruction of corals continues, is it true that the waves are stronger when there is an earthquake and there is a possibility of a tsunami?)," asked Tolentino, who presided over the hearing conducted by the Senate subcommittee on finance.

During the hearing, Tolentino also urged DOST to conduct stronger research on agriculture and food security, including the development of tamban fish hatcheries, the African Swine Fever vaccine, and nutritious meals for marginalized Filipinos.

The senator officially endorsed the DOST budget to the plenary after almost six hours of interpellation with the 18 attached agencies of DOST.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa expressed his full support to the DOST's proposed 2024 budget as he also recognized the excellence of Philippine Science High School for molding well-prepared future scientists.