NRCP aims for more success during 90th anniversary celebration

The National Research Council of the Philippines celebrated its 90th founding anniversary on Thursday, 14 December at The Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila.

With the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future," the Department of Science and Technology attached agency marked its ninth decade by remembering its milestones throughout the years, recognizing its partner institutions and service awardees, and gearing up for their annual scientific conference and general membership assembly for next year.

Established on 8 December 1933, by Republic Act 4120, the NRCP aims to support research in the fields of science, technology, and the humanities; promote science and technology to the general public; improve cooperation and the sharing of scientific information; establish connections and collaboration within local and global organizations; and provide advice on problems of national interest.

"I have no doubt that the NRCP is on its path to more success by the time of its 100th founding anniversary. Let's continue to build upon the legacy of the NRCP to inspire future generations of scientists and to ensure science continues to make its lasting impacts so scientific discoveries are translated into tangible solutions, where knowledge empowers communities and innovations drive the country's sustainable growth and development," DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah Buendia said in her message.

The NRCP executive director, Bernardo Sepeda, on the other hand, said that the council's greatest contribution to Filipino society is providing scientists with an avenue for development and collaboration with fellow scientists, adding that their scientific-based outputs are now being maximized by the general public.

"By providing this venue, which is a council where we can come together as scientists is a big boost to our country. Mas nabibigyan natin ng malaking larangan para maipakilala, maipakita, mailathala, maipalaganap yung mga natuklasan. Yung mga seasoned na ay nagiging mentors nung mga nagsisimula pa lang, at pag nagkasama [sila], dito nagkakaroon ng inspirasyon…it gives you some sense of inspiration and confidence na 'I can also do the same,'" he said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Tribune.

(By providing this venue, which is a council where we can come together as scientists is a big boost to our country. We provide them with a bigger venue to introduce, show, publish, and spread these discoveries. Those who are seasoned become mentors to those who are just starting out, and when [they] are together, this is where inspiration comes in…it gives you some sense of inspiration and confidence that 'I can also do the same.)

"Pangalawa, its the research output that we have. Ang dami nating pananaliksik na tayo ang nagsimula, pero ngayon, nakikinabang na ang samabayanan…lagundi, water security, research on different bacteria, [and] different pioneering innovation, na nagsimula lang sa curiosity," he continued.

(Second, it's the research output that we have. We started a lot of research, but now, the people are benefiting…lagundi, water security, research on different bacteria, [and] different pioneering innovation, which just started with curiosity.)

Meanwhile, when asked about what he looks forward to for NRCP for the next five to ten years, Sepedo said he envisions the council being more active in government policy-making, increasing the council's membership, and getting bigger funds from the government.

"Our dream is really to ensure that we become more active in policy-making. Meaning, our LGU officials, congressmen, and senators appreciate the role that we play in policy-making and we have the experts who can help them. Secondly, increase our membership. We have 100+ million Filipinos, but there are only 6,000 members…marami pa tayong mga siyentipiko na hindi pa namin kasapi," he said.

"Nangangarap din ako na lumaki pa yung pondo sating mga mananaliksik. Tayo ay wala pa sa point five percent ng GDP (gross domestic product) in terms of research funding, which is way below the 1% GDP threshold worldwide. Meaning, [p]agsinabing 1% of the GDP, talagang fully-supported ng government ang research and development, tayo wala pang point five. [P]ag marami tayong pondo, mas marami tayong matutulungang mga siyentipiko," he added.

(Our dream is really to ensure that we become more active in policy-making. Meaning, our LGU officials, congressmen, and senators appreciate the role that we play in policy-making and we have the experts who can help them. Secondly, increase our membership. We have 100+ million Filipinos, but there are only 6,000 members…we still have many scientists who are not members yet," he said.

"I also dream that the fund for our researchers will increase. We are not yet at the point five percent of GDP (gross domestic product) in terms of research funding, which is way below the 1% GDP threshold worldwide. Having 1% of the GDP means research and development is really fully supported by the government, we don't have point five yet. [T]he more funding we have, the more scientists we can help," he added.)

The NRCP started with 114 researchers in 1933 and currently has 6,125 members today, according to Sepedo.