In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the growing impact of science-driven programs championed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), citing their role in agriculture, disaster preparedness, and innovation.

“Sa tulong ng DOST, ginagamit natin ang mga magagandang dulot ng agham tulad ng mga nadiskubre at nagawa ng ating mga siyentipiko at imbentor, pati na rin ang mga modernong pamamaraan tulad ng mga bagong binhi, pataba, makinarya, at estratehiya gaya ng intercropping at off-season technique,” the President said.

(With the help of DOST, we are harnessing the benefits of science such as the discoveries and innovations of our scientists and inventors, as well as modern methods like new seed varieties, fertilizers, machinery, and strategies such as intercropping and off-season techniques.)

Marcos also encouraged the youth to pursue agriculture as a career, stressing the availability of related scholarships and training.

“Naghihintay din sa ating kabataan ang mga kurso, programa, at mga scholarship sa larangan ng agrikultura upang ito ay kanilang gawing hanapbuhay balang araw,” he said.

Opportunities in this field, he noted, can help sustain farming as a viable and honorable livelihood for future generations.

Stronger disaster readiness

Amid the increasing intensity of natural calamities, the President emphasized the government’s efforts to improve disaster preparedness, with 12 more typhoons expected to hit the country in the coming months.

“Hindi tayo dapat tumigil sa ating mga ginagawang paghahanda dahil ang banta ay patuloy na naririyan,” he warned, citing the importance of continuous improvement and timely response to emergencies.

Marcos announced plans to build more modern evacuation centers and ramp up use of advanced technologies such as Doppler radars, landslide sensors, and seismic monitoring equipment provided by DOST agencies like PAGASA and PHIVOLCS.

He also underscored the role of Mobile Command and Control Vehicles (MOCCOV), developed with support from DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program. These vehicles, created by Filipino inventor Dennis Abella, are equipped with perimeter cameras, drones, seismic sensors, rescue boats, trauma kits, satellite internet, and Starlink connectivity to enhance disaster response.

“Ginagamit na natin ngayon ang mga makabagong teknolohiya lalo na sa maaga at mabisang prediksyon,” Marcos said.

Call for public cooperation and discipline

President Marcos called on Filipinos to actively participate in national drills, obey evacuation protocols, avoid danger zones, and practice environmental discipline.

“Disiplina lalo na sa wastong pagtapon ng basura, pagmamatyag sa bawat oras, lalo na kapag may nagbabadyang hagupit ng panahon,” he said. “Higit sa lahat, bayanihan sa pagdadamayan at pagtutulungan lalo na sa mga nasalanta nating kapwa.”

Continued commitment

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. expressed gratitude for the President’s recognition and support, calling it a source of motivation for the agency’s mission to uplift lives through science.

“On behalf of the entire DOST, we extend our sincere appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his visionary programs and initiatives,” Solidum said. “This support instills a profound sense of mission, motivating our commitment to serve the nation.”

DOST remains focused on its four core development pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability — encapsulated in its banner advocacy “OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All.”