The proposed 2026 national budget includes a P30.4-billion allocation for the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) to fund research, advanced technologies and other development initiatives, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday.

In his budget message, Marcos said the funding reflects the government’s commitment to using science, technology and innovation as key pillars for national development.

DoST’s research and development institutes will receive P3.9 billion which is expected to support research and technology utilization in various sectors, including industrial manufacturing and energy (P246 million), textiles (P203 million), advanced fields like microelectronics (P193 million) and food and nutrition (P93 million).

Education also remains a priority, with P8.3 billion allocated for 65,097 science scholars nationwide. This includes 54,305 students under the Science Education Institute and 10,792 from the Philippine Science High School System.

Marcos said the programs are designed to develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.