“Behind every project, technology, research, paper, and program, there’s a Filipino whose life is better because science has reached them. Ito po ang tunay na agham na ramdam,”
DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. delivered his State of the Department Address during the June 15 anniversary celebration at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City.
PHOTO by Xyrus Ivan De Gracia, DOST-STII
Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., during the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology, maintained that the agency’s success was in pursuit for the country’s innovation, sustainability, well-being, opportunity, livelihood, resilience, and peace across the nation.
“Behind every project, technology, research, paper, and program, there’s a Filipino whose life is better because science has reached them. Ito po ang tunay na agham na ramdam,” the secretary emphasized.
Among the reported feats of the department is the expanded implementation of the Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) program, which reached 152 local government units (LGUs) across the country as of May 2026.
On human well-being, Solidum put the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) upfront as “one of DOST’s most significant milestones.”
“We are building the capacity to respond more effectively to future biological threats and ensuring that the Philippines becomes more self-reliant in protecting the health of its people,” he underscored.
Solidum also advocated the use of renewable energy, particularly to counter the challenges of oil and energy stemming from the recent Middle East crisis, which includes the Electric Vehicle (EV) Program.
The DOST has also become the frontrunner in opening opportunities for Filipinos through quality education and various scholarship programs, especially to those pursuing scientific careers.
Extending its pride, the DOST has strengthened the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in its high schools through the passing of RA 12310 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act last October 2025.
Meanwhile, for the academic year 2025 to 2026, the DOST has supported 48,520 undergraduate scholars and 5,852 graduate scholars, reaching almost all of the municipalities and congressional districts in the country.
The department also launched the Enhanced Bridging Education in Science and Technology for Indigenous People (BEST4IP) this year, to provide scholarship programs for the IPs.
“A scholarship benefits one student today, but that student may someday create technologies that benefit millions,” he highlighted.
Solidum also reported that the country ranked 50th in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII) out of 133 economies, coming from 53rd in 2024.
“Every peso invested in science is an investment in people. When productivity increases, income increases. When efficiency improves, opportunities expand,” Sec. Solidum said.
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