By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANILA HOTEL — Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Wednesday (July 23) thanked the DOST for inviting her to the 8th National Research Development Conference being held here.
“R&D is close to my heart as I started it in college,” Pangandaman said.
“R&D is the key driver of the economy,” she added.
With the Philippine Development Plan (2022-2028), the country has placed 53rd out of 133 economies.
“We are now the top 3 economic performer topping India and Indonesia,” Pangandaman said.
“But first, we must build partnerships with civil society, academe, business groups, and the private sector,” she added.
“Let us first leverage our digitalization.
We must invest in human capital such as scholarships,” Pangandaman said.
In 2025, PHP7.49 Billion was allocated for DOST Science Education Institute, including PHP3.54 Billion for DOST Science and Technology Institutes.
The DBM is also actively working with academic institutions and the private sector to support the conduct of studies to enhance public sevice delivery.
Pangandaman also asked support for the passage into law of the Right to Information Bill. ###
