Manila: Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Friday touted the agency's key accomplishments for the past six months. "By expanding the nation's capacity to generate new knowledge and reinforcing the foundations of innovation, the Department continues to create an enabling environment where ideas are transformed into practical solutions that improve lives, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable economic growth," he told the Philippine News Agency.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOST has strengthened and enhanced its policies, programs, and strategies to foster a more dynamic and responsive science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem, as highlighted by Solidum. Key initiatives of the DOST have been centered on skills development and enhancing the contributions of science and technology (S and T) professionals. The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) has engaged 23 Filipino experts from January to June 2026, boosting the scientific workforce to a total of 201 since July 2022.
Solidum also noted the DOST's efforts in advancing sustainable mobility through locally developed transport innovations. The agency's electric vehicle (EV) program, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Diliman and Cagayan State University, developed the e-tranvia, the country's first Filipino-engineered all-electric eight-seater tourist vehicle, which now provides free tours in Intramuros, Manila. The program aims for wider deployment nationwide, with the M/B Dalaray, a locally developed 40-passenger electric ferry for the Pasig River, set to enhance sustainable transport options. Plans are underway to commence full operations by 2027 with additional electric ferries and EV charging facilities.
Assistance continues for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), seeking to boost productivity with an investment of PHP671 million for 386 projects in the first semester. The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program has also assisted 1,042 communities nationwide through STI-based interventions, strengthening livelihoods and promoting inclusive community development.
From January to April, the DOST approved three commercialization projects, providing PHP13.14 million in grants via the Technology Innovation and Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) program, which accelerates the commercialization of locally developed technologies.
In terms of strengthening the country's weather forecasting capabilities, the DOST operates nine Doppler Weather Radars stations as of May 31 and continues to enhance the national radar network. The agency has also expanded the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) monitoring networks with three new seismic stations and an additional volcano broadband seismic station, enabling faster and more accurate monitoring of natural hazards.
Collectively, these efforts aim to advance inclusive development, enhance the country's global competitiveness, and reinforce the foundations of a resilient and innovation-driven economy, according to Solidum.
