Expert panel propose science, tech laws
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:09:00 10/07/2008
Filed Under: Technology (general), Science (general), Government
PASAY City, Philippines -- A group of experts from the science, semiconductor, agriculture, education and energy sectors have sent their recommendations to the Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), a group composed of government, private sector and the academe.
Some of the recommendations include the establishment of an Institute for Energy Planning and Policy Studies, setting up a National Genome Center to pursue possible stem cell research, unification of all science high schools in the country and improving laboratories state-owned universities and colleges.
The panel of experts also supported several legislative proposals, namely the National Health Research Bill, Fair Access to Capital Bill, Human Capital Development Bill, and the National Science High School System Bill.
Among the authors of the recommendations are former DOST Undersecretary William Padolina, former Energy Secretary Francisco Viray, Ateneo De Manila University Professor Greg Tangonan, IBM Daksh Philippines President Joaquin Quintos, Mapua President Reynaldo Vea, and University of the Philippines Mindanao Chancellor Ramon Arcadio.
The recommendations were given to COMSTE members led by Senator Edgardo Angara during a meeting at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay. The recommendations were coursed through Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Undersecretary Fortunato De la Peña who is also the executive director of COMSTE.
In an interview, De la Peña said the meeting was the first time the panel of experts came up with recommendations that the COMSTE group would be able to review.
Peña hopes that some of the recommendations will be acted upon by the COMSTE to fast track possible inclusion in pending legislations or in government policies.
Meanwhile, Senator Angara said he is requesting the panel experts to come up with monetary proposals to allow legislators to justify the financial costs of pursuing the recommendations.
Angara said they hope to get some of the projects going before the next presidential elections in 2010.
The panel experts pointed out the recommendations are designed to develop, improve, and sustain various related programs and put together a system that would ensure that the sectors help each other.
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