The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and IBM Philippines Inc. on Thursday signed in Malacañang a memorandum of understanding for the setting up of the first Philippine systems and technology research and development laboratory to help spur economic growth.
The MOU was signed by Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and IBM country manager Mariels Almeda Winhoffer.
The signing was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III, who said he expects the information technology giant’s expertise in the field to improve the system of governance in the country.
“Basically, their expertise will now be channeled to helping our governance,” the President said.
Montejo described IBM’s move as a “significant” development as it shows that the company looks at the country as a “place to go for R&D activities.”
“(The company) really wants to triple the size of IBM here in just three to four years,” Montejo told reporters. “When you say the biggest and most advanced technology company is coming to the Philippines, there should be others coming in too.”
He said IBM, which is basically engaged in providing solutions using information technology (IT), is interested in getting into analytics here. Analytics uses computer technology, operational research and statistics in addressing problems of business and industry.
Montejo cited the country’s installation of sensors or rain gauges for its weather monitoring system, which produces data.
“What do you do with the data? (IBM) will process it into something useful… So as long as we generate data, it can be used for analytics,” Montejo said.