DOST chief pushes for science laws, AI for disaster response

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. — INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Saturday said his agency will focus on boosting the country’s disaster resilience through artificial intelligence and stronger partnerships with the private sector.

In his State of the DOST Address, Solidum said the agency is expanding its focus on turning breakthroughs into tangible benefits for the public and will push to pass long-pending bills in Congress that strengthen science development.

“[Resilience] is an important pillar of the DOST to strengthen national resilience in creating and disseminating technology that is strong against the effects of climate and disasters,” he said. “I always say that resilience should not be seen as just surviving, we should also be thriving.”

Among the department’s flagship initiatives is AI for RP, launched in April 2024. It uses high-resolution artificial intelligence (AI) models to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. The project aims to extend lead times, speed up model runtimes and enhance the country’s local capacity in AI meteorology.

Solidum said the initiative complements the Phivolcs Modernization Act, signed into law in April 2025, which boosts the capabilities of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in hazard forecasting and risk communication.

Under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the department has also strengthened its services.

These include the Weather and Climate Forecasting and Warning Program, which issued El Niño-related notices and heat index forecasts, and the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, which monitors major river basins. The latter deployed eight X-band radars from 2022 to 2024 to detect changes in river systems and coastal areas during floods and storm surges.

“The improvement of these systems is ongoing to further enhance PAGASA’s disaster preparedness services,” Solidum said.

READ: Pagasa to tap AI for more frequent, longer-term weather forecasts 

He also urged Congress to pass priority science bills, including the proposed Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety (PhilATOM) Act, and other measures aimed at bolstering the country’s scientific infrastructure.

“The VIP bill has been ratified by both the Senate and House. If enacted into law, it will truly be a game changer for our health system,” he said. “It will strengthen local vaccine production, enhance virus research and ensure faster pandemic response.”

READ: Bill creating virology, vaccine institute up for Marcos’ signature 

The PhilATOM bill seeks to establish an independent regulatory body to oversee the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy by aligning the Philippines with international safety standards.

To accelerate innovation and commercialization, Solidum emphasized the importance of private sector participation and support for startups. He announced the upcoming launch of WannaKnow, an AI chatbot that will assist Filipino innovators from product ideation to testing and marketing.

The chatbot will serve as a digital mentor under the DOST’s Propel program, which aims to fast-track science-based enterprises and connect them with investors and mentors.

“We continue to be focused on delivering solutions and creating opportunities through strong partnerships with government agencies, private sector and academia and other important shareholders,” Solidum said. /das