PGMA to CHED: Strengthen scholarship program for engineers, scientists

MANILA, July 18 — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has tasked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to strengthen its scholarship program to double the country’s engineers and scientists involved in research and development (R&D).

The Presidential Coordinating Council on Research and Development (PCCRD), which the President chairs, noted that the Philippines’ R&D standing is below the average for developing countries as determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It was noted that the average spending for R&D should be equal to one percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the average number of scientists and engineers per million of the population should total 380.

Currently, the Philippines is spending an average of 0.12 percent of GDP for R&D and has a total average of only 125 engineers for every million population.

To ensure the increase in the number of engineering graduates, the CHED will make use of the P1-billion Student's Assistance Fund for Education for a Strong Republic (SAFE 4 SR) program which the President launched last year to provide interest-free loan to third and fourth year college students to enable them to finish their schooling.

It has also emphasized the need to strengthen the College of Engineering in all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to increase the number of engineering graduates in the country.

The CHED was also tasked to handle and rationalize all domestic and foreign scholarships to be able to maximize R&D linkages.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as vice chairman of the PCCRD, was also tasked to draft a National Research And Development Priorities Plan that would ensure the synchronization of all R&D efforts of various government agencies and serve as a guide for the utilization of their respective R&D funds.

Last June 9, the President has directed the DOST to solicit public sector and private sector support for the establishment of a trust fund for R&D programs.

Citing the important role of R&D practitioners in national development and advancement, the government has committed to provide 30 percent while expecting the private sector can provide 70 percent for the fund.

Studies show that R&D is one of the key ingredients in the progress attained by a number of industrialized nations.

Public sector involvement in scientific research and the translation of these research findings into commercial technologies or public policies has made countries like Japan and South Korea to sustain economic growth.

Recognizing the importance of research and development, the President has created the PCCRD which will review and take charge of research and development projects of various government agencies.

The President said the PCCRD will also be an effective venue for the government to maximize gains from R&D efforts in the public sector. (PNA)

LGI/OPS/rsm

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