President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged on Friday the country’s scientists and experts to continue enhancing their fields of expertise, as he highlighted the importance of scientists as “beacons of light” in the country’s development.
“I cannot think of a better, a more qualified group of individuals who will help clear the shadows of doubt and become beacons of light, than our women and men in the fields of science,” the President said in his speech before experts and scientists during the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference and 90th General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) in Pasay City.
President Marcos said that by integrating science and good governance, the nation can build a much improved future for the next generation of Filipinos.
“Imagine what we can accomplish together once we light our path with the foundations of science: sustainable agricultural technology that will help our farmers; cities that will run on green energy; safe and affordable medicines for diseases that were once thought incurable, amongst many others successes that we have seen from the scientific field,” the President told the conference attendees.
“Indeed, I feel that our spirits can run high, thinking about the many other feats that we can collectively achieve. Seeing you all here assures me that there are experts like you who are ready to move mountains and use science and technology as well as evidence-based solutions that will lead to meaningful action and policies,” the President pointed out.
The chief executive noted that many of the country’s endeavors will depend on the people’s willingness and resolve to use science and technology for national development, as he urged scientists and experts to use them well.
These will be the contributions of Filipinos to the expansion of human knowledge and the collective capability to learn more about ourselves and the world, the President added.
While there is a negative perception of VUCA or “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous” global environment, President Marcos noted the shroud of uncertainty slowly disappears as scientists and experts change the traditional ways of seeing and building the world.
“Indeed, this year’s theme speaks well of your community’s stand to challenge the uncertainties ahead with innovation, with research, and evidence-based solutions,” President Marcos said.
With VUCAD2 or a “Visionary, Understandable, Clear, Agile, Digital, and Diverse” future, President Marcos pointed out that the negative perception and effects of a VUCA environment could be countered.
The President also congratulated the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the NRCP for successfully organizing the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference.
President Marcos also commended the country’s outstanding scientists, researchers, and experts from various fields for their invaluable contributions that form part of the solid foundations of Philippine society. (PND)
