MANDATE/MISSION

Executive Order No. 128 mandates the Department to “provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people”.

VISION STATEMENT

The Department envisions to be “an excellent provider of new knowledge and useful innovations, competent human resources and quality S & T services that uplift the socio economic well being of the Filipino people and ensure sustainability for future generations.”

PRINCIPLES


In the current arena of globalization, science and technology have become the most important factor for national economic growth and source of competitive advantage. Recognition of this fact has led technologically-progressive nations and firms to invest substantial resources in research and development (R&D), technology acquisition and adaptation, S&T education and training, and S&T infrastructure.

No less than the President has identified science and technology (S&T) as a principal means to fuel the nation's economy and ensure the well-being of all Filipinos.

In line with the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan, the Department of Science and Technology (Department or DOST) will pursue programs and activities guided by the principles of competence, competitiveness and conscience. Accordingly, the Department has adopted the following vision: A competent and competitive science and technology community with a social conscience.

The Medium-Term Plan of the DOST, for the period 1999 - 2004, presents the three-pronged approach which the science department shall adopt to realize this vision.

Firstly, by implementing high priority flagship programs to develop competence and competitiveness and address the needs of the poor and the disadvantaged. Secondly, by strengthening and giving sharper focus to continuing programs in science and technology to make them more relevant to the goals and thrusts of the current administration. And thirdly, by improving S&T governance and management, including institutional reforms for a more productive and efficient science community.

In pursuit of this vision, the Department will work with the S&T community on the urgent task of addressing the needs of Philippine society in proportion to their importance. In so doing, the Department enters into a new social contract with the Filipino people.

FUNCTIONS

1. Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan, and monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation;
   
   
2. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological research and development in areas identified as vital to the country's development;
   
   
3. Promote the development of indigenous technology and the adaptation and innovation of suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake technology development up to commercial stage;
   
   
4. Undertake design and engineering works to complement research and development functions;
   
   
5. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake the transfer of the results of scientific and technological research and development to their end-users;
   
   
6. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake the technological services needed by agriculture, industry, transport, and the general public;
   
   
7. Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and technology;
   
   
8. Develop and implement programs for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities through manpower training, infrastructure and institution-building;
   
   
9. Promote public consciousness in science and technology; and,
   
   
10. Undertake policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical studies.

POLICY DIRECTIONS

1. Forge more active partnerships in technology development and utilization
   
   To encourage the active involvement of both the public and private sectors in joint technology development and utilization to increase productivity and quality of products in agriculture, industry and the service sectors



2. Pursue more active partnerships in defining directions and priorities
   
   To promote consultation and cooperation between the public and private sectors in defining the directions and priorities of research and development, technology transfer and manpower development activities



3. Adopt a strong client-oriented research and development thrust
   
   To support R&D in the government sector by allocating sufficient budget and manpower on projects that would increase the Philippine's capacity to export, accelerate countryside development and promote sustainable development. R&D will be conducted in areas which address specific needs of clients specially agri/aqua enterprises and small and medium local manufacturers.



4. Increase private participation in S&T activities
   
   To formulate appropriate laws and administrative policies to private sector investment in science and techno-logy, the private sector being the engine of growth and technological innovation



5. Aggressively acquire and adapt technology from domestic and foreign sources
   
   To support the transfer of technology from domestic and foreign sources including utilization of local and foreign experts by providing incentives and other privileges



6. Upgrade S&T services
   
   To upgrade and expand S&T services and facilities to ensure that local products meet global standards of excellence



7. Develop and upgrade S&T manpower
   
   To increase the quality and quantity of scientists and engineers and encourage the private sector to play a bigger role in developing the nation's manpower base



8. Strengthen international S&T linkages
   
   To expand and strengthen scientific and technical cooperation with other countries through technical assistance programs on techno-logy transfer, joint research undertakings and exchange of experts in identified priority areas



9. Promote science and technology culture
   
   To increase awareness and appreciation of the usefulness of science and technology in everyday life especially among the youth



10. Improve the welfare of researchers, scientists and technologists
    
    To improve the work environment and incentives for S&T personnel including appropriate rewards for significant contributions to national socio-economic growth