Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. recalled how Science, Technology, and Innovation has improved in providing solutions and creating opportunities for all, through the years.
“Over the years, we’ve seen how science and technology can bridge gaps and DOST has reached communities, even those that were once considered too far or too difficult to serve,” Solidum said.
Echoing the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that science and innovation continue to guide the agency’s efforts towards building climate and disaster resilience, Solidum vowed to strengthen national resilience by developing and deploying disaster-resilient technologies, improving access to science-based information, and enhancing preparedness across communities and sectors.
In his State of the Department Address (SODA) during the celebration of 67th anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on June 13, 2025, Solidum shared the ongoing and upcoming efforts of the department in ensuring faster recovery, effective disaster mitigation, and reduced vulnerabilities, aligning with the government’s broader resilience agenda.
“Today we are very proud to celebrate 67 years of science, technology and innovation and this milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the DOST family who has contributed to building a stronger and more resilient nation,” Solidum said.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the DOST has anchored its programs and services into a simplified framework called the four pillars: promoting human well-being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability.
Citing examples, Solidum highlighted the AI-Powered Weather Forecasting for a Resilient Philippines (AI-4RP) launched in April 2024, which uses high-resolution artificial intelligence (AI) models to improve weather forecasting accuracy, lead times, and runtime.
While the Philippines ranked first as the most vulnerable country to climate-related risks, according to the World Risk Index 2024 report, and with the extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology said there is an urgent need to enhance disaster preparedness efforts in the country and thus the Philippines need to leverage AI technology to strengthen the country’s resilience against climate threats.
Additionally, Solidum shared the Mobile Command and Control Vehicles (MoCCoV) project which enhances disaster response by equipping the local government units (LGUs) with mobile units containing advanced technologies like drones, satellite phones, and weather monitoring tools. Currently, there are 11 units deployed from July 2022 to December 2024, targeting 7 more units pending approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Solidum also highlighted the recently approved PHIVOLCS Modernization Act (Republic Act No. 12180), signed into law by President Marcos on April 24, 2025. This law aims to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology through a P7 billion modernization program over five years.
These are just some of the many initiatives of the agency in terms of safeguarding natural resources, mitigate environmental risks, and to ensure sustainability of ecosystems.
Moreover, from 2022 to 2024, DOST has advanced the Philippines' STI agenda through expanded global partnerships, signing over 25 international agreements, supporting dozens of joint research and capacity-building initiatives, participating in hundreds of global engagements, and earning international recognition that strengthened the country’s role as a key player in science, technology, and innovation.
“The DOST has consistently ranked among the top government agencies in Publicus Asia’s PAHAYAG End of Year surveys from 2022 to 2024, reflecting strong public approval and trust in its vital role in advancing science, technology, and innovation in the Philippines. With all these accomplishments and acknowledgements, I am proud to say that the state of DOST is good and improving,” Solidum said.
Just recently in 2024, DOST has been recognized as one of the most trusted government agencies in the Philippines, securing the third spot in trust rankings and earning a 57 percent approval rating in the 2024 PAHAYAG End of the Year Survey conducted by Publicus Asia.
Also, the Philippines ranked 53rd out of 133 economies—exceeding the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 target of 54th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII).
“We remain committed to delivering solutions and creating opportunities through strong partnerships with government agencies, private organizations, the academe, and other valued stakeholders. The spirit of solidarity, resilience, unity, and synergism will continue to thrive within the DOST System—reflecting our unwavering dedication to national development and the well-being of every Filipino through innovative and timely STI solutions,” Solidum said.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Claire Bernadette Mondares, DOST-STII)
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. delivers his state of the Department Address (SODA) on June 13, 2025, during the celebration of the DOST’s 67th anniversary.
