31 March 2023, PERTH – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr engaged government and university officials in Western Australia to explore possible collaboration on innovation and technology translation during his visit to Perth on 27-30 March 2023. A geologist by profession, Secretary Solidum also met mining stakeholders to enhance mining research and development in the country.

In his briefings, the Secretary discussed the DOST Strategy Framework 2023-28 that will focus on four main pillars of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability as well as efforts to drive innovation in the country. The DOST provides science, technology and innovation (STI) – based interventions such as technology transfer and commercialization, technical assistance, technology training, laboratory and testing services including venture financing for start-up and technology-based enterprises.

As the R and D arm of the Philippine government, the DOST supports the entire bureaucracy in providing science-based solutions to the most pressing as well as emerging challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOST developed and utilized important health innovations including the RxBox Telemedicine Device, a multi-component program designed to provide better access to life-saving health care services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide.

The Secretary met WA Minister for Environment and Climate Action Reece Whitby where they discussed mutual interests in sustainability and biodiversity protection in the pursuit of economic growth. Secretary Solidum also inquired on actions pursued by WA in response to climate change given the State’s strong resources industry.

During the visit, the Secretary also met experts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s National Science Agency, as well as officials from University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute and Institute of Agriculture, Murdoch University Harry Butler Institute and Curtin University and WA School of Mines to discuss key challenges and opportunities for collaboration in R and D. The DOST supports Filipino graduate scholars in universities abroad in line with national priorities and Australia hosts the most number of DOST-funded MS and PhD Filipino scholars. Secretary Solidum met DOST scholars Dr. Richard Alorro (undergrad) and Dr. Jonah Gamutan (Philippine Science High School), lecturers of Metallurgical Engineering at Curtin University.

The Philippines and Australia have strong institutional linkages on education, research and development and the two countries are working together to support the Philippines’ innovation goals. -END-