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More researchers needed as more solons use research studies for policy making
“Decision-making should be based on evidence,” Presbitero J. Velasco, Governor of Marinduque, said during the Basic Research Caravan 2020, wherein he presented “Evidenced-based policy making in the province of Marinduque,” a webinar attended by over 120 participants and jointly organized by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines and DOST Region IV-B (DOST-NRCP and DOST IV-B).
Velasco discussed their proposed project in Marinduque to entice tourists during the Moriones celebration, supposedly this year. However, it will instead be implemented in 2021, when people’s movement is no longer constrained by the pandemic. Based on previous tourism data on the influx of visitors during the Moriones celebration, Velasco’s team estimated a hundred thousand visitors and revenue of 250M for one week’s celebration. As a former part of the judiciary, review of evidence has always been a part of Velasco’s job.
Marieta B. Sumagaysay, Director of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) of the DOST said that more researchers are needed, especially now that the law makers are requesting for research studies as basis for their policy development.
Some of the ongoing basic research studies requested by the law makers have to do with the following: Biodiversity inventory, assessment, and conservation for ecotourism development; Study on the Utilization of Marang fruit, and assessment of fruit production in Mindanao; Looming water crisis in the Philippines; and Socioeconomic and political study to support public policy towards transforming the municipality of Ubay, Bohol into a science city.
The DOST-NRCP has 4,840 research members scattered nationwide. However, only a very small portion, 31 research members or zero-point six percent of these researchers are from MIMAROPA. Region IV-A, however, has 15.6% research members registered with DOST-NRCP. Region XII and BARMM, like Region IV-B also have low number of research membership that is why the Council strongly encourage researchers from these areas to become members.
Velasco is aware of the environmental situation in the Marcopper area in Marinduque and while there is a great tourism potential for areas surrounding it, he emphasized that the safety of the people in the area is their top priority. The government of Marinduque is currently looking for solutions to their electrical and water situation, since those are the basic things needed for their tourism industry to flourish.
Velasco requested DOST-NRCP to guide them in the development not only of the Marcopper area but other areas as well. Dir. Sumagaysay and Ma.Josefina P. Abilay, Director of DOST-MIMAROPA assured the governor that they can count on their support when it comes to R&D in the province.
“NRCP’s Research membership is free. We don’t collect fees and all they have to do is visit our website, check out the requirements and submit for evaluation,” Dir. Sumagaysay said.
The NRCP’s Basic Research Caravan is a part of the DOST’s 2020 National Science and Technology (NSTW) celebration. The public is invited to the NSTW that will run on a virtual platform on 23-27 November 2020 with the theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Sandigan ng Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaayusan, at Kinabukasan”.
DOST-NRCP members will present the following topics during the NSTW: Cybersecurity: Are We Serious About It? with John D. Ultra, Assistant Professor of UP Visayas Tacloban College, 23 November at 4-5pm; Government-Technology Intersection: Can you help me stop this pandemic? with Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, Professor NCPAG, UP Diliman, 25 November at 10-11am; Ang bigat ng Salita:Ilang Pagninilay sa Gitna ng Pandemya with Dr. Louie Jon A. Sanchez, Ateneo de Manila University, 26 November at 10-11am; Health/Wellness: Health boosters vs Infections with Dr. Erna C. Arollado, UP, Manila, 27 November at 1-3pm; and Science of Dreams: Why do I get nightmares? with Dr. Agnes T. Remulla, ENT, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, 27 November at 1-3pm.
For more information and updates regarding the 2020 NSTW, please visit the www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and its Facebook page or send your message at nstw.secretariat@gmail.com and nstw2020.promotions@gmail.com.(Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, DOST-STII)
Marieta B. Sumagaysay, Director of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) of the DOST said that more researchers are needed, especially now that the law makers are requesting for research studies as basis for their policy development.
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