Press Release
December 11, 2010

COMSTE TO BE RESTRUCTURED TO PRIORITIZE 2011 PROJECTS

The Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) is restructuring the composition of its members in a meeting later this week in order to fast track the implementation of priority projects for 2011.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Commission, said, "COMSTE needs to move into a more consultative role in this stage of the Commission's existence, mapping out the best S&T and R&D strategies and paths the country should take in order to develop and catch up with the 21st century."

"At this new stage, COMSTE needs people who can articulate plans for the country in terms of the strategic priorities it has identified: Telemedicine, Remote-sensing for Agriculture, and E-Vehicles and Green Transport Solutions; as well as to architect the institutions that we need in order to attract the best technologies and collaborative efforts in electronics and semiconductors, renewable energy, and disaster science," said Angara.

COMSTE Executive Director Dr. Gregory L. Tangonan has suggested the re-organization of the Commission into 2 major panels. These panels will be on composed of experts who (1) understand and can articulate the economic significance and impact of S&T on the country and its development, and (2) can identify the best technologies from around the world that the country needs to acquire.

The first group/panel will be composed of scientists and economists who have an authentic pulse of the country formulate strategies for long-term growth and competitiveness, as well as drive near-term projects that will create resilience and competitiveness in our local sectors and public private partnerships (PPPs).

The second group's membership can be sourced from the many Filipino scientists around the world who are attuned to the best scientific techniques and products that we need to acquire and implement in the country. They will become COMSTE's pool of experts who we can tap for further specific technical help if and when the need arises, and at the same time, this can serve as an effective means of taking advantage of the knowledge and services of our Filipino scientists abroad (brain gain).

As a whole, the two groups will work together, and with the immense economic and scientific background and expertise they have, in getting off the ground the aforementioned priority proposals/programs of COMSTE as well as other initiatives the Commission will push for along the way that will drive the country's innovation-based economy.

News Latest News Feed