To improve UN HDI ranking:
Strengthen education and R&D -- Angara

Senator Edgardo Angara today lamented that while the Philippines is improving in terms of human development, it pales in comparison to how much other countries have accomplished.

In a recent report of the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) Report, the Philippines slipped from its 84th ranking last year to 90th.

"While we have improved our score, from .771 in 2006 to .763 this year, we've got to do better. We've got to raise the bar of our goals, as other countries that have dramatically improved their standards of living did," said Angara .

According to Angara , chair of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), "one of the key factors to these countries' success is their commitment and investment in strengthening education and R&D."

One of the three components of UN HDI is the level of education (measured by adult literacy and enrollment at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels), along with life expectancy and standards of living.

" China two years ago overtook our ranking. It is increasing its R&D investment yearly by 25%, and investing in strengthening its education, especially in S&T. Countries that have taken strides in the UN HDI, such as Turkey and Jordan , are also revamping its education and R&D."

"In the Philippines , education is still one of the best ways to improve the standards of living, not only of a person, but of a whole family. We've got to improve the quality of our education, especially in S&T, and give more committed effort in strengthening our R&D," said Angara .

COMSTE is tasked to review the state of S&T in the country - including S&T curriculum -- and legislate laws that will harness S&T and R&D to improve the country's competitiveness.