Press Release
October 19, 2011

NAT'L INNOVATION PROGRAM KEY TO IMPROVED
COMPETITIVENESS--ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara called on the government to commit to a national innovation program during his keynote speech at a forum held on Monday entitled "Understanding Innovations: A Benchmark for Economic Growth and Competitiveness".

The event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the International Development Research Center (IDRC).

Angara lamented the low rate of innovation in the country, mainly due to weak government support.

"The existing projects are more in name than substance, which is why this forum is a timely, relevant opportunity to contribute to policy-making. We must pursue this initiative in a dedicated, singular manner if we want positive results," he said.

Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, explained that the proposed national innovation program would have two major components.

"This program would provide financial support to enable our academe and industries to undertake world-class R&D and adapt available technology abroad to address our country's needs," he said.

"Second, the government must also draw up policy guidelines that would offer incentives such as tax deductions and credit to companies," Angara added.

The veteran legislator underscored the importance of the national innovation program in improving our country's competitiveness and economic performance relative to our neighbors in Southeast Asia.

"Now is the time for us to wake up. Because without reform in science, education, agriculture, health and especially governance, we will never escape the 'low income country' classification," said Angara.

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