Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, underscored the need for the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), one of DOST’s sectoral Councils, to focus on regional needs.
This was during yesterday’s PCAARRD’s S&T Awards and Recognition Ceremonies held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.
“The most important challenge for the Council is addressing regional needs. We have to do something about the growth imbalance or inequality that the President aims to address,” he said.
Speaking on the importance of partnership to accomplish the said goal, de la Peña said that agencies should work together to achieve complementarity, synergy, and do away with duplication in research activities.
De la Peña also explained the 17 millennium development goals (MDGs) of the United Nations and how the Department addresses them. MDG numbers 14 and 15 will be addressed during PCAARRD’s exhibit in the upcoming National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in July.
The PCAARRD’s S&T Awards and Recognition Ceremonies was held in commemoration of its 8th anniversary celebration themed, “PCAARRD at 8: Addressing Regional Needs through Sustained Partnership.”