An assessment of science and technology policies in the Philippines

This paper analyses R&D expenditures in the Philippines and the institutional arrangement for R&D coordination between the government and the private sector. The proper role of government in the S&T sector is to foster cooperation between government, academe, and industry; establish competitive science research funding mechanisms; promote the development of S&T manpower; and establish a system to monitor, assess, and forecast technology. However, there is a need to strengthen S&T education at the elementary and secondary school level to support an expansion of science and engineering enrollment at the tertiary level. This requires an upgrading of laboratory facilities and equipment, as well as the hiring of qualified faculty. Finally, weaknesses in the planning, budgeting, and implementing processes must be addressed.