President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has Renato Solidum Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Malacañang announced on Friday.
“We confirm the appointment of Mr. Renato Umali Solidum Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a statement.
He will replace Fortunato T. dela Penã.
Solidum is a geologist who has worked as the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
He also served as DoST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation before his new appointment.
The Office of the Press Secretary released a copy of the letter containing Solidum’s appointment dated 22 July 2022.
It was signed by Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez.
“I am pleased to transmit your appointment letter, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as ad interim secretary (of the) Department of Science and Technology,” the letter read.
DoST is mandated to “provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people”.