Highlighting the importance of scientists as “beacons of light” in the country’s development,
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday encouraged the country’s scientists to continue enhancing their fields of expertise.
Speaking before experts and scientists during the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference and 90th General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines) in Pasay City, Marcos said he cannot think of a better, more qualified group of individuals who will help clear the shadows of doubt and become beacons of light, than our women and men in the fields of science.
By integrating science and good governance, he said the nation can build a much-improved future for the next generation of Filipinos.
“Imagine what we can accomplish together once we light our path with the foundations
of science: sustainable agricultural technology that will help our farmers; cities that will run on green energy; safe and affordable medicines for diseases that were once thought incurable, amongst many other successes that we have seen from the scientific field,” he said.
He urged scientists and experts to use science and technology well.
“Indeed, I feel that our spirits can run high, thinking about the many other feats that we can collectively achieve. Seeing you all here assures me that there are experts like you who are ready to move mountains and use science and technology as well as evidence-based solutions that will lead to meaningful action and policies,” he said.
These will be the contributions of Filipinos to the expansion of human knowledge and the collective capability to learn more about ourselves and the world, he added.
While there is a negative perception of VUCA or “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous” global environment, he noted the shroud of uncertainty slowly disappears as scientists and experts change the traditional ways of seeing and building the world.
“Indeed, this year’s theme speaks well of your community’s stand to challenge the uncertainties ahead with innovation, research, and evidence-based solutions,” Marcos said.
With VUCAD2 or a “Visionary, Understandable, Clear, Agile, Digital, and Diverse” future, he said the negative perception and effects of a VUCA environment could be countered.
He congratulated the Department of Science and Technology and the NRCP for successfully organizing the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference.