Science And Technology Linkages

Under the Joint Science and Technology collaboration, scholarship programs have been institutionalized to benefit Filipino scientists and engineers who want to pursue further studies in science and technology. This includes joint research study, sandwich scholarship program, capacity building, scientific conferences, training courses, workshops and exchange of scientists.

The lead agencies are the Department of Science and Technology (PH) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (TW). Priority areas for the Joint Research Project (JRP) are identified and undergo technical evaluation by both sides prior to its approval during the Joint Science and Technology Commission (JSTC) meetings which take place biennially with both the Philippines and Taiwan taking turns in hosting the event.

In 2015, the Technical Working Group on Volcano, Ocean, Typhoon, and Earthquake (VOTE) was created. Its task is to evaluate and prioritize scientific research and development within the scope of VOTE in both the Philippines and Taiwan; cluster relevant institutes and organizations; and serve as consultant in the JSTC.

For the Sandwich Scholarship Program (SSP), qualified Filipino graduate and post graduate students are sent to different universities in Taiwan to do research in the fields of Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Life Sciences and Engineering. The host academic institutions provide these scholars with access to laboratories and facilities to complete their research.

The Smart City Summit in February 2017 in Taipei was graced by the participation of Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena and Undersecretary Rowena Guevara of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) who were speakers during the summit.

MECO coordinated the benchmarking mission of the DOST CALABARZON (Region IV-A) delegation in June 19 to 28, 2017. They visited the Food Industry Research Development Institute and also the Taipei International Food Show.

Up next: The Pre-JSTC meeting is scheduled in September 28, 2017 in Manila to discuss research directions and developments in health and agriculture.

Pending MOU for signing hopefully this year: MIRDC Taiwan and MIRDC Philippines; DOST and ITRI;