Legarda manifests strong support for science, technology, innovation

Senator Loren Legarda, during the plenary interpellations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), manifested her support for the agency and its attached institutions, stressing the urgent need for stronger investment in science, technology, and innovation.

Legarda placed on record her backing for two major textile initiatives presented by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), the FRONTIER Program and the CREATTEEVs Program.

“These programs foster the revitalization of regional textile ecosystems and provide inclusive textile based livelihood opportunities for vulnerable sectors, including persons deprived of liberty and persons with special needs. Our scientists and innovators deserve more than the chronic underinvestment reflected in the current budget,” she said.

The four-term senator also manifested concern over the proposed ₱30.39 billion allocation for DOST, equivalent to only 0.46 percent of the national budget.

“I said this before, and I will say it again for the record: We do not put our money where our mouth is. This allocation is disheartening and inconsistent with our national goals for resilience, food security, economic competitiveness, and climate adaptation,” Legarda declared.

Legarda further noted the status of the US$10 million Green Climate Fund grant for the Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System, emphasizing the need for accountability and measurable benefits. She also highlighted the importance of capacitating local government units to use flood modelling systems, LiDAR-based maps, and platforms such as GeoRiskPH.

“We must ensure that LGUs can properly use these tools and integrate them into local development plans and disaster risk reduction strategies,” she said.

Legarda closed her manifestation by expressing gratitude to the men and women of DOST.

“Our scientists, technical experts, and innovators deserve more than 0.4 percent of the budget. I stand firmly with them in calling for stronger investment in science and technology,” she affirmed. (30)