03/06/2026
“It’s government funds in the first place. We have to deliver. Return on investment 'yan. Ano na’ng nangyari sa bilyon-bilyong pondo ng gobyerno? Kailangang bumalik in the form of money for the economy, jobs, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs.”
This was emphasized by Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), during the 2nd S&T Impact Assessment Conference held at Acacia Hotel Manila on May 25–26, 2026.
Serving as keynote speaker, Buendia called on researchers from higher education institutions, government R&D agencies, and non-profit organizations to submit proposals under the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program. The call includes impact assessment projects that generate evidence to guide policymaking, improve programs, and maximize the value of public investments in research and development.
She added that capacity-building initiatives, such as the conference, are among DOST’s efforts to encourage the wider adoption of impact assessment in the research community. | via Miguel Victor Durian/LB Times