What is the Meaning of DOST – Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology or DOST is the executive branch of the Philippine government responsible for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the Philippines as well as the formulation of science and technology policies and projects.

Also Read: What is the Meaning of DepEd – Department of Education

DOST is involved in many different aspects of science and technology, one of which is providing scholarship programs for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Science and Technology. They also provide support for entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that need development. Overall, DOST is an important part of our government that helps keep us updated with the latest advancements in science and technology.

meaning of dost department of science and technology

Overview

Every country has its own department that manages its science and technology capabilities. This department is important for the social and economic progress of a country. The Philippines has a Department of Science and Technology known as DOST.

The DOST is the main agency of the Philippine government that is responsible for the coordination between science and technology-related projects in the country. The said department also makes policies and projects in the fields of science and technology that support national development.

The Department of Science and Technology the country’s premier scientific agency, is in charge of leading all science and technology operations in the Philippines.

What is the meaning of DOST?

DOST is an acronym for the Department of Science and Technology.

What is DOST?

DOST was created in 1958, during the administration of Carlos P. Garcia. In 1981, it was renamed the National Science and Technology Authority after being known as the National Science and Development Board. The DOST’s main office is located in Taguig City, Metro Manila. It also has satellite offices in different parts of the country.

Purpose of DOST

DOST makes various initiatives and collaborations in developing policies geared toward science and technology. It provides frontline services in all of its offices in the country. The main purpose why this agency was built is to manage the progress of scientific and technological advancement in the Philippines.

Functions and Responsibilities

The DOST’s functions and responsibilities were enhanced and intensified as a result after it became a part of the Cabinet. The new agency was also tasked by the executive order to “guide, lead, and coordinate the country’s scientific and technical activities directed toward maximum economic and social advantages for the people 

List of DOST Programs

Check out this list of programs under DOST:

1. Balik Scientist Program (BSP)

Through this program of DOST, Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts are encouraged to return to the country and share their expertise. This also promotes scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development, including the development of our human capital in science, technology, and innovation. President Rodrigo R. Duterte established the program with RA 11035 “Balik Scientist Act in 2018, which drafted the Balik Scientist Law’s implementing rules and regulations. The Balik Scientist Program focuses on achieving the following:

  • Reverse the effect of the brain drain
  • Promote knowledge sharing
  • Strengthen S & T capabilities
  • Enhance the Technology capabilities of the country

The BSP’s primary areas are in the field of Agriculture and Food, Biotechnology, Disaster Mitigation and Management, Environment and Natural Resources, Electronics, Energy, Genomics, Health, ICT, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, and Semiconductor.

2. Biosafety Clearing-House of the Philippines (BCH Pilipinas)

In 2008, the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), the Departments of Science and Technology (DOST), Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Health (DOH) proudly announced the official launch of the BCH Pilipinas: The Philippine Biosafety Clearing House (BCH).

The country established the BCH Pilipinas in accordance with Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The BCH’s objectives are to (a) facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, environmental, and legal information on, and experience with, Living Modified Organisms (LMOs), and (b) assist Parties in implementing the Protocol while taking into account the unique needs of developing country Parties. The BCH will act as a “one-stop-shop” for biosafety-related information from the country, including laws and regulations, risk assessments on permitted LMOs for food, feed, and processing, a national report, and competent national authorities on LMOs, and national contacts.

3. DOST Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC)

The Department of Science and Technology Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC) was successfully built-in 2009. The NBF, together with the Biosafety Committees of the Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Environment and Natural Resources, established this to help concerned government departments to respond to the difficulties impacted by rapid advances in contemporary biotechnology.

The Philippines is prioritizing the finest science available for the country to assess the safety of all modern biotechnology operations and products. This is one of the major priorities of the country. Thus, in 1990, Executive Order 430 was issued to develop a framework to ensure the safety of genetically modified organism experiments (GMOs). This was reinforced by the issue of Executive Order 514 in 2006, which established the National Biosafety Framework. This has defined the roles of government entities involved in GMO biosafety assessment and preparation for GMOs other than agricultural crops.

4. DOST Grants-in-Aid Program (DOST-GIA)

The Department of Science and Technology’s Grants-in-Aid Program (DOST-GIA) wants to secure and develop the country’s scientific and technological strengths. Their action of granting financial support to S&T programs and projects thus would foster long-term economic growth in the country.

The GIA program is intended to contribute to the productivity and quality of life of every Filipino by creating and promoting new and qualified technologies through the support of relevant science and technology (S&T) endeavors. It also aspires to increase the engagement of many S&T sectors, particularly in R&D by promoting and transferring technology and its use, disseminating information, advocacy, and connections.

If you are a Filipino public or private individual with expertise, you may request GIA funding from DOST and its grant-making units. As long as the initiatives benefit Filipinos and are based in the Philippines.

5. National Committee of Biosafety of the Philippines

The Biosafety Guidelines encompass genetic engineering work as well as activities needing the importation, introduction, field release, and reproduction of potentially dangerous organisms to humans and the environment.

In the Philippines, scientists at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) raised concerns about biosafety when their research began to necessitate the use of modern biotechnology tools. This was at a time when recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering was proving to be a promising tool in the genetic engineering field. In 1987, then-UPLB Chancellor Raul P. De Guzman and then-IRRI Director General M.S. Swaminathan signed a memorandum of understanding that established a Joint Committee on Biosafety with the following terms of reference:

  • Review research proposals submitted by UPLB and IRRI scientists commencing studies that necessitate particular safety precautions and propose permission or rejection to the institution’s leadership.
  • Serve as a clearinghouse for knowledge on recombinant DNA technology-based experimental procedures; and
  • Consult with nations that have biosafety legislation in place so that UPLB and IRRI can develop and implement relevant guidelines for current biotechnology research.
  • To guarantee that the highest standards of safety are maintained, periodically review ongoing studies in modern biotechnology, particularly those involving fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, insect pests, and recombinant DNA.

Video: DOST Information

To learn more information about this government agency, check out this clip which features more details about the DOST:

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out these common questions and answers about the DOST agency:

1. What are other DOST Services?

DOST has several services to offer, such as Application to Balik Scientist Program, Certification of Science Foundation, Application to Grants in Aid Program, Application to Joint Scientific Research Program, Accreditation, and Certification, S&T Scholars, etc.

2. Does DOST provide scholarship programs?

Answer: Yes, DOST is not only limited to science and technology, it also provides S&T Scholarship.

3. What is S&T Scholarship?

The S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Program intends to encourage and lure talented Filipino youngsters to pursue lifetime productive professions in science and technology, as well as to assure a consistent, appropriate supply of skilled S&T people resources to propel the country forward.

4. Does DOST support inventions?

Yes. In fact, DOST-Regional TAPI’s Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) is held every other year to recognize regional inventors and researchers, including students.

5. What is the support provided to entrepreneurs by DOST?

DOST has provided local entrepreneurs with access to laboratories and equipment funding to aid in product development, as well as a marketing push via OneSTore Ph.

6.  Is DOST part of the government?

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST; Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya) of the Philippines is the executive branch of the Philippine government responsible for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the Philippines as well as the formulation of science and technology policies and projects.

7.  Is there a qualifying exam for the DOST scholarship?

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must pass the 2021 S&T Undergraduate Scholarships Examination and enroll in a Bachelor of Science degree program in any of the priority fields of study at a state university or college, or any private higher education institution, that is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as a Center of Excellence or Center of Development, or that has at least FAAP Level III accreditation for the BS program in which they intend to enroll.

Summary

DOST plays a very important role in our government and country. Emerging science and technology is essential for a country since it is involved in the progress of the economy.

This department is not just limited to formulating new policies and programs related to technology advancement, it is also capable of supporting entrepreneurs and students. 

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