COMSTE fast track the implementation of their 2011 priority projects
By Jason de Asis

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, December 12, 2010-Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) said that the commission is reorganizing their members composition in a meeting later this week in order to fast track the implementation of priority projects next year.

He said that COMSTE needs to move into a more consultative role in this stage of the Commission’s existence, mapping out the best science and technology and research and development strategies which the country should take in order to develop and catch up with the 21st century.

Angara said that COMSTE should single out people who can articulate plans for the country in terms of the strategic priorities it has identified such as Telemedicine, Remote-sensing for Agriculture, and E-Vehicles and Green Transport Solutions; as well as to architect the institutions that they need in order to attract the best technologies and to collaborate efforts in electronics and semiconductors, renewable energy, and disaster science.

COMSTE Executive Director Dr. Gregory L. Tangonan has suggested the re-organization of the Commission into two major panels. These panels will be composed of experts who understand and articulate the economic significance and impact of S&T in the country and its development, and can identify the best technologies around the world that the country needs to acquire.

The first group/panel will be composed of scientists and economists who have authentic pulse of the country’s formulated strategies for long-term growth and competitiveness, as well as drive near-term projects that will develop resiliency and competitiveness in the local sectors and public private partnerships (PPPs).

From the Filipino Scientists who will become COMSTE’s pool of experts and will develop specific technical assistance and at the same time may serve as effective means of taking advantage of their expertise.

With their immense economic and scientific background and expertise the two groups can work together in implementing the priority programs that will drive the country’s innovation-based economy. (Jason de Asis)