The Department of Science and Technology or DOST is a Philippine government agency responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising science and technology-related projects in the Philippines. It gives support to people who have innovative ideas that need development, gives a scholarship to students who want to pursue a career in science and technology, and gives updates regarding science and technology around the world.
In 1987, the then-National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) was restructured into the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and now has different regional offices throughout the country.
Long-Term Vision
The DOST is the “provider of world-class scientific, technological and innovative solutions that will lead to higher productivity and better quality of life.”
Intermediate Vision
The DOST as a leading ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Hub by 2022.
Mission
To direct, lead, and coordinate the country’s scientific and technological efforts geared towards maximum economic and social benefits for the people.
Mandate
Executive Order No. 128 mandates the Department to “provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people”.
DOST-CAR, as an implementing arm of the Department shall:
- Carry out the science and technology policies, plans, programs and projects, laws, rules, and regulations.
- Provide science and technology services to the people.
- Coordinate with other government agencies and with local government units in the region on science and technology matters.
Functions
The DOST-CAR performs the following functions:
- Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology in the region.
- Implement DOST programs and projects through
- Technology transfer and commercialization
- Information dissemination
- Testing, analysis, and consultancy services
- Training, promotion, and education
- Manpower development and institution building.
- Develop institutional linkages and coordinate with regional offices of other departments, local government units, academe, and non-government offices in the region.
Responsibility
- Provide funding for research and development projects in various fields of science and technology.
- Encourage the growth of local industries through technology transfer, capacity building, and entrepreneurship promotion.
- Promote scientific and technological literacy among Filipinos.
- Promote the development of science and technology education and training programs.
- Create opportunities for Filipino scientists to work abroad.
Core Value (iELITE)
Innovation, Excellence, Leadership, Integrity, teamwork, Empowerment
Quality Policy
“We are committed to provide gender responsive products and services to both the government and private sectors in the Cordillera Administrative Region with the highest standards of quality and reliability within our capabilities and resources according to customer and all applicable regulatory and statutory requirements, plan actions to address risks and opportunities, and to continually improve the effectiveness of our QMS at all times in order to meet customer satisfaction.”
DOST Programs
The DOST created actions and partnerships to develop policies that focus on science and technology. The DOST comes up with different programs to oversee the advancement of science and technology in the Philippines.
Balik Science Program
This program encourages Filipino scientists, technologies, and experts to go back to the Philippines to share their knowledge and expertise with the Philippine society. It focuses on Agriculture and Food, Biotechnology, Disaster Mitigation and Management, Environment, and Natural Resources, Electronics, Energy, Genomics, Health, ICT, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, and Semiconductor. This program also aims to reach the following:
- Reverse the effect of the brain drain
- Promote knowledge sharing
- Strengthen science and technology capabilities
- Enhance the Technology capabilities of the country
Biosafety Clearing-House of the Philippines (BCH Pilipinas)
With the collaboration of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Health (DOH), they created The Philippine Biosafety Clearing-House to:
- Facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, environmental, and legal information on, and experience with, Living Modified Organisms (LMOs); and
- Assists Parties in implementing the Protocol while taking into account the unique needs of developing country Parties.
DOST Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC)
The DOST Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC) is composed of the different departments (the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Health (DOH)) that aims to prioritize the first-rate science available for the Philippines to evaluate the safety of all modern biotechnology operations and products.
DOST Grants-in-AID Program (DOST-GIA)
This program gives financial support to science and technology programs and projects that will help the country’s economy grow. All expert Filipinos, individual or group, may request financial support from DOST as long as their project and initiatives will benefit the Filipino people.
National Committee of Biosafety of the Philippines.
This program focuses on genetic engineering work and the importation, introduction, release, and reproduction of possibly dangerous organisms. With the collaboration of the scientist at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the Internationa Rice Research Institute (IRRI), they signed a memorandum to establish a joint Committee on Biosafety:
- 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.
Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)
This program provides assistance to small enterprises in upgrading their technology to become more competitive in society. This program has three components:
- Technology Transfer Grants
- Technology Commercialization Grants
- Partnership Grants
DOST Training Programs
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides various training that will improve the Filipinos’ productivity and competitiveness. The training is free but the participants must be 18 years and above.
- DOST Technology and Livelihood Training
- DOST Training Program on Aquaculture
- Livestock Caretaking and Management Training
- Vegetable Growing and Processing Training
- Agricultural Business Management Training
- Animal Husbandry Training
DOST Scholarship for OFW Dependents
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to provide education to Overseas Filipino Workers’ dependents to help them reach their goals. The DOST offers financial assistance with a maximum of PHP 60,000 per annum to qualified dependents. Here’s the list of requirements to be qualified for a scholarship:
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be 18-25 years old
- Must not be a holder of any other scholarship grant
- Must have a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 80 % or its equivalent
- Must be enrolled or about to enroll in any of the priority courses identified by DOST
- Must be willing to be assigned to any part of the Philippines
DOST Research Centers
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) runs various research centers and institutions in the Philippines. They provide assistance to conduct research in our country and technical assistance to other countries as well. Here’s the list of research centers and institutes under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST):
- National Institute of Health
- National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC)
- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)
- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)
- National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)
- Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
Video: Balik Scientist program ng DOST, gaano nga ba kaepektibo? | Need To Know
Watch this video on how one of the programs DOST helps to grow the numbers of Filipino scientists amidst the Pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DOST?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is a Philippine government agency responsible for making policies and projects about science and technology and collaborating with the projects in the Philippines.
What is a DOST scholarship?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides financial support to qualified students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in science and technology-related course.
How does DOST support the inventions of Filipinos?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) organized the DOST-Regional TAPI’s Invention Contest and Exhibits every year for all Filipino inventors, researchers, and students who are willing to participate.
How does DOST help entrepreneurs?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides access to laboratories and innovation hubs, equipment, and financial support to develop the products of local entrepreneurs.
Summary
Science and technology are one of the most important factors for a country to progress. It boosts the economy and makes people’s lives easier and more fun. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s job is to promote research and development by supporting people who want to become a man of science.
The DOST offers financial support, programs, projects, and training to public and private individuals to help the country keep up with global scientific and technological advancements. It also offers training programs for Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and assistance if they want to come home and work in the Philippines.