DOST pushes innovation for health, food security, economic growth

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is advancing the frontiers of bioscience to improve public health, enhance food security, and spur sustainable development across rural communities in the Philippines.

Speaking at the 47th annual scientific meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the vital role of bioscience in creating practical and inclusive solutions that directly respond to community needs.

“By connecting scientific breakthroughs with community needs, the biosciences can provide relevant, transdisciplinary, and comprehensive solutions that promote community resilience, environmental responsibility, and economic progress,” Solidum said.

He cited *Tuklas Lunas*, the country’s flagship drug discovery and development program, as a prime example. The program, which currently supports 29 institutions nationwide, taps into the Philippines’ rich biodiversity to explore indigenous medicinal plants and natural compounds. Its goal is to develop locally sourced therapeutic agents that could eventually lead to the commercialization of new drugs and herbal products.

Solidum also underscored other critical bioscience projects under the DOST’s umbrella. Among these are efforts to develop a rapid diagnostic tool for African swine fever, identify potential antiviral agents from Philippine medicinal plants, and design vaccine candidates targeting swine viruses.

These initiatives, he said, are essential to strengthening the resilience of the local hog industry by preventing disease outbreaks, minimizing economic losses, and securing the country’s food supply.

In addition, DOST has established innovation hubs for tropical fibers and wood, which promote sustainable processing techniques to produce high-quality textiles and eco-friendly products derived from native and indigenous materials.

Through the agency’s Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) program, research is also being conducted on various indigenous aquatic and terrestrial species.

These projects aim to empower regions to foster innovation, protect biodiversity, and cultivate science-driven enterprises.

“By empowering local communities through bioscience, we are not only promoting better health and sustainable resource management but also transforming the traditional rural landscape into a hub of enterprise innovation and economic opportunity,” Solidum concluded.