‘DOST behind improved ranking in global innovation index’

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker lauded the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the Philippines’ improved ranking in the global innovation index (GII), from 73rd last year to 54th this year among 129 countries.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda attributed the higher GII ranking to new legislation in science and technology supported by the DOST.

“New laws have helped increase social and economic developments in the country,” Salceda said recently.

The GII results, co-published by Cornell University and the World Property Organization, showed the Philippines jumping 19 notches, with an overall score of 36.18 this year from 31.56 in 2018.    

Meanwhile in Balanga City, Sen. Cynthia Villar has cited DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña for celebrating Central Luzon’s National Science and Technology Week here recently.

She described the event in late July as one “with the noble intention of harnessing the power of innovative technological ideas and concepts to power the country toward new, boundless opportunities to solve longstanding societal problems.”

Salceda noted that for the output sub-index that captures actual evidence of innovation results, the country’s score increased to 30.68 from 23.98 and its ranking climbed to 42nd from 68th.

“Among 32 low-middle income economies, we ranked 9th, with Vietnam leading at No. 1. The Philippines should use Vietnam as benchmark and aim for top five among low, middle income nations,” he said.

President Duterte last year signed Republic Act 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act, which Salceda authored, to address the lack of scientists in the country working for research and development and catch up with its Asian neighbors.

The law aims to address the lack of scientists in the country, with only about 189 per million population compared to the ideal ratio of 380 scientists per million, to help in development and improve the lives of Filipinos.