Ka Leody pushes better funding for science and tech, more perks for students and workers
MANILA, Philippines — More of the government's budget must be allocated to the science and technology sector, which has stagnated from lack of funding, labor leader Leody De Guzman said.
On a scale of one to 10, De Guzman said the science and technology sector will have a priority rating of 7 should he be elected president.
The Partido Lakas ng Masa presidential bet said in a forum hosted by the Student for the Exploration and Development of Space in the Philippines that systems in food, manufacturing, and health remain “stagnant” due to the lack of funding.
"[Kailangan] maglaan ng pondo sa sector na ‘yan dahil napansin ko talagang napaka-liit, neglected, yung sector na ito," De Guzman.
(We need to provide more funds for this sector because I noticed that it does not get enough, it has been neglected.)
Organizers noted that the Department of Budget and Management has allotted the country’s Department of Science and Technology an average budget of P20 billion to P25 billion in the last five years.
More support for students and workers in Science, Technology
Meanwhile, De Guzman also plans on providing students of science and technology more support through incentives. He said inventions and other technology developed by students may be reproduced, opening up more opportunities for workers in the country.
To prevent the country’s talent from seeking better opportunities abroad, De Guzman said workers in the sector should also be supported through the right wages and benefits.
The labor leader said he wants to improve the research and development for food industries and to provide more support for the country’s health system, allowing it to develop and manufacture its own vaccines and medicines.
De Guzman said he also plans to revive the manufacturing industry. He wants the country to develop and manufacture its own products to cut its imports.
“Importante ito para makaagapay tayo dun sa umuunlad na lipunan natin, sa lumalaking pangangailangan ng mamamayan, sa mabilis ng kumpas ng galaw ng mundo ay kinakailangan nating makisabay dahil kung hindi, tayo ay mapag-iwan,” De Guzman said.
(This is important so we can manage to keep up with the developing society, with the growing needs of our people, and the fast pace of the world, otherwise, we would be left behind.) — Kaycee Valmonte
- Latest
- Trending
