SEOUL—The Philippines and the Republic of Korea held the inaugural Joint Science and Technology Consultation (JSTC) Meeting in a hybrid format on April 28.
The meeting was led by Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Dr. Leah J. Buendia of the Philippine of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Director General of International Cooperation Kim Seong-gyu of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (MSIT).
Both sides noted that the two countries have a great potential for cooperation in science and technology, especially in smart agriculture, climate change, and oceanography.
The topics will also be the initial focus for the expansion of partnership and proposed cooperation for both sides.
Buendia conveyed that scientific cooperation between the two countries firmed up early on when the Basic Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation that was signed on July 7, 1981.
Since then, both sides have seen significant progress in science, technology and innovation (STI).
The signing of the memorandum of understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the DOST and MSIT in 2018, and the ongoing partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, and Korea Meteorological Administration, among others, exhibit the Philippines’ continuing fruitful STI cooperation with the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador De Vega also extended her congratulations on the convening of the inaugural PH-ROK JSTC and expressed that the first JSTC marks another milestone in the bilateral ties, as both sides seek to deepen PH-ROK relations through STI.
She likewise expressed high hopes for the invaluable partnership that will arise from the Philippines’ excellent science and technology quality talent and the ROK’s technical and digital competitiveness in the sciences.
Both parties agreed to implement two projects related to climate change and smart agriculture. The projects are expected to start in September with DOST and MSIT providing total funding of $96,000 (approximately P5 million) for three years.
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul congratulated the DOST and the MSIT on forging intensified Philippines and Korea STI relations.
The next JSTC shall be conducted in mid-2024 to be hosted by the Philippines.
Image credits: Seoul Philippine Embassy photo