The Science for Change Program (S4CP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) won in the 2022 United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA).
During the UN Public Service Day on June 22, the United Nations recognized the contribution of the Science for Change Program in “Enhancing the effectiveness of public institutions to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the DOST said in a news release.
The UN added: “Your institution’s outstanding achievement has demonstrated excellence in serving the public interest and it has made a significant contribution to the improvement of public administration in your country. Indeed, it will serve as an inspiration and encouragement for others working for public service.”
The S4CP endeavors to significantly accelerate science, technology and innovation (STI) in the country through massive increase in investment in science and technology (S&T) human resource development (HRD) and research and development (R&D).
“This is a milestone for DOST. We are grateful and honored to the UNPSA for giving this prestigious recognition to the Science for Change Program,” said Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.
“The S4CP has embarked on a journey to capitalize on the importance of R&D in achieving socio-economic development through research collaboration and cooperation between and among industry, academe, and research institutions to improve productivity and global competitiveness,” de la Peña added.
Implemented under the DOST-Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development, in cooperation with the DOST Regional Offices and four councils, the S4CP focuses on an accelerated R&D program for capacity building of R&D institutions and industrial competitiveness.
Its sub-programs—the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D; R&D Leadership; Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy; and Business Innovation Through S&T for Industry—let R&D contribute to making positive change happen in the country.
“The S4CP enables an inclusive innovation ecosystem through creating R&D opportunities for stakeholders and key industry players, which address societafour l problems that translate to community transformation and regional and national socio-economic development,” said DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, who created the concepts of S4CP’s four sub-programs.
“The S4CP brought about positive changes on the ground that our direct beneficiaries and our regional operations witnessed firsthand,” stated DOST-Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang.
Mabborang said DOST’s partner state universities and colleges (SUCs), higher educational institutions, research and development institutions (RDIs), national, regional and local government institutions, private firms and industry associations “share in this accomplishment of the United Nations Public Service Award.”
S4CP enhances the ability of SUCs, government RDIs, and private companies to use R&D in accomplishing the SDGs, by establishing R&D centers (SDGs 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 15); improving tertiary education (SDG 4) through R&D; addressing the disparity of R&D funding (SDG 10): and catalyzing partnerships among government, academe, industry and the civil society (SDG 17).
“Staying true to its slogan, ‘Science for Change Program is Science for the People,’ the S4CP continues to deliver R&D outputs, which aim to provide solutions, create positive impact, support wealth generation, and elevate the bar of public service for the benefit of Filipinos,” de la Peña added.
The UNPSA is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service.
It rewards creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the awards promote the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service.