By Geraldine Ducusin
“We don’t see secretaries here in Ilocos as often as you,” Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc said, referring to Rene Solidum, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the HANDA Pilipinas 2024 Luzon leg in Ilocos Norte.
Manotoc said that he’s been a governor for five years and in the last two years, Ilocos has felt the programs of DOST in Ilocos. He assured DOST of his support and he commended Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, DOST 1 Regional Director for persistently reaching out to him.
“We’re grateful that you’re our regional director,” Manotoc said to Tabaog whom he described as very effective and dynamic.
Manotoc reiterated Solidum’s message in the past where the latter said that the most important thing is for the science and technology services to be cascaded so it will reach the people.
“We want to maximize science.With the increasing danger in climate change, our best weapon is S&T,” Manotic added.
Recognizing the development in S&T, Manotoc cited that DOST technologies address climate and disaster problems on the ground and he also expressed gratitude to the local leaders of the provinces of Ilocos and the others, and assured them of the support of his office.
Heads of local governments from different parts of Luzon and some national government offices including Office of the Civil Defense and Department of Interior, Local Government (DILG), and Philippines Information Agency gather for a three-day event as HANDA PILIPINAS Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Luzon leg kicks off today at Plaza Del Norte, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. DOST-TAPI managed this year’s HANDA, in collaboration with DOST-Regions I who hosted the Luzon leg, VII, VIII and X, and other government agencies (TAPI news service).
