As delivered, 24 September 2020
Ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga sa inyong lahat.
Congratulations to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Secretary Fortunato dela Pena on the launch of their book series, “Science for the People.” Not only will schoolchildren find these books informative and inspiring, but also those older who are aspiring to start their own business or are current entrepreneurs.
Our warm congratulations as well to the authors of the three books and the prominent personalities, kasama na si Madame Leni, who reviewed the books. Our salute to the authors and good friends, Mr. Winston Damarillo, madame classmates Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Marret Follosco-Bautista, and Dr. Segundo Romero.
We believe in the success of DOST, basically to really find ways to inspire our people to demystify science and technology and to encourage businesses to imbue science and technology in their business models.
DOST’s books revolving around the success stories of scientific researches leading to business endeavors reminds me of our own similar efforts, basically highlighting the achievements of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the past and we’ve been doing these projects to inspire entrepreneurs so that they can also inspire other Filipinos in the realm of entrepreneurship. For example, in 2017, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Sikap Coffee Table Book that featured the stories of 35 successful entrepreneurs. We also have our ongoing Zero to Hero initiative, which tells stories of aspiring entrepreneurs with little capital or inexperience becoming full-fledged entrepreneurs that help others.
DTI firmly believes that innovation is at the core of entrepreneurship. Innovative ideas and solutions enhance the competitiveness of business enterprises towards greater expansion and growth. Further, MSMEs are more inclined to be creative and innovative in their business models—as well as products and services—to stay relevant and keep their businesses viable. That’s why DTI and DOST, as partners, have been prioritizing the innovative mindset to create globally competitive successful entrepreneurs as the drivers of our country’s inclusive economic growth.
Innovation will also help our MSMEs in the wake of the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the need for social distancing and health protocols in today’s “New Normal,” digital platforms, changing business models for current businesses for the m to stay relevant and become competitive is really very important. Through innovation, we can create a “Better Normal,” not just a “New Normal” for our MSMEs as we help our country ascend past the challenges brought by the pandemic.
To conclude, while science can offer so much to our society, entrepreneurs can transform this research into relevant solutions to current problems. DOST’s books show how the collaboration of the government, private sector, academe, and other partners can assist our MSMEs in this regard. By linking science, technology, and innovation to business, we can encourage would-be and existing entrepreneurs to aim higher and dream bigger.
Through innovation and under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we can build a better future for Filipinos in a modern, dynamic, and responsible Philippines.
Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat.♦
Date of Release: 24 September 2020