Comprehensive Notes on Science, Technology, and Nation-Building in the Philippines (HNRDA, NIBRA, AANR, DRR-CCA, PCHRD-PCIEERD, and Related Programs)

Topics

  • Science and Technology Agenda for the Philippines and its role in nation-building.
  • Key institutions and frameworks: DOST, HNRDA ( Harmonized National R&D Agenda ), NIBRA, AANR, Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology, DRR/CCA.
  • Sector alignment with national vision: AmBisyon Natin 2040, Malasakit, Pagbabago, Kaunlaran.
  • Methods used to operationalize Ambisyon Natin 2040: analysis of risks and potentials, scenario planning, and prioritization methods.
  • National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) 2022–2028: three major components and six priority areas under the “oriented/basic and policy” research framework.
  • Priority areas and program descriptions: Water Security, Food and Nutrition Security, Health Sufficiency, Clean Energy, Sustainable Communities, Inclusive Nation-Building.
  • Health R&D priorities (PCHRD) and other priority programs (IP/Tech Management, HRD, scholarships, fellowships, early career researchers).
  • Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) research & agenda 2022–2028: crops, livestock, aquatic, forestry, natural resources & environment, climate adaptation & disaster risk reduction, technology transfer, socio-economics, governance, and more.
  • Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology (PCIEERD) agenda 2022–2028: key technology areas, sub-sectors, and strategic priorities including Industry 4.0, AI, data science, and creative industries.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA): rationale, programs, hazard mapping, warning systems, and multi-hazard risk planning.
  • Latest innovations and programs from DOST agencies: HERT, STAMINA4Space, ASTI innovations, and technology transfer/incubation programs.
  • Practical implications: how these agendas drive policy, funding, capacity building, and national resilience.

Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA)

  • The Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) 2017-2022 served as a guide for prioritizing funded research programs/projects in the last five years.
  • DOST mandate: central direction, leadership, and coordination of science and technology efforts; updating HNRDA through its agencies:
    • National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)
    • Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)
    • Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)
    • Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD)
    • Office of the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services – Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Unit
  • HNRDA (2017-2022) is divided into five sectors, aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040, founded on three pillars: Malasakit, Pagbabago, Kaunlaran.
  • Five sectors highlighted in the agenda:
    • National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA)
    • Health
    • Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR)
    • Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
    • Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR CCA)
  • Ambisyon Natin 2040 planning framework and the “Pagtanaw 2050” concept include risk & potential analysis and scenarios for operationalizing Ambisyon Natin 2040, using methods such as:
    • Bibliometrics
    • SWOT
    • Brainstorming
    • Delphi method
  • Sectors and cross-cutting themes map to priority areas: Water security, Food security, Health, Clean energy, Sustainable communities, STEM, Health, Energy, Water, ICT, Education and talent retention, Governance, Space exploration, and Next-generation technologies.
  • The Harmonized National R&D Agenda (2017–2022) guided prioritization of research programs across agencies and disciplines.

National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) 2022–2028

  • NIBRA is the national framework under NRCP for fundamental and basic research with broad aims: to create new and fuller scientific knowledge, possibly with or without immediate practical applications.
  • NRCP is a collegial body of over 40004000 researchers, scientists, experts, and artists. It is mandated to promote and support fundamental/basic research as provided by law ( Act No. 4120, 1933 ). It also provides advice on problems/issues of national interest.
  • NIBRA prioritizes fundamental/basic research in support of the Philippine Development Plan, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Security Plan, and the Science for Change Program of DOST.
  • Major components of NIBRA (for 2022–2028):
    • II-1. Blue Skies Research (Pure Basic Research)
    • II-2. Issue-Based or Oriented Basic Research
    • II-3. Policy Research
  • Priority areas (A–F under NIBRA):
    • A. Water Security – Tubig Program (Tubig Ay Buhayin At Ingatan)
    • B. Food and Nutrition Security – SAPAT Program (Saganang Pagkain Para sa Lahat)
    • C. Health Sufficiency – Likas Program (Likas Yaman Sa Kalusugan)
    • D. Clean Energy – Alert Program (Alternative Energy Research Trends)
    • E. Sustainable Community – Saklaw Program (Saklolo Sa Lawa)
    • F. Inclusive Nation-Building – Atin Program (Ang Tinig Natin)
  • Key definitions:
    • Blue Skies Research: curiosity-driven basic research with no specific target; aims to solve fundamental problems and herald disciplinarily advancing discoveries.
    • Oriented Basic Research: six issue-based areas with targeted questions and problems to address.

NIBRA: In-Depth Areas and Programs

  • A. Water Security (Tubig) – aims and context:
    • The Philippines faces water shortage by 2040 due to climate change and population growth (cited sources: World Resources Institute note 2015; UN climate reports 2009).
    • Research aims:
      1) Develop solutions for detection/management of water quality for drinking water from chemical/biological/human activity impacts.
      2) Improve water management strategies for household use.
      3) Identify alternative/new potable water sources.
      4) Provide policy recommendations.
  • Areas for research under Water Security: 1) Watershed studies:
    • (a) Biological, chemical, and physical characterization
    • (b) Water supply stress index
    • (c) Population growth impacts on water resource availability
      2) Water quality, accessibility, and availability:
    • (a) Pollutants/contaminants (surface and groundwater)
    • (b) Historical flows, sediment, and toxicity loads of lakes/rivers
    • (c) Weather modification for increasing water supplies in localized areas
  • B. Food and Nutrition Security – SAPAT Agenda (Saganang Pagkain Para sa Lahat)
    • Objective: provide science-based data to address four elements of food security: accessibility, availability, utilization, stability; biodiversity as source of production components and genetic diversity for future adaptability.
    • Areas for 2022–2028 research: 1) Taxonomic studies of flora and fauna as food sources:
      • Biology and population dynamics of pests, diseases, natural enemies
      • Diseases and pathogens of important crops
      • Taxonomy of eco-friendly species for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
      • Taxonomy of neglected and underutilized species for food
      • Genetic analyses (biochemical, cytogenetics, molecular)
      • Exploring allelopathic potentials of indigenous botanicals
        2) Food safety of raw/processed products of MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises):
      • Safety analysis of raw/processed products
      • Identification/characterization of contaminants
      • Epidemiology of food- and feed-borne contaminants
        3) Halal Studies:
      • Documentation of consumption/production practices (product-specific)
      • Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Skills (KAPS)
      • Integration/mainstreaming of Halal in food/beverage industry
  • C. Health Sufficiency – LIKAS Agenda (Likas Yaman Sa Kalusugan)
    • Programs aim to improve quality of life through data-driven understanding/solutions for:
    • Zoonotic diseases (emerging/re-emerging)
    • Alternative health improvement initiatives via natural products from rare environments/endemic species
    • Evaluation of health policies/programs toward SDGs and better health outcomes
    • Research areas:
      a) Bioprospecting (e.g., marine organisms for biomedical use)
      b) Bioinformatics
      c) Characterization/structure elucidation of isolates and bioactive compounds
      d) Pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics
      e) Lead identification and pre-clinical studies
      f) Identification/characterization of zoonotic diseases
      g) Emerging/re-emerging zoonotic diseases and their management
  • D. Clean Energy – ALERT Agenda (Alternative Energy Research Trends)
    • Programs aim to investigate alternative energy sources and to demonstrate how renewables can reduce government costs, create jobs, expand energy access, and promote energy independence.
    • Areas for 2022–2028 research: 1) Alternative Energy
      • Resource assessment of clean/renewable energy sources
      • Identification and characterization of clean/renewable sources (wind, solar, biofuels, hydro)
  • E. Sustainable Communities – SAKLAW Agenda (Saklolo Sa Lawa)
    • Objective: develop scientifically crafted sustainability management solutions (action plans/roadmaps/models) for ecological and societal challenges in vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
    • Approach: geographically-based, community-based, ecosystem-based, and transdisciplinary; diagnose ecological/social challenges to propose scientific solutions and policy recommendations.
    • Areas for 2022–2028 research:
      1) Vulnerable ecosystems (lakes, rivers, wetlands, seas, oceans) with named local sites
      2) Greening mined-out areas (GMAP)
      3) Risk communication studies for disaster management
      4) Biodiversity and ecosystem studies
  • F. Inclusive Nation-Building – ATIN Agenda (Ang Tinig Natin)
    • Vision: transform the country into a nation united in ethnic diversity; just and humane in interrelations; respectful of diverse cultures; and capable of sustaining economic self-sufficiency.

Policy Research (3. Policy Research) and Priority Areas

  • Policy Research serves as an advisory function to government, funded to address public welfare issues with scientifically based legislation.
  • Tracks:
    • Demand-driven research projects (issues identified by lawmakers in Lower House or Senate)
    • Council-directed research projects (issues identified by the Governing Board)
  • Priority areas for 2022–2025 (initial list):
    • Waste to energy
    • Future Earth
    • Music heritage
    • Hunger
    • Mother tongue-based education

Health Research and Development Agenda (PCHRD) 2023–2028

  • Ten program areas comprise health R&D priorities:
    • A. Tuklas Lunas (Drug Discovery and Development)
    • B. Functional Foods
    • C. Nutrition and Food Safety
    • D. Re-Emerging and Emerging Diseases
    • E. Diagnostics
    • F. Omic Technologies for Health
    • G. Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health
    • H. Digital and Frontier Technologies for Health
    • I. Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation in Health
    • J. Mental Health
  • A. Tuklas Lunas (Drug Discovery and Development):
    • Develop world-class medicines from Philippine biodiversity; standardize herbal drugs; discover new drug candidates from local terrestrial/marine sources; development through clinical stages.
  • B. Functional Foods: develop safe, beneficial, accessible functional foods/ingredients from locally available natural products for national/global markets.
  • C. Nutrition and Food Safety: improve health via nutrition/food safety solutions.
  • D. Re-Emerging and Emerging Diseases: develop local tech platforms, therapeutics, surveillance, and management protocols.
  • E. Diagnostics: rapid, cost-effective, minimally invasive diagnostic kits/devices/tests for various diseases; leverage existing/new techniques.
  • F. Omic Technologies for Health: use omics to support personalized/precision medicine and policy guidance.
  • G. Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health: develop reliable, safe, affordable devices suitable for local health services and international markets.
  • H. Digital and Frontier Health Technologies: AI and ICT-enabled tools to improve health systems and decision-making.
  • I. DRR/CCA in Health: technologies addressing health effects of disasters, climate change resilience.
  • J. Mental Health: focus on quality, effective, culturally appropriate mental health R&D innovations.

Other Priority Programs (DOST, PCHRD)

  • Intellectual Property and Technology Management Program (PCHRD Technology Transfer Unit):
    • Emphasizes R&D utilization and tech transfer; protect and manage health R&D technologies; pre-commercialization activities; establish integrated tech transfer systems.
  • Capacity Building Programs (HRD):
    • HRD Unit under IDD; sponsorship of degree/non-degree programs; support for health researchers; capacity-building modules and training; regional hubs.
  • Scholarship and Fellowship Programs:
    • Local Graduate Scholarship, Foreign Graduate Scholarship, Research Enrichment Program (Rep), Thesis/Dissertation Grants.
    • Fellowship Programs (local and international) with assessment of fellowships.
  • Early-Career Researchers Support:
    • Pride (Research Internship and Graduate Degree Education)
    • Aspire (Scholars placement for employment in research institutions)
    • M-GURU (Mentoring, guidance in research utilization; peer mentoring)
    • Regional Training Centers/Hubs (RTC network across NCR, North/South Luzon, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Southern Mindanao)
    • Social innovations in health research; RUHRA/NUHRA alignment; capacity-building for staff.
  • Network Institutional Development (NID) and Regional Health Research and Development Consortia (RHRDC):
    • RHRDC operations, capacity building for external staff, regional health agenda revisions, joint instrumentation grants, and RRD facilities.
  • Examples: Cagayan Valley Health R&D Consortium (established 2005; executive director and member institutions listed).
  • Ethics in health research:
    • National Ethical Guidelines, updates every five years; capacity-building for RECs; ongoing education for PHREB CSA and CIDTA and NEC.
  • Balik-Scientist Program:
    • Taps overseas Filipino expertise to strengthen S&T capabilities and accelerate technology transfer.

Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) Research and Agenda 2022–2028

  • Updated HNRDA-AANR integrates priority agendas from DA, DENR, and DOST agencies; convergence of national R&D efforts in AANR sector.
  • AANR structure includes the following major crops:
    • A. Crops R&D Agenda: focus on productivity, efficiency, sustainable production systems, value chains.
    • B. Livestock R&D Agenda: improve livestock productivity, animal health, new products, information-based decision-support systems.
    • C. Aquatic R&D Agenda: improve productivity and profitability of aquatic species via sustainable aquaculture; genomics for diseases and climate resilience; population genetics.
    • D. Forestry R&D Agenda: expand economic opportunities from forestry species; support for National Greening Program; varietal improvement; sustainable production/processing; product development; decision support systems.
    • E. Natural Resources and Environment R&D Agenda: sustainable natural resources and environment management; protect ecosystem integrity.
    • F. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction: empower farmers and fisherfolk; resilience measures.
  • Gaps addressed include technology transfer and stakeholder alignment to accelerate adoption of R&D outcomes.

Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology (PCIEERD) Research and Development Agenda 2022–2028

  • PCIEERD is mandated to formulate policies, plans, programs and implementing strategies for industry, energy and emerging technologies.
  • Four priority areas added in 2017: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human Security, and Creative Industries.
  • Major technology areas and subsectors:
    • A. Additive Manufacturing (AM): 3D printing across diverse sectors including electronics, organs, solar cells, and more.
    • B. Advanced Materials: Nanomaterials, photonics; enablers in multiple industries; not directly consumer products yet.
    • C. Materials for Energy: Electrical energy storage (EES) systems; renewables integration.
    • D. Nanotechnology: applications across semiconductors, electronics, smart energy, agriculture; enabling country competitiveness.
    • E. Optics and Photonics: light-based technologies, detection, fiber-optic sensing.
    • F. Electronics Industry: Philippines’ largest manufacturing sector; focus on higher value-add, R&D, and workforce development.
    • G. ICT Innovations: enabling ecosystem, networked society, platform-based solutions.
    • H. Industry 4.0: convergence of technologies (AI, IoT, 3D printing, cloud, AR, blockchain); smart factories, smart cities.
    • I (not listed but adjacent): Artificial Intelligence (AI): core technology for national capabilities; benefits and risks to business models.
    • J (Creative Industries): growth of creative economy (games, animation, film) as a driver for GDP.
    • K. Space Technology Applications (STA): disaster risk management, environmental monitoring, resources assessment, forecasting.
    • L. Transportation: research to ease traffic, reduce accidents and emissions; subsectors include Land, Maritime, ITS, and Logistics/Freight.
    • M. Energy: Renewable energy policies and rural electrification; sustainable off-grid solutions; RA 9513 context.
    • N. Transportation Infrastructure Support (Utilities/Construction): related to water resource management and flood defense.
    • O. Utilities/Construction and Water Resources: integrated management of water, flood risk, and dam/watershed management.
    • P. DRR-CCA: Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation priorities integrated with other sectors.
    • Q. DRR-CCA (recurrent): focus on hazard assessment, vulnerability mapping, and warning systems.
    • R. Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS): UAVs for disaster response, monitoring, and other industrial applications.
    • S. (Other subsectors may appear in expanded slides): HealthTech, Electrics, and related cross-cutting themes.
  • Other cross-cutting programs: Food Safety, Halal S&T, and HALAL S&T integration intersecting with health and agriculture sectors.
  • The PCIEERD agenda emphasizes technology transfer, industry uptake, and upscaling of agricultural tech, with emphasis on resilience and economic recovery.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRR-CCA)

  • DRR-CCA chapter emphasizes safe, inclusive, resilient, sustainable communities; DRRCC is multi-sectoral and people-centered.
  • DOST R&D programs contributing to DRRCC include agencies such as PAGASA and PHIVOLCS (regular PPAs funded through the General Appropriations Act and sector councils).
  • Key programs:
    • A. FOREWARN: Forecasting and warning enhancement using emerging technologies and state-of-the-art tools to improve weather forecasts and warnings.
    • B. Ligtas-Baha (Flood/Landslide risk): priority research on flood and landslide risks due to climate threats.
    • C. Clim'Up: improved climate information services, with historical and near-real-time observations and model-based forecasts; translate CIS to user-oriented information.
    • D. DRR/CCA Programs: proactive disaster risk reduction with inclusive risk management, early warning systems for aerosols dispersion, risk assessment for severe weather, and new DRR/CCA technologies.
  • DRR-CCA program areas include volcano, earthquake, and tsunami monitoring, hazards mapping, and disaster preparedness/risk reduction programs.
  • Hazard/monitoring programs include: volcano/earthquake/tsunami monitoring and warning; hazard mapping and R&D; preparedness and risk reduction.
  • Global risk indices highlight the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural hazards; DRR-CCA prioritizes multi-hazard assessment tools, vulnerability/risk communication systems, and localized observation/forecasting networks.

Latest Research and Innovations (DOST and Agencies)

  • The Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT): a hybrid trackless public transport vehicle developed by DOST; HQ at New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
  • STAMINA4Space: Space Technology Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement; successor to PHL-Microsat; funded by DOST.
  • ASTI innovations (ASTICON 2025): a set of AI/tech initiatives:
    • DIMER: AI model repository for AI adoption with pre-trained models
    • AI-4RP: AI-driven high-resolution weather forecasting for disaster resilience
    • iTANONG: Natural language interface for querying databases (English, Tagalog, Taglish)
    • REIINN: Remote learning solutions (LokalFi + RuralCasting)
    • ROAMER: Autonomous robot for monitoring banana plant health (computer vision)
    • VIROS-STEER: AI-enhanced traffic control via V2X
    • QIL: Quantum Innovation Laboratory for R&D in quantum computing
    • EPDC & InNOVATE: facilities supporting electronics product development and S&T infrastructure (e.g., PREGINET, HPC)
    • MASID: Enhanced PhilSensors deployment for disaster forecasting and resilience
  • DOST-supported innovations highlighted at technology summits include: C-Trike (electric tricycle), TRISSEA app (digital ride-hailing for trikes), SESSY E-Boat (solar-electric ferry), AIS rescue boats, USHER (infrastructure safety monitoring), Vigormin (natural wastewater treatment), GenAmplify COVID-19 kits, Bio-N & Project SARAI (climate-smart agri-tech).

Additional Context: References and Resources

  • Latest research and innovations resources: ASTI portal (https://asti.dost.gov.ph/)
  • YouTube link to a related talk for further context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmG1lLsyfGc

Notes on copyright and sources used in the presentation: materials are protected under copyright and may not be copied or redistributed without consent. Some contents were adapted from the book of Dr. Edward Mansarate Quinto and DOST S&T Agenda.