6 PH agency reps to undergo GIPA Program in UK

MANILA —  Senior representatives from six agencies in the Philippines will undergo an eight-month collaborative development program in the UK.

The Global Innovation Policy Accelerator (GIPA) Program aims for the creation of specific innovation policy while working with UK mentors and institutions.

GIPA is supported by the Newton Fund, known as Newton Agham in the Philippines. For four years now, the Newton Agham has been investing on people and researches focusing on priority areas such as health and life sciences, environmental resilience, energy security, agritech, future cities, and digital innovation.

British Ambassador Daniel Pruce said science forms an important part of the modern partnership between UK and the Philippines. “By working together, we can combat shared challenges and support prosperity,” he said.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena said the agency will continue supporting the Newton Agham programs as it strengthens its capacity in science and technology for the country’s socio-economic growth.

Newton Fund uses science and innovation partnerships to promote economic development and social welfare of partner countries. In the Philippines, the British Council has partnered with the DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Through these agencies, the UK government co-develops and implements programs to strengthen science and innovation capacity, as well as create solutions to development challenges in the country.

The six delegates to the GIPA Program were announced in an awarding ceremony held at the British Embassy Manila.

They are Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry, Director Carlo Arcilla of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Assistant Director Richard Emerson Ballester of the National Economic and Development Authority, Planning Officer Cynthia de Guia of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, Undersecretary Dennis Villorente of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Executive Director Karol Mark Yee of CHED. (PNA)