MANILA — China is open to various kinds of collaborations with the Philippines in the field of science and technology (S&T), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.
Dela Pena just arrived in Manila on Friday, as he was part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation in the recently-concluded Boao Conference in China.
Dela Peña was also with the President in visiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong.
“(The conference) was very fruitful, as China eyes partnerships with us,” he said.
China is open to collaborations in telehealth, satellite, among others, according to the DOST chief.
The Philippines will soon launch its second microsatellite, the Diwata-2, in the outer space.
Filipino engineers have worked with Japanese experts in making the country’s two microsatellites.
The Chinese government has also asked the Philippines to send Filipino researchers and holders of PhDs to China for scholarships in universities there.
“During our stay in China, about 9 or 10 private firms have signed a letter of intent to invest in different sectors here, and also in terms of research and development,” Dela Peña shared in the exclusive interview with the PNA.
Dela Peña added China wants to put up a high-tech park in Manila.
He said President Duterte had expressed during the China conference the administration’s desire to invest in innovation, particularly in government processes, technology, and human resource development.
“At the Boao forum, President Duterte highlighted his plan to invest more on infrastructure, innovation, and interconnectivity,” Dela Peña said, adding the President also cited the Philippines’ dream for its citizens to have a comfortable life.
“The President said we will push for that dream,” he said.
Dela Peña also shared that President Duterte also talked about the administration’s goal to reduce poverty and its “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. (PNA)
