THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology received a very good net satisfaction rating of +57, up from its +51 in December 2019, according to a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations.

The agency got a very good +65 net satisfaction rating in Balanced Luzon, in Visayas at +55, in Mindanao at +50, and good in the National Capital Region – +47.

The DOST obtained a very good net satisfaction ratings across all age groups with +60 among 18-24-year-olds, +57 among 25-34-year-olds and 45-54-year-olds, and +56 among 55-year-olds and older; and +55 among 35-44-year-olds.

The survey found that the level of public awareness on the department has also improved. This was attributed to the intensified information and communication activities done by the DOST to continue communicating science to the people.

By geographical area, Mindanao registered 26 percent awareness level compared to 23 percent in Balanced Luzon, 22 percent in the National Capital Region, and 18 percent in the Visayas.

The DOST has developed projects, programs, and knowledge products and services that focus on research and development initiatives and innovation in the areas of agricultural productivity; enterprise development; health and nutrition; scholarships and science education; industry competitiveness; emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, space science and satellite technology; information and communication technology; and disaster risk reduction and management.

Some of its programs provide solutions to everyday problems besetting Filipinos like the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program; Community Empowerment through Science and Technology; the Science for Change Program that includes the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy Program, Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D Program, R&D Leadership (Program, and Business Innovation through S&T for Industry Program; OneLab Program; OneExpert Program; for Overseas Filipino Workers; Tuklas Lunas (Drug Discovery) Program; the Makinarya at Teknolohiya Para sa Bayan or MakiBayan Program; Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines or SARAI; Itik Pinas and Native Pig programs; and scholarship programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The DOST also created and maintained modern R&D facilities and technology hubs like the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory, Electronic Products Development Center, Packaging R&D Center, Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles, and the Advanced Manufacturing Center for 3D printing.