SENATORIAL candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas have expressed support for the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Tourism’s efforts to develop science tourism in Leyte and other provinces in Eastern Visayas.

The initiative aims to position the region as a key destination where education, research, and adventure converge.

Senator Panfilo Lacson emphasized the importance of research and development in fostering scientific advancements and economic growth.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting this initiative, citing his consistent efforts to increase funding for DOST and similar agencies during budget deliberations.

“Research and development are very important. I will support the initiative to promote science tourism in this part of the country,” Lacson stated.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III vowed to ensure that sufficient budget allocations for such projects would be well-placed and effectively executed.

“If God permits that we are elected to the Senate once again, we will make sure that the budget for these projects is properly allocated and implemented,” Sotto said.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino also expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the presence of major universities in Eastern Visayas, including the University of the Philippines and other institutions.

He mentioned his role in authoring the establishment of a Polytechnic University of the Philippines campus in Leyte, which he believes will contribute to the region’s scientific and educational growth.

Tolentino further emphasized the potential of Eastern Visayas as a science tourism hub, citing the ongoing Leyte IT Park project, geothermal energy sites, and climate change laboratories in the region.

“If we combine all these efforts, with the help of DOST and proper resource allocation, this area can truly become a hub for science and tourism,” he said.

With strong backing from lawmakers and government agencies, Eastern Visayas is poised to become a premier educational tourism destination, attracting students, researchers, and science enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.