“If the government wants to achieve growth and development that is at par with the world’s, it must be able to effectively harness the power of Science and Technology.”

     This was according to Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Mario L. Relampagos during the opening of the 2010 Northern Luzon Cluster S&T Fair by the Department of Science and Technology. The fair with the theme, “Responding to Global Challenges through Science and Technology,” was held on January 15-19 at the Benguet State University.

     Usec. Relampagos said that the essence of the S&T fair are: to have better coordination of S&T efforts; better consolidation of resources; and better communication among policy makers, program implementers and other stakeholders. These are needed in the face of serious and real challenges and in view of the tight economic scenario affecting human survival.

     The DBM Undersecretary elaborated the present challenges to the human condition including climate change, food security, terrorism and health problems. As a response to these challenges, Usec. Relampagos related that the Department of Energy has been provided in next year’s proposed budget some P201.3 million for its Philippine Energy Efficiency Program. He also mentioned the P43.7 billion FIELDS Program laid out during the 2008 Food Summit. The program, according to him involves the provision of six major interventions namely: fertilizer, irrigation, extension, loans, dryers and other post harvest facilities, and seeds.

     The S&T fair included forums, exhibits and competitions along various areas in Science and Technology.