DOST, DND, UP link arms for self-reliance defense program

The Department of Science and Technology will provide technical assistance to the Department of National Defense particularly in research and development component of the country's self-reliant defense program (SRDP), along with the University of the Philippines Diliman.

A memorandum of understanding signed by the three entities aims to produce active collaboration in R&D and capability building among government institutions.  Salient points of the collaborative R&D plan include joint testing and evaluation of indigenous defense products, materials, and equipment for future use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

DND Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro, and UP Diliman Chancellor Emerlinda Roman signed the MOU at the DND social hall last June 14 with other officials of the three agencies present to witness the event.

Alabastro said that DOST's collaboration with DND started in 1989 through its Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development spearheading all R&D component of SRDP. 

The previous collaboration had several accomplishments notably the dilution of anhydrous hydrazine, a highly dangerous chemical which the DND has long been storing in igloos at Sangley Point. 

Experts from DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute found a way to dilute the chemical and turned into cleaning agent for boilers.  Eventually, NAPOCOR bought the chemical for its boilers. 

DND's different units also forged partnerships with DOST's R&D institutes specifically on investment casting, value analysis and engineering, combat ration as well as on the production of alpha cellulose from sugarcane bagasse for nitration purposes.

Fast changes in DND's top management however affected the collaboration.  In 2002, DOST and DND re-established the link and identified specific areas of collaboration like remote sensing, information technology, e-governance, biotechnology for anti-warfare and HRD-related projects.  But these were likewise put on hold.

The three agencies acknowledge the need to conduct R&D initiatives responsive to the development of the country in line with DND's desire to improve its SRDP.  This can be done through concerted efforts and sharing of resources. 

 Sec. Ermita also emphasized the need to approach things “scientifically” citing the US which is always dependent on very good R&D.

Under the agreement, cooperation and joint undertakings shall be established in project conceptualization and formulation, joint R&D projects, project feasibility and sectoral studies, short courses, trainings, seminars, workshops, conferences and for a,  human resources and information exchange, joint publications, national and international networking, testing, evaluation and certification processes, products and services.