Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Tuesday underscored the need for a whole-of-nation approach in advancing the country’s research and development (R&D) capabilities.

Such capabilities, he said, cannot be achieved by one agency alone.

Speaking at the advanced science, technology and innovation convention (ASTICON), Solidum cited some examples or projects where collaboration have played a key role.

These include the DOST’s geospatial analytics program called geospatial analytics and technology solutions (GATES), spearheaded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) along with several other line agencies tasked to provide datasets on disaster risk, health, environment and infrastructure.

“(Through GATES), response agencies can work from the same picture of risk and exposure when a typhoon approaches. When public health needs to anticipate where outbreaks may cluster, the data is connected to where the people live and work,” he said.

Solidum also touted President R. Marcos Jr.’s support and approval of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy or NAIS in May 2025.

“Backed by the presidential coordination, we envision AI to be human-centered, to serve Filipino priorities, and to position the country as a center of excellence in AI through a whole-of-nation approach,” he said.

The DOST established the National AI Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI) in February 2026 with the help of the academe, regional agencies and industry partners, to elevate AI capability.

“The goal is to make trusted models, datasets and tools easier to access, adapt, and deploy. Our regional offices bring that capability to enterprises across the country,” the DOST chief said.

He also noted that sustained collaboration is needed for a sustained capability.

Thus, he called on industry partners, especially micro, small and medium enterprises to co-create with the DOST and sustain those initiatives. (PNA)