DOST commends Congressman Salceda

By Rhaydz Barcia

For pushing vital legislative agenda on science and technology innovation, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) named Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda as the country’s first recipient of the DOST Heroes Award.

In a letter by Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña to Salceda, the latter was chosen as the country’s first awardee for his untiring effort in facilitating the passage of important science, technology and innovation (STI) legislation to support in various STI programs and projects.

“Cong. Joey Salceda, you are chosen as the very first awardee of the DoST-HOR Exponents of Responsive and Outstanding Engagement in Science Award (DoST-Heroes) Award,” de la Peña said.

Salceda, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee was also named as United Nations global champion for climate change reduction during his incumbency as governor of Albay, said that he is elated and honored by the surprise recognition given by the DOST.

Salceda is the principal author of the Philippine Space Agency Act (Republic Act 11363) and other measures pending in Congress such as the Charter of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, creation of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Science for Change Program, National Policy on Access to Philippine Genetic Resources, Philippine Nuclear Regulation Commission Charter, and the establishment of the Philippine Science High School branch in Daraga, Albay and the Charter of the Atomic Regulatory Commission.

The lawmaker is also pushing the research and development and higher-technology incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

Salceda, for his part, said that science legislation demands abundant study.

“I work very hard to make sure my colleagues and the public understand the importance of science-related policies and programs. I am honored by this award because it recognizes the amount of work we do to promote science-based, data-driven policymaking,” he said in a statement.