Fifth Republic : Benigno Aquino

President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III (2014) conferred four (4) new National Scientists for their contribution in the scientific field: Academicians Gavino C. Trono's extensive study on seaweed species; Angel C. Alcala's artificial coral reefs and contributions on herpetology; Ramon C. Barba's micropropagation on an all-year round availability of mangoes; and Edgardo D. Gomez's national-scale assessment upon damaged reefs were honored. The way President Aquino thanked the scientists paves the development for national conservation, safeguarding the interests of coastal residents.

Philippines' 15th Executive President (2010-2016) || Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/23/world/asia/benigno-aquino-III-dead.html

During his term, an observable and desirable increase in the number of workers certified for the Technical-Vocation (TechVoc) training heed to the country's potential on the field of technology. The then- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña asserted that "He [Pres. Benigno Aquino] was present during the inauguration of the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL), a national testing laboratory of DOST that provides our local industry shorter turn-around time for analysis at competitive cost of services,” listed as Aquino's show of support. 

Here are other major accomplishments during the Aquino administration in behalf of the science and technology community:

• creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) dubbed as “Thin Client Cloud Computing Project” 
• Implementation of K-12 Program
• Launching of Diwata-1 microsatellite

UP-DOST Philippine Microsat Diwata-1 || Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diwata-1_Microsatellite.jpg

How the Philippine government supported these inventions?

President Aquino manifested gratefulness in the welcoming of new inventions, whilst the open-mindedness within the Philippine government (esp. DOST) would elaborate key importance of the field of science in the nation's progress. How the government concerned through commending the achievements of national scientists mediates the relevance of a liberal, and free world – open to new perspectives and marketisation. 

References:

Aquino, B. S. (2013). Message of President Aquino to the 2013 National Science and Technology Week, July 23, 2013 | GOVPH. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/07/23/message-of-president-aquino-to-the-2013-national-science-and-technology-week-july-23-2013/

HISOUR. (2023). Philippines Science History. https://www.hisour.com/philippines-science-history-37197/

Luci-Atienza, C. (2021). DOST chief: Aquino ‘instrumental’ in dev’t of PH’s microsatellites. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/dost-chief-aquino-instrumental-in-devt-of-phs-microsatellites/

Sollano, C. (n.d.). Presidents Accomplishments With Science and Technology. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/429636648/presidents-accomplishments-with-science-and-technology#

Rodil, N. M. (2014). President Aquino Honors Four New National Scientists. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). https://www.nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/115-president-aquino-honors-four-new-national-scientists