The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially launched the Program
PROPEL (Propelling Innovations from the Philippines), a transformative initiative
designed to bridge science, technology, and innovation to empower Filipino innovators
and entrepreneurs. The event, held today, marked a significant milestone in advancing
the Philippines as a global hub for innovation.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. led the launch with pride and optimism,
emphasizing the program’s mission of elevating Filipino ingenuity to meet the
challenges of a rapidly evolving world. โPROPEL embodies a strategic shift, focusing
not just on the development of science-based technology solutions but on ensuring that
these solutions reach their end users, discover and transform markets, and create
tangible impacts both locally and globally,โ he stated. โIn a world defined by
technological disruptions and economic complexities, nations that harness science,
technology, and innovation not only surviveโthey thrive. This is the path we envision for
the Philippines through PROPEL: a future where Filipino ingenuity and scientific rigor
drive competitiveness, productivity, and growth in the global knowledge economy.โ
Echoing this vision, DOST Assistant Secretary Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr. highlighted
the programโs bold commitment to developing transformative and scalable science-
based technology solutions. โPROPEL aims to address local challenges while propelling
these innovations onto the global stage,โ he said. โThis initiative also has the potential to
harness the scientific talents and entrepreneurial drive of the Filipino diaspora, bringing
a global perspective to local solutions.โ
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian extended his congratulations to DOST for launching
PROPEL, recognizing its potential to create impactful change in the Philippine
innovation landscape. Likewise, British Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Laure
Nicole Beaufils lauded the program, emphasizing the importance of science and
technology in driving economic development and growth.
The event also featured messages of support from various organizations, including
TESDA, IPOPHL, PASUC, PCCI, USAID-UPSKILL, ADB, and CISTEM, as well as key
institutions such as the University of the Philippines and the Office of the Ambassador of
Israel to the Philippines. DOST Undersecretaries Dr. Leah J. Buendia and Engr. Sancho
A. Mabborang joined the event, underscoring the programโs collaborative and multi-
sectoral approach.
Through PROPEL, DOST sets its sights on a brighter future, where Filipino science,
technology, and innovation serve as engines for transformative growth, both in the
Philippines and on the global stage.
(Nelson Santos)
