Strengthening ties with the National Member from Philippines

ICSU ROAP visited the National Research Council of Philippines (NRCP http://www.nrcp.dost.gov.ph/ ) on 19 October 2008 to follow-up on earlier discussions with the President of the Council, Dr Jamie C. Montoya on strengthening ties and enhancing collaboration between ICSU ROAP and the NRCP. In conjunction with the visit, a presentation was made to the Governing Board of the NRCP on the future directions of ICSU and potential areas where relations between ICSU ROAP and the NRCP may be strengthened and improved. The NRCP, established in 1933, is the oldest science council in Asia. The Philippines, it should be noted, has been a member of ICSU since the establishment of the NRCP.

The discussion identified common areas of interest including research on hazards and disasters, sustainable energy, and ecosystems. These areas of research had been identified as priority for further development by ICSU ROAP in the next three to six years. Members of the Governing Board expressed keen interest in interacting with ICSU at all levels. Many of the Divisions of the NRCP are aware of the activities of ICSU and have in the past engaged with various ICSU Unions and Interdisciplinary Bodies. Nevertheless it was noted that there are still many areas of collaboration that can be developed further. This includes enhancing the ability of NRCP to efficiently tap the intellectual resources available under ICSU, greater access to data and information, wider engagement of NRCP in capacity building activities organized by ICSU and greater participation in ICSU panels. The Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Garciano P. Yumul, Jr., that oversees the NRCP, was also present at the meeting.