By Licinio F. Gingoyon

S&T Media Service, DOST-VII

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The Department of Science and Technology Region VII Director Edilberto Paradela urged scientists in the Visayas to do researches that promote “inclusive development.” Speaking before the participants in the scientist conference at the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Auditorium, Paradela stressed doing such fulfills the scientists’ moral and social duties to help alleviate the living condition of grass root communities.

The regional director said that while the country’s economy has improved tremendously, the grassroots have not enjoyed the benefits of economic growth. Thus he made the appeal to Visayan scientist-participants to the Annual Scientific Conference held recently by the DOST- National Research Council of the Philippines Visayas regional cluster. The NCRP has about 4,000 members all over the country.

Paradela noted that while the Philippines has posted an unprecedented average economic growth rate making it one of the best performing economies, many have remained poor.

“In spite of the country’s economic feat,  a considerable segment of the population is unable to enjoy the fruits of economic gains,” Paradela said. “Apparently, the bulk of the country’s new wealth created by economic boom has failed to trickle down to the grassroots level of society, thereby creating a much wider divide between the rich and the poor.”

“The disparity in the distribution of the nation’s wealth necessitates urgent appropriate action on those who have the abilities to bring social justice to the impoverished sectors of our society,” he added.

Challenging the conference participants, Paradela underscored the need for the members of the scientific community to support the government by “doing their parts in addressing this pressing need for inclusive growth and development in the country through innovative research.”

He further said that “it is the social and moral duty of those who have the gift of science to commit their intellectual gifts to the betterment of the world, and most especially of those who have less in life.”

“With your crucial participation, we in the government would be able to work more effectively in achieving our common goals of uplifting the lives of the grass root communities,” he pointed out.