THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. led a series of scientific visits to different universities, research institutions, and laboratories in Western Australia (WA) aimed at exploring opportunities for potential partnerships in science, technology, and innovation (STI).

The Philippine delegation comprised DOST Secretary Solidum, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, former Foreign Affairs Secretary and Ambassador to Australia Delia Albert, and business delegates from the Philippine mining industry led by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Chairman Michael Toledo.

During the mission to WA, Secretary Solidum had the pleasure of meeting WA’s Minister for Science, Honorable Roger Cook, and WA’s Minister for Environment and Climate Action, Honorable Reece Whitby, where both sides had a fruitful exchange of views on the Philippines and WA’s priorities in STI, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.

Apart from the high-level meetings, Solidum also visited the University of Western Australia-Oceans Institute and Institute of Agriculture, Murdoch University-Harry Butler Institute, and Curtin University-WA School of Mines, where a number of possible strategic partnerships in research and capacity-building activities in sustainable marine and agricultural resources; health and biosecurity; and mining and mineral resources were explored.

Moreover, Solidum also had a productive meeting with the CSIRO Marine Debris Research group, where both sides discussed the need for continuous innovation backed by science-based policies as tools to effectively mitigate plastic pollution in the marine environment. DOST likewise met with the CSIRO Mineral Resources group and conducted benchmarking of the latest technologies and research that support the smart and sustainable mining industry.

Solidum also had the privilege to speak before the Filipino community and business leaders in WA during the “Economic Spotlight Philippines Industry and Innovation” event which was jointly organized by the Australia Philippines Business Council, the Philippine Embassy in Australia, and Philippine Trade and Investment Center.

In his speech, Solidum highlighted the Philippines’ opportunities in science and technology and showcased DOST’s priorities, programs, services, facilities, and innovations that support the Philippines’ socio-economic transformation agenda. The DOST secretary has likewise encouraged Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts in Australia to serve the country by sharing their knowledge and expertise through the “Balik Scientist Program.”

The Philippine delegation also had the opportunity to visit the “Super Pit,” one of Australia’s largest open-pit gold mines located in the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie, WA. The aim of this visit was to gain an understanding of the mining operations in the Super Pit, benchmark the latest mining technologies and equipment, and learn how operators adhere to sustainable mining policies such as mine rehabilitation.

The visit was facilitated by Curtin University–WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, where the delegation met a number of Filipino students – two of whom were former scholars of DOST.

The four-day mission to WA was initiated by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, spearheaded by Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) office in Manila.

The mission also coincided with the launching of the inaugural Manila to Perth direct flight by Philippine Airlines (PAL) that commenced on March 27, 2023 – boosting travel, economic, and scientific opportunities between the Philippines and WA.

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