House Official Champions Increased Funding for Philippine Research Excellence
Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, who chairs the House committee on higher and technical education, issued a compelling call for enhanced government and private sector investment in Filipino research institutions during the 2025 RDLead Conference in Pasay City.
Speaking to researchers and academics gathered at the year-end assembly, Acidre emphasized the critical partnership between evidence-based research and effective policymaking, particularly as the Marcos administration continues its development agenda across the archipelago's diverse regions.
Research and Policy Must Walk Together
"Let us fund research generously. Let us champion it publicly. Let us connect it deeply to the work of governance, the pulse of our communities, and the hopes of our people," Acidre declared, highlighting the administration's commitment to science-driven governance.
The congressman stressed that policies crafted without research backing often become "detached from the very realities they seek to address," while research isolated from policymaking risks becoming invisible despite its potential value to Filipino communities.
"I have always believed, and continue to advocate, that policymaking and research must walk together. One cannot flourish without the other. Their partnership is not optional, it is essential," he explained.
Unlocking Regional Potential Across the Philippines
Acidre highlighted the Philippines' rich academic landscape spanning all 18 regions, where public and private universities excel in agriculture, marine science, public health, education, engineering, energy, and the arts. This diversity reflects the country's linguistic and cultural richness that characterizes Filipino excellence.
"The Philippines is rich in knowledge," the lawmaker noted. "The problem is not the absence of talent, it is the absence of opportunity, support, and visibility."
He called for breaking down institutional silos, urging higher education institutions to collaborate more effectively while encouraging government agencies to partner with academic centers and industries to invest in joint research initiatives.
Building Collaborative Networks
The congressman praised initiatives like the Department of Science and Technology's RDLead Program for fostering an ecosystem that empowers Filipino researchers. He emphasized the need for international partners to recognize Filipino research capabilities while maintaining strong collaborative ties with Western academic institutions.
"We need to stop operating in silos. We need our higher education institutions to talk to each other. We need government agencies to collaborate with academic institutions," Acidre stated, calling for mentorship to become the norm in Filipino research culture.
Legislative Commitment to Research Excellence
As committee chair, Acidre pledged continued advocacy for research investment and policies that integrate scientific evidence into Philippine governance structures. His approach aligns with the current administration's emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and regional development.
"I will continue working to ensure that our research ecosystem is not only strengthened but made more inclusive, more connected, and more empowered to serve the needs of the Filipino people," he assured conference attendees.
The call comes as the Philippines seeks to enhance its competitive position in regional research and development, building on existing strengths while addressing infrastructure and funding gaps that have historically limited research impact across the archipelago.