PRESS RELEASE
WDC-27-2024
01 May 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
info@phembassy-us.org
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippines and the United States held their first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science and Technology in Washington, D.C. on 30 April 2024 to strengthen collaboration in the science and technology field and set priorities for deeper engagements in areas of mutual interest.
The JCM underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen scientific collaboration which was established following the signing of a scientific and technological cooperation agreement in July 2019.
The Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia of the Department of Science and Technology. She was joined by Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD); Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD); Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director, Philippine Council for Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, Executive Director, National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP); and Ms. Jinah Ruth Jomao-as, Project Technical Specialist III, International Technology Cooperation Unit (ITCU). The delegation also included Mr. Lupiño J Lazaro Jr., Agriculture Counsellor for the Americas, Department of Agriculture, and First Secretary Dominic Xavier M. Imperial, from the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC.
While the first JCM was convened nearly five years after the agreement was signed, Undersecretary Buendia emphasized that collaborative activities between the two countries have been ongoing in the areas of health, climate and environment, disaster risk reduction, including experts and student exchanges. Convening the JCM will ensure the success of the collaborative engagements and establish tangible results and programs.
The Philippines and the United States agreed to increase cooperation and support for capacity building, research and development, and policymaking in health, food security and agriculture, environment, climate change, and emerging technologies.
The next JCM will be hosted by the Philippines in 2026. ###