The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has awarded Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente Sarte Salceda with the DOST HoR Exponents of Responsive and Outstanding Engagement in Science and Technology Award, simply known as the DOST-HEROES Award, last December 27, 2021.
Hon. Salceda, who is the first awardee of the DOST-HEROES Award, was congratulated by the DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña, who informed the representative of his award through a letter.
De La Peña lauded Salceda for his achievement and significant contributions to the field of science legislation, as well as informing the law-maker of the awarding ceremony that is to follow.
“The Department is forever grateful for your invaluable and untiring effort in facilitating the passage of important Science, Technology and Innovation legislations as well as your support in various STI programs and projects,” Secretary De La Peña wrote.
Salceda expressed that he was “elated and honored by the surprise recognition” which “is a testament to the legislative work we diligently undertake.”
“Science legislation demands abundant study. I work very hard to make sure my colleagues and the public understand the importance of science-related policies and programs. I am honored by this award because it recognizes the amount of work we do to promote science-based, data-driven policymaking,” he added.
Following the announcement of the HEROES Award, Salceda made a statement addressed to Congress, urging them to pass DOST-promoted measures such as the Science for Change Program or S4CP and the charter of the VIP.
“It’s a shame that we were unable to provide funds for the Virology Institute in the 2022 budget because the Senate failed to approve the VIP’s charter and the S4CP which was also approved in the Economic Development Cluster of the Cabinet. I am still optimistic these measures will be approved before Congress adjourns in June,” Salceda said in his statement.
“The VIP will help us fight future pandemics, and the S4CP is crucial to rapid and sustained economic growth. Science is always the future. All of our national ambitions depend on science-based governance,” Salceda added.