SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MASTER PLAN – The Department of Science and

Technology (DOST) introduced the Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP) in
1990 which set the goals and objectives for the Science and Technology (S&T) sector,
and provided a framework for the effective coordination of S&T projects and programs
consistent with national development policies. STMP cited the following major problems
in the S & T sector: (a) underutilization of S&T for development as reflected in the low
quality, and low productivity of the production sector and heavy dependence on imports,
(2) underinvestment in S & T development in terms of manpower training, technological
services, research and development (R&D) facilities and financial resources, and (3)
weak linkages between technology generation, adaptation and utilization.
The Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP) was submitted to the President in
March 1989. The STMP was created by the Presidential Task Force for Science and
Technology, which was established by Corazon Aquino in 1988. The STMP's goal was
for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status by the year 2000.
The STMP set goals and objectives for the Science and Technology (S&T) sector, and
provided a framework for the effective coordination of S&T projects and programs

In 1993, Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was
established. Among its priorities were: (1) exporting winners identified by the DTI; (2)
domestic needs identified by the President's Council for Countryside Development; (3)
support industries and (4) coconut industry development.
In 1993, DOST came up with the Science and Technology Agenda for National
Development (STAND), a successor to STMP. STAND’s objective was to help realize
the vision of Philippines 2000 by focusing S & T activities on export niches identified by
the private sector.
The coconut industry is an important sector of agriculture in the Philippines. With 69 out
of 82 provinces in the country producing coconut, in the past, the coconut industry has
experienced various challenges ranging from low production to natural calamities and
pest infestations. Certain studies pointed to low productivity being caused by old and
senile coconut trees.

The National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP) 2020 is an 18-year plan that
outlines the direction of science and technology development in the Philippines. The
NSTP 2020's strategic focus is on building technological independence. It includes 12

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) coordinates and funds research by
Filipino scientists and inventors. The DOST also has programs and services to address
the technological needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).