Making Lapu-Lapu City a science and technology city

The most advanced countries in the world heavily rely on science and technology. Countries like Japan, Germany, the USA, and China have scientific and technological products that were sold to the world. Robots, medicines, artificial intelligence, food, transportation, and other great products from these countries have high economic returns. In most cases, we buy from them.

Personally, I think that the Philippines still does not acknowledge the impacts of science and technology, particularly it's role in augmenting the lives of the Filipino people. For several decades, politicians focused much on creating laws that were poorly implemented. And sadly, not much attention was given to science and technology. Further corruption plummeted our society down to regression. Most politicians may not know that a strong science and technology program can have many applications in medicine, food, transportation, communication, and even defense.

We might want to compare our country to South Korea and Singapore. Both countries were way younger than the Philippines. But because their leaders value that science and technology can become the backbone of their economy, they invest a lot of money in their respective S&T programs. As a result, they have better living conditions than us. They become economic powerhouses, thanks to their superior sciences.

Lapu-Lapu City is one of the few cities in the Philippines that have economic zones. Our local officials here can take advantage of this by partnering our city college to giant companies in MEPZA 1 and 2, and those in Cebu Light Industrial Park. They may solicit research and development funding and scholarship grant. These R&D funds can develop research and technology centers in our city college where students can conceptualize brilliant ideas, conduct research, and apply it in our city. In return, companies that grant scholarships to students may hire these students upon graduating. Not only that, but it can also generate more jobs and potentially raise the economic status of Oponganons.

What I am suggesting is that our city officials may look into promoting science and technology programs and transform our city into a science and technology city, in addition to being a historic resort city. We must rise to the scientific and technological challenges of the world. And I know that there are just many brilliant young Oponganons who can lead in making our country one of the leaders in these fields. And all they need are scientifically-inclined political leaders. And my vision is that when we become a science and technology hub in the country, we may be able to raise again our case of becoming an independent province.

Do you know of a potential scientist and innovator in our city?