The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in collaboration with the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST), successfully hosted its third Roundtable Discussion via Zoom on 17 November 2025, gathering industry experts to provide critical insights for updating PAGTANAW 2050 and identifying key influencers and enablers.

The third session in a five-part RTD series focused on an in-depth discussion of the five (5) Key Operational Areas identified as the Critical Influencers and Enablers in PAGTANAW 2050—namely Blue Economy, Governance, Business and Trade, Information and Communications Technology, and Science Education and Talent Retention.

Resource speakers emphasized the need for enabling mechanisms that build digital literacy and competencies to improve livelihood and quality-of-life. Experts on the blue economy highlighted that digital literacy and access should be systematically embedded and built in marine-dependent localities and networks, alongside harmonized government initiatives that avoid program overlaps. Similarly, business and trade experts echoed the concern about literacy, as digitalization is no longer optional to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology.

Beside the business sector, Philippine governance was mentioned to be a critical beneficiary of strengthening and expanding our digital infrastructure. Through nationwide digital transformation, the country can be steered toward a science-based, participatory, and resilient future.

Across sectors, there was a clear consensus that Science Education and Talent Retention, and ICT are decisive key enablers in operationalizing PAGTANAW 2050 goals. This entails leveraging human capital, scientific talent, and digital technology to achieve envisioned pathways across other priority areas. Ultimately, these initiatives can only be enacted through participatory engagements, collaborative efforts, clear governance direction, and harmonized mandates.

Following the presentations, industry experts provided their reactions, insights, and recommendations, drawing from their extensive experience in their respective fields. Key takeaways include the need for stronger science-industry partnerships, sustained human capital investment and unified national action, supported by adequate funding to harness science, technology, and innovation.

The discussion concluded with a message of appreciation from Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV of NAST PHL, who thanked PhilAAST, the resource speakers, reactors, and participants for generously sharing their time, expertise, and valuable industry perspectives in support of the PAGTANAW 2050 updating process. — Kenneth John Bello/NAST PHL

PAGTANAW 2050 is the first DOST-funded inter-disciplinal and trans-disciplinal project on Philippine-focused ST&I Foresight and Strategic Plan that would impact the aspirations of the Filipino people on or before 2050: A Prosperous, Archipelagic, and Maritime Nation.

For more information about PAGTANAW 2050, you may visit the NAST PHL website at https://nast.dost.gov.ph/index.php/pagtanaw-2050 and social media accounts through Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @pagtanaw2050