01 June 2016 – After representing the country at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Sochi, Science and Technology (S&T) Secretary Mario G. Montejo visited Moscow to attend a series of meetings with the country’s top S&T officials to explore areas of collaboration between the Philippines and Russia.

On May 23, Secretary Montejo visited the Russian Space Research Institute to meet with Dr. Lev Zelenyi, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute’s Director. He was accompanied by Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D) Amelia P. Guevara, Head Executive Assistant Marilyn M. Yap, and Ms. Charlene U. Basig.

During the meeting with the Russian Academy of Sciences, Secretary Montejo was briefed on existing research projects relating to applications of space technology. This included Remote Sensing solutions for the monitoring of Sea Surface, Forestry and Agriculture. The Secretary’s delegation also shared developments in DOST’s equivalent research programs such as the launching of the Philippines’ first micro-satellite, the Diwata-1.

The following day, Secretary Montejo’s delegation met with officials of the Ministry of Education and Science. They were received by Mr. Nikolay Toivonen, Director of International Department and Mr. Andrey Polyakov, Deputy Director of Science and Technology Department.

During the meeting, Secretary Montejo expressed the Philippines’ interest in collaborating on R&D projects based on an equivalent funding model. This, according to the Secretary, will allow both countries to optimize funding for its own research priorities while maximizing each other’s expertise. The Russian officials welcomed this proposal and both sides agreed to exchange information on their priorities in the near future.

Secretary Montejo expressed optimism about collaboration efforts with Russia, citing the openness of the Russian scientific community and a good match between the two countries’ S&T priorities. END