NRCP annual conference highlights need for lasting solutions to social problems

These solutions, according to NRCP vice president, Leslie Bauzon, are “more than just the quick efforts” of some politicians, and these require ethics in science. (Photo: National Research Council of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA–The annual conference and the 84th General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) highlighted the need for lasting solutions to the country’s social, educational, political and cultural problems.

These solutions, according to NRCP vice president, Leslie Bauzon, are “more than just the quick efforts” of some politicians, and these require ethics in science.

The assembly held Wednesday in Manila had the theme, “Philippine Development: Foregrounding Ethical and Moral Values”.

“Why are we doing R&D (research and development), why are we building technology?” Edgardo Gomez, NRCP president, asked fellow NRCP members.

He continued, “What’s our moral framework to guide us in deciding what we do? ”

Bauzon noted that moral and ethical values, as well as culture, should never be dissociated from development.

“There is no such things as ethical neutrality when you are undertaking development projects that impact the lives of millions of people,” she emphasized.

Gomez, for his part, said the discussion on development and ethics on societal perspective will naturally touch issues on human rights, social justice and basic needs.

He explained that researchers also deal with the dilemma of what’s perceived as wrong, like whenever they do animal testing, among others, to support the conduct of their research.

Meanwhile, about 700 people attended the general assembly.

Parallel sessions on different topics were also slated during the event.

In the afternoon, outstanding institutions and member emeritus were recognized in an awarding ceremony.