The country’s top scientists and science academicians took the mainstream on Friday to join the call for the eventual enactment of the controversial Freedom of Information bill, saying the lack of free access to vital government information has left researchers and policymakers with inadequate information for effective strategy to progress and development.

During the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting held by the National Academy of Science and Technology at the Manila Hotel, the best and the brightest of scientists in every science field were pooled to the draw up recommendations based on scientific analysis on ways to heighten Philippine progress.

Among those who worked during the meeting were national scientists who even spoke on the problem areas that have hampered the country’s speedy growth in all fronts.

One of those touched was the failure of the government to provide important pieces of information that could help it in its effort to strongly propel national progress. The participants to the meeting, thus, came out with resolution, enumerating the areas that should be prioritized by the Aquino administration.

“The various fact-finding roundtable discussions (RTD) organized by NAST revealed that relevant data were inadequate, non-harmonized or not accessible to researchers and policy makers in a timely manner,” they noted in the resolution.

The scientists, hence, suggested, among others, the need for the government to adequately enhance its census and national data collection activities.

The agencies concerned, they said, must be brought under the close technical supervision, control and harmonization of the National Statistics Office.

This, they said, should be coupled by a strong effort on the part of the government to have a FoI law.

“[It is imperative] that the President certify the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill as urgent and, in the meantime, a Presidential directive be issued mandating all the data collected by the government to be placed in the public domain within 12 months,” the scientists said.