The portal currently links to some 65 databases of various DoST sub-agencies and is designed to complement the multi-million peso E-Library project. Launched last year, the E-Library network connects private and government research institutions, some of which employ the subscription model.
According to DoST officials, plans are also underway to integrate the site with the databases of other national government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health.
The dotPH-registered domain is a response to the department's desire to have a faster and easier means to provide science and technology information. With the tag line 'Voyage to Science Discovery Starts Here,' the DoST's objective for creating the portal is to establish a responsive database for accurate retrieval of science and technology information.
Web service model
Using Java, the DoST wanted to create a browser-based interface using the Web services model to connect with various databases, whether proprietary or open source, said Jay-Jay Esguerra, head of the team under the DoST's Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) that developed and maintains Science.ph.
Through the portal, users can access STII-managed databases on the library holdings of the DoST's Science Information Network (SciNET), as well as bibliographical information on Filipino scientists, profiles of local science and technology institutions, and DoST-funded or -assisted research and development (R&D) projects.
Science.ph has two phases. The first phase consists of: integrated, categorical, and individual search; integrated Philippine science and technology data functions; directory service for URL link collection; recommendation and suggestive system; administration functions; and statistical functions.
The second phase consists of: advanced search; personalization; customization; additional entries to the Philippine science and technology thesaurus; use of ontology (full semantic Web support) and ontology administration; additional databases; linkages with universities and other local scientific institutions; and e-commerce (subscription for select content).
'A revenue model for the site would depend on how to repackage information and other services from partner agencies,' said Fortunato Dela Pe'a, DoST undersecretary for information and communication technology (ICT).
Long overdue
The DoST long wanted to build an S&T portal as early as five years ago but the plan was stalled after the National Computer Center (NCC), which used to be under the DoST, was transferred to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT).
'When NCC was transferred to CICT, we lost control of the unit and people to design the portal. STII took over the development of Science.ph,' said DoST secretary Estrella Alabastro.
Although the academic and business sectors are the main target users for the portal, Alabastro noted that anyone who has Internet access can use the portal. She added, 'The portal can stimulate the creation of new skills infrastructure. It can prepare our skills for the future.'
Meanwhile, Dela Pe'a is hoping Science.ph will become relevant and useful to a greater number of users. 'Through Science.ph, I hope DoST will be able to respond to the needs, not only of researchers, but the needs of ordinary citizens as well,' he said.
The DoST plans to add the following agencies by the second quarter of this year: the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice); Department of Agriculture; Department of Agrarian Reform; Department of Health; Philippine Council for Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Development; and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The site already connects to the databases of DoST agencies including the Technology Applications and Promotion Institute (TAPI), the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD), and the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development (PCIERD), among others.