The Philippines is considered as a low-middle income developing country and has a current population of 111 million (in 2021) [3]. The country’s urban population is growing rapidly, at an annual growth rate of 1.9% (in 2020) [4], making the Philippines one of the fastest urbanizing countries in the East Asia and the Pacific region. In the past five decades, the urban population increased by over 50 million people, and by 2050, is projected to reach 102 million people (more than 65% of the country’s total population) [5].

Urban density overall is high, particularly in Metro Manila, one of the fastest growing megacities in the region. In the Philippines, urbanization is correlated with economic efficiency and growth. However, while urbanization has had positive impacts on increased productivity, economic growth and poverty reduction, there are several underlying structural issues affecting urbanization in the country. These include the countries’ archipelagic geography which creates divisions in connectivity both internally and to external markets, the stagnating manufacturing sector which has not resulted in high quality jobs and has negatively affected urban led growth, and the country’s high exposure to natural hazards which exacerbates urban management challenges [5].

The Philippines has been one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia Pacific region. Average annual economic growth rate increased from 4.5% between 2000-2009, to 6.4% between 2010-2019. With increasing urbanization, a growing middle class, and a large and young population, the Philippines’ economic dynamism is rooted in strong consumer demand supported by a vibrant labor market and robust remittances. The Philippine economy has also made progress in delivering inclusive growth, evidenced by a decline in poverty rates, which declined from 23.3% in 2015 to 16.6% in 2018 [6]. Key economic activities in the country include business process outsourcing, tourism, semiconductors and electronics assembly, metals, and agricultural exports.

However, economic growth in the country was severely impacted by COVID-19 quarantine restrictions which significantly restricted economic activities. Nevertheless, the economy has started to recover with a 3.7% year-on-year expansion in the first half of 2021. With continued recovery and reform efforts, the country is getting back on track on its way to achieving upper middle-income country status (per capita income range of US$4,096–$12,695) [6].

Science, technology, and innovation (STI) is an essential component of a country's socio-economic development. The Philippines is facing multiple global and local challenges that require STI, such as increased competition due to globalization and regional integration, natural disasters, environmental degradation, climate change, and persistent and growing poverty and inequality. However, currently, the Philippines is not prepared to meet these challenges, as it is not investing enough of its resources in science and technology, human resource development, research and development (R&D), and physical infrastructure [7].

The development of STI is of critical importance in the field of climate change. Several national government agencies are involved in programmes and activities that promote the development of climate-smart technologies in the Philippines, so that the country can mitigate GHG emissions and become better adapted to the impacts of climate change. However, many gaps remain in promoting climate-smart technology transfer, mainly due to the lack of capacity among executing agencies and a lack of financing [8].

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Its 7,641 islands are exposed to a variety of natural hazards, including typhoons, earthquakes, floods, storm surges, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Nearly 74% of the population is vulnerable to natural disasters and 60% of the total land area is exposed to multiple natural hazards [9].

In addition to natural disasters, the Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, in March 2020, declared a public health emergency and called for the full cooperation of all government agencies and local governments to address the threat of COVID-19 [9].