Former Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña is a distinguished Filipino engineer, professor, public servant, and national leader in science, technology, and innovation. He served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology from 2016 to 2022, after earlier serving as DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services from 2001 to 2014. A long-time professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman, he has devoted decades to strengthening the country’s research, innovation, technology transfer, and science-for-development ecosystem. His leadership helped bring science closer to communities, micro, small and medium enterprises, researchers, and young Filipinos. As a member of the Board of Advisers of Sci&Tech Philippines, he provides strategic guidance drawn from his deep experience in government, academe, technology application, and national science policy. His lifelong service reflects the mission of making science work for the Filipino people.