The President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti on Thursday affirmed that one of the main axes of his administration is the promotion and recognition of science and technology in Peru, in addition to the defense of democracy and knowledge.
During a ceremony held at the Government Palace, archaeologist Ruth Shady, scientific researcher Tomas Unger, and physician Uriel Garcia were awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in the Rank of Great Cross.
Within this framework, the Head of State highlighted the vocation for service of these outstanding citizens who —through their work— inscribed their names and their legacies on the pages of the nation's recent history.
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For this Transition and Emergency Government, we were commissioned to steer our country for a few months to be able to
face the pandemic and leave the house in order for the next Government (to take office on July 28). One of the central issues in this short period is the promotion and recognition of the importance of science and technology in our country," he stated.
In this sense, the top official expressed satisfaction over the fact that in his first two months in office this awarding constitutes "the most pleasant moment," as it allows his administration to extend the recognition to outstanding Peruvians who —over many years— "have been making progress, promoting, and working for the country."
"Since the first day, we joined efforts with the scientific and technological community, society in general, workers, businesspeople, and public officials. Following periods of instability —
in the midst of a pandemic, as well as of economic and social crises that not only Peru is not going through— we must take time to reaffirm the importance of knowledge, democracy, and service to the country," he said.
For this reason, Mr. Sagasti stressed that the recognition of Ruth Shady, Tomas Unger, and Uriel Garcia proves that there are Peruvians "who set the example of such vocation for service, meaning those who set the example of what should be done for the (sake of the) country."
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez, as well as Ministers Elizabeth Astete (Foreign Affairs) and Alejandro Neyra (Culture).