The term 'DOST OWN' is a combination of two words, 'DOST' and 'OWN'. 'DOST' stands for the Department of Science and Technology, which is a Philippine government agency responsible for the development of science and technology in the country. 'OWN' stands for the Office of the Secretary, which is the highest-ranking official in the Department of Science and Technology. Together, the two words form the job title of the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. The four-letter word 'HAST' is an acronym for the Head of the Agency for Science and Technology, which is the highest-ranking official in the Department of Science and Technology.