29 September 2022
The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) conducted an orientation on the Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) Program to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Benguet on 02 September 2022 at the Benguet Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Among the participants are the Provincial and Municipal Planning and Development Officers and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers in Benguet. Board member Joel Tingbaoen, Jr., Chairperson on the Committee of Public Utilities, Transportation, Communication and Science and Technology, was also present in the orientation.
The activity is in preparation for the iSTART Program implementation in the province. The iSTART program supports balanced development geographically by accelerating regional growth through science, technology and innovation (STI).
DOST-CAR Science Research Specialist Banny Lyn D. Andres explained that through iSTART and other interventions, individuals currently residing in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas will return to their provinces of origin. She also discussed on how the program will assist LGUs in developing a technology-based development plan for the agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors; attract new technology-based investments; and engage researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) to support technology-based investments and projects in the region.
Meanwhile, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between DOST and LGUs in the implementation of STI projects in Benguet. Specifically, in the identification of priority projects as well as subsequent monitoring of these projects.
“With the implementation of the Mandana’s Ruling where major services will be transferred with the LGUs, particularly livelihood programs, I hope that the LGUs will continue to support the strategy of identifying problems that can be solved through STI-based solutions,” Dir. Bantog added.
Further, the DOST-CAR’s Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) particularly Technology Transfer and Commercialization; Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL); Packaging and Labeling Services; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM); and Science and Technology Scholarship were also discussed by the respective focal person.
In closing, Ms. Fidela C. Luis, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of PLGU Benguet, expressed her gratitude to DOST-CAR for being their constant partner in bringing STI development in the region.//MLFerrer
DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog in her opening message highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between DOST and LGUs in the implementation of STI projects in the region.
DOST-CAR Science Research Specialist Banny Lyn Andres discusses DOST’s iSTART program.
