Thursday, November 21, 2024

Tag: DOST

Bukidnon LGU 1st in NorMin to adopt local climate action plan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 12, 2024) – The municipality of Kadingilan in Bukidnon province is poised to become a pioneering local government unit (LGU) in creating an Enhanced Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ELCCP) in the Northern Mindanao region

In a statement on Friday, Kadingilan Mayor Jerry Canoy Jr. said the LGU’s ELCCP includes a greenhouse gas inventory and identifies indicators for science, technology, and innovation.

The greenhouse gas inventory covers the assessment of the sources and amounts of greenhouse gases emitted within a specific focus area.

Canoy noted that such information is crucial for understanding the local contribution to climate change and developing strategies to reduce emissions in the municipality.

“With the help of our experts, I have great confidence that we can create an Enhanced LCCAP, which is one of our key references in developing and advancing our town,” he said.

Dr. Romela Ratilla, director of the Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao, said the agency has the full support of Kadingilan’s ELCCP in embracing science, technology, and innovation in the local development plan.

“The Kadingilan LGU is the first municipality in the region with which we have partnered in planning — all while mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation,” she said.

The ELCCAP serves as a blueprint for disaster prevention and mitigation in adapting to climate change. It incorporates the latest advancements in science and technology offered by DOST.
(By Nef Luczon/PNA)

P11.2M Dairy processing plant gitukod sa Bukidnon

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Isa ka Dairy processing plant nga adunay kinatibuk-ang balor nga PhP11,224,221.10 ang gitukod sa Bukidnon

Gipahigayon ang Product Launching ug Turn-over sa Dairy Processing Plant (DPP) sa Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City niadtong Nobyembre 30, 2023.

Ang proyekto gihimo alang sa Dalwangan Malaybalay United Dairy Agrarian Reform Cooperative (DAMAUDARC).

Mitambong sa kalihokan ang gikan sa National Dairy Authority- Northern Mindanao nga gipangunahan ni Department Manager Mr. Jester John P. Jadap, DOST-X Regional Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, Engr. Arlene P. Almo gikan sa POC Bukidnon, ug Ms. Jacqueline Julia Lagamon, acting Provincial Agriculturist.

Diha usab si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran ug pipila ka mga miyembro sa 9th Sanggunian, City Agriculture Office-OIC Engr. Richard B. Leono, City Nutritionist Ms. Eza
Canonigo, CAFC Chairperson Mr. Leonard O. Leyros, DAMAUDARC BODs, Punong
Barangay sa Dalwangan nga si Royville G. Pasco, department heads, mga stakeholders, ug ni
former city agriculturist Ms. Remedios R. Sarzuelo.

Si Leono mi-presentar og isa ka video presentation mahitungod sa estado sa DPP.

Nasayran nga ang DPP mibalor sa PhP11,224,221.10.

Ang PhP1,640,000.00 sa pondo gikan sa Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PhP 4,080,000.00 ang gikan sa Department of Agriculture BUB Fund, ug PhP 5,504,221.10 nga kantidad ang gikan sa Local Government Unit (LGU) sa dakbayan.

Gihagit ni Pabillaran sa iyang mensahe ang organisasyon nga lig-onon nila ang ilahang kooperasyon aron malungtaron ang maong proyekto.

Dugang niya nga importante ang pag-tinabangay sa matag-usa ug importante usab ang pinansyal nga aspeto sa grupo nga mamaayo ang pagdumala niini.

Kini, ingon ni Pabillaran, isa sa mga mamahimong hinungdan sa kalamposan sa DPP.

Ang kanhi city agriculturist nga si Sarzuelo mipaambit usab ug isa ka background kung giunsa pagsugod og mugna ang DPP.

Mihatag siya sa dakong pasigarbo nga human sa isa ka dekada nga pagproseso sa mga papeles sa maong proyekto nahuman na kini.

Ingon niya nga nabati na gyud ang kalampusan ug natukod na ang maong pasilidad uban niini ang mga makinarya ug gamit sa pagproseso sa gatas. (Chloe Jean B. Beronilla/melbmadera)

Locally-developed drones mimic birds, drop seeds for reforestation

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Biomimicry uses drone technology to drop seeds just like what birds do to restore denuded forests

The drone is called the galansiyang, named after the Asian Glossy Starling, a bird that drops seeds everywhere. Just like the bird, the drone also goes to places that are hard to reach.

It was developed in the Computer Applications Department of the College of Computer Studies at the Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), Mindanao State University.

It morphed into the Galinsayang, a startup company incubated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao. It now leads a reforestation project at the Kalatungan mountain ranges in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The P5.5-million reforestation project will cover four hectares out of 21,000 has., according to Ritchie Guno, DOST provincial director for Bukidnon. The project is a collaboration between Galansiyang, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOST, and the local government.

Using drones, Galansiyang has a 90 percent success rate in reforesting land areas in Mindanao, Guno said.

It uses the seeds of balansihan, talingtingan, bagalug and ulayan, all endemic tree species. The seeds are coated with charcoal, manure, compost, clay, and a microbial inoculant, a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant growth. The mix is then shaped into balls.

Using 3-D printing, the drones are modified to carry and then drop the seed balls in reforestation areas.

The seed balls are prepared by students at the Bukidnon Community College, members of the Manubo and Kalatungan Mandum indigenous communities which collects the seeds in the mountains, and PAMB which approves the seeds used. The selection is based on the recommendation of the Central Mindanao University which has the data on Mt. Kalatungan’s endemic plants.

Mt. Kalatungan is the country’s fifth-tallest peak and home to at least 129 animal species and 342 plant species.

“Our methodology is founded on one of the natural ways of plant propagation with birds as seed dispersers,” said Jay Gajudo, chief executive officer of Galansiyang.

“Using drones, we can plant trees faster compared to manual tree-planting. One person can plant 480 seedlings in eight hours, while one drone can plant 8,366 seed balls in one hour.”

Galinsayang displays data on its digital platform, for easy monitoring, transparency, and to make data-driven decisions. (Malaya)

21st AFC Congress: Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gipahigayon

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Ang City Agriculture Office (CAgO) sa pakigtambayayong sa City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC) nagsaulog sa ika-21 ka tuig sa AFC congress niadtong Oktubre 18, 2023 sa Kaamulan Folk Arts Theatre, Malaybalay City

Ang kalihokan nagdala sa tema “Saka Ta Agri-preneurs.”

Ang tinuig nga kalihokan mihatag og dungog ug pag-ila sa mga paningkamot ug bililhong kontribusyon sa mga mag-uuma sa dakbayan. Mao usab kini ang higayon nga maipakita sa Malaybalay Agri-preneurs ang ilang produkto ug negosyo.

Ang Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gisugdan sa isa ka motorkada ug gisalmotan sa 459 ka partisipante nga gilangkuban sa BAFC Chairperson matag barangay, duha ka miyembro matag sektor, ug mga empleyado sa CAgO.

Gisalmotan usab sa uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno nga direktang nalambigit sa pagpalambo sa agrikultura sa dakbayan sama sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) ug lain-laing buhatan sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay.

Atol sa maong programa, si CAgO -OIC Engr. Richard B. Leono miabi-abi sa mga halangdong bisita alang sa ilang hingpit nga suporta.

Sumala pa ni Leono, pinaagi sa pagtinabangay, ang CAgO nakab-ot sukad niadtong Septyembre 2023 sa kinatibuk-ang 33,409 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa humay, 85,330.31 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa mais, 318,592.96 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa high value commercial crops, 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa tilapia, ug 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa hito.

Dugang pa, iyang gipresentar ang usa ka video gamit ang kabag-ohan sa teknolohiya nga nagpakita sa lain-laing mga programa, proyekto, ug mga kalihokan nga gipahigayon sa CAgO nga nakatampo sa maong mga kalampusan.

Ang keynote speaker nga si Dir. Famelah Racquel D. Villanueva sa DTI nipaambit og mensahe pinaagi sa usa ka panultihon nga nagkanayon “Begin with the end in mind”. Gihatagan niya og gibug-aton ang kahulogan niini nga may kalabutan sa tema sa kalihokan nga konektado usab sa Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Week nga naay tema nga “Upgrade, Upskill, ug Upsize MSMEs.”

Gidasig niya ang mga mag-uuma aron kini magmalampuson. Gipaambit niya nga ang kalampusan mahimong makab-ot pinaagi sa pag-adopt sa teknolohiya, pagpadayon sa edukasyon ug pag-uswag, market diversification, financial accessibility, sustainable practices, kolaborasyon ug networking, ug needs analysis. Gitapos niya ang iyang mensahe pinaagi sa pagpaambit usab sa usa ka kinutlo nga nag-ingon “Ang katuyoan nga wala’y plano usa ra ka pangandoy.”

Si City Councilor Alan Ryann O. Legaspi isip Committee chair sa Agriculture nipaambit sa iyang mensahe nga nakasumite na og tulo ka ordinansa alang sa machineries profiling, organic-certified farmers, ug livestock registration. Iyang giawhag ang Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) ug 4H Youth Clubs nga mosumiter og project proposal aron siya makagahin og pundo alang kanila.

Samtang si Acting Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Lilith M. Turan nagpahibalo sa mga programa, proyekto ug aktibidad nga giabag sa Provincial Agriculture Office para sa dakbayan karong tuiga sama sa Bahay Kubo Project, Organic Farmers Assistance, Kadiwa, dugang Php 2.00 nga umento sa presyo sa humay, Young Farmers Challenge, ug Sustainable Land Management.

Highlight sa “Tapok Mag-uuma 2023” mao ang presentasyon sa 22 ka mga resolusyon nga i-endorso sa CAFC gipangulohan ni Chairperson Leonard O. Leyros. Lakip sa resolusyon mao ang abaca isip flagship program sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan ug alang sa paghatag og inputs sa lain-laing ahensya alang sa nasangpit nga tanom.

Gisumite usab ang mga resolusyon alang sa Malaybalay City Agri-preneurs Association, Malaybalay City Corn Growers Association (MCCGA), Malaybalay City Fisherfolks Association (MCFA), Malaybalay City Rural Improvement Club (MCFRIC), ug Agri-based Cooperatives.

Ang paghatag ug Plaque of Appreciation ug Recognition sa Active Rural Based Organization gihatag dayon ngadto sa lain-laing mga mag-uuma ug organisasyon matag kategorya. Ang mga awardees mao ang mosunod: Mr. Cerilo Arocha alang sa Rice Farmer Category (Barangay Linabo), Ms. April B. Malatamban alang sa Organic Agriculture Category (Simaya), Ms. Lourdes Limbu alang sa High Value Commercial Crops Category (Miglamin), ug Ms. Anna Paula Chiong alang sa Agri-preneur Category (Barangay 1).

Gidunol ang award sa Outstanding Rural Women nga sila si Ms. Maria Celsa G. Embudo sa Barangay Bangcud, Ms. Vicenta P. Tejada sa Barangay Managok, ug Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Barangay Simaya.

Giila ang mga kabatan-onan kinsa mao ang 4H Club scholars sa Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) nga sila si: Ms. Careen C. Elloren (BS-Agriculture, CMU), Ms. Jenerose D. Callejas (BS-Agriculture, CMU), ug Mr. John Chris Ramirez (BS-AgEcon, CMU).

Nahimong awardee ang 4H Youth Interns gikan sa Taiwan nga sila si: Mr. Jason Gonzales sa Barangay Linabo ug Mr. Randy Donque sa Barangay Imbayao.

Pasidungog ang naangkon gikan sa atong certified organic farmers nga sila si: Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Anpas Farm, Simaya, Ms. Everly G. Ampalaya sa Green Wonder Farm, Sinanglanan, ug Mr. Reynaldo Gil G. Lomarda sa Umanika Farm, Barangay 10.

Dungan nga kompetisyon ang napahigayon para sa 4H ug RIC. Ang 4H winners mao sila si Mr. Khiersten Abyin Calderon sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Poster Making Contest, Mr. Greggy Amarga sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Dish Gardening, ug Dalwangan National High School alang sa Mini Blog. Para sa RIC, ang mga mananaog mao sila si: Ms. Delia Lizada sa Barangay Bangcud ug Ms. Veronica Gargar sa Barangay 1 alang sa Dish Gardening, RIC Kulaman alang sa Exhibit ug display sa mga produkto, RIC Casisang alang sa Cooking Contest, ug Barangay Aglayan RIC alang sa ang presentasyon sa video.

Ang presentasyon sa lain-laing mga ahensya gipasiugdahan sa hapon sa DOST, NDA, PCA, PHILFIDA, ug BFAR diin ang mga partisipante nagpadayag sa lain-laing mga pangutana. Gisundan kini sa Search for Ms. 4H 2023 ug Ginang RIC 2023. Nahimong Ms. 4H 2023 si Ms. Kathrina Delos Reyes sa Barangay Managok ug Ginang RIC 2023 si Ms. Juvelyn L. Revisado sa Barangay Sumpong.

Ang kalihokan gitapos sa 4H Youth Club Candle Lighting Ceremony nga nagsimbolo sa mga paglaum, ug pangandoy sa kabatan-onan alang sa kalamboan sa tibuok nasud. (LGU Malaybalay)

Goiter awareness gilusad sa Bukidnon

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Ang Iodine Global Network milusad og Thyro Mobile Medical Mission sa Bukidnon sa Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City kaniadtong Oktubre 16, 2023

Katimbayayong sa grupo ang Rotary Club of Malaybalay City ug Bukidnon Provincial Medical Centre (BPMC).

Ang mga kalihukan gilangkuban sa goiter screening, thyroid ultrasound, blood testing sa thyroid hormone, urine testing sa iodine level, ug salt testing sa iodine levels. Lakip sa kalihukan ang pagpasabot kabahin sa Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) ngadto sa mga mitambong ug press conference.

Si Rtn Dr Teofilo San Luis, kinsa isa sa mga focal person mibutyag nga ang Bukidnon lakip sa 15 ka mga probinsya sa Pilipinas nga taas og kaso sa iodine deficiency.

Kini iyang gi-base sa ulahi nga datos sa Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Ingon niya, kasagaran sa gaka igo sa goiter mao ang mga babae.

Ang gitutokan sa kalihukan mao ang mga babae nga anaa sa reproductive age kon nag edad og 15 ngadto 49 anyos matod sa United Nations.

Gawas sa Bukidnon, ang uban pa nga mga probinsya nga adunay IDD mao ang Mountain Province, Benguet, Pangasinan, ug Palawan sa Luzon; Cebu; Antique; Capiz; Biliran; ug Western Samar sa Visayas; ug Davao Occidental; South Cotabato; Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga del Sur; ug Basilan sa Mindanao.

Pipila sa mag personalidad nga mitambong mao si local endocrinologist Dr Cindy Josol Blancaver ug Provincial Health officer II, Dr Gary Guido C. Tabios Jr. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

24 NorMin LGUs sign with DOST for disaster preparedness modernization

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Twenty-four local government units (LGUs) in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) simultaneously signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) Friday with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for modernized projects on disaster preparations

The MOA signing formed part of the culmination activities for the Mindanao leg of the Oct. 4-6 “Handa Pilipinas” Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition 2023 held in this city.

It provides LGUs access to disaster risk reduction technologies and innovations developed by Filipino inventors and researchers.

Meanwhile, the DOST will provide technical assistance in creating and executing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) initiatives.

During her speech, Director Romela Ratilla of DOST-10 said the signing is just the start of many future engagements as the agency aims to partner with more LGUs to promote science, technology, and innovation as tools against disasters.

“Let us persistently work to make the Philippines more innovative, safe, (disaster) resilient, and prepared for future uncertainties,” she said.

The agency also pledged to provide capacity building, training, and technical support to LGUs for disaster preparedness and mitigation. This includes early warning systems and hazard assessment platforms with various programs and applications developed by scholars and inventors.

The Handa Pilipinas is a nationwide event led by the DOST. Its DRRM technology exposition here is the first in Mindanao. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Empowering Bukidnon: DOST advances innovative tech in DRRM

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MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s Office, the Office of Civil Defense, and the provincial government of Bukidnon, organized a comprehensive four-day workshop focused on enhancing the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Contingency Plans

To elevate existing local DRRM plans, particularly in tackling threats like landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) convened the four-day contingency planning at Hotel de Susana in Valencia City.

This collaborative effort shall empower Bukidnon’s two cities and 20 municipalities by equipping them to develop or enhance their contingency strategies on DRRM.

These strategies encompass a spectrum of innovative technologies, including data analysis, hazard identification, early warning systems, modeling and simulation, risk assessment, communication and coordination, response planning, and infrastructure resilience. These aspects play a crucial role in crafting effective contingency plans.

“There is no such thing as natural disasters; they are, in fact, natural hazards,” affirmed DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during a press conference held during the four-day DRRM event in Valencia City.

The event’s prime goal is the upgrading and enhancement of current local DRRM plans, specifically in addressing risks posed by natural hazards.

The Contingency Planning seeks to integrate DOST technologies for application by local government units (LGUs) in risk reduction undertakings such as prevention and mitigation.

Meanwhile, DOST announced the upcoming Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) training this September.

The CDRA is a tool for studying and assessing risks and vulnerabilities of exposed elements associated with natural hazards and climate change. It will be merged into the Comprehensive Land Use Plans of the LGUs.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. holds a press conference, which is part of the four-day DRRM event in Valencia City, emphasizing the science and technology’s crucial roles in creating effective contingency plans such as data collection and analysis, hazard identification, early warning systems, modeling and simulation, risk assessment, communication, resources allocation, training and education, response planning, and infrastructure resilience. (BGE/PIA-Bukidnon)

Bukidnon links up with gov’t agencies for El Niño strategy plan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bukidnon provincial government is preparing for the possible effects of El Niño to prevent significant losses in the economy and agricultural lands

Personnel and officers of the local and provincial government Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMO) on Thursday conducted a dynamic simulation exercise here to harness their specific areas of expertise on disaster management.

Grouped into clusters, participants engaged in a series of purpose-driven activities not only in preparation for El Niño but also for other effects due to weather disturbances and man-made disasters.

The activities revolved around critical aspects, such as crafting realistic disaster scenarios, defining roles and responsibilities, planning for both pre-and post-disaster phases, analyzing resource requirements, and anticipating potential gaps that might arise during an actual emergency.

Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, in his message during the activity, said the contingency planning is timely because of the looming El Niño season that will affect the country later this year and could extend to 2024.

“But as the saying goes, ‘those that fail to plan, plan to fail.’ We are therefore here today to plan,” he said.

The planning activity drew the support of the Northern Mindanao Offices of the Civil Defense (OCD-10) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10).

OCD-10 Director Antonio Sugarol said the agency has always reached out to DRRMOs at the local government level as part of its mandate.

“Our collective efforts and cooperation will serve as a foundation for stronger communities,” he said.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang said the planning comes at a time when there are “ever-increasing frequency and intensity” of natural hazards that remind the public and local governments of improving resilience and adaptability measures.

“Bukidnon is not immune to the challenges presented by hazards. Our shared responsibility is to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge needed to confront these challenges head-on,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

DOST brings Silyang Pinoy in Bukidnon

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The office of Congress representative Jose Manuel “Joeman” Alba of the 1st District of Bukidnon and the Department of Science and Technology brings Silyang Pinoy in Bukidnon through a series of trainings for local furniture makers in the 1st district of the province

On July 11-16, 53 attendees actively participated and were able to produce engineered bamboo boards, a major component of Silyang Pinoy. On July 24-28, the same participants were further trained in the actual production of Silyang Pinoy at Bamboo Pavilion, Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Trainees were able to produce Silyang Pinoy with two tables and chairs designed for Elementary students and one table and two Chairs designed for Secondary students after the training. These training outputs are currently at the Bamboo Pavilion, Manolo Fortich.

Silyang Pinoy are multifunctional chairs and tables that can be converted to other furniture. The production of Silyang Pinoy chairs using engineered bamboo aligns with the government’s mandate to promote sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This collaboration of the 1st District of Bukidnon and DOST 10 will be the pilot project of Silyang Pinoy in the region.

It is envisioned that the attendees will soon produce Silyang Pinoy and supply to demand of the Department of Education on their EO 879, which mandates that 25 percent of all desks and tables of public schools shall be made of bamboo.

The activity was made possible through the initiative of Rep. Alba, tapping DOST-Bukidnon to connect local bamboo furniture makers in the first district to the experts from the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) to conduct engineered bamboo training.

“Nowadays, there are ongoing issues of tree cutting because we can still see hardwoods. We can see hardwood furniture items not just in a mall but even in rural areas. Hence, we are actively campaigning for engineered bamboo as a solution to halt tree cutting,” the district representative said. “Our advocacy is backyard bamboo processing because we want to create more furniture makers utilizing bamboo as a sustainable alternative to hardwood,” he added.

The attendees have also expressed their intent to continue producing furniture using bamboo.

DOST is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in the bamboo industry, as it empowers furniture makers to shape a bright future for Bukidnon.

A public hearing in Manolo Fortich will also be conducted on August 11 on the commercialization of Silyang Pinoy. (Junamae O. Digal, GIP Intern /DOST 10)

N. Mindanao dev’t projects priority under DOST ‘iSTART’ program

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Development projects of local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao are the primary targets of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development (iSTART) program

In a statement on August 03, DOST-Region 10 Director Romela Ratilla said iSTART seeks to synergize the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

“The iSTART program stands as a shining example of how science, technology, and innovation can transform lives and drive development,” she said.

Ratilla said the program is a DOST-led platform for strategically aligning the agency’s programs and projects with local development plans to support balanced development by accelerating regional growth through science, technology, and innovation (STI).

Among its specific objectives is to assist LGUs in developing a technology-based development plan for agriculture-based, manufacturing, and service sectors by engaging researchers, scientists, and engineers in the planning process.

The program also seeks to attract new technology-based investments per the validated plans in collaboration with the LGUs.

Ratilla said the DOST-10 trained local planning officers in the five provinces and four cities of the region are regularly apprised of the tools and processes for mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation in local development.

The Bukidnon Provincial Planning and Development Office’s representative, Norberto Baltazar said iSTART will provide insight into how the program can bring more value to LGUs.

“Together with DOST, we must pitch this to our local chief executives,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)