BATANGAS CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Region 4a entered into partnership with the Batangas State University (BatStateU) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the initial implementation of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) in Calabarzon, on October 7.
PHOTO: BatStateU President Tirso Ronquillo and DOST-4a Regional Director Emelita Bagsit signing the Grants-In-Aid Memorandum of Agreement to fund activities under the RIICs.An initiative by DTI and DOST, supported by the USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE), the RIIC is one of the cornerstones of the 2018 Inclusive Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap to strengthen the capacity for innovation to drive inclusive economic growth in the countryside.
Under the Grants-In-Aid program, DOST-4a has committed Php 1.4M funds for strengthening the operation of RIIC in Calabarzon including support for the Barako coffee sector, establishment of a Business Innovation Unit under BatStateU Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park and other innovation programs. The BIU aims to be a dynamic one-stop-shop for prospective innovators in the region, with the goal of increased utilization and uptake of innovation programs/services and R&D outputs among MSMEs.
The MOA was signed by DOST-4a Regional Director Emelita Bagsit and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Mr. Francisco Barquilla, with counterparts from BatStateU President Tirso Ronquillo, and Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson Amante.
The agreement builds on the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC) for the establishment of the Calabarzon RIIC last December 2020, with DOST-4a and DTI-4a as lead government agencies, and BatStateU as the anchor academe institution and lead implementor. This is only the first phase of the implementation and is expected to produce outcomes for a more developed and accessible innovation environment across the region.
A ceremonial awarding of funds will be held on October 19, during the launch of the RIIC Innovation program and official brand, dubbed as “Linking Innovation Networks for Competitiveness in Calabarzon” –or– “LINC Calabarzon.” The event will also unveil the LINC Calabarzon Website that houses a regional innovation database, consolidating local innovation resources for increased access among MSMEs and other stakeholders.
For more details, you may visit the website at linccalabarzon.com and Facebook Page at facebook.com/LincCalabarzon.