In celebration of the National Innovation Day on April 21 as mandated by the Philippine Innovation Act and the vibrant innovation ecosystem of Northern Mindanao led the Regional Development Council (RDC) in region 10 and partners to stage a three-day exposition of innovation impact, interactive experience and investment opportunities activities in April 20-22, 2023 at SM Uptown, Cagayan de Oro City.
The three-day event was made possible through the leadership of the lead convenor, the National Economic Development Authority. The co-convenors are the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee through the Department of Science and Technology; Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs) through Department of Trade and Industry, and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce as lead program coordinator.
Several partner government agencies have also contributed resource speakers, technologies, and innovation. Among these agencies are the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), Department of Agriculture, PHILHEALTH, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Philippine Information Agency, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and more. Partner state universities and colleges, various consortia, innovation hubs, LGUs, and the SM CDO uptown are also active partners of this event.
As one of the leading catalysts for innovation in the Philippines, DOST showcased its program, projects, and technologies for MSMEs, people’s organizations, students, and industry-partners anchored in the theme, “Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem in Region X.”
Among the highlights of the agency is the showcasing of DOST Technology Hub, an online portal/website that serves as a catalog of scientific and technological innovations and services. More than a thousand DOST technologies are now readily accessible to everyone. This includes processes on adoption, transfer, and commercialization.
In a recorded message, Sec Renato U. Solidum Jr congratulates the organizers for the conduct of the event. He encouraged stakeholders to sustain efforts to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Northern Mindanao.
“The innovation ecosystem in Northern Mindanao is vibrant, that is why we have prepared three days of activities centered in the three thematic areas that we think are very important to move the innovation ecosystem forward: Innovation Impact, Interactive Experience, and Investment Opportunities,” said DOST-X Officer-in-Charge, Engr. Romela N. Ratilla during the opening ceremony.
The DOST exhibition is inspired by the event’s three thematic areas: For innovation impact, DOST has highlighted various programs and projects that support and boost the innovation initiatives in the region. For interactive experience, the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories have prepared interactive games for science enthusiasts. For investment opportunities, technical staff are ready to assist walk-in clients on their inquiries and provide them tech-based games with exciting prizes.
Also the crowd magnet is the Planetarium setup in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Mindanao Division led by Mr. Anthony Joseph R. Lucero. Parents brought their kids to experience the Planetarium and then proceeded to view the exhibits and listened to innovation talks.
Innovation talks included technology pitching, accomplishments from innovation centers, technology business incubators, success stories from MSMEs innovation fund grants from DICT, investment opportunities from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Crowd Funding and parametric insurance as response to disaster risk and climate change from CLIMBs Insurance.
The national innovation day is aimed to promote public awareness and national support for innovation and highlight milestones of government and private sector initiatives. All current innovation-related events are encouraged to be conducted in the month of April for the said celebration.
During the opening ceremonies RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño of NEDA presented the Regional Innovation Agenda of Region 10. This is the guiding framework, strategies and goals of the innovation players collectively.
AMBIT or Amihanang Mindanao Breakthrough Innovations and Technologies Awards proposal was bared by DOST-10. AMBIT awards are designed to honor innovators and enablers in the innovation ecosystem.
The National Innovation Day celebration is anchored to RA 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act. This act is adopting innovation as a vital component of the country’s development policies to drive inclusive development, promote the growth and national competitiveness of MSMEs.
The RA 11293 is part of generating and scaling up of actions in all levels and areas of education, training, research and development to promote innovation and internationalization of activities for MSMEs as driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. (Nova Belle C. Calotes/DOST-10)
