S&T Caravan made a glorious comeback in Batanes

𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒐, 𝑩𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 thru the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Batanes officially opened the 2022 S&T Caravan, last September 14.

This year’s S&T Caravan bannered with the theme “Moving Advance Valuable Innovations and Development (MAVID), which means DOST Region 02 is pushing forward in intensifying its implementation of the programs, projects, and services to become the lead Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Hub in Cagayan Valley.

The S&T Caravan is an annual activity with various S&T partners that aims to showcase the different programs and projects of DOST. This will also increase their awareness and knowledge on the S&T Interventions they want to avail, adopt and commercialize.

The S&T Caravan is also a platform to showcase the products of the various DOST SETUP supported MSMEs.

In his written message, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho Mabborang expressed his appreciation to the province for valuing Science, Technology and Innovation.

“Behind these achievements are our fellow Filipinos who had the courage to trust our services and start ventures alongside our science interventions. Their success stories are the most important to us.” Usec. Mabborang highlighted this in his message.

“The families they sustain, the homes they build out of their growth, the satisfaction and quality service they provide to their customers, and its impact in a larger industry, is a great contribution for inclusive growth. They are worth a record of best practices and best experiences.” he added.

Meanwhile, DOST R02 Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera also expressed his gratitude and challenged them to be the active players of S&T in the province through a written closing message.

“May this time bring the best in each and one of you. Let’s join hands in enriching the culture of pagtutulungan.I believe that this ceremony would ignite more science, technology and innovation developments through our mandates.”

The activity was attended by the Provincial Director of PSTO Batanes Ms. Nora Garcia, Batanes Governor Hon. Marilou H. Cayco, Representative from the Batanes Lone District, Hon. Ciriaco B. Gato, President of the Batanes State College, Dr. Djovi R. Durante, among others.

𝑺&𝑻 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔

For many years, The Provincial Science and Technology Officer (PSTO) continuously succeeded in bringing science and technology closer to the people of Batanes. Here are some of the accomplishments of the agency in the province.

Many of the small businesses in the province had difficulty in maintaining their sales since customers are mainly locals. Thus, Ivatans wanted to build their own business that will help the province’s local economy.

With determination and cooperation, DOST 02 thru PSTO Batanes took this opportunity to introduce to them the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

SETUP is the banner program of the Department of Science and Technology which aims to strengthen the country’s innovation system by enabling (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) MSMEs to address their technological requirements and limitations to improve productivity.

Since the implementation of the program in 2002 up to 2021, SETUP continuously strengthened MSMEs in the region and improved their products, services and operations. It also helps them increase their productivity and competitiveness through their adoption of various technological innovations.

Moreover, the agency also continuously extends its assistance through S&T services on technology transfers, iFund, food safety, packaging and labeling, technology training and fora, and other technical consultancies.

To date, there were a total 65 firms assisted in Batanes and already funded with P41.16 million innovative funds. From all the active beneficiaries of the program, firms which engaged in the food industry continuously had the most adopters with a total of 66% of the whole beneficiaries. The remaining 34% goes to other priority sectors such as ICT/Electronics, agriculture, metals and engineering, gifts, decors and housewares (GDH).

The province was also awarded with computer units for the installation of the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) for each beneficiary namely, Basco Central School, St. Dominic College of Batanes, Inc., and LGU Itbayat.

STARBOOKS is an offline S&T based educational and learning platform designed to reach those with limited or no access to S&T information resources. It aims to provide STI (Science, Technology and Innovation)-based content to students and other constituents.

Furthermore, LGU Sabtang (RHU) and LGU Itbayat (RHU) were also awarded with one (1) set each of RxBox. RxBox is a multi-component program designed to provide better access to life-saving health care services in isolated and disadvantaged communities.

With the continued support and close collaboration with the provincial local government and other stakeholders, the Provincial Science and Technology Office of Batanes, together with its national and regional offices, are looking forward to a more dedicated projects in serving and giving quality living to every Ivatan and Ipula (non-ivatan) alike. (DOST R2) #OneDOST4U#dostPH#ScienceForThePeople#DOSTRegion02