Bukidnon, DoST ink pact for iSTART use

BUKIDNON and the Department of Science and Technology in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) signed a partnership for the inclusion of science, technology and innovations in local development plans through the iSTART (Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development) program of DoST.

Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque and DoST-10 signed the memorandum of agreement (MoA) which formalized the province’s mainstreaming of science, technology and innovation (STI) to its local development plans.

“This is the first request for training of trainers (ToT) on the provincial level for STI mainstreaming. We assure you that you have our full support,” said Regional Director Romela Ratilla during the MoA signing on Feb. 8, 2024.

In the agreement, DoST-10 will assist the provincial government of Bukidnon in mainstreaming STI in the selected development plan of the province, which will involve a collaborative effort across various sectors, including consultations and capacity-building activities.

Governor Roque expressed his gratitude for accommodating the request of their province to capacitate their local planners about STI.

“The entry of DoST 10 is very timely — we are set to update our CLUP this year, and we need support from experts to develop a comprehensive plan for the people of Bukidnon,” said the governor, referring to the province’s comprehensive land use plan.

As a partner, Bukidnon will also coordinate, participate, and offer assistance in conducting inclusive consultations across sectors to shape the local development plan with STI at its core.

Integrating the STI in Bukidnon’s local developmental plans will significantly contribute to the province’s development.

iSTART program promises to address LGU challenges while nurturing entrepreneurship, bringing about economic growth and new job opportunities, and attracting new investors, ensuring a bright future for the province.

Bukidnon provincial planning and development (PPD) officer Engr. Jesrel Mangubat who also attended the MoA signing and expressed his full support to the DoST-10 initiative to capacitate local planners on STIs.

“We thank DoST-10 for helping us. This initiative benefits our office and staff and will help us better serve our people here in Bukidnon,” Mangubat said.

Ladizar Guno, PPDO staff of Bukidnon, recalls how the ToT conspired with the DoST-10’s recent engagement with Kadingilan local government unit (LGU) last December 2023.

The ToT is set to be conducted in May this year with a focus on harnessing STIs for comprehensive development.