NAST, DOST 10 kick off symposium on STI hubs, clusters in Mindanao

The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 10 kicked off the Symposium-Workshop on Developing Science and Technology Innovation Hubs and Clusters in Mindanao held in Cagayan De Oro City.

The two-day event was the first in a series of activities under the DOST-supported NAST project on “Supporting the Development of Partnerships in the S&T Innovation Ecosystem.”

Attended by more than 120 participants representing different sectors including the industry, academe, civil society, government, and non-government organizations, the two-day symposium aimed to explore how three STI hubs and clusters, both physical and virtual, can be developed corresponding to the three development corridors of Mindanao. The STI hubs are envisioned to provide an innovation ecosystem conducive to creativity and the participation of different stakeholders in translating innovations to actions.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Dir. Alfonso Alamban, regional director of DOST X, discussed the role of S&T in Philippine Development. He emphasized the need for a more inclusive and participatory STI to encourage the different sectors of the society. He further highlighted the STI efforts of the current and past administration. Finally, he reiterated the role of DOST and NAST in the advancement of STI in the country.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, likewise provided a welcome message. Mayor Moreno began by giving a brief history of CDO. He ended his speech by stressing the role of CDO as a strategic place for a convergence hub and center for STI and education, connecting Misamis and Lanao.

Giving the program overview, National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, project leader, talked about fostering a culture of science and innovation among Filipinos and improving STI ecosystem in the country. She ended her overview with the objectives of the activity, which was to generate proposals for establishing STI hubs in Mindanao.

Dr. Franco G. Teves, director of Research in MSUIIT talked about “Academic Research at the Nucleus of Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem for Mindanao Development.” He defined and described innovation ecosystem and the role of academic research in the innovation ecosystem stream.

Engr. Danilo Manayaga, president of Secura International Corporation, talked about the “Development of Inclusive Business Model for an Integrated Agri-Business Cluster Anchored on Applied Biotechnology and Precision Farming Technologies.” He highlighted market opportunities, both in domestic and export demands, and matched it with existing resources of the country. Furthermore, he presented an inclusive business model wherein the participation of stakeholders is an integral part of the business.

REZA-ARMM Executive Director Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal talked about “Programs for Economic Development of ARMM, The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.” Guiapal started off with an introduction to ARMM and stated that REZA is