Cobonpue named S&T ambassador
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has named industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue science and technology (S&T) ambassador for Central Visayas.
Cobonpue, co-chair of the Regional Development Council 7 and vice president of Interior Crafts of the Islands Inc., was proclaimed S&T ambassador during the Regional Technology Transfer Day yesterday hosted by the DOST 7 in collaboration with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Engineer Edilberto Paradela, DOST 7 director, said the S&T ambassador shall “exhibit an active commitment and determination to promote and advocate S&T innovation for the inclusive growth and development in Region 7.”
Cobonpue is expected to mobilize and help increase the interface and exchanges of the scientific and technical provisions among government policymakers, media and community using the latest communication technologies.
He is also tasked to promote the culture of research and development and encourage the adoption of evidence-based decision and policymaking while assessing the information dissemination to the public about S&T innovation as well as R&D initiatives to make communication easily comprehensible and connected to daily life.
The multi-awarded Cebuano furniture designer and manufacturer is also expected to advocate the use of S&T for green productivity and industrial competitiveness and to participate in the region’s programs at least twice a year.
Cobonpue is known for his unique designs integrating natural materials through innovative handmade production processes. In 2007, Time magazine called him “rattan’s first virtuoso.” He was also named Designer of the Year in the first edition of Maison et Objet Asia held in March 2014 in Singapore. His furniture designs have appeared in Hollywood films and TV shows, such as Oceans 13 and CSI.
“The future is in the fusion of creativity and S&T,” said Cobonpue in an interview. “We are already creative. I think it is in the (utilization) of S&T that we are missing.”
Cobonpue said China has become successful despite high wages compared to the Philippines because it has maximized S&T, enabling it to produce in bigger volume at lower cost. “But here, we are still producing the traditional way. We need technology,” he said.
Cobonpue, a small enterprise technology upgrading program (SetUp) adopter, uses DOST’s machine for product testing and quality assurance. He also exploits S&T on the invention of new materials as well as in product execution.
Under SetUp, the DOST said, it has assisted 25,000 micro, small and medium enterprises whose productivity levels have improved from 30 to 1,000 percent. /