LAMUT Ifugao– The Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with the Ifugao State University, spearheaded the inauguration and blessing of the Innovation and S&T Center at the IFSU Main Campus here.
DOST Cordillera Regional Director Victor Mariano and IFSU President Dr. Serafin Ngohayon, assisted by former DOST – CAR RD Julius Caesar Sicat (now the regional director of DOST Region 3), DOST – CAR Assistant Regional Director Nancy Bantog and Ifugao Provincial S&T Director Genna Jallorina led the ribbon cutting for the facility that aims to boost the delivery of DOST programs and services in the province, as well as the bringing of technology and innovations to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ifugao.
Mariano outlined that the new facility here will strengthen the ties between DOST, IFSU, program beneficiaries and co-operators that will eventually help improve the livelihood of the people of Ifugao.
‘This is the advocacy of the DOST, to bring inclusive growth to all the Filipino people, through science and technology and innovations,’ Mariano said.
Ngoyahon, on the other hand, affirmed that the facility is a visible and concrete landmark of what partnership means and what it would bring to the people. Working together, DOST and IFSU will multiply their capability and will also ensure sustainability of projects.
Sicat meanwhile noted that collaboration with industries, institutions and the academe like this partnership with IFSU is truly in line with the socio–economic agenda of DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña in bringing science to the people towards world class relevance and region- based technology.
Sicat along with project proponent, former DOST RD Ben Ladilad, and Mariano were involved in the realization of this project.
Through the provincial S&T Center, DOST can bring its programs and services closer to the people of Ifugao. With the facility as an innovation center, improving the competitiveness of local and indigenous products (both food and non-food) of the province will become a priority, Jallorina said.
We can use pulled out SET – UP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) equipment to assist local folks improve their indigenous agricultural products as well as other food and non – food livelihood produce. Eventually they can also be a SETUP implementer if they are ready to bring their livelihood undertaking at a higher level, Jallorina added. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
