KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 12 is expanding its Technology Business Incubation (TBI) program to enhance production and broaden market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in SOCCSKSARGEN.
“Mahalaga ang papel ng TBI (Technology Business Incubator) sa paglinang ng mga makabagong teknolohiya na susuporta sa mga startup businesses at MSMEs,” Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, regional director of DOST, stated during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Koronadal City on March 25.
(The role of TBI is crucial in cultivating innovative technologies that will support startup businesses and MSMEs.)
The DOST is implementing the TBI program to promote “innovation and technopreneurship” while also supporting the establishment of university-based TBIs nationwide.
The DOST has established six TBI centers at leading state universities, partnering with the Department of Agriculture to mentor new enterprises, provide necessary technologies, and guide them toward market opportunities.
This means supporting the MSMEs, new businesses, and rural enterprises with industry-appropriate technologies, digitalization, and research and development-driven solutions.
Malawan highlighted innovation centers that offer facilities, resources, and training for creating local technologies and solutions, as well as developing a skilled workforce.
According to the official, DOST is actively collaborating with national line agencies, local government units, and academia to establish and utilize more innovation centers.
A consortium of 46 agencies is currently supporting the DOST in Region 12, offering assistance to startups and MSMEs through this initiative.
From 2021 to 2024, the DOST also provided financial and technical assistance to 103 MSMEs in the region through its flagship Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
Working toward sustainable SOCCSKSARGEN
Malawan said the DOST is committed to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in SOCCSKSARGEN.
“Habang patuloy nating pinalalakas ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon sa SOCCSKSARGEN, kailangang higit pang pagtutuunan ng pansin at tututukan ang innovation, collaboration, at impact-driven initiatives para matiyak ang mas inklusibo, matatag at sustainable na pag-unlad ng rehiyon,” he said.
(While we continue to strengthen science, technology, and innovation in SOCCSKSARGEN, we must place greater focus on and prioritize innovation, collaboration, and impact-driven initiatives to ensure the region’s more inclusive, robust, and sustainable development.)
“Palalawakin at lalo pa nating pag-iibayuhin and climate and disaster resiliency efforts at community empowerment initiative upang mapatatag ang kakayahan ng SOCCSKSARGEN sa mga hamon ng climate change,” Malawan further said.
(We will expand and further enhance climate and disaster resiliency efforts, as well as community empowerment initiatives, to strengthen SOCCSKSARGEN’s capacity to face the challenges of climate change.)
DOST Region 12 organized Handa Pilipinas in 2024, a nationwide expo showcasing Filipino-made technologies to mitigate natural disasters, including flood barriers, early warning systems, and earthquake-resistant structures.
Malawan explained that the DOST is intensifying its efforts to promote a green and circular economy, aiming to achieve a more resilient and environmentally friendly SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
The agency also set a Guinness World Record with Kawayanihan, a massive bamboo planting event, promoting bamboo as a crucial part of climate action and greening initiatives last year.
Strengthening research ecosystems
Malawan reiterated DOST’s commitment to strengthening the region’s robust research, development, and innovation (RDI) ecosystems to support evidence-based decision-making.
He emphasized the continued progress of the SOCCSKSARGEN Innovation Consortium for Accelerated Development (SICAD-SOX), including the adoption of the Region 12 Startup Development Plan, which aims to assist new companies in high-impact fields such as agri-tech, fintech, health-tech, and others.
“[Pinapalawak] din natin ang pananaliksik at innovation partnership sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mas pinaigting na suporta sa Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee ng Regional Development Council 12,” he said.
(We also expand research and innovation partnerships by providing strengthened support to the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee of Regional Development Council 12.)
This support is primarily provided by DOST-led consortia, which include SICAD-SOX, the Health Research and Development Consortium (HRDC) 12, the SOCCSKSARGEN Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (SOXIEERDC), and the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC).
The official also announced that the DOST Region 12 also plans to enhance human capital through capacity-building programs, training, mentorship, and science engagement initiatives, encouraging young people and professionals to join the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga hakbang na ito at iba pa, we hope na mas mapalawak pa natin ang mga benepisyong bigay ng agham at teknolohiya,” Malawan emphasized.
(Through these measures and others, we hope to further expand the benefits brought by science and technology.)
The DOST, Malawan noted, is committed to promoting advanced technologies, smart farming techniques, and digital solutions for improved value chain development in agriculture and other industries. (DED, PIA Region 12)
