SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology Region 7 (DOST-7) and the Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Office recently held a series of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plan Validation Workshops here.
Held in Larena, Maria and Siquijor towns, the workshop marks a significant step towards integrating STI into the core of local development plans, the DOST here said.
The initiative falls under the iSTART program, which stands for “Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development.”
Its core objective is to strategically align DOST’s programs, activities, and projects with local development plans.
“The workshops brought together local leaders, with local chief executives and department heads from each participating LGU actively engaged in the validation process. This collaborative approach ensured that the STI plans are tailored fit to complement existing comprehensive development plans. Furthermore, the workshops facilitated the identification of prioritized projects, activities, and programs (PAPs) that directly address the unique technological needs of each LGU,” said provincial science and technology director Engr. Mario de la Peña in a statement.
Municipal planning and development coordinator Environmental Planner Jake Maglahus of Maria thanked DOST Siquijor and DOST-7 for approving their request to be part of the iSTART Program.
“This will serve as a vital step in attaining our major development thrusts and priorities to uplift the lives of every constituent of Maria. With the iSTART program I believe that it will have a huge impact especially on the efficiency of our LGU to deliver the basic and vital services to our constituent through science, technology and innovation. With this, we look forward to working with you hand in hand for future undertakings,” said Maglahus.
A critical next step for the iSTART program is the formal adoption of the STI plans by the LGUs.
To achieve this, resolutions will be drafted to integrate these plans into their comprehensive development plans, many of which are slated for updates in the coming year.
The priority PAPs identified during the workshops will form the backbone of this integration, ensuring each LGU has the necessary roadmap and tools for technological advancement, said DOST Siquijor senior science research specialist and information-officer designate, Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing.
With the support from DOST, these LGUs are ready to make significant strides in regional development by strategically adopting science, technology, and innovation as one of the cornerstones of their future, he added. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, SSRS/IO Designate)
