Key stakeholders from the academe, government agencies, and local industries participated the three-day workshop for the integration of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the formulation of local development plan of the Province of Biliran held at BiPSU Hostel on February 18-20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PSTO Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has conducted a series of workshops aimed to integrate science, technology and innovation (STI) plans into the provincial development plan to ensure that innovation plays a key role in the province’s growth and governance.
The Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Biliran, in collaboration with the provincial government through the Biliran Provincial Science, Technology and Innovation Council, conducted on February 18-20, 2025 the second workshop validating the workshop outputs last year to formulate STI Plan for the province.
DOST Provincial Director Romeo L. Dignos said the workshops primarily aim to develop a comprehensive STI Plan that aligns with the province’s overall development agenda.
“The provincial development plan previously lacks an STI perspective, so this initiative is necessary to integrate science and technology into the overall strategy. The establishment of the DOST Provincial Office in July 2022, through the enactment of Republic Act 11914, solidified our role in driving STI initiatives,” Dignos emphasized.
He highlighted that stakeholder collaboration plays a key role in this initiative where various government agencies, including the Biliran Province State University, and other organizations were involved in shaping the STI Plan.
The collective effort ensures that all sectors contribute their expertise and resources to drive development effectively, he said.
Dignos also expected that the output from these workshops will be included in the revised Provincial Development Plan.
“This is timely, as the new provincial administration will update its plans, and we can seamlessly integrate the STI Plan into their development agenda,” Dignos said.
Dignos said the integration of STI into Biliran’s development agenda is also expected to open funding opportunities as LGUs may seek financial assistance from institutions that support STI programs, adding that the DOST itself has funding mechanisms that can be tapped for eligible projects.
Dignos informed that Biliran is currently the third province in Region 8 to receive funding for this initiative, with technical assistance provided by consultants from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Said workshop was facilitated by Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, chairperson of the department of community and environmental resource planning, Professor Janssen Andrew S. Calvelo and Ms. Mary Joy J. Ancheta of UPLB.
Once the data from all relevant agencies will be consolidated, the next step will involve drafting the STI Plan, which will then be submitted to the Provincial Development Council for review and endorsement.
He added that with funding support, Biliran is among the first provinces in the country to take proactive steps in developing its STI Plan.
He further said that the Plan is also expected to guide various local government units (LGUs) in incorporating science and technology into their respective development strategies.
Notably, the municipality of Naval, the capital of Biliran, is a focal point of this initiative.
“Our priority is to develop a roadmap for LGU Naval, ensuring that it aligns with our vision of a Smart Sustainable Community. This involves leveraging ICT and smart technologies to enhance governance and public services,” he added.
Dignos said the provincial government aims to complete the STI Plan within the semester, with the roadmap for LGU Naval also expected to be finalized before the year ends. Once completed, the STI Plan will serve as a guide for future development projects, ensuring that science, technology, and innovation remain at the forefront of Biliran’s progress. (RSV/PIA Biliran)
