DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Innovation Workbook of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI has started its initial phase of implementation, which aspires to equip and empower 120 grassroots innovators in Davao Region.

The GRIND Innovation Workbook, a brainchild of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) under the leadership of Dr. Karl P. Campos, provides the grassroots innovators “with a platform to express and articulate their innovative ideas effectively and facilitate a seamless collaboration with developers to bring those ideas to fruition.”

It was developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Program–Philippines (UNDP-PH) through the Climate Ace Project.

Ong, who led the GRIND technical working team in facilitating the simulation activity, said that the workbook consists of multiple lessons from idea generation, product and process development, protection, and commercialization.

“This workbook is designed to help individuals in marginalized communities by guiding them through their innovative journey,” he said.

He added that it was crafted using the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) model and underwent repetitive development phases, allowing for constant improvements and modifications.

Ong explained that it would take four to six months for a grassroots innovator to complete the lessons from the entire workbook.

However, it would still depend on the interest and assessed needs of the individuals. “They can skip other lessons if they don’t need them anymore,” he said.