CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Highlighting the importance of innovation in economic transformation by driving growth, productivity, and competitiveness across industries, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10, together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10, and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., will host the third Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit (NorMinRIPE) on April 22–24 at SM CDO Uptown.

“It will really accelerate development ang innovation. In very simple terms, kung muingon ta'g innovation, it’s development of new or improvement of existing products, processes, service nga atong ipakaylap ang iyang paggamit in all our markets because we want to be responsive to the needs of our people,” NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said.

(It will really accelerate the development of innovation. In very simple terms, when we say innovation, it's the development of new or improved products, processes, or services that we will spread, their usage in all our markets because we want to be responsive to the needs of our people.)

She emphasized that, in terms of innovation, it is important to work diligently, but it is even more important to work intelligently. Working smart entails the ability to double or even triple one's output with the same effort, facilitating the achievement of work-life integration.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the National Innovation Council spearheaded the National Innovation Agenda Strategy Document (NIASD) to promote innovation in the government.

This document will serve as a roadmap for promoting innovation in the Philippines' development culture. It also lays down strategies, programs, and projects that would develop or encourage more people to become more innovative, creating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and agility. 

Additionally, this was developed primarily for the private sector, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), engineers, science and technology professionals, and students to promote a culture of innovation.

“Ang most important thing in business is unsaon nato nga naa ta’y competitive advantage. And you cannot be competitive in our products, in our services, kung dili ta mu-adapt to changes, kung dili mu-adapt og bag-o nga innovation, dili ta creative. I think that’s the important thing nga naa gayud partnership between NEDA, DOST, and they are there helping the business community,” said Dr. Jesus Jardin, president of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.

[The most important thing in business is how we can have a competitive advantage. And you cannot be competitive in our products or in our services if we do not adapt to changes; if we do not adapt to new innovation, we are not creative. I think it's important that there is a partnership between NEDA and DOST, and they are there helping the business community.]

Currently, there are a lot of start-up businesses under the programs implemented by NEDA, DOST, DTI, and other government agencies. 

Educational institutions like the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) also help MSMEs and entrepreneurs come up with new products and services. 

Jardin believes that in the future, as innovation continues to expand, Cagayan de Oro will not only be a local hub of innovation but will also be known nationwide or even worldwide.

Jonathan Agbayani, a senior science research specialist at DOST, discussed the technology divide and how innovations can bridge it.

“We still live in an imperfect world. There are a lot of things nga dapat pa natong buhaton (that we still have to do). Yes, we acknowledge that. But we have this vision in the RRDIC (Regional Research Development and Innovation Committee)-10 for northern Mindanao to be an innovation-driven, inclusive economy," Agbayani emphasized. 

Agbayani assured the public that all the government agencies, the business sectors, and the members of RRDIC-10 are doing their best to utilize innovation, science, and technology to reach even the farthest areas in the region.

Achieving innovation necessitates not only the provision of science and technology, but also intricate planning and action to make things happen and be accessible to the public, NEDA emphasized.

NorMinRIPE 2024 event highlights include the ceremonial handover of the NIASD 2023-2032 to the RRDIC-10 and InSight sessions, which will focus on the role of academe, industry, and government in promoting innovation and fostering technopreneurship in young people for economic growth and societal development.

The event will also discuss initiatives for developing active, vibrant, and sustainable cities; talk show segments on strategies for strengthening innovation ecosystems and attracting investments; a Shark Tank Startup Pitch Event; PANAGTIGI: Innovation Quiz Bowl; the award ceremony for the Northern Mindanao Breakthrough Innovations and Technologies Awards; and a Start-Up Market and Advisory Innovation Service One-stop Shop. (MGAB/PIA-10)