KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Regional Development Council (RDC), in partnership with the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC), recently launched the Soccsksargen Regional Development and Innovation Research Agenda (SOX RDIRA) as a compendium of research topics that facilitate the implementation of programs, projects, and policies in alignment with the Regional Development Plan for 2023–2028.
The SOX RDIRA aims to take a leap towards a future with balanced development benefits for all the people in the Soccsksargen region, transforming the region into a hub of innovation that fosters economic growth and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, who is also the RDC chairperson, emphasized that SOX RDIRA is an accompanying document to the Soccsksargen development plan, which aims to address policy gaps and produce research-based recommendations.
She cited that Soccsksargen is continuously boosting its potential to become an agro-industrial region by navigating efficient ways to make local products globally competitive.
“Our region is a champion for many agricultural products, and among the important contributions of research and innovation in our region is that we are already able to provide value in our products by converting the same into upgraded items and ready-to-use high-demand materials for industrial uses such as virgin coconut oil, African palm cooking oil, coconut sugar, activated charcoal, organic rice, canned tuna, and others,” she said.
Highlighting the huge role of research and innovation in attaining sustainable development, DOST Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan, the chairperson of RRDIC, said in his message that SOX RDIRA is not just a commitment to collective actions but also heralds a vision for the future of the region, which is defined by sustainability and inclusive growth.
“Research, development, and innovation have indeed become the major driving forces for economic prosperity and sustainability. These three pillars serve as the cornerstone of progress, empowering societies to confront challenges, seize opportunities, and set a direction towards economic success,” Malawan pointed out.
To ensure that research initiatives effectively align with the region’s goals, RDC calls for robust partnerships between government bodies, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
The SOX RDIRA’s launch marked a pivotal moment in the region’s pursuit of sustainable development and equitable growth, said Malawan.
With it in place, Soccsksargen residents can expect a “maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat [comfortable and secure life for all]” as enshrined in the government’s AmBisyon Natin 2040. (AMB – PIA Region 12)
