KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – South Cotabato is gearing up for the harmonization of its research and development agenda to address challenges in agriculture, education, environment, technology, and public safety affecting the province.
On February 11, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. signed Executive Order No. 04 series of 2025, creating the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (PRDIC).
Said executive order was presented during the 1st regular meeting and planning workshop of the PRDIC at the South Cotabato State College in Barangay Dajay, Surallah on March 5.
Giselle Eve O. Siladan, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-South Cotabato provincial director and PRDIC co-chairperson, said the committee was established to unify research priorities to create effective and sustainable solutions to provincial concerns.
“The committee will discuss the frameworks and development initiatives and design programs that aim for the overall development of the region as well as ensure that our strategies align with our vision for prosperous and sustainable future for the whole province of South Cotabato,” Siladan stated.
As a committee under the Provincial Development Council, the PRDIC shall formulate the Harmonized Provincial Research and Development Agenda responsive in addressing the needs and prioritizing the development of various sectors in the province.
It shall also set provincial policies and direction on research development and innovation and reflect these in the Provincial and Physical Framework Plan; and identify opportunities for inter-agency collaboration/partnership in research, development and innovation and science and technology initiatives.
The committee shall also monitor R & D projects as well as evaluate adoption of science, technology and innovation results.
It shall also recommend policies and actions that may be adopted by the PDC to stimulate an innovation-driven economy in the province.
The PRDIC is composed of 8 national government agencies with offices in South Cotabato, 18 planning units, local government units and provincial LGU division, 9 academic institutions, Philippine Information Agency 12 as lead media partner, and 5 civil society organizations and private sector partners.
Also in its March 5 meeting, members of the committee were briefed on Project LUNGSOD Smart City, a DOST-funded initiative aimed at transforming cities into smart, connected, and efficient urban areas.
The committee also laid down plans for upcoming R & D activities for 2025, including the Mindanao regional scientific meeting, Scienteach symposium for the youth, Elsevier author writeshop and others. (AMBB, PIA Region 12)
