LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — The national government and local partners in Bicol are strengthening efforts to improve the business environment in the region by developing a system for tracking startups.
Professor Ma. Crestia Bañares, who heads the Bicol Consortium for Regional Startup Enablers (BiCORSE), pointed out that there are many exciting new businesses emerging in fields like research and innovation across the region.
These startups are being developed by a wide range of groups, including universities, local government offices, business organizations, banks, and national government agencies, she noted.
“All players are already present. We just need one playground for all of them to work and coordinate together, recognize their brilliant ideas, and invest resources for them to succeed,” Bañares said.
With the support of an enhanced program called BiCORSE, we aim to build a strong and reliable startup community in our region.
Bañares noted that startup founders can benefit from local technology business incubators (TBI), which can provide an initial assessment of their needs, market opportunities, and available technology resources.
By participating in specific evaluation programs and engaging more with these business incubators, founders can access extended mentorship and training opportunities through BiCORSE.
“Startup owners may learn and develop technical writing skills, and cohort programs from the BiCORSE to get funding opportunities, exhibit their products, and scale up branding and operations,” she said.
Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), along with universities and business enthusiasts, came together to strengthen their cooperation with BiCORSE, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation.
DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang emphasized the government’s commitment to helping startups and researchers turn their ideas into practical solutions that will benefit society.
“We need to work together as a community to turn our research into real results that improve lives, create jobs, and support a sustainable future,” Sancho said.
Rommel Serrano, the DOST regional director for Bicol, emphasized that what truly motivates the department goes beyond just its projects and initiatives.
“It’s about a deep commitment to the community. They are dedicated to helping farmers who aspire to harvest more, students seeking better opportunities, and entrepreneurs who are laying the groundwork for future businesses,” he said.
Link to TBIs in the Bicol region: https://shorturl.at/RTOMH. (PIA5)
