BANGUED, Abra – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) approved a resolution endorsing the establishment of Regional Research and Development Center for Innovative Science and Engineering for funding under the Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) of the Science for Change program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and the Cordillera Administrative Region Development Plan 2017-2022 recognizes the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in the nation’s long-term economic and social progress.
The RDC-CAR chaired by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan stated in its resolution that a careful evaluation of the secretariat of the region’s policy-making body showed that the project is in line with the goals and priorities of the Cordillera and the country as a whole, considering the importance of science and technology in charting the growth and development of the countryside.
The DOST-CAR, through its Science for Change program endeavors to significantly accelerate science and technology innovation in the country through massive increase in investment on science and technology human resource development and research and development.
The RDC-CAR stated the research and development project, namely the establishment of a Regional Research and Development Center for Innovative Science and Engineering proposed by Saint Louis University (SLU), University of Baguio (UB) and University of the Philippines College Baguio (UPCB), has been proposed for funding under the Science for Change program of the national government.
The RDC-CAR added the put-up of regional research centers in the different parts of the country that focuses on science and technology innovations for science and engineering will definitely contribute in finding suitable ways and means on how to aggressively work on the implementation of programs and projects geared towards uplifting the status of products that will help in improving their marketability thereby translating to better income of the producers in the countryside.
The resolution pointed out the importance of the conduct of sustained research and development that will be available in the different regions in the country to immediately provide the appropriate technical services to groups and individuals wanting to work on the improvement of their products and services to conform with the fast changing times for the concerned stakeholders to immediately adopt to the prevailing situation considering the effects of climate change to the way of life of the people, especially those from the far flung communities of the country.
The approved resolution will be forwarded to the DOST regional and central offices, the private proponents and the concerned stakeholders regionwide for their information, guidance and ready reference.
By Dexter A. See