In the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gears up to strengthen its research and development initiatives in creating innovation ecosystems that will fuel inclusive growth.
In the upcoming celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 17-21, 2018 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the regional offices of the DOST will hold a forum to address the need to maximize the use science, technology and innovation (STI) particularly in the field of agriculture and industry.
The forum dubbed “Harnessing STI Towards Industry 4.0” aims to inform and educate the participants on the significance of STI and highlights the important role of various sectors of society in creating and sustaining innovation ecosystems.
It will give emphasis on the significance of research and development and technology commercialization, the enormous potential gains and impacts on industry, and the adoption of locally-developed technologies. It will also focus on the relevance of sector partnerships and the numerous challenges that the country faces towards the realization of inclusive innovation and dynamic industrial revolution.
The forum will first show an audio-visual presentation on the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP 2.0, a flagship program of the DOST for entrepreneurs to be more productive and competitive. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña himself will discuss the unique features of SETUP 2.0 to promote Smarter MSMEs especially in the regions.
There will also be a discussion Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry on Industry 4.0 and how the Philippines will adapt to the accompanied changes in policies, industry roadmaps, and gaps. Also, DOST Undersecretary for R&D Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara will discuss the different DOST programs like technology business incubation, the Science for Change Program, and the R&D programs called NICER, CRADLE, BIST, and RDLead.
Other speakers include: Dr. Raul Destura of Manila HealthTek Inc.; Dr. Isagani Padolina of Pascual Pharma Corporation; Dr. Jonathan Nayga of the Isabela State University; Dr. Arnulfo Malinis of Bicol University; Dr. Gavino Trono of the University of the Philippines Diliman; Dr. Corazon Macachor of Cebu Technological University; Dr. Roberto Malaluan of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology; and George T. Barcelon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For more information on the other events, activities and exhibits at the National Science and Technology Week 2018, log on to www.nstw.dost.gov.ph. (Rodolfo P. de Guzman, DOST-STII)
