The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST 1) successfully completed its Regional Consultation on Relevant Requirements of Interested Parties in preparation for the DOST 1 Strategic Plan 2023-28 on September 6-7, 2022, via Zoom platform.
The participants were welcomed by Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu, DOST 1 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, who also urged them to collaborate with the agency in highlighting the issues, needs, and expectations of the various sectors. Ms. Espiritu reaffirmed that the regional consultation activity aims to bring interested DOST-1 parties from the Industry, Agriculture, Academe, Research and Development (R&D), Media, Civil Society Organization, Local Government Units/ Provincial Governments, Health and Nutrition and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) sectors in a forum/workshop with the common goal of increasing productivity and improving quality of life in region 1 by leveraging science, technology, and innovation.
Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, President of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines discussed the PAGTANAW 2050 during the first day of the activity. She addressed the various areas that needed improvement in order to advance science and technology in the country. The participants will use this as a guide while crafting their outputs. Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Cristina G. Carino Senior Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic Development Authority Region 1 (NEDA 1) provided a glimpse of the region’s state through the presentation of the Region 1 science, technology and innovation (STI) Situationer to aid in the identification of issues and solutions specifically for region 1.
On the other hand, Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, Officer-in-Charge for Field Operations presented the DOST-1 programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) in order to provide the attendees a taste of what the agency performs as a foundation for the identification of plans and expectations of the various sectors.
The workshop proper took place in the afternoon and went on during the first hour of the second day. The participants were grouped according to their sectors and were guided by the workshop mechanics shared by Ms. Espiritu.
The participants presented their outputs, outlining the issues, needs, and expectations specific to their sector, on the second day of the activity.
The two-day activity, which gathered 215 participants, of which 95 were males and 120 were females, yielded the outputs that would be used during the Strategic Planning for 2023–2028, which is slated for September 14–16, 2022.
Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Provincial Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office- Ilocos Sur thanked the representatives from the different sectors for their active participation and for sharing their insights during the workshop. Engr. Abad remarked that these outputs will better assist DOST 1 to better deliver science, technology and innovation to the people.
