CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—Northern Mindanao staged a three-day innovation program and exhibition bringing together innovation experts and stakeholders across the region in SM City CDO, April 20-22, 2023.
Anchored on the theme “Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem in Region X,” the event was aimed to inform the public about the vibrant innovation ecosystem of the region and recognize regional innovation champions.
It was spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-X, the Regional Research Development and Innovation Committee chaired by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-X, the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10, and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation (Oro Chamber).
In a video message, NEDA-X regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao is a seedbed for research and development, technology, and innovation in Southern Philippines.
“For 2017 to 2021, there were 302 intellectual property applications endorsed to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. In the same period, a total of 83 incubators graduated from Technology Business Incubations, and 422 firms availed of technology upgrading through DOST’s Innovation Grant Fund. On top of this Northern Mindanao ranked second all over the country in the number of technologies commercialized through the Fairness Opinion Board of the DOST,” she said.
Engr. Romela Ratilla, DOST-X OIC regional director, said the innovation ecosystem of Northern Mindanao is a vibrant one which is why they opted for a three-day celebration focused on three thematic areas – innovation impact, interactive experience, and investment opportunities.
“These three thematic areas create an environment where innovation can thrive, MSMEs can create more jobs to promote inclusive growth and contribute to the achievement of a Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat,” she said.
For DTI-10 regional director Ermedio Abang, the regional innovation program and exhibit bring relevant information and actual experiences on the many innovations that are significant for MSMEs such as how start-ups can acquire funding and what MSMEs can do to protect and further market their businesses.
Aside from showcasing various innovation programs, projects and services in the region, the activity also highlighted innovation talks on how local innovation can drive global development agenda, building local brands thru AI technology, innovation fund grants, investment opportunities, and MSMEs success stories, among others.
The three-day activity is in line with the National Innovation Day celebration which is observed on April 21 of every year under Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act. The said Act adopts innovation as a vital component of the country’s development and policies to drive inclusive development and promote the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs.
Meanwhile, Oro Chamber President Raymundo Talimio Jr. said they believed that innovation is the key to sustainable development. As such, the Oro Chamber is committed to supporting and fostering an environment where creativity and ingenuity can thrive.
Other partners that contributed to the realization of the three-day innovation program and exhibit are the Department of Information Communication and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health, the Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Philippine Information Agency, and SM City CDO Uptown. (APB/PIA-10)
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