DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Engages Cotabato Vice Governor on Project SARAI for Smart Agriculture

by Info @Brand Zone | January 21, 2026

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 | The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN Project SARAi team, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of Vice Governor Rochella Marie Ella Taliño Taray, on January 12, 2026, at Amas, Kidapawan City. This is part of its continuing engagement with provincial and local leaders to strengthen science- and technology-driven agriculture in North Cotabato.

The discussion highlighted how Project SARAi—Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines—can support evidence-based planning and policy formulation for the province’s agricultural sector. The team shared how climate, crop, and data analytics generated by SARAi can be translated into practical tools that guide farmers and local decision-makers in improving productivity and climate resilience.

Vice Governor Taliño-Taray welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of integrating smart agriculture solutions into provincial development programs, noting that access to timely and science-backed information is crucial in empowering farmers and safeguarding livelihoods amid changing climate conditions.

The meeting also opened discussions on the Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Park/Ecozone Program, emphasizing its potential role as a hub for agri-innovation, research collaboration, and technology commercialization in the province. North Cotabato’s participation in the KIST Park/Ecozone orientation held in June 2025 was cited as an initial step toward fostering an enabling environment for innovation-led growth.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, led by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato, headed by Governor Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza, to advance sustainable agriculture and innovation through strategic partnerships and science-based solutions

DOST boosts capacity to turn research and data into bankable projects and national policies

by Joy Calvar @DOST Gates Program | January 9, 2026

By Joy Calvar, DOST Gates Program - Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gathered from December 2 to 4, 2025, for the “Collaborate, Translate, Transform” seminar-writeshop to strengthen the department’s capacity to turn research and data into bankable project proposals and evidence-informed policies. Conducted in collaboration with UNDP Philippines, UP-NCPAG, and NRCP, the initiative aims to harness DOST’s wealth of information for strategic actions that contribute to national development. (Photo by John Kenneth Fraga, DOST Gates Program)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is taking significant strides toward strengthening its capacity to transform technical data and research insights into bankable project proposals and evidence-informed policies that drive national development.

The initiative was led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation and the Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions (GATES) Program, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, experts from the University of the Philippines - National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

A Vision for Data-Driven Governance

In his speech, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized that the department's goal is to evolve into an agile, data-driven, and future-ready organization that transforms information into national value. He underscored that decisions must be firmly grounded in evidence to ensure they align with global cooperation priorities and national development goals.

"Data must be connected. It must speak a common language. It must move from information to insight to action," Secretary Solidum stated. "As the Department that leads innovation, we must also lead in harmonization, integration, and translation".

Strengthening Proposal Development for Global Competitiveness

In collaboration with the UNDP Philippines, the first two days of the series focused on developing high-impact project proposals.

Experts guided participants through problem framing and stakeholder mapping to create a pipeline of project concept notes addressing three strategic areas: human capital development, innovation and economic development, and climate change and disaster risk reduction.

UNDP Resident Representative Knut Ostby noted that improving the ability to leverage Official Development Assistance (ODA) and external financing positions science and technology initiatives as catalysts for private-sector engagement and domestic investment.

“This is about scaling innovations where they are needed most,” Otsby said.

DOST Assistant Secretary for Development Mr. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. also encouraged participants to further develop their group outputs into full draft concept notes, as these will serve as a preparatory step for the proposed one-on-one coaching sessions with the UNDP team scheduled to begin in the early months of 2026, refining the outputs into investment-ready project concept notes.

Bridging Research to Policy and Open Data

The final day of the series, conducted with experts from the UP-NCPAG, focused on the research-to-policy landscape.

Participants explored pathways to translate technical findings into actionable insights for national and sectoral policies while discussing the institutionalization of open data to advance good governance and transparency

Asec. Calzado, Jr. concluded that while the DOST system generates a wealth of geospatial data and technical knowledge annually, impact only occurs when that data is translated into strategic, people-centered action.

By maximizing the use of its organizational data through the GATES Program, DOST continues to reinforce its commitment to a data-driven government that provides solutions and opportunities for all Filipinos.

Through the "Collaborate, Translate, Transform: Seminar and Writeshop Series on Partnership and Proposal Development, Research Translation, and Policy Development," held from December 2 to 4, 2025, the Department gathered representatives from its Central Office and attached agencies to bridge the gap between information generation and actionable results.

GATES Program is one of the eight banner research and development programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.

DOST Camiguin supports the 3rd Provincial MSME Summit!

by Info @Brand Zone | November 25, 2025

The Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 at a defining moment for the region. Home to nearly 700 million people and the world's 5th largest economy, ASEAN stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and evolving global challenges.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Camiguin proudly supports the Provincial Government of Camiguin in the conduct of the 3rd Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit on November 14, 2025, at the Camiguin Convention Center, Mambajao, Camiguin.

Organized in partnership with PJ Lhuillier, Inc., DTI, DOLE, DICT, and Camiguin Polytechnic State College, the summit will gather around 200 participants from the business sector, government agencies, local government units, mentors, and enablers.

This year, DOST will use this venue to promote rapid upgrading of MSMEs on the island through the integration of AI technologies and digital transformation, which can bring greater convenience to both business owners and customers. DOST has invited Mr. Rey Mark U. Anggoy, a technopreneur from Quezon, Bukidnon, to introduce accessible AI solutions that can enhance services and improve MSME operations.

By supporting activities like this, DOST reaffirms its commitment to strengthening local enterprises, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable economic growth in the province of Camiguin.(DOST 10)

Suporta ng DOST Camiguin sa 3rd Provincial MSME Summit!

Ipinagmamalaking sinusuportahan ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Camiguin ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Camiguin sa pagsasagawa ng 3rd Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit noong Nobyembre 14, 2025, sa Camiguin Convention Center, Mambajao, Camiguin.

Inorganisa ito katuwang ang PJ Lhuillier, Inc., DTI, DOLE, DICT, at Camiguin Polytechnic State College. Tinatayang aabot sa 200 kalahok mula sa business sector, mga ahensya ng gobyerno, lokal na pamahalaan, mentors, at enablers ang dadalo sa naturang pagtitipon.

Ngayong taon, gagamitin ng DOST ang okasyong ito upang itaguyod ang mabilis na pag-upgrade ng mga MSME sa isla sa pamamagitan ng integrasyon ng AI technologies at digital transformation, na magdadala ng mas malaking kaginhawaan sa mga negosyante at kanilang mga customer. Inimbitahan ng DOST si Ginoong Rey Mark U. Anggoy, isang technopreneur mula sa Quezon, Bukidnon, upang ipakilala ang mga accessible na AI solutions na makatutulong sa pagpapahusay ng serbisyo at operasyon ng mga MSME.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagsuporta sa mga ganitong gawain, muling pinagtitibay ng DOST ang pangako nitong palakasin ang mga lokal na negosyo, paunlarin ang inobasyon, at isulong ang napapanatiling pag-unlad ng ekonomiya sa lalawigan ng Camiguin.