DOST: Better R&D outputs at the local level
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Apr. 13 (PIA) -- The recently concluded Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) in Bacolod City, which gathered researchers and scientists in Visayas, is expected to generate quality research and development (R&D) outputs at the local level.
During the RSM press conference, Department of Science and Technology (DOST 6) regional director Rowen Gelonga expressed that the activity is an engaging way for the local researchers to interact with national scientists and academicians to establish better collaboration with them.
“What we expect is that after this event and series of events that we are going to have, we can now actually (have) better R&D outputs at the local level because we are linking with our scientists and researchers based on areas outside the region,” Gelonga underscored.
A brainchild of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) in coordination with the DOST Regional Offices, the RSM is geared towards President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust of bringing science initiatives to the regions to spur innovations.
Director Gelonga likewise noted that two State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Negros Occidental are working out to produce feasible proposals for the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program of DOST.
“We are looking at partnering with both Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) and Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas (TUP-V) to come up with a research center that will specialize on the metal working side, metals fabrication, particularly to address the requirements of our sugar industry as well as the food processing sector, ” Gelonga said.
According to Gelonga, these are the significant improvements pushed in an effort to establish specialized R&D centers and build local R&D capabilities attuned to the regional development needs. (LML/PIA Negros Occidental)
