MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will provide Science and Technology (S&T) nooks and kiosks to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Negosyo Centers nationwide.

This is part of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between DTI and DOST on Thursday to help boost the opportunities and capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Innovation is the only way to grow,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said, adding the DTI wants to mold smarter entrepreneurs.

The DOST’s nooks and kiosks contain several S&T-related knowledge and promotional materials and services of the DOST. One content is the OneStore, a website where MSMEs’ products are displayed and can be purchased.

It also contains the OneExpert, a website where anyone can chat with and consult S&T experts.

“The contents are actually available online. The DOST provides this kiosk so that those who don’t have internet access can still have the opportunity to learn and discover different S&T-related matters and learn about the DOST’s services,” Lopez said.

DTI Negosyo Centers were designed to assist MSMEs on their business-related concerns and to also assist potential entrepreneurs.

As of March 2018, the DTI has put up 816 Negosyo Centers across the country – 404 in Luzon, 199 in Visayas, and 213 in Mindanao.

DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard Burgos told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the DTI would shoulder the budget to procure the equipment for the nooks. DOST will be in charge of the content.

Burgos added that there is no timeline yet as to when the DOST could provide the nooks to all the Negosyo Centers.

“We are still waiting for the plan or proposal from the DTI,” he said.

“Collaboration is key to address even the most pressing challenges,” said DOST Undersecretary Brenda Manzano during the MOA signing.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, for his part, said the agency is partnering with different institutions, industries, and other government agencies to further boost innovation and developments in the country. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)