BAGUIO CITY – The Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) of the Cordillera office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-CAR) took a momentous step towards promoting innovation in the region by spearheading the first-ever Cordinnovation Exhibit, which opened today in Malcolm Square, Baguio City. The exhibit, which is part of the Regional Celebration of National Innovation, showcases the latest advancements and breakthroughs in various industries, highlighting the role of innovation in driving economic growth and development.
Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, represented by his Executive Assistant Samantha Hamada delivered welcoming remarks. In her message, Hamada emphasized the importance of innovation in governance and making Baguio City a Smart City. The city is committed to exploring innovative ways to provide better services to its residents while ensuring sustainable development.
Following her remarks, DOST-CAR Regional Director and RRDIC Chairperson Dr. Nancy A. Bantog gave the opening remarks highlighting the agency’s commitment to support innovation as a key driver of economic growth and development.
The exhibit’s official launch to the public was marked by a symbolic lighting ceremony of the pillars of innovation representing local governments, national agencies, the academe, industry and private sectors. Each sector represented by esteemed institutions such as the city government of Baguio, DOST-CAR, the Cordillera offices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-CAR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED-CAR), and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines (UP) at Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, CSDA, and R&D consortia, which also served as exhibitors during the event. This represented a unified commitment towards advancing innovation and development in the region, with each sector playing a vital role in driving economic growth and progress.
City Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales, TESDA-CAR Regional Director Engr. Jovencio M. Ferrer, TESDA-Benguet Provincial Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten, CSITE School Administrator Felixberto Matute, CHED-CAR Education Supervisor II Dr. Mariano Marchan Jr., and DTI-CAR ARD Atty. Samuel Gallardo also graced the opening ceremony.
The exhibit tour was led by Regional Director Bantog. Among the highlights of the exhibit are the TESDA-CAR advanced manufacturing technologies section where visitors can witness the skills demonstration and prototype development that our skilled workers have to offer. The Cordillera School of Digital Arts, Inc. features an animation demonstration that showcases the talent and creativity of our local artists.
The exhibit also showcases research and development outputs of various higher education institutions and RDIs in the region. The DOST-Technology Business Incubators were also proud to present a variety of technologies developed by local startups and entrepreneurs.
Other participants of the exhibits are the Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources, Research and Development (CorCAARRD); Cordillera Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CIEERDEC); UP Baguio Social Innovation Laboratory and Business Inclusion (SILBI) Center and Technological Consortium for Awareness, Readiness and Advancement of Knowledge Innovation (TARAKI).
These technologies represent the future of our region’s economy and provide a glimpse into the innovative solutions that our business community is developing to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities.
The Cordinnovation Exhibit is open until April 26, 2023. By DLQuinio