BAGUIO CITY – The Cordinnovation Week 2024 in City emphasized the critical roles of the Youth and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise’ (MSME) as key drivers in fostering innovation and economic advancement in the Cordillera.
Throughout the three-day event, students and innovators from across the region showcased their talents and determination to create a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Aside from providing a platform to showcase the different fruits of research, inventions, and innovations of students, the Regional Research Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC), together with other government agencies and private sectors, also hosted an Info Expo for the Youth recognizing their critical role as the next generation of innovators, researchers, and leaders of our society. “We aim to instill an innovative mindset in the Youth early on, “DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog stated.
Higher education institutions are significant in research, development, and innovation. Institutions like the University of the Cordilleras, the University of the Philippines, the University of Baguio, and St. Louis University showcased various technological innovations in health, culture, arts, and agriculture. These innovations generate knowledge and contribute to the region’s advancement.
Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, stated, “More than anything, we prioritize including the youth in the decision-making process because the future belongs to them.”
Last year, the focus of Cordinnovation 2024 was on the students, their design thinking, and various programs of government agencies. Now, the RRDIC includes the MSMEs and the local government units as the beneficiaries of these products of innovation of the students and other innovators. As they also play a vital role in nation-building.
Moreover, the Regional Director of DTI-CAR, Juliet P. Lucas, also expressed her thanks to TESDA as it helps MSMEs and even DTI talents by providing them with necessary skill sets through various training.
The exhibit helps MSME’s, showcasing ideas and opening a new perspective regarding the use of technology which they can apply and utilize in their businesses. As Noriel Ramos, exhibitor and TESDA CAR Senior TESD Specialists said “May mga idea kasi, may idea lang, no? Nasa utak lang natin. Hindi nila alam kung paano siya gawin. So through this innovation, or week celebration, may mga exhibits. Ay, may ganyan pala na pwede ko, yung idea ko, pwede nyo magawa dyan sa mga makinang iyan.”
Dr. Bantog also shared their goal of educating entrepreneurs with information and insights to help them keep up with different business trends and technological advancements to improve productivity, job creation, and income generation. That’s why they also had an info expo for the MSMEs. “During the event, the local government unit will present their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations in science, technology, and innovation while the academic institutions will have to formulate solutions to these challenges,” Dr. Bantog explained.
The Commission on Higher Education then stated that they are ready for the challenge of the DOST to the students. “All of our subjects, from undergraduate up to the master and doctorate degree, research is a course requirement. And in order to ensure that research is conducted by our students in the masters and doctoral program, we have a CHED memorandum that requires them to publish their studies.” Regional Director Lucas further supported this: “Most of our young people are so glued with their gadgets, and following many applications, our youth are very competitive.”
The need for such innovation events was evident in raising awareness and encouraging the community, students, and local government units and showing them the importance of innovation towards a more progressive community. As DICT-CAR Technical Operations Division Dr. Allen R. Lao said, “If you do not innovate, then we will stay as it is.”
The Cordinnovation Week 2024 has been an avenue for students, MSMEs, and Local Government Units to engage in personal and professional growth, utilizing their distinct talents, skills, and innovative capacities to create positive change. This only shows that everyone can drive progress in science, technology, and innovation through active involvement and collaboration.
If everyone has the same goal, which is to innovate, that can help establish fresh connections and foster new concepts to address prevailing issues or gaps in the region. By Hazel Rose N. Infante
