by Patricia Aglosolos & Samantha Godoy
The Department of Science Technology – Cordillera (DOST-CAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera (DTI – CAR), along with various government agencies launched the CordiNNOVATION 2023 in line with the Regional Innovation Celebration, through a Kapihan press conference held at the SIRIB Center, Otto Hann Building, Saint Louis University (SLU) last April 20,2023.
The CordiNNOVATION project, with the theme, “Showcasing Cordillera Innovation Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Communities”, aims to highlight and promote social and economic advancement through the innovative products in Cordillera while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking on behalf of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, Dr. Richel Lamadrid, the Director of UnRIC, said that these endeavors serve as a platform for students to embrace innovation and commercialization. Dr. Lamadrid also expressed that SLU ensures that Louisians go beyond being “products of the knowledge taught to them, but to be creators of the knowledge as well. We continue to push the envelope to gear towards students not just being employees, but to being employers as well.”
The conference was conducted in a hybrid mode, where the panelists and representatives of various government agencies were present at the venue. The event was open to the public via live streaming through the Facebook pages of Baguio Philippine Information Agency (PIA), People’s Television – Cordillera (PTV-CAR), Baguio City Mayor’s Office – City Hall to share the development plans of the government for the region and to encourage people to stay tuned for the upcoming events of CordiNNOVATION.
Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-CAR) formally opened CordiNNOVATION 2023 by giving the overview of what the event is about, the line-up activities, and the role of the partners.
“It’s a whole government approach; that is why all the enabling agencies and institutions are here for us to speak up about the innovations for the Cordillera. We dub this the first activity that we are celebrating innovation. We brand it as CordiNNOVATION. The agencies are here – as I’ve said, they are the enablers of innovation in our region.”
Dr. Bantog also discussed the DOST programs for Researchers/Innovators and Startups/SMEs. She added that several events would also be carried out, including the CordiNNOVATION Exhibit, which would take place in Malcolm Square on April 25 and 26. Advanced manufacturing technologies, digital entertainment, research, development, and innovation, as well as the RxBox or telemedicine equipment, will all be on display. Additionally, training for potential and current innovators in CAR will be held on April 27-28 at SLU.
The following representatives of their respective agencies also shared their innovation plans and programs during the Kapihan event:
- Assistant Regional Director Samuel Gallardo – DTI-CAR
- Assistant Regional Director Jimmicio Daoaten -TESDA-CAR
- Technical Operations Chief Allan Lao – DICT- CAR
- Dr. Mariano Marchan, Jr. – CHED-CAR
- Jose Dado Jr. and Aries Dos Campos -NEDA-CAR
- Architect Donna Tabangin – City Planning and Development Office
- City Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales
The CordiNNOVATION Kapihan is moderated by Sir Joseph Bulan Zambrano of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- CAR and Jerick Raquedan, student intern of the SLU BA COMM Program under the Languages and Communication Department, SLU School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts. Some SLU BA COMM interns participated in this event as writers and photojournalists.
