DOST MisOcc to further strengthen SciTech and Innovation programs

By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- Misamis Occidental holds on July 12, its monthly e-Talakayan, "Let's Talk MisOcc" via zoom with Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon talking on the programs and projects pursued by the DOST.(PIA-10 Misamis Occidental)

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has refocused its programs to areas where science, technology and innovation (STI) could make a significant impact on the country’s economic agenda in support of the President’s (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) thrusts.

Department of Science and Technology - Misamis Occidental (DOST-MisOcc) Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon bared during the Let’s Talk MisOcc, virtual e-Talakayan of PIA Misamis Occidental on July 12 via zoom, the four major goals of DOST anchored on the agenda and socio-economic point of the President.

The particular areas include wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability; interpreted through the 4 U’s namely, Unifying S&T efforts toward countryside development and wealth creation, Upgrading human capital to create a pool of globally competent STI champions to support the national innovation agenda, Ushering the transformation of municipalities and cities into smart, resilient, and sustainable communities, Undertaking collaborative science, technology, and innovation initiatives and strategies for socio-economic development and welfare of the public.

Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon said the three "saleable" programs of DOST are Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Scholarship Program, and Consultancy Services.

"Through our programs, we are able to assist several firms na magkaroon ng (to obtain a) license to operate from the Food and Drugs Administration. Very important kaayo ng FDA sa atong mga product especially sa food processors nato ka'y mao na siya ang gina require kung mo sulod ta og groceries og kung mag display ta og products dapat required gyud nga naa'y FDA ug registered sa FDA," she said.

(The FDA is very important for our products, especially for our food processors, because it is the one that is required when you bring in groceries, and when we display products, it must be required to have the FDA and be registered with the FDA)

DOST Misamis Occidental announced the list of qualifiers from the province of Misamis Occidental to this year's DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarship.

For District 1 qualifiers: Aloran (2), Calamba (3), Jimenez (3), Oroquieta City (11), Lopez Jaena (1), Panaon (1), Plaridel (2). Meanwhile for District 2 qualifiers; Ozamiz (19), Sinacaban (1), Tudela (3), Clarin (2), Tangub City (15) and Bonifacio (1).

To help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the DOST has also a consultancy program providing them guidance from their application for a license or operation to training and all other requirements to ensure that they get registered with the FDA.

DOST Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon also said that Republic Act 11914 or the DOST Act, is an act of converting the Provincial Science and Technology Center into a Provincial Science and Technology Office. Through this act, the agency is provided with additional staff.

“With that, we expect that DOST will be visible and we are able to go to the different towns because before daghan kaayo mi og programs nga gusto namo i-implement but karon ma adto na gyud namo ang mga places nga wala pa gyud namo na adtoan aron ma introduce namo ang Science and Technology programs.

(We had so many programs that we want to implement but now we can actually go to places that we have never been to so that we can introduce the Science and Technology programs)

To popularize Science and Technology in the province, DOST Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon disclosed that the National Academy of Science and Technology will visit Misamis Occidental together with National Scientists to promote Science and Technology this coming September.

DOST MisOcc will also strengthen linkages with Department of Education to improve Science and Technology programs for the students and young Misamisnons.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)