TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga is leveraging science and technology for economic development with the creation of the Provincial Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (PSTIC).
Chaired by Gov. James Edduba and co-chaired by Department of Science and Technology-Kalinga Head Dexy Catacutan, the PSTIC spearheads the crafting of policies and programs to promote science, technology, and innovation (STI) across sectors in the province.
“There is a need to establish an STIC in Kalinga to boost the innovative ecosystem of the local government units by engaging their participation from the crafting of plans, implementation, and monitoring, and evaluation of STI plan in their respective jurisdictions towards inclusive and resilient socio-economic transformation of the province,” the governor said.
The committee is primarily tasked to craft an STI plan that is responsive to the priority needs of various sectors in the province.
The DOST-Kalinga is facilitating the preparation of the document through its Science Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development or iSTART program.
This DOST initiative aims to help the local government in developing a technology-based development plan for the agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors; engage local researchers, scientists, and engineers who will support technology-based investments and projects in the region; and attract new technology-based investments.
Science Research Specialist I Allyssa P. Oppas said a workshop was conducted in the first quarter to identify STI success indicators, validate of STI data, and set goals, objectives, and targets. She said STI data gathering is underway.
“Next step is the writeshop for the crafting of STI plan for the province of Kalinga to be followed by the finalization of the plan with the (Provincial Planning and Development Office), and consultation with stakeholders. And of course we will be requesting for the sangguniang panlalawigan resolution to adopt the STI plan, and finally the approval,” Oppas said.
The PSTIC is composed of various national line agencies and stakeholders, including the provincial offices of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, and Kalinga State University.
The committee is supported by an executive committee composed of key members of the provincial board and a technical working group comprised of the city and municipal planning and development coordinators. – Iryll Gay O. Sicnao
