The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to put up at least six innovations hubs in the Ilocos Region as part of the 80 hubs targeted nationwide to help find solutions to problems affecting local communities.

The hubs are eyed to be put up where the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program will be launched, specifically in the cities of Batac and Laoag in Ilocos Norte, Candon in Ilocos Sur, San Fernando in La Union, Alaminos in Pangasinan, and recently, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.

DOST regional director Teresita Tabaog, in an interview Wednesday, said the sites were chosen because of their respective local government’s intention and commitment to develop technologically innovative communities.

Also, DOST undersecretary for regional operations Engineer Sancho Mabborang, in a media conference, said the agency is looking for development partners who have unique ideas, concepts, or framework that can help contribute to the advancement of science and technology to meet people’s needs.

“We are eyeing to put up at least 80 innovation hubs in the country and launch it until September (this year)” he said at the sidelines of the opening of the Handa Pilipinas Luzon leg and Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week at the Plaza Del Norte and Convention Center here.

Mabborang said the innovation hub seeks to expand the research and development network of the agency and is open for all researchers, and innovators in line with DOST’s focus on wealth protection and creation, human well-being, and sustainability.

In Ilocos Region, the Regional Development Council (RDC) is focused on building a resilient, all-inclusive, competitive, and healthy region in support of the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) movement that reaches out to people and partnering with them for economic and social transformation.

In partnership with the DOST, the selected pilot areas have committed to advancing the full digitalization of their transaction processes and introduce technologies in agriculture as well as in disaster risk reduction and management.

The DOST said the Development Academy of the Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government will also be involved in the program as part of people-centric and technology-driven strategy anchored on collaboration, cooperation and complementation of efforts among partner key players.

“The program will facilitate the integration of various technologies and innovations within the key areas for intervention to harness the benefits for the welfare of the communities and bring positive change in the lives of every Filipino through promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability,” said DOST secretary Renato Solidum who also graced the event. (PNA)