

“The innovation ecosystem in Northern Mindanao is vibrant, that is why we have prepared three days of activities centered in the three thematic areas that we think are very important to move the innovation ecosystem forward: Innovation Impact, Interactive Experience, and Investment Opportunities,” said DOST-X Officer-in-Charge, Engr. Romela N. Ratilla during the opening ceremony.
The DOST exhibition is inspired by the event’s three thematic areas: For innovation impact, DOST has highlighted various programs and projects that support and boost the innovation initiatives in the region. For interactive experience, the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories have prepared interactive games for science enthusiasts. For investment opportunities, technical staff are ready to assist walk-in clients on their inquiries and provide them tech-based games with exciting prizes.
Also the crowd magnet is the Planetarium setup in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Mindanao Division led by Mr. Anthony Joseph R. Lucero. Parents brought their kids to experience the Planetarium and then proceeded to view the exhibits and listened to innovation talks.
Innovation talks included technology pitching, accomplishments from innovation centers, technology business incubators, success stories from MSMEs innovation fund grants from DICT, investment opportunities from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Crowd Funding and parametric insurance as response to disaster risk and climate change from CLIMBs Insurance.
The national innovation day is aimed to promote public awareness and national support for innovation and highlight milestones of government and private sector initiatives. All current innovation-related events are encouraged to be conducted in the month of April for the said celebration.
During the opening ceremonies RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño of NEDA presented the Regional Innovation Agenda of Region 10. This is the guiding framework, strategies and goals of the innovation players collectively.
AMBIT or Amihanang Mindanao Breakthrough Innovations and Technologies Awards proposal was bared by DOST-10. AMBIT awards are designed to honor innovators and enablers in the innovation ecosystem.
The National Innovation Day celebration is anchored to RA 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act. This act is adopting innovation as a vital component of the country’s development policies to drive inclusive development, promote the growth and national competitiveness of MSMEs.
The RA 11293 is part of generating and scaling up of actions in all levels and areas of education, training, research and development to promote innovation and internationalization of activities for MSMEs as driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. (Nova Belle C. Calotes/DOST-10)