Year End 2024 RTEC Meeting cum SETUP iFund Awarding Ceremony Showcases Progress and Innovation

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 concluded 2024 on a high note with the Review and Technical Evaluation Committee (RTEC) Meeting cum SETUP iFund Awarding Ceremony. The event celebrated the year’s achievements while laying the groundwork for an impactful 2025.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 ₱𝟱.𝟳 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗣 𝗶𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼, 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 (𝗠𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀)—𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Additionally, the event recognized the contributions of RTEC members from various sectors for their invaluable efforts in the program’s success. The iFund support and awards were presented by Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera and Assistant Regional Director Dr. Laila A. Taguinod, who commended both the awardees and beneficiaries for their unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and excellence. The event also served as an opportunity to engage with RTEC members, discussing observations and recommendations to enhance SETUP implementation for even greater impact.

Dr. Laila A. Taguinod, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services, opened the event with her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in driving technological innovation. She highlighted how the evaluation of proposals plays a vital role in aligning SETUP interventions with the specific needs of MSMEs for sustainable growth. She further emphasized that the activity promotes meaningful collaboration with RTEC members, fostering the identification of challenges and the development of effective strategies to enhance program implementation and ensure its ongoing relevance and impact. She also acknowledged the awarded SETUP iFund beneficiaries, showcasing the importance of DOST SETUP in supporting MSMEs to achieve innovation and business growth.

In her keynote message, Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera underscored the power of collaboration and sustained efforts in fostering economic development. “We are proud of how far we’ve come this year, but our journey doesn’t end here. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones in advancing regional growth,” she stated.

Dr. Bilgera also extended heartfelt gratitude to the RTEC members for their dedication and invaluable contributions. “Your expertise and commitment have been instrumental in the success of our programs,” she added.

Ms. Mary Ann D. Carpiso, Supervising Science Research Specialist and SETUP Center Manager, presented the accomplishments of the RTEC in 2024 and outlined the new SETUP Guidelines for RTEC endorsement and approval.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Carpiso thanked all stakeholders and participants for their vital contributions to the program’s success.

“SETUP is a collaborative effort, and every success we celebrate today is the result of teamwork, dedication, and a shared vision. Let’s continue this momentum and transform lives through science and technology,” she said.

As the ceremony concluded, attendees reflected on the achievements of 2024 and shared their aspirations for the future. Through this year-end gathering, DOST Region 02 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, supporting MSMEs, and driving economic growth in Cagayan Valley. By emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and collaboration, the region looks forward to an even brighter future for its enterprises and communities.