DOST, Cagayan Province Strengthen Partnership for STI Development

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), under the leadership of Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., welcomed Cagayan Provincial Governor Edgar Aglipay for a courtesy visit, reaffirming a shared commitment to harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) as key drivers of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in the province.

The meeting also brought together DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Cagayan Provincial Board Member Atty. Engelbert “Jojo” Caronan, and DOST Region II Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, reflecting strong collaboration between national and local leaders in shaping Cagayan’s development agenda.

A highlight of the discussion was the presentation of DOST’s Three-Horizon STI Economic Strategy (2025–2028), which provides a clear roadmap for transforming the country’s economy. The strategy envisions a surge in productivity, the creation of a vibrant knowledge-based economy, and the preparation of Cagayan for the industries of the future, including artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, biotechnology, renewable energy, and climate-resilient technologies.

Secretary Solidum emphasized that agriculture should be treated as a business ecosystem, rather than traditional planting. Programs such as Smart Agriculture and SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) will empower farmers, cooperatives, and agripreneurs to increase productivity, enhance product quality, and sustainably scale operations, turning local resources into high-value economic opportunities.

Another key focus of the meeting was data-driven governance. Tools like GATES (Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions) enable local governments across the country to make informed decisions, optimize resources, improve disaster response, and harness regional strengths. These initiatives transform long-standing challenges into strategic drivers of development and resilience.

Governor Aglipay expressed strong support for DOST programs, highlighting the province’s commitment to generate high-quality jobs, support returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in establishing enterprises, strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, and develop high-value products through innovation, processing, and efficient logistics.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to position Cagayan as a model province for STI-led development, demonstrating how science, technology, and innovation can transform local strengths into engines of economic growth, resilience, and long-term progress for the region.(Dave Masirag)