CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union – The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) reviewed its first-semester accomplishments and set priority actions for the remainder of the year during its Mid-Year Performance Assessment for CY 2026 held on August 12–13, 2026, at the DOST Ilocos Region Multipurpose Hall.
Led by Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, the two-day assessment brought together the agency’s regional management, Provincial Directors, unit heads, program and project managers, and concerned personnel to evaluate organizational performance, assess the implementation of science, technology, and innovation (STI) programs, discuss implementation concerns, and determine actions needed to meet CY 2026 targets.
The first day focused on agency-wide, regional, and provincial performance. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services and Designated Planning Officer Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu presented the status of the agency’s CY 2026 Balanced Scorecard physical targets and accomplishments for the first semester. This was followed by a review of DOST Ilocos Region’s financial performance, including the status of obligation and cash programming for regular and special projects, presented by Budget Officer Ms. Sheriel Mae P. Gapasin and Accountant III Ms. Frances L. Simalong. Mr. Justin N. Madrid, Customer Satisfaction Measurement Officer, likewise reported on customer satisfaction ratings and feedback from internal and external clients.
The assessment then proceeded with the reports of the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs), providing management with a province-level view of the implementation, progress, and performance of DOST programs and services across the Ilocos Region. Provincial Directors Engr. Brian U. Rasco of Ilocos Norte and Engr. Arnold C. Santos of Pangasinan presented the accomplishments of their respective offices, while Engr. Edison M. Acosta represented Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Engr. Jordan L. Abad, and Ms. Katrina F. Ronquillo represented La Union Provincial Director Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes. The presentations highlighted first-semester accomplishments, key implementation concerns, and priority catch-up actions for the second semester of CY 2026.
Regional divisions and units also presented their respective accomplishments. The Financial and Administrative Services, headed by Assistant Regional Director Ms. Mercy Q. Ponciano, reported on human resource management, supply, and general services. The Field Operations Services, led by Assistant Regional Director Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, presented updates on field operations, including the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program and related initiatives. The Technical Operations Services, headed by Espiritu, reported on Gender and Development, Quality Management System, Philippine Quality Award initiatives, and planning.
The second day focused on the accomplishments and implementation status of the agency’s key programs, and special projects. Program managers presented their first-semester accomplishments and catch-up plans for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and eCommerce initiatives, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), OneASIN, Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), Scholarship Program, Packaging and Labelling, Halal, the Information Technology Systems and Management Unit and other STI initiatives.
The assessment further reviewed special projects such as SILLAG, TECHGROW, GATES, Project eTURO, Electrodialysis Reversal Project, SAFEWATRS, Sewage Treatment Plant Project, MoCCoV, and PORTASOL.
Beyond reporting accomplishments, the Mid-Year Performance Assessment served as a management platform to identify performance gaps, address operational concerns, align regional and provincial priorities, and establish clear commitments for the second semester. Presenters were directed to provide concise and evidence-based updates focused on decisions, issues requiring management action, and commitments for follow-through.
The assessment concluded with directions aimed at sustaining organizational excellence through improved planning, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, enhanced inter-office collaboration, and continuous innovation in program implementation. These actions support DOST Ilocos Region’s commitment to responsive, results-oriented, and inclusive STI programs that contribute to resilient communities and sustainable regional development.
Through collaborative leadership and strategic performance management, DOST Ilocos Region continues to advance “Agham na Ramdam” by ensuring that science, technology, and innovation translate into meaningful opportunities, stronger local industries, and improved quality of life for the people of the Ilocos Region.( Hannah Dorothy Morales)