The Department of Science and Technology lauded and recognized its provincial science and technology directors during the PSTD Conference at Widus Hotel in Clark Freeport in Pampanga from Nov. 25 to 26.
The Provincial Science and Technology Directors’ Conference is a yearly gathering of provincial S&T directors from the 16 regions since 2009 until the worldwide pandemic forced its discontinuance.
It is being re-introduced this year by the Office of the Undersecretary for regional operations Sancho Mabborang to recognize its “significant contributions to DOST in its underlying goal of bringing science and technology closer and relevant to the people.”
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. complimented the provincial directors for the 18th Congress’ passage of Republic Act 119141, or the law”converting the Provincial Science and Technology Center into the Provincial Science and Technology Office” and with fund appropriation.
Among the directors’ objectives are“to give recognition to the PSTD’s successful implementation of DOST’s programs, projects and services that have produced innumerable benefits to local communities; to provide an opportunity to PSTDs to share their new ideas, effective strategies, and best practices”and boost the PTSDs morale amidst varied challenges in the socio-economic-political landscape.
Mabborang said PSTD’s four operational components include communication, meetings and collaboration, workplace management and other administrative matters.
They are also committed to continual improvement as they advocate for the same across the operation. They want to bring science, technology and innovations closer to the people, made possible with the significant and collective efforts of everyone in the regional operations.
Solidum said one of DOST’s new programs for 2023 is the creation of smart and sustainable communities, while Mabborang mentioned monitoring the transformation of micro, small and medium enterprises of the adopted technologies of the industrial revolution.
Mabborang said the DOST assists inventors in commercializing their products or inventions, while Solidum said they are helping investors in the research and development aspect.
Among the speakers and guests were DOST Region lll director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, undersecretary Dr. Leah Buendia of Research and Development, Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon Sahagun and Arete Foods Corp. president and chief executive lawyer Marc Fabian Castrodes.
Recognition was given to the Most Outstanding PSTD and PSTDs who served DOST for over 20 years.
The attendees to the two-day event were expected to have a renewed spirit of cooperation, collaboration, complementation and a re-ignited commitment to pursue DOST’s mission and vision.
