A 10-day experiential learning trip to various facilities/laboratories of research and development institutes (RDIs) in Los Baños, Laguna; Quezon City; and Bicutan was recently conducted. Provincial science and technology directors (PSTDs) and assistant regional directors participated in the trip.
RDIs have an increasing concern with the gap between the technologies developed and its use by the public. In filling the gap between technology development and use, PSTDs must be familiar with existing projects/activities and facilities/laboratories of different RDIs under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Other concerns of RDIs include policies on contract researches and review on techno transfer schemes/fees, and synchronization and sustainability of services delivered by DOST RDIs, councils, and regional offices.
Visited during the trip was a project on muscovado production and marketing in Balayan, Batangas. The Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development and a cooperative of sugarcane farmers support the project.
The group also visited the farm of Magsasaka Siyentista Edilberto Silan in Indang, Cavite. Silan pioneered the production of dragonfruit in his area.
The trip is timely as PSTDs and RDIs are partners in enhancing the quality and productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs in the provinces.
Developing products to be competitive enough in the industry would entail good manufacturing practices or GMPs, marketing strategies, and most importantly, investing on the quality of the product. Improving the product’s quality relies basically on science and technology and how it can use existing researches and government’s programs.
With the science and technology (S&T) efforts of DOST agencies and the government as a whole, innovation will continue to be fueled by the government, especially those closely involved in the processing and commercialization of research and development products and services.