DOST helps businesses yield more innovative products, services

MAKATI CITY, 7 Nov. (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said that innovation for inclusive growth has been the central idea of different programs the agency in recent years, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the provinces.   “We have many local products and services, which are world-class, and DOST is recognizing this. 

That is why we are sharing all the resources and knowledge that we have to empower them to be innovative in improving and marketing their respective products,” de la Peña said during the launch of the Benito and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Awards held at the Manila Polo Club.   De la Peña said the DOST, through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), had helped many SMEs in the countryside to improve the quality of their production and services, particularly in the areas of technology upgrading, packaging assistance, market research, and technology transfer.   Through this support, DOST was able to create ideal environment for our SMEs to develop and introduce more innovative products and services, he added.    “Innovation has provided numerous impacts to our country, particularly on the SMEs side. It could stabilize businesses, it could generate income and revenue, and most importantly, it could generate employment opportunities for people in the countryside,” he explained.    

He said the launching of BCYF Innovation Awards will help more in encouraging and motivating people to really contribute towards innovation.    

On other hand, UA&P President Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog also emphasized that innovation is one of the most important facets of development.  According to him, as the object of development is always on the people and the society which they belong, it is very important that development must always be oriented towards the promotion of human dignity.   “Innovation gives us the opportunity to become better individual.  For example, mobile phone is an innovation in social communication so we can experience faster and more efficient way of interaction with each other. 

Innovation has also revolutionized the field of education, particularly in remote areas. We could have seen how innovation has helped us harness more efficient use of our resources and we could have seen how energy prices fallen,” Padojinog said.   Calling nominees for BCYF Innovation Awards   Meanwhile, the BCYF Innovation Awards will give recognition to the top innovative products and services, which made valuable contributions to improve the living condition of different communities, organizations and sectors. Innovation on government services, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Technical-Vocational Education, and Agri-Business are the four categories for BCYF Innovation Awards.    It will be co-organized by DOST, BCYF, University of Asia and Pacific, and TEVSAPHIL.   

The general criteria are the following:   The innovation must have been implemented within the period from October 2015 to October 2016 and in a functioning and registered organization or business;   The person, or team applying must have been the one who conceptualized, and implemented the innovation; and    The organization or business where the Innovation was implemented must be sustainable and viable.    

To get the application and nomination form for BCYF Innovation Awards, please go to this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfc1lfbZwQdnB65eFzg0m_husFr_yf0B8YUxbkiuKNjZd5x8w/viewform.   

The deadline for application and nomination will be on December 01, 2016 and the awards night will be held on February 22, 2017.  You may send your inquiries at bcy.innovation.awards@gmail.com. (DOST/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)