The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is ready and willing to help the development of Romblon and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. This is according to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. who visited Odiongan on April 4 to conduct an ocular visit to DOST's Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries.
During his meeting with the local officials of Odiongan, Solidum asked about the needs and proposals of the local government to the department regarding Science and Technology.
“Anything na sa tingin ninyo na may problema, just consult the DOST. Mas maganda na nalalaman namin ‘yung needs niyo. Ang ginagawa namin ngayon ay inaalam namin ang LGU needs at Market needs katulad nang kung anong tekonolohiya ang kailangan ng isang negosyo para tumaas ang kanilang sales,” according to Solidum.
Some of the approved businesses on DOST's SETUP were involved in nutrition and food security, one of the top priorities of the new DOST chief when he was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year.
Also, to help the province and its constituents, the DOST chief has encouraged researchers of Romblon State University (RSU) to submit more proposals to their offices and attached agencies for proper evaluation and maybe funding for implementation.
He added that research from the academe must not only be on paper and for publication but must also be implemented in the province thru the help of the government and private sectors.
“You will be happy if it was published, but you will be much happier if you convert your innovation to something useful to many people,” according to the secretary when he meet the researchers of RSU.
