ALAMINOS CITY- Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Officer-in Charge, Office of the Regional Director (OIC-RD), of Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST 1 ) together with Provincial Director Arnold C. Santos and team, paid a visit to Congressman Arthur F. Celeste during her rounds in the City of Alaminos on May 19, 2023, to discuss possible collaborations on science, technology and innovation (STI) programs that will benefit the first district of Pangasinan.
The officials talked about the need to bring more advanced and innovative technology and science-based solutions to help address various problems within the district, such as agriculture, environment, disaster risk reduction and management, education, and livelihood.
During the meeting, OIC-RD Tabaog shared some of the DOST’s existing programs and initiatives that could be adapted to the district’s specific needs, such as the implementation of the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program to the people in the grassroots, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) to the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), disaster preparedness to the local government heads, among others.
“Marami po kaming mai-ooffer sa DOST. Across all sectors/services, STI should be there,” OIC-RD Tabaog stated.
Congressman Celeste pointed out that he is committed to maximizing and utilizing the available aquatic resources in their district primarily milkfish, salt, and oyster, as well as the vital tourist industry of the Hundred Islands. On the other hand, DOST 1 OIC-RD Tabaog expressed her commitment to help in advancing the industries mentioned through the available STI technologies.
“Marami pala ang programs ng DOST na pwede sa aking distrito,” Cong. Celeste said.
The Congressman together with his Legal Consultant, Atty. Kleider Rex Aoanan, expressed his full support on the proposed collaborations and reiterated the need to prioritize and invest in science and technology to create more opportunities and improve the quality of life of their constituents.
Congressman Celeste further emphasized that in order to effectively utilize the technology, local government entities must be willing to embrace them.
The officials agreed to work closely together to develop a concrete plan of action that would maximize the resources of both the DOST and the Congressman’s office.
The meeting ended with a firm commitment to move forward with the proposed collaborations and to prioritize the development of STI programs that would pave the way for a brighter future for the first district of Pangasinan. (Carla Joyce B. Cajala)