THE head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other government officials, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Knowledge, Innovation, and Science and Technology (KIST) Park in San Pablo, Cauayan City in Isabela on March 24.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. along with Isabela State University (ISU) president Ricmar P. Aquino, Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy Jr., DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and DOST Region 2 Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera were all present for the ceremony.
The KIST Park is a pioneering initiative of the City of Cauayan that aims to establish a center of excellence for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the field of science and technology.
With cutting-edge facilities and a thriving ecosystem of academic and business partners, the KIST will serve as a regional hub for research, technology transfer, and enterprise growth.
KIST will not only revolutionize the field of science and technology in the region but also create new opportunities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“Throughout the years, you have seen how you progress through science, technology and innovation. It has grown into a very strong relationship and what a solid testament that the embrace is now sealed with a kiss. See what partnership can do for economic development?” Solidum said.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be part of DOST’s platform for technology transfer and commercialization of technologies in Cagayan Valley.
This will also nurture and spur the Cagayan Valley’s growth of new high-tech firms, facilitate the transfer of university know-how to locator-companies, encourage the development of faculty or student-based spin-offs and stimulate the development of innovative products and processes.
KIST Park is a project of the university in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
PEZA said that the innovation park is one of its premier initiatives and aims to create sustainable economic zones for the growth of the corporate and retail sectors based on the idea of rural community development.
In a previous meeting, ISU and PEZA discussed the long-term masterplan that will establish an innovation site at ISU Echague Main Campus, ISU Roxas Campus, ISU Ilagan Campus and ISU Cabagan Campus. “It has been the dream of Isabela State University to establish this KIST Special Economic Zone. ISU is an ideal place for the establishment of the KIST Park because we have a lot of experts who are innovators and technology generators. There will be a merging of academe and industry that will help the entire province of Isabela, the entire region as well, develop their economies,” Aquino had then said.