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Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (left) of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gives his message during the launching of Benito Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Awards last October 17, 2016 at Manila Polo Club in Makati City. He said that in recent years, DOST has been at the forefront of pushing innovation for inclusive growth, particularly to the small and medium enterprises in the countryside.  The BCYF Innovation Awards will be co-organized by DOST, BCYF, University of Asia and Pacific and TEVSAPHIL. Also in the photo were: (middle) UA&P President Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog and (right) TEVSAPHIL Chairman Brig.General Alex T. Escaño. (Text by Allan Mauro V. Marfal and photo by Gerardo Palad, S &T Media Service)

 

 

By: Allan Mauro V. Marfal 

S &T Media Service, DOST-STII

 

Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that innovation for inclusive growth has been the central idea of different programs of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 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,” said Secretary de la Peña during the launching of Benito and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) Innovation Awards held last October 17 at Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

Sec. de la Peña shared that 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. He said that through this support, DOST was able to create ideal environment for our SMEs to develop and introduce more innovative products and services.

“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,” Secretary de la Peña said.

Sec. de la Peña believes that 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,” said Dr.  Padojinog.

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 in the last 12 months (October 2015 to October 2016) and in a functioning and registered organization or business. Additional to that, the person, or team applying must have been the one who conceptualized, and implemented the innovation. Lastly, 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.