The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is investing P5 million this year for the establishment of innovation hubs in five provinces in Caraga Region.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said DOST-Caraga has decided to pour in P5 million for the setting up of Innovation and Makerspace facilities in Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT).
He said the first batch of equipment was delivered on Aug. 4 to ASSCAT, which included 3D printers and filaments, printed circuit board (PCB) 3D printer with accessories and consumables, among others.
“Upon the completion of the delivery, DOST-Caraga will conduct the trainings and provide technical assistance to various faculty members and students who will use the facility,” de la Peña reported on the DOSTv Facebook page on Friday, Aug. 27.
He said through the Innovation and Makerspaces or iMake Project, “DOST-Caraga aims to establish innovation hubs or Makerspaces in all the five provinces in the region to provide facilities and trainings to faculty members and students in the areas of Electronics, Robotics, 3D Printing and Modelling and Internet of Things (IOT).”
Caraga is composed of five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands.
“The project also aims to facilitate the generation of new ideas and innovations to provide innovative solutions to pressing industry needs and problems and develop the innovation culture in the region,” de la Peña said.