The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly explored the possibility of working together in areas of research and development (R&D) for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), science, technology, and innovation (STI) for the halal industry, and waste-to-energy and technopreneurship initiatives.
Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña and UNIDO Country Representative Teddy G. Monroy met on Nov. 8 to tackle ways on how to strengthen the partnership between the Philippines and UNIDO.
“Secretary de la Peña and Monroy discussed the big possibility that the DOST and UNIDO can work together in various areas that include the following: research and development for MSMEs; science, technology, and innovation for the Halal industry; waste-to-energy innovations; and technopreneurship initiatives with local government units (LGUs),” read the DOST statement issued on Wednesday,
During the meeting, De la Peña presented the accomplishments and the pro-people initiatives being implemented by the DOST, showing how the agency makes STI work for the Filipino people.
These include the Science for Change Program, technology breakthroughs and local innovations, the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, human resources development programs, lobbying of S&T legislations, and scientific responses and research studies on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The DOST chief likewise tackled how the agency has been empowering the communities using S&T through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP); the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST); and Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) Program.
Monroy said considering the milestones achieved by the DOST, both sides can work together for possible projects and activities.
De la Peña was accompanied by DOST Assistant Secretary Leah J. Buendia and Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, director of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) during the meeting,