Five local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan provided funding to the programs of the Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) under Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region I.
The iSTART program aims to support balanced development geographically by accelerating regional growth through science, technology and innovation following the DOST-PLANADES Development Model.
The model was developed from a DOST-commissioned study undertaken by the Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES) of the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning. It serves as a tool to identify areas for future urban expansion and land uses that can be integrated in the local planning process to guide spatial and development strategies and investment programming.
Committing a strong adherence to iSTART through the formulation of a Science Technology Innovation (STI)-based policy, the LGU Sual, identified the Early Warning System for Agriculture and Disaster as their priority and allotted P300,000.00 for the funding.
Meanwhile, LGU Bugallon allotted a total of P8.5 million; P1 million for their Livelihood & Enterprise (processing and packaging of food products); P3.8 million for the Alternative Energy- solar powered system ; P1 million for Bamboo Utilization (furniture, other products); and P2.7 million for Integrated Solid Waste Management and other mechanism for renewable energy and vermiculture production.
On the other hand, LGU Alcala focused on their Environmental Management Enhancement Program (adoption of mechanism like Biogas digester) with a P2.1 million fund and P100,000 for the Livelihood and Enterprise for the Organic Farming Trainings and Veggie Noodles Production Enhancement, while, LGU San Fabian have P3.25 million fund prioritizing on the Solid Waste Management Program with a P2.75 million fund and P500,00 for Solar-Powered Irrigation.
Lastly, LGU Balungao allotted P1.4 million fund for the preparation of the Municipal Goat Academy, Product Development of the Chevon product and assistance for the Tupig and Patupat Vendors Association including the products’ shelf life and packaging.
The said LGUs strongly support the iSTART program through the initiative of the Local Chief Executives through the Executive Orders and Municipal Board Resolution providing funds on the various priority areas as a result of the multi-sectoral consultative meetings conducted.
Through iSTART, DOST will assist Local Government Units (LGUs) in developing a technology-based development plan for the agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors; attract new technology-based investments in accordance with the validated development plans in collaboration with the LGUs; and engage researchers, scientists and engineers who will support technology-based investments and projects in the region.
DOST I Regional Director Dr. Armando Q. Ganal extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Local Chief Executives on their willingness to engage in the program and further stated that the overwhelming support of the pilot LGUs program serves as a challenge for the DOST I iSTART team to commit and provide good quality services to the pilot LGUs.
He assured that all will have their own opportunity and chance to avail the different services of the iSTART program and the other programs, projects and activities of the DOST.