MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 sealed its partnership with Northern Bukidnon State College (NSBC) on February 14 with the virtual signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for NBSC’s research project on “Structural Analysis of the Cultural Creative Industry Involving IPs in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.”  

The NBSC’s study is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its attached agency National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) under Frontier Research Agenda and Capability Building of Researchers in Mindanao Cluster I: NRCP Science and Technology Expert's Pool (NSTEP) project.  

It will run for twelve months and will cover selected cultural and creative industries (CCI) involving indigenous peoples (IPs) in Northern Mindanao with the aim of harnessing the social and economic potential of its cultural assets and products.  

DTI-10 Regional Director Ermedio J. Abang expressed his support for the upcoming project in his message during the MOU Virtual Signing Ceremony. 

As specified in the MOU, DTI-10 is expected to provide necessary information, subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA); recommend products, key sectors, and particular enterprises to prioritize; direct appropriate program coordinator for the coordination of the project; and provide assistance to assess the various indicators and existing data. 

“Through this memorandum of understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry Region 10 and Northern Bukidnon State College, we aim to contribute to the research project in its development of potential policy options for the empowerment and sustainable development of the creative industry of our IPs,” Abang said.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Catherine Roween C. Almaden, president of NBSC, said that the academe’s partnership with DTI Region 10 and its provincial offices will be very instrumental for the research project.  

“This formal collaboration with DTI-10 will be imperative for the various aspects of our research,” Almaden said.  

The MOU was signed by Regional Director Abang and Dr. Almaden together with Dr. Jovelyn Delosa, NBSC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Christine Royo, Project Leader; and Caroline Laarni Sereñas, NBSC Research Director. (DTI-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)