CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The subcommittees of the Northern Mindanao Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) conducted its inaugural meeting on February 6-7, 2024, marking the first gathering since the committee's reorganization and expansion in May 2023.
Policy recommendations on establishing innovation councils among LGUs and identifying various funding channels for Research and Development (R&D) and innovation projects were among the significant results of the meetings.
Another milestone is the onset of initiatives on digital and smart cities and the discussion on capability development programs for researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) from various agencies.
The subcommittee on Human Resource Development and Research, Development, and Innovation Management (HRRDIM) discussed the R&D human resource landscape in Northern Mindanao on February 6, 2024, via Zoom.
Chaired by Engr. Romela Ratilla, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology-X, the subcommittee also discussed the R&D initiatives of leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and government programs to support R&D human resources. The HRRDIM is composed of 26 member institutions.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Entrepreneurship and Local Innovation Program Development Management (ELIPDM) subcommittee, chaired by Ruel B. Paclipan, OIC-regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry – X, convened at Mallberry Suites Hotel.
The ELIPDM, composed of 42 member institutions, strategized to achieve the Regional Development Plan targets, presented the entrepreneurship and innovation landscape of Northern Mindanao, and highlighted the innovation pillar in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index.
Meanwhile, the Resource Mobilization Management (RMM) subcommittee, chaired by Jesus M. Jardin, President of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce, met virtually on February 7 to discuss potential funding sources for RDI initiatives, legislative support for the Science for Change Program (S4CP) Bill, and the LGU-Cagayan de Oro’s startup ordinance. RMM is composed of 26 member institutions.
The Knowledge and Research and Development Infrastructure Management (KRIM) subcommittee, chaired by Regional Director Sittie Rahma Alawi of the Department of Information and Communications Technology – X, met virtually in the afternoon of February 7. The 22 member institutions discussed establishing a regional roadmap for smart and digital cities, conducted the Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions (RISE) 2024, and provided updates on implementing the Free WiFi program in the region.
Gathering the innovation subcommittees is crucial in realizing RRDIC-X’s vision of fostering an innovation-driven and inclusive economy in Northern Mindanao.
The agreements of the subcommittees' meetings are for further deliberation at the RRDIC-X Full Committee Meeting. Subsequently, the agenda items will be forwarded to the Regional Development Council – X for approval and endorsement. (DOST-10/PIA-10)
