Traders urged to invest in R & D

A SCIENCE and Technology department official is calling on industrial stakeholders to invest in human resource and research and development (R & D).

Undesecretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said industrial stakeholders should work with their agency by investing in human resource and research and development (R&D) in order to maximize opportunities in the province.

Through R&D, small and medium businesses can gain access to industrial training and information, which in turn will foster an innovative environment in the province and help it become more globally competitive.

De la Peña said during his speech at the  2nd day of the Creative Industries Summit on Wednesday, that there should be a chance in the Filipino mindset for innovation, as it’s the prime mover for development.

He said that the DOST was now capitalizing on science and technology to achieve the goal of making a difference in the lives of Filipinos.

With this objective, the agency is now shifting its focus on five priority programs which are: to use science and technology to solve pressing national problems; develop appropriate technologies to create growth in the countryside; improve industry competitiveness; use science and technology to enhance government and social services; and build the country’s capacity in emerging technologies.

De la Peña said that these programs should create cost-effective solutions to social problems of the country.  /Correspondent Patricia Andrea Pateña