THE RECENT Regional Inclusive Innovation Workshop gathered stakeholders across Region 6 to discuss the best methods to improve Iloilo’s industrial and commercial capabilities.
The event took place at Richmonde Hotel from Nov. 28 to 29, attended by numerous representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the local government units, the Department of Science and Technology, lloilo Business Club, Iloilo Science and Technology University, USAID STRIDE as well as several private sector partners.
According to the DTI 6 assistant regional director Ermelinda Pollentes, the event was held not only for the benefit of the Innovate Iloilo Roadmap but also to increase cooperation among stakeholders.
“We want to harmonize the national plan with the regional initiatives,” Pollentes said in an interview. “It is connectivity with the rest of the region, with Iloilo taking the lead.”
Pollentes echoed most of the other attendees of the event who were primarily concerned about “gaps” in Iloilo’s commercial and research and development (R&D) capabilities.
To address such gaps, government leaders and private stakeholders are planning to create several Regional Inclusivity Innovation Centers, which as Pollentes explained, are “networks of people and interactions in the region” that are based on local needs and concerns.
Aside from connectivity and networks, local stakeholders also took the opportunity to discuss about local industries that require innovation and support. Pollentes said that two out of these industries should include weaving and marine resources.
“Weaving cuts across the four provinces of Iloilo,” Pollentes explained. “And it supports many local groups.”
Meanwhile, the province’s marine resources also offer significant opportunities for innovation and development.
“We are noted for seafood products. I believe that is one sector where innovation can play a big role,”Pollentes said.
Aside from local speakers, the Regional Inclusive Innovation Workshop also invited Manila-based experts to discuss how other countries and regions have implemented innovative programs.
According to Samantha Uichico of RTI International, a partner of USAID STRIDE, Iloilo is already off to a good start, but like Pollentes, she acknowledged that Iloilo has several gaps.
Recalling some of the concerns of the workshop’s attendees, Uichico said that one of the biggest concerns was “focused on the conversion of the researches of the academe, academia, because there’s a gap.”
According to Uichico, the goal now is to compare Iloilo’s innovation and R&D capacities with other regions and countries, so that it can be better customized to serve the needs of local businesses and industries.
“Now, there should be more of application in the society. It should be market driven. It should also satisfy the needs of the community,” Uichico said./PN
