DOST launches innovation hubs in Caraga
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a move that affirms Caraga region’s dedication to inclusive and science-driven development, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga officially launched two innovation hubs – the Caraga Innovation Hub (iHub) and the Caraga Food Testing and Innovation Hub (Food iHub) at the DOST Caraga Regional Office, this city.
These hubs are envisioned as vital spaces for collaboration between government, industry, academia, and local communities, aimed at producing and scaling innovations that are responsive to the region’s development challenges.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. underscored the importance of the innovation hubs as platforms for cultivating market-responsive and community-led solutions.
“These hubs represent strategic investments in people and knowledge. They will enable our youth to become problem solvers and innovators – creating solutions to real-world challenges, building startups, and uplifting underserved sectors through science and technology,” Sec. Solidum said.
He also commended DOST Caraga for fostering an enabling environment where innovation is not only encouraged but also supported through access to tools, facilities, and mentorship.
Leading the regional efforts, DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc emphasized the transformational potential of these innovation centers.
“The establishment of these hubs is not only timely but crucial in accelerating Caraga’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
“Through collaborative workspaces, access to technical expertise, and market-driven approaches, we empower local stakeholders – especially local entrepreneurs, researchers, and young innovators to seize new economic opportunities and co-create development solutions tailored to Caraga’s needs,” Ajoc added.
The iHub is envisioned as a central platform for ideation, research collaboration, and startup incubation, and the Food iHub aims to provide affordable, accredited, and high-quality food testing services, a critical support system for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and food producers striving to meet regulatory and market standards.
Echoing strong local government support, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada praised the initiative, describing the hubs as integral to the city’s innovation-driven future.
“These hubs will open more opportunities for our people. They are essential to creating a resilient and future-ready Butuan that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive progress,” Mayor Lagnada said.
He also expressed gratitude to DOST for its consistent support to local governance and development.
The launch was attended by key figures including DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST-PTRI Director IV Julius L. LeaΓ±o, PSHS-CRC Director Ramil Sanchez, and Cristina Arcillas, president of the Butuan Chamber of Commerce, all of whom expressed support for DOST’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives.
The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among iHub partners and a Signing of Commitment of Support, further strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration in STI.
These innovation hubs also reinforced DOST Caraga’s i2FAME Strategy – focusing on industrialization, ICT, food, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. By offering accessible, inclusive, and high-impact innovation services, the iHub and Food iHub are expected to become game changers in building a more resilient and competitive Caraga. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
