Caraga RISE accelerates innovation in governance, tourism as PBBM ordered
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga is intensifying efforts to transform local ideas into working solutions through startup prototyping and deployment, in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
DOST’s effort is being undertaken through the Caraga Regional Innovation and Startup Ecosystem (Caraga RISE), and in pursuit of the President’s orders to strengthen a culture of innovation and promote the commercialization of research outputs during his 2023 and 2024 State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs).
During the recent coordination meeting held in Butuan City, DOST Caraga convened winning teams of the region’s first Startup Challenge and their respective government partners. The goal was to refine innovative solutions addressing governance and development issues identified by the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) Sectoral Committees.
Three major challenges were tackled, to include: LGU Buenavista: Unlocking Cultural Wealth through Digital Heritage Mapping and Tourism Hub, by Team Buenaviyahe (Father Saturnino Urios University); PPA Nasipit: Digitalizing Port Operations for Efficiency and Transparency, by Team NaviPort (Caraga State University); and PLGU Agusan del Norte: Data-Driven Planning and Monitoring Tools for Local Governance, by Team Sentra (Surigao del Norte State University).
The startup teams, incubated under innovation hubs NaviGatU, WAVES, and MOESIS, are now developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that will be showcased in August 2025 as part of the regional innovation rollout.
Engr. Noel M. Ajoc, DOST Caraga director, emphasized the program’s long-term value to the region. “Innovation must serve the people. Through Caraga RISE, we are creating platforms where young minds collaborate with the government to deliver real solutions. These prototypes are not just tech products, they are bridges to more efficient public service, data-driven governance, and sustainable development,” Ajoc said.
The initiative reflects the direction laid out by President Marcos Jr. in his 2023 SONA where he stressed, “A culture of innovation, working hand in glove with a culture of entrepreneurship, must be fostered. This is Filipinnovation.”
He further reiterated in his 2024 SONA the need to fund and scale up research and innovation.“We will accelerate the commercialization of research and support our startups through venture financing, technology incubation, and infrastructure support.”
Through Caraga RISE, DOST Caraga is translating this vision into action, supporting a future-ready, innovation-driven Caraga region that empowers local talents to contribute meaningfully to national development. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
