DOST fulfills inclusive services with the Food Innovation Center in Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga brought inclusive services for food innovation and enterprise development to the Province of Dinagat Islands as it spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the seventh food innovation center (FIC) in the Caraga region.
This partnership, sealed on February 18, brought together the leadership from the DOST Caraga, provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU)—PDI campus in a shared initiative aimed at expanding science and technology support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local food innovators.
Representing the partner institutions during the signing were DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc and SNSU—PDI campus Research Director Ruel Buba, reaffirming commitments of both government and academe to research-driven development and innovation-based solutions for local industries.
“Once operational, this additional FIC will function as a shared-use facility equipped with modern food processing technologies, including a water retort system, vacuum fryer, and dehydrators,” Dir. Ajoc said. “The facility is expected to assist MSMEs and food entrepreneurs in developing safe, high-quality, and market-ready products derived from Dinagat Islands’ priority commodities.”
He added that the project is aligned with the national science and technology agenda championed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., particularly the thrust of ‘Agham na Ramdam sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ which emphasizes translating scientific innovation into tangible community benefits and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, the agreement also marked a significant milestone in advancing the Caraga Food Innovation Consortium (CFIC) Roadmap under the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) Resolution No. 24, series of 2025, an initiative strongly supported by Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., who chairs the Caraga RDC. The roadmap seeks to strengthen regional food processing capacity and promote value-added utilization of local agricultural commodities.
Governor Demerey said, “Gipasiugda sa provincial government ang proyekto sa FIC isip padayon nga paningkamot sa gobyerno sa paghatag og dugang oportunidad sa panginabuhian, paglambo sa lokal nga ekonomiya, ug pagsiguro sa dugang nga trabaho alang sa mga Dinagatnon. (The provincial government highlighted the FIC as a manifestation of the government’s support for livelihood opportunities, sustainable economic growth, and assurance of more jobs for the Dinagatnons.)
Stakeholders view the partnership as a strategic step toward building a resilient and inclusive food innovation ecosystem in Dinagat Islands. By strengthening collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local industries, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for enterprise growth and regional development. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOST PDI)
