DOST Caraga fosters innovation in support of PBBM’s learning agenda
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Recognizing innovation and entrepreneurship as vital tools for learning, job creation, and economic growth, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Caraga convened key stakeholders in Tandag City for a Startup Ecosystem Mapping activity.
Mainly, the activity aims to build a stronger innovation ecosystem that supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a future-ready workforce, quality education, and inclusive development.
The activity convened key partner agencies and stakeholders, including the Surigao del Sur government information center of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), provincial and Tandag City LGUs, and the academe, to identify opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and support the growth of local startups, innovators, and technology-driven enterprises.
It highlighted the importance of building a connected ecosystem where government agencies, the academe, the private sector, and local communities work together to advance innovation-driven growth and inclusive economic development, in line with the national development priorities of the Marcos administration.
During the activity, DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc underscored the importance of strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic resilience and regional development.
He explained that startups represent a new way of discovering, creating, and delivering solutions that respond to emerging societal and economic challenges. While acknowledging that startup ventures involve risks, he emphasized that these challenges open opportunities for innovation, transformation, and long-term growth.
“Startups are a new way of knowing and producing things. It is a risky endeavor, but through innovation, we create opportunities for growth and development,” Dir. Ajoc said.
He further emphasized that both provincial and city governments play a critical role in enabling startup development by establishing supportive policies, programs, and mechanisms that will allow innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive in a structured and sustainable ecosystem.
The mapping activity brought together stakeholders from various sectors to collaboratively identify gaps, opportunities, and strategic directions toward building a more dynamic and sustainable startup ecosystem in Tandag City and the wider Caraga region.
Meanwhile, DOST Surigao del Sur Director Ramil Sanchez emphasized that innovation is a continuous learning process where failure is part of growth and improvement.
“To become perfect, failure is normal,” Sanchez said, adding that innovation has no age limit and that anyone can contribute to developing new ideas and solutions.
He also underscored the importance of youth participation in innovation efforts, noting that young people play a vital role in sustaining and advancing the country’s development trajectory.
“But of course, we rely on our new generation to bring up our society because they are the ones who will succeed. We must support the ecosystem to advance our cause for startups,” he added.
The Startup Ecosystem Mapping activity is part of DOST’s continuing efforts to strengthen regional innovation systems, foster multi-sectoral collaboration, and support the Marcos administration’s vision of a more innovative, competitive, and inclusive Philippine economy through science, technology, and entrepreneurship. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
