As the 14th SyenSaya resumed on its second day, 6 December 2022, a Technology Forum was held to showcase the practical applications of science and technology for strengthening economic resilience and promoting economic growth, specifically for those micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Los Baños, Laguna. This was one of the main highlights of the celebration.
Dr. Melinda d.P. Bandalaria, President of Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) and Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), welcomed the second day of the celebration by highlighting the resilience and recovery during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she said that there are opportunities for grabs as the country transitions to the post-pandemic situation and opportunities that will help people overcome disruptions that they experience year-round due to other economic challenges.
Dr. Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer, CESO III, Director of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), a research arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), formally welcomed the forum by explaining the forum’s rationale and how science and technology played a great role in uplifting the Los Baños community.
The forum commenced with Dir. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director for DOST – CALABARZON who discussed her topic titled “Say Yes to S&T in Economic Development: The Importance of S&T in Shaping the Economy.” In her discussion, she emphasized the need for investing in innovation for the country’s economy to prosper, as well as the call to have the capacity to shift to the changing demands of the market.
Ms. Diane Gail L. Maharja, OIC Director, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), graced the forum with her presentation entitled, “Mamamayan, may ambag ka! The role of the community in strengthening economic resilience.” She highlighted how the Philippines encountered different crises during the pandemic that affected the economy and environment as a whole. The digital transformation from 2019 to 2020 was significant. Financial channels and digital payments were an example. She further added that active e-money accounts rose to 3.47 million in 2020, almost doubling 2019’s level of 17.9 million, according to the report by Ms. Maharja. She also emphasized the importance of creating stronger and more resilient MSMEs through research and development (R&D), technology, and innovation. Such programs for MSMEs included FAB LABS, RIICS, SET-UP, the Food Innovation Center, and Technology Business Incubators. Other programs included Innovation Hubs and the Smart Link Program, among others.
For those who have missed the day two of the 14th SyenSaya, the recorded live video could still be viewed via the LBSCFI Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/lbscfi/videos/5773091462736420.
Written by Alessa Shainne Hostalero
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Pinky Halos
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