2013 DOST South Luzon Cluster S& T Fair The 2013 South Luzon Cluster S& T Fair with the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation: Drivers of Change for a Smarter South Luzon” opened on September 12, 2013 at the Sky Ranch Activity Tent, Tagaytay City, Cavite and Lasted on September 14, 2013. Hon. Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department Of Science and Technology (DOST), keynote speaker during the opening of the DOST- IV-A 2013 South Luzon Cluster in his message delivered by Undersecretary for Regional Operation Dr. Carol M. Yorabe said that the spotlight for the Philippines should be on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the economy of any country in driving industrial development. However, our country to continue its current growth and development pattern needs an economy that can continually produce better, cheaper, safer, and bigger volume of goods for consumption; provide speedy quality services, and improve the overall state of life for its citizen. To stimulate economic development, our country cannot be overly dependent on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) just like what the Asian Financial Crises of 1997-1998 has taught us that foreign investors can and will withdraw their investment and relocate to new destinations at the slightest hint of economic trouble. DOST has been targeting SMEs, for the past 12 years as mechanism in generating continual domestic-led investments to stimulate steady income expansion, and increase the job led by the Regional Offices. Led by Regional Offices, SETUP is a program that empowers the players because it does not only advocate but ARBITS (change). It calls for the concerted efforts in product development and technology intervention, technological capacity development and expansion through networks and linkages, and enabling development through product testing and packaging/labeling assistance. With a measly number of 38 SMEs in 2002, in which DOST provided with assistance amounting to Php 15.4 M, now total 2,000 SMEs with more than Php 1 billion worth of technological upgrading support. This year, some 600 SMEs are enjoying significant increases in their production value from an injection of half a billion pesos worth of technological support. Preparing for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community which calls the regional economic integration by 2015, our SMEs will not be talking of the ASEAN Economic Community as a bystander. Filipino SMEs will be the ASEAN Economic Community member – ready and able to track in a single market and production base. SETUP will be topped to make Philippines SMEs; Sustainable, because they sell in open and free Markets; are Action oriented and responsive to customers; thoughtfullyResource and cost-efficient without sacrificing Technology savvy; and Ecologically-capable to regenerate the Earth’s resources through use of Reliable and green technology. “They will be the DRIVERS of an economically competitive Philippines, one that will propel the country to enjoy an equitable economic development,” Montejo said. The Regional offices of DOST are namely the National Capital Region, Region III, CALABARZON Region, MIMAROPA Region, and Region IV which consist the South Luzon Cluster. (Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila)
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 05:20:20 +0000
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