TAYTAY, RIZAL (August 9, 2024) โ A team from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, led by Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, and Dir. Fernando E. Ablaza, Provincial S&T Director of DOST PSTO Rizal, presented the iSTART Project to representatives from various departments (e.g., Admin, MENRO, Planning, Legal, and SMILE I.T. Lab) of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Taytay. The meeting took place at the SMILE I.T. Lab – Rosario Ocampo Elementary School, Taytay, Rizal.
DOST CALABARZON introduced the “Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development” (iSTART) project. This initiative aims to integrate science, technology, and innovation (STI) into local development plans, such as the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). This will help Taytay, a first-class municipality, strengthen its development initiatives by identifying gaps and incorporating relevant STI components.
To provide context for iSTART, ARD Barquilla connected it to the Smart and Sustainable (Cities and) Communities Program (SSCP), highlighting Taytay’s recognition as one of DICT’s “digital cities.”
Mr. Patrick Isaiah Abarra, Project Technical Assistant of DOST CALABARZON, further elaborated on the iSTART project background, pilot sites, and technical aspects. He explained how iSTART aligns with CDP/CLUP through a designated operational framework and the DOST Implementation Model of SSCP (from aim-collaborate-establish to involvement of key players, achieving the desired outcome, and becoming a “smarter” city/municipality). He also shared insights from the Regional Stakeholder Analysis where agencies presented their STI plans, programs, and activities.
Next, ARD Barquilla outlined the next steps for LGU Taytay if they decide to participate in the iSTART Project. He clarified that DOST will cover the workshop series, including the resource speaker(s), while the LGU will be responsible for providing the venue and meals. Additionally, DOST can execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement to ensure the confidentiality of data inputs from the LGU, its offices, civil society organizations (CSOs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), barangay officials, private stakeholders, and other relevant parties. The Legal Officer of LGU Taytay also suggested a Data Sharing Agreement for further protection.
To maximize the meeting, ARD Barquilla also presented DOST-CALABARZON’s Infosystems (including DARIUS, TRACE, HRMIS, QMIS, PIMS) and Food Safety Solutions.
The DOST team concluded the iSTART presentation meeting with a group photo with the team of LGU Taytay. DOST CALABARZON and PSTO Rizal are hopeful for the iSTART project’s implementation in Taytay, following the positive response of Mr. Enrico Marquez, Manager of the SMILE I.T. Lab, and Ms. Fatima Garcia, Head of the Municipal Planning and Development Office of Taytay, pending the review of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement.
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