By Raphael Dorutheo Martin A. San Antonio

DOST Rizal Provincial S&T Director, Fernando E. Ablaza, together with his staff, made a courtesy call on the Provincial Governor of Rizal, Nina Ricci A. Ynares.

During the meeting PD Ablaza presented the CY 2023 Accomplishment Report of DOST Rizal and requested for assistance in securing the Ynares Center as the prospect venue for the 2024 CALABARZON Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration.

During the meeting, PD Ablaza briefed about the 2023 accomplishments of Rizal. He highlighted the 30 MSMEs in Rizal assisted through the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Programs, the Scholarship program, the rollout of the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST).

Before the adjournment, PD Ablaza also endorsed the Section 20, Paragraph 3 of the RA 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation Act” which mandates Local Government Units to create innovation programs through collaboration with other government agencies, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and private companies; and the Republic Act 11337 or “The Innovative Start Up Act” creating the Philippine Start-up Development Program which aims to provide benefits and incentives to investors and innovators as start-ups, for review of the Provincial Government of Rizal.

DOST Rizal will be coordinating with the Provincial Treasurer regarding the availability of the Ynares Center.