Muntinlupa City took a step towards becoming smarter and more sustainable after receiving the Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region’s (DOST-NCR) first innovation hub (iHub) and disaster command vehicle, April 17.
Aiming to boost “technopreneurship” in the southern area of Metro Manila, DOST-NCR have officially opened its first iHub nested at the campus of Colegio de Muntinlupa.
“We are providing more than the technology. We create our home, a home for innovation. A space where creativity is encouraged, collaboration is strengthened, and ideas are transformed into impactful and sustainable innovations,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said in his speech
The newly launched iHub is an open-access pre-incubation platform designed to convert concepts or knowledge into more viable science-based solutions and market-ready startups for the local communities of Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Parañaque, and Las Piñas (MUNTAPARLAS).
Particularly, it will provide various programs and services including ideation and validation, capacity building, formation and growth, co-working facilities, and networking exposure for students and researchers, as well as micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the area.
It will also allow interaction with experienced mentors, industry practitioners, and fellow innovators, which Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles, DOST-NCR regional director, shared that it will provide help on bridging the gaps between ideas, research, development, and future commercialization.
“There is no bad idea sa ating estudyante, researchers, at innovators. Sometimes, nasa-stuck lang ‘yung mga ideas, hindi dahil hindi sila maganda—minsan [limited lang ang support] or hindi na-define kung ano ba talaga ‘yung market,” the director said.
Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) President Teresita C. Fortuna also seconded the need to identify the market, especially that hosting the iHub within their premises, they aim the community and industry sector to adapt their research outputs.
Considering CDM as an engineering and architectural school, the president further elaborated that iHub will help equip training to their students, researchers, and innovators, to commercialize their developed technologies.
“Personally, ang aking gusto mangyari is that we’re not just producing licensed engineers, but technology generators. And in a way, they can help in the development of the country,” she added.
The private sector, on the other hand, through the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), also reaffirmed their role for the science-oriented facility and called for sustainable growth and community development.
“It is now our (private sector) responsibility in the business community to utilize [this to] ensure that the innovation we speak of translates into more jobs, higher wages, and world-class Filipino services and products,” the former PCCI-Muntinlupa chairperson, Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, exclaimed.
MUNTAPARLAS revolves its enterprise sector to various industries such as retail, restaurant and food services, medical and healthcare, manufacturing, and services, which found its center in Muntinlupa City, hence being considered to host the iHub in the area.
Students from the Colegio de Muntinlupa shared their undergraduate research project as a demonstration during the launching event of the innovation hub in the MUNTAPARLAS region.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang, moreover, emphasized that iHub will serve as a center for research and development that “should respond to the local problems of the communities first.”
Tracing this, the newly launched hub also houses the Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines – Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAi CeNTRO) to help farming communities within the NCR.
Despite urbanized landscapes within NCR, Engr. Tresvalles highlighted the need of the region to have a smart and sustainable approach for its agricultural potential, especially in regards to food security.
“Surprisingly, […] merong areas na [nakikitang] investing sa agricultural initiatives. How can we ensure food security sa Manila, [nag-aangkat tayo sa nearby provinces. Kaya] kasama ang Metro Manila sa Project SARAi that is being implemented nationwide,” she shared.
As per DOST’s report, the outskirt areas of NCR adjacent to rural areas of the nearby provinces can accommodate agricultural practices, with rice as a potential priority crop along with banana and tomato, if strategically cultured through the technology.
Each Clustered Area Science and Technology Office (CASTO) within the NCR is set to receive at least one iHub, which Director Tresvalles has revealed to identify an initial CASTO to receive two in addition to the other situated in their regional office, alongside the other 82 across the country.
The Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) unit is displayed in front of the stage in Colegio de Muntinlupa prior to its ceremonial turnover, April 17.
Meanwhile, empowering Muntinlupa City’s response to disasters and calamities, the local government unit (LGU) received one unit of a DOST-developed disaster command vehicle, called Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) with triage technology.
The MoCCoV is designed with advanced systems and tools that are utilized for monitoring disaster response efforts including weather monitoring station, a rescue drone, and global satellite communication and surveillance system.
Solidum also revealed that this innovation shall work hand-in-hand with the recently launched HANDA, an integrated platform for preparedness and response, to mainstream hazard warnings and hazard threat analysis to individual users.
“MOCOV and other disaster-resilient applications and efforts of DOST reflect the strength of Filipino innovation in really advancing homegrown, science-based solutions that respond directly to community needs,” the secretary added.
In addition, it also has rescue and medical equipment, portable boat, conference room, and mobile command center equipped with solar and wind power supply capabilities especially in times of power outage.
“We are open to the threat of natural disasters and that’s why [Muntinlupa City] is investing in preparation for those kinds of events. This will give us additional capability to exercise command and control in times of emergency,” Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon remarked.
MoCCoV, a technology developed by Filipino inventor Mr. Dennis Abella, is turned over to the LGU through DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. This is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph
An emergency response team (ERT) officer shows off the command center of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. during its ceremonial turnover.
