INAUGURATION. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated its new provincial office in Antique on Wednesday (Nov.29, 2023). The department inaugurated two more facilities, including the University of Antique-Centralized Analytical Testing Laboratory (UA-CATL) and the Antique Startup Innovation Hub, to assist micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and innovators. (Photo courtesy of DOST-Regional Operations FB page)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated three major facilities worth PHP13.4 million in Antique eyed to help micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in the province on Wednesday.
The facilities included the University of Antique-Centralized Analytical Testing Laboratory (UA-CATL) worth PHP5 million, the PHP8 million Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO), and the Antique Startup Innovation Hub costing PHP400,000 at the UA main campus in Sibalom town.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang said the facilities would improve science and technology transfer, boost operational efficiency, and assist MSMEs in producing new and competitive products in the market.
“These facilities will bring science closer to the people,” he said in his message.
DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said the laboratory and other equipment of the UA-CATL allows testing of food products for their taste, protein, nutrient, fat, and moisture contents.
“With the laboratory, there would be more viable products that would come to fruition,” Paringit said, whose agency funded the UA-CATL.
He said it would also be easier for food innovators or the MSMEs to sell their palatable and safe products.
Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga said their new provincial office would help deliver more technology transfer training.
“There is now a higher demand for science and technology services in Antique, a fast-developing province. The DOST could now deliver more,” Gelonga said.
A congressional grant provided through the office of Senator Loren Legarda during her term as representative of the Lone District of Antique funded the construction of the provincial building.
Iloilo Science and Technology University, UA, PSTO, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antique chapter signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a collaboration with the Unified Movement in Western Visayas to accelerate startup and spinoff development among the MSMEs and students of UA.
UA President Pablo Crespo Jr. said their clients could avail better services with the available science and technology facilities. (PNA)
