Sen. Chiz Escudero Inspires i-SciTech4Dev 2022 Forum Participants

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero joined the Caraga State University and the co-organizing SUCs in the International Science and Technology for Development 2022 Forum (iSciTech4Dev 2022 Forum) held at the HERO Learning Commons Auditorium on November 17, 2022 on the 4^th day of the 5-day forum as Keynote Speaker.

In his message using the Filipino language, he emphasized the relevance of research and innovation in the country’s development, especially in times of crisis. He highlighted the need to give special attention to the budget for research and innovation to ensure more productive and efficient initiatives in any socioeconomic undertaking. He quipped that in times when there are crises, more effort and budget should be poured into research and development to help cushion the economic stability.

He specifically mentioned the need for research in the agriculture and fishery sectors to address the technology and innovation needs of the farmers and fisherfolks. He stated that the sector has an average age of 54 years old and that we need to make the agri-fishery sector more modern and attuned to the need of the times because the whole nation is dependent on this sector for food security.

The state universities and colleges and other higher education institutions play important roles in promoting more productive undertakings, particularly in the agriculture and fishery sectors, to ensure that poverty is reduced and that the Filipinos are given the opportunity to achieve the collective long-term vision and aspirations for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years which is to have a “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay.”

Senator Chiz congratulated the Caraga State University and the other State Universities and Colleges that organized the i-SciTech4Dev 2022 Forum for promoting research and innovation that provide the foundation for inclusive socio-economic growth in the regions. 

The iSciTech4Dev 2022 Forum run from November 14–18, 2022. Plenary Speakers were Dr. Richard Alorro from Australia who spoke on Innovative Solutions in Managing Mining and Technospheric Waste, Dr. Maricar Aguilos from New York, USA talked on Atmospheric Carbon Measurement using the Eddy Covariance System, Dr. Marlisa Ayu Trisia from Spain talking about Understanding the Value Chain of Sago, and Dr. Carmela Alen J. Tupaz from Japan speaking on Critical Metal Resources: Key to a Low-Carbon Future.

Plenary speakers from different institutions and industries in the Caraga Region were also invited to share their experiences and the gaps in their programs where research and innovation can fill to promote efficient and more productive endeavors. Engr. Noel Ajoc, DOST Regional Director Caraga spoke on i-START, S&T Plan for LGU. Senator Escudero’s Senate Representative for the CSU Board of Regents, Atty. Ronnie Azura also graced the event.  Other attendees were CSU and other institutions’ faculty and researchers. OVPRIE/pico