CSU connects with PhilDev on UNDP-ISIP Project consultation

The Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) considered Caraga State University (CSU) as one of the prominent universities in the Philippines to implement the United Nations Development Programme–Innovation for Social Impact Project (UNDP-ISIP).
The UNDP-ISIP is an Australian aid program which aims to help eradicate poverty through the establishment of Social Enterprises (SEs) impelling employment and cascading investments all throughout the country through initiatives that will: (1) build capacities of social entrepreneurs, students and faculty to innovate; (2) provide support mechanisms such as mentorship, incubation/acceleration centers, and access to funding; and (3) advocate for stronger public policy reforms related to entrepreneurship.

“Anchored on three key strategies, ISIP will focus on Education, Entrepreneurship, and Policy Reform Advocacy. This includes building capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and improving access to support mechanisms of targeted SEs and advocating policy reforms that will benefit the whole entrepreneurship ecosystem”, says PhilDev on the project.

“Entrepreneurship is one of the fastest ways to diffuse wealth among Filipino people. It is the guaranteed way to achieve inclusive economic growth, benefitting everyone and not just a few elites” said Dado Banatao, Filipino technology innovator, Silicon Valley technopreneur and the chairman of PhilDev foundation.
The HEI consultation was done last June 7-8, 2018 and has been attended by the representatives of HEI beneficiaries such as the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Batangas State University (BSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), University of San Carlos (USC), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

CSU was represented by Engr. Jefrey M. Bagasbas, the technical expert of the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), on behalf of Engr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, the ITSO Manager and Director of the Technology Dev’t., Transfer and Licensing Office (TDTLO), who attended the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Innovation Festival Unbound on the same date.

Participants were warmly welcomed byMr. Samuel Guevarra,Executive Director of PhilDev. Mr. Guevarra provided an orientation while Mr. Emil Tapnio, the Project Manager, gave an overview of the ISIP project during the program.

In line with ISIP’s Principle of Stakeholder Engagement, or the project ownership of partners and beneficiaries, the stakeholders’ consultation aimed to orient and gather inputs that will be integrated in the activity designs, making them reflective of what the stakeholders need. Moreover, it seeks to increase stakeholders’ involvement and ownership of the project, essential for the success of said project.

The consultation meeting was considered to be fruitful and successful as all the HEI participants actively participated by giving essential inputs on the said project. The same participants provided their commitmentand support to the project which shall be launched on December 2018. JMB/ piaea