Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) Program, conducted the 1st Technical Review of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Development Plan 2025โ2035 for the Municipality of Sipocot on October 12, 2026.
The activity was graced by Hon. Tomas A. Bocago, Municipal Mayor of Sipocot, who delivered the welcome remarks. The event brought together key members of the Sangguniang Bayan, including Hon. Rogenor R. Astor, Municipal Vice Mayor; Hon. Don Daryl O. Abergos; Hon. Robell E. Astor; Hon. Hernan A. Nieva; Hon. Jezreel G. Canete; Hon. Maria Olympia N. Bailey; Hon. Joby N. Alemania; and Hon. Francisco C. Veras Jr., all Sangguniang Bayan Members. Also present were Hon. Angelica Kim H. Toledo, SK Federation President, and Ms. Maria Lourdes B. Ranin, Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan.
As part of the program, Ms. Bituin E. Celevante, SRS II of DOST-PSTO Camarines Sur, served as moderator, while Ms. Julie Anne Balangat-Lomadilla, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-PSTO Camarines Sur, presented the program context of the DOST Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) Program.
The technical presentations and discussions featured Prof. Joseph Penano, Mr. Dick Harence S. Dela Vega, Engr. Ian Gerald M. Lontok, Ms. Asheley Nicole Tatel, and Ms. Baby Eloisa L. Peรฑano, who presented the respective components of the STI Development Plan. Ms. Maribel Bacsain-Puso, Unit Head of the Training and Continuing Education Unit (TCEU) under the Extension Services Division (ESD), represented Ms. Abiagel Rose F. Bobis, OIC of ESD, during the activity.
The presentations provided an overview of the planโs development framework, strategic directions, priority areas, and proposed interventions aimed at integrating science, technology, and innovation into the municipalityโs development initiatives. The technical review also served as a platform for stakeholders to assess the proposed strategies, provide technical inputs, and identify areas for further enhancement of the plan.
The program also featured the presentation of the Local Integration and Operationalization Strategy by Ms. Edith M. Francisco, EnP, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), and the Communication Plan by Ms. Balangat-Lomadilla. These components highlighted the mechanisms for translating the STI Development Plan into coordinated local actions and effectively communicating its goals, strategies, and expected outcomes to stakeholders.
The conduct of the technical review underscores the importance of collaboration in developing a comprehensive and responsive STI framework for Sipocot. Through its partnership with DOST and engagement with the local government and community stakeholders, CBSUA continues to contribute its academic and technical expertise toward developing innovation-driven strategies that address local priorities and emerging community needs. This collaborative effort strengthens the foundation for a more sustainable, resilient, and technology-responsive Sipocot. | ๐๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฐ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐ฆ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต