A powerful alliance between the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Biliran, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8 is set to usher in a new era of progress, integrating Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) into Biliran’s local development plan. This initiative seeks to harness STI to modernize and enhance government services across the province.

The planning workshop for the Biliran Provincial Science, Technology, and Innovation Council (PSTIC) was held on September 11-12, 2024, under the leadership of Biliran's proactive and visionary Governor, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina. The university demonstrated its institutional commitment to provincial progress by actively participating in the crucial discussions.

Representing BiPSU, which functions as a key catalyst for local development, was Dr. Roland A. Niez. BiPSU joined other key stakeholders, including EnP Hossana E. Gomez of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Hon. Vicente V. Curso Jr., Vice Mayor of Naval and President of the League of Municipalities of Biliran, and Representatives from various government agencies across the province.

The participants, including the BiPSU representative, were grouped according to the province’s core sectors—Social, Institutional, Environmental, Infrastructure, and Economic—to ensure the resulting development plan is comprehensive and addresses the specific needs of the local communities.

The workshop was a convergence of data-driven insights and expert guidance, aiming to build a solid foundation for STI integration:

Engr. Rex R. Palconit of the PPDO outlined Biliran’s provincial vision and presented key socio-economic and physical profiles from the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP).

PSTO-Biliran Supervising SRS, Maria Catherine G. Maniba, shared the results of the Social Network Survey (SNS), which assessed existing stakeholder collaboration, providing a crucial baseline for the STI mainstreaming initiative.

Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr. of UPLB provided an orientation on how STI can be mainstreamed into the PLGU’s vision, emphasizing its potential to modernize regional and national policies.

In the workshop’s main session, led by EnP Janssen Andrew S. Calvelo, participants were introduced to the Virtual Reality Gap (VRG) Analysis. This tool will be utilized to craft the provincial vision statements with precise descriptors and measurable success indicators.

Governor Espina, who also serves as the Chairman of the PSTIC, graced the event and delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the essential role of science and technology in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government services.

“Being a small province should not hinder the adoption of digital technology,” the Governor stated, calling for strong collaboration between agencies to drive innovation. He stressed the importance of streamlining efforts and utilizing the workshop as an ideal platform to initiate discussions that avoid program overlaps, setting the stage for a digitally advanced Biliran.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD., CHRP, President of BiPSU, affirmed the university’s dedication to this partnership. “BiPSU is committed to lending its expertise, research capabilities, and human capital to the Provincial Government to ensure that science and innovation are at the core of Biliran’s progressive development,” he stated. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with our partners to bring about meaningful, technology-driven change, solidifying the weaving of worthiness between the academe and the community we serve.”

BiPSU's active engagement signals a firm commitment from the academe to contribute its resources and expertise toward realizing the province’s vision for a future driven by science and innovation.

#WoWBiPSU #OneDOST4U