DOST partners with 3M to bring sci-tech to the regions

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena and 3M Managing Director Ariel Lacsamana (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

MANILA— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday sealed partnership with innovations firm and manufacturer 3M to further bring science and technology (S&T) to the regions.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena earlier told the Philippine News Agency he planned to expand the country’s research and development pool by including those from the education institutions in the regions.

He added that part of this plan was to include research centers in the regions and identify their niche.

“Our partnership with 3M would benefit not just our employees but our beneficiaries as well,” Dela Pena said, adding that the DOST targeted to hasten development in the regions this year.

The DOST chief said the agency was introducing its technology efforts to different sectors, and said he would see how the DOST could probably follow 3M’s culture since the two had the same advocacy concerning the different sectors.

“We are here to improve the lives of the people. As you can see, our products are in households, schools, among others,” remarked 3M Managing Director Ariel Lacsamana in a press conference held Wednesday at the DOST office in Bicutan, Taguig.

Lacsamana said the company wanted to bring its technology to schools, and in the regions.

Furthermore, Lacsamana emphasized that 3M had partnered with the DOST because he wanted to build leaders and thought leaders.

“I want to have a good talent pool in the Philippines,” he said.

The five-year partnership would basically involve student research, internship programs, use of laboratory.

The following are also included in the agreement:

1)science innovation program for DOST researchers;

2)access of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) students to 3M internship program; and

3)co-development of at least two modules of STARBOOKS STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-based Openly Operated Kiosk) is developed by the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute.

It is a user-friendly type of library that contains S&T resources in text, video and audio formats covering a diverse range of topics such as 3M experts or trainers to go in regional PSHS campuses, funding for startup projects, conduct of joint training courses on topics mutually agreed upon, organize symposia and regional shows, access to 3M’s visiting research program, use of DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology auditorium for 3M events, use of DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center facility for 3M laboratory testing and undertake collaborative researches with the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute.

“Probably we could agree on research programs particularly on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics),” said Dela Pena.