THE BATANGAS State University will receive a P1.4-million fund from the Department of Science and Technology for the initial implementation of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center in the Calabarzon region.

The DOST will also provide support for the Barako coffee sector and help establish a Business Innovation Unit under the BatStateU Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology Park.

The BIU will be a dynamic one-stop shop for innovators in the region. It aims to increase MSMEs’ use of innovation programs, services and research and development outputs.

DOST-Calabarzon Regional Director Emelita Bagsit and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Francisco Barquilla and their counterparts from BatStateU President Tirso Ronquillo and Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson Amante signed a memorandum of agreement for the projects.

RIIC is one of the cornerstones of the 2018 Inclusive Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap to strengthen the capacity for innovation to drive inclusive economic growth in the countryside.

“This is only the first phase of the implementation and is expected to produce outcomes for a more developed and accessible innovation environment across the region,” the university said in a statement.