STATE universities and colleges and local government units in MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) recently held a virtual research caravan in coordination with private institutions.

The caravan was a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Council of the Philippines. It was held to mark National Science and Technology Week in MIMAROPA.

The caravan themed “Nurturing Regional R&D Niches” aimed to promote the importance of basic research and strengthen regional collaboration for research and development in the region.

NRCP Executive Director Marieta Banez Sumagaysay highlighted the importance of aligning the region’s fundamental research priorities with the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda under the 2017-2022 Harmonized National Research and Development.

NIBRA provides the roadmap for the basic research in the country.

Meanwhile, the DOST in MIMAROPA said it gave research priority to health, agriculture, aquatic natural resources sector, industry, energy and emerging technology, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.