by Jund Rian A. Doringo
Right before the dawning of the new year, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) conducted the Week-Long Accomplishment and Culminating Activity of Special Projects (WACAS) 2.0 on 13-20 December 2021.
WACAS 2.0 is a follow through activity of the successful celebration of the very first WACAS in July where two of the biggest and most significant special projects implemented by DOST-TAPI came to an end.
DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara and DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena award the winners during the Araw ng WACAS on 20 December 2021 at the The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, Taguig City
These special projects were the Support to the Commercialization of 500 DOST-Generated Technologies or DOST 500, and Technology Transfer Day.
WACAS 1.0 started the tradition of recognizing DOST-TAPI’s best efforts
Since 2016, the technology transfer activities and events were initiated to bring together key industry players and business entities in one venue through the Technology Transfer Day.
The project also facilitated the negotiation of DOST-funded and -generated technologies among technology generators and licensing officers.
Meanwhile, the DOST 500 Project supported the commercialization of 500 DOST-generated technologies and focused on strengthening the intellectual property (IP) and technology portfolios of the DOST as an important step to technology commercialization.
WACAS 2.0 continues the success of WACAS 1.0
This time, the focus shifted to the other two special projects that ended in 2021, the Technology Innovation for Commercialization or TECHNiCOM and the Level-up Assistance Project for the Commercialization of Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Technologies or LEAP-AANR.
TECHNiCOM was a funding program that fast-tracks the transfer and commercialization of research and development (R&D) results of identified priority areas by providing support to pre-commercialization activities.
The Program ensured the market-readiness and transfer of locally-developed technologies to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization.
DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara during the Araw ng WACAS on 20 December 2021 at the The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, Taguig City
On the other hand, LEAP-AANR’s primary focus was to provide assistance among spin-offs or startups, or even incubatees to commercialize and continue to commercialize the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded technologies.
The Program planned to build partnerships with them through a mentoring activity particularly on marketing, business operations, and even financial aspects to truly increase profitability and sustain the venture.
“Napakagandang pagwawakas ito na ma-recognize natin ang ating magagaling na siyentipiko na gumawa ng mga research na tunay namang kapaki-pakinabang,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.
The week-long activity started with Launchpad where the TECHNiCOM Program launched the first issue of TeKnow Times, which showcases the stories of progress and achievements of the Project. Simultaneously, the LEAP-AANR launched the Compendium of Experts which serves as reference to the whole DOST system, should there be a need for AANR-related experts.
The second day was dedicated for the media friends and partners from the press with the conduct of a virtual presser.
The third day was a capacity-building activity, SparkPlug: A TECHNiCOM Masterclass, on building and communicating brands through effective visual identity, public relations, and product branding.
The Power Hour: An Afternoon Talk Show highlighted the fourth day where the Projects talked about their milestones through the years, challenges faced during the pandemic, and future initiatives.
The Culminating Activity on the last day awarded the notable beneficiaries of the projects and featured the handover ceremony and commencement of TECHNICOM 2.0
“Nawa’y maging palatandaan sa atin ang araw na ito na ang ating adhikain at mga minimithi para sa DOST ay makakamit lamang natin kung mapapagana nating epektibo ang bawat sangay ng kagawaran,” said DOST-TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena.
For more information, please contact 8837 2071 to 82 local 2151 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
