By: Matt Jerome Casequin
PASAY CITY - The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) bagged 6 Silver awards in the 2024 59th Anvil Awards at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City on January 31, 2024.
Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Oscars of Public Relations community honored 6 entries of DOST-TAPI that were nominated for the Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards. DOST-TAPI’s Project SciNing, an Innovation Grantee of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) that promotes the institute’s innovation advocacies brought together with the Invent School Program, garnered four (4) Silver Anvil Awards namely:
- Silver Anvil for Sustainability Communication, honoring the campaign's effectiveness in advancing sustainability and contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in utilizing the power of partnerships and alliances with inventors and stakeholders.
- Silver Anvil for Government Relations, recognizing the campaign's strategies that harness Government Relations to achieve results, particularly in tapping many different actors in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem and delivering a strong, unified narrative that builds not only the capacity of the youth but also the potential of ingenious and creative communities, even in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
- Silver Anvil for Best Use of Partnerships, acknowledging the campaign’s ability to leverage partnerships to achieve outcomes, particularly in the intensified relations built with the community, in its relatable and timely innovation advocacies, and in the use of effective PR tools and strategies.
- Silver Anvil for PR Tools - Multimedia, for the "Lalem Palayangan" film documentary that stands as a milestone for science and technology-focused government institutions like DOST-TAPI, which used a fresh commication approach and set the stage for meaningful conversations through the artistry of cinematic visuals.
Through its implementation in Basilan in 2022, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology of BARMM, Project SciNing has been successful in promoting educational-related innovations, introducing Filipino inventors to STEM students, and propelled the Invent School Program into the list of National Priority Programs. All of these were achieved through strategic partnerships, effective communication, and innovative interventions.
Back-to-back with Project SciNing, the 2023 Call For Proposals For DOST-TAPI’s Invention and Technopreneurship Programs also brought home two (2) Silver Anvil Awards:
- Silver Anvil for Best Use of Partnerships - leveraging strategic alliances with government bodies, educational institutions, and private entities, enhancing the quality of proposals. This holistic strategy aligns with DOST-TAPI's mission, significantly advancing the Philippine innovation landscape.
- Silver Anvil for Government Relations - With the campaign’s effective use of diverse communication channels and the impactful writeshops and mentorship initiatives garnered positive client feedback.
The 2023 Call for Proposals for DOST-TAPI's Invention and Technopreneurship Programs is a campaign that invigorates interest in innovation and technopreneurship. This initiative has transformed how Filipino inventors and technopreneurs access and interact with pivotal government resources, fostering a fertile ground for innovation and technopreneurship. A notable success was the 244.44% rise in startup applicants for TECHNiCOM, attributed to program refinements that expanded startup engagement. Strategic partnerships were instrumental, resulting in 182 endorsed proposals, 45.61% of the total received, demonstrating the pivotal role of collaboration in achieving the Institute's goals. Exemplifying innovation in program delivery and government service, this campaign stands as an inspiring model, showcasing how strategic communication and collaboration can inspire impactful actions.
The event was attended by DOST-TAPI delegates led by Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, the Executive Committee – Invention Development Division chief, Mr. Caezar Angelito; Investment and Business Operations Divisions chief, Mr. Romeo Javate; Finance and Administrative Division chief, Mr. Joycel Aguilar; Legal Unit OIC, Atty. Aldritz Ignacio Jurado III; and Planning Unit head, Ms. Janice Cornel, together with the people behind the meritorious campaign – Applied Communications Unit for Inventors head, Engr. Marvin Eric Dela Cruz; Applied Communications Unit for Non-Inventors head, Mr. Matthew Bryan Villanueva; Ms. Jia Czarina Ignacio; and Mr. Josiah Poyugao.
These awards mark a milestone in the history of the institute's PR-led initiatives. DOST-TAPI extends this victory to its local partners, innovation champions and advocates, and the youth of Basilan, affirming the institute’s unwavering dedication to achieving tangible outcomes through our innovation objectives.
Participating in these award-giving bodies offers DOST-TAPI valuable opportunities for industry-wide recognition and credibility among marketing and public relations networks. It enables the showcasing of the institute's achievements, enhancing support and solidifying its role as a promotional arm within the DOST ecosystem. This boosts collaboration and partnership prospects while maximizing visibility and impact.
