DOST - Regional Operations

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞 𝐋𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝟒.𝟎 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and De La Salle University (DLSU) formally institutionalized their strategic collaboration to accelerate the Philippines’ science, technology, and innovation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Industry 4.0 Training and Certification Program.

The initiative establishes a sustained capacity-building framework for DOST Regional Offices and Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs), reinforcing the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

The MOU was signed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and DLSU President Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, with key academic and government officials joining as signatories and witnesses to the landmark collaboration. Representing DOST was Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Regional Operations, while DLSU’s academic leadership was represented by Rodiel C. Ferrer, Dean of the School of Lifelong Learning; Ethel Chua Joy Ong, Dean of the College of Computer Studies; and Kathleen C. Aviso, Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering. Their collective participation underscores the depth of institutional commitment behind the program.

The agreement operationalizes a coordinated national strategy to strengthen technical competencies in areas central to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber-physical systems, automation, smart manufacturing, digital governance, and innovation management.

More than a training engagement, the program serves as a systems-level intervention designed to embed Industry 4.0 capability within government structures across all regions.

At the regional level, the initiative enhances the ability of DOST offices to guide industries in digital transformation, develop technology-driven roadmaps aligned with local development priorities, and modernize priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, health technologies, and disaster risk reduction. By equipping regional personnel with advanced expertise, the program strengthens local innovation ecosystems and positions regions to improve productivity, resilience, and competitiveness in global value chains.

For provinces, the impact is direct and community-centered. PSTOs, as frontline implementers of science and technology programs, gain deeper technical proficiency in evaluating emerging technologies, supporting productivity enhancement among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerating technology transfer and commercialization initiatives. The integration of Industry 4.0 principles into provincial operations improves service efficiency, supports data-informed decision-making, and expands economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

Implementation is being conducted in progressive batches to ensure broad national participation. The first batch was held from February 2 to 7, 2026, followed by the second batch from February 23 to 28, 2026. A third batch is scheduled for March 2026, further expanding the network of Industry 4.0-certified personnel across regions and provinces.

Through this institutionalized partnership, DOST and DLSU affirm a shared commitment to building a technologically empowered public sector capable of driving inclusive growth and long-term national competitiveness. By strengthening Industry 4.0 capability at the regional and provincial levels, the collaboration reinforces the Philippines’ innovation backbone and advances a resilient, future-ready nation anchored in science, technology, and strategic human capital development.