City to implement DOST’s iSTART program soon

THE implementation of Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) will soon start.

This, after the 20th City Council enacted an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10) covering the parties’ collaboration and implementation of the program.

Under the MOA, the DOST shall assist the city in mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), and Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (ELCCAP) through a multi-sectoral, consultative process and series of capacity building.

It shall also develop strategies to attract new technology-based investments under the validated city development plans and invite and engage researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) who will support the technology-based investments and projects in the city.

For its part, the city government shall provide support in the development of policies, guidelines, and/or legislations relevant to the iSTART program, assist and collaborate with the RSEs to support technology-based investments and projects in the city and coordinate with the various stakeholders involved in the project within its jurisdiction.

The ordinance was sponsored by the Committees on Planning, Research & Innovation and People’s Organization Accreditation and Laws and Rules chaired by Councilors Ian Mark Q. Nacaya and Edgar S. Cabanlas, respectively.