Municipal Hall
Poblacion, Loreto
Agusan del Sur
Philippines
DEVELOPING COUNTRY
PROJECT TITLE: Innovation and Technology Hub:
A project intended to enhance the digital awareness and skills of the Municipal Local Government workforce (including the labor force) and establish/strengthen international trade relations in the digital marketplace.
Gearing up to achieve a productive and sustainable future.
1.1. Rationale
The Municipal Local Government of Loreto is gearing up to make its vision become a reality. The vision is “An agro-industrialized and eco-tourism destination in a peaceful, healthy and resilient community characterized by God-loving people enjoying a progressive economy and ecologically-balanced environment guided by responsive and proactive leaders.”
The pandemic proved the vital role of technology and innovation in the survival of businesses around the world.
1.2. Background
Technology and innovation have become a vital ingredients in the success and growth of many corporations especially when the pandemic (COVID-19) hit.
Those who have the technology and are open to innovation have garnered exponential profits. On the other hand, those who do not have the technical knowledge and skills, and are not open to change suffer.
It is sad to state that most of the workforce in the Municipality are not well versed (or do not have any knowledge) of the current technological trends. The available devices (computer, printer, etc.) are outdated and insufficient.
“The Technology and Innovation Report 2021 (UNCTAD) urges all developing nations to prepare for a period of deep and rapid technological change that will profoundly affect markets and societies.” -Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
How can we adhere to the statement of Secretary-General Guterres, and help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal?
The innovation and Technology Hub project is an initiative to fill the gap in the technological advancement of the MLGU and its workforce.
This project will provide the MLGU constituents (specifically the working-age group) a place where they can learn and enhance their digital technology skills through the devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, etc.) and fast internet to be provided at an affordable price or for free (depends on the donors/investors).
Training and workshop will also be provided to the interested and qualified constituents. They will experience high-end technologies (depending on the funding and assistance to be provided by donors/investors) and grasp innovative knowledge.
The users will be trained to earn while learning by introducing them to the online money market and job sites during the process.
This project will be run (mostly) by volunteers with vast knowledge of the digital world.
1.3. Objective
The vision of the MLGU is, “An agro-industrialized and eco-tourism destination….” To realize that vision, the leaders of this Municipality especially the Municipal Mayor, the Department Heads, and the Legislators are gearing up by approving/implementing projects that will boost the Municipality’s economy.
Some of the projects that are set to be established in 2022 are the Microtel, Business Center, and Arena/Dome. The products and services to be offered there are aimed to be internationally recognized.
To pass the international standards, we need to be equipped with technologies and skills that will enhance the capabilities of the Municipality’s labor force.
Some of the goals of this project are:
- To develop the digital/technological skills of the members of the labor force of this Municipality
- To introduce an innovative approach to business operations
- To provide technical/technological support to agricultural/fisheries farmers
- To help expand the market reach of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Municipality
1.4. Overview
The Innovation and Technology Hub will be the place where new approaches to development and progress will begin.
The constituents of this Municipality will be encouraged to participate, and bring out their creativity through technology.
By providing them with the right equipment, materials, knowledge, and other support, productivity and competitiveness will be boosted.
Young generations of this Municipality have great potentials that may help in the sustainable progress of the local communities.
With the Innovation and Technology Hub, they can utilize the resources for research and development.
Innovative products and services may be discovered that can compete in the international market.
These technological innovations will boost the local/national economy and will bring pride to our country.
1.5. Outputs
Written below are the target outputs of this project.
- A 2 (or more) story building with spacious rooms where research and development equipment/materials will be placed.
- Desktops, laptops, printers, and other office equipment/supplies.
- Fast internet connection in the entire building and its premises.
- Digital marketplace
- Weekly training/workshop for the deserving youth and the unemployed/underemployed labor force.
- Contents (blogs/videos) promoting the research and development activities
- Written and video reports of the results of the activities.