Cotabato Vice Gov. Champions Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Pushes Greater Support for Cotabateño Innovators

KIDAPAWAN CITY–Cotabato Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray emphasized the role of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving development at the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) “Advancing Science and Innovation in Mindanao” held on August 30, 2025, at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Commercial Building. The milestone event coincided with the visit of DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. to the Province of Cotabato.

“When we talk about innovation, we think of big words, or high-tech laboratories. But in reality, innovation is about finding better ways to do things—ways that make life easier, more productive, and more sustainable for our people,” Vice Governor Taray said, adding that Cotabato could be the birthplace of future startups and agricultural solutions by giving youth and innovators “the space to dream and to create.”

Vice Gov. Taray also shared upcoming initiatives with the DOST, including the establishment of a Cotabato Science and Technology Council to support students in transforming innovative projects into business and agricultural solutions. She likewise expressed hope for the planned Philippine Science High School campus in Carmen, with Mayor Rogelio Taliño pledging 10 hectares of land and legislative support already being pursued by Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza and congressional leaders in the province.

The event also showcased three key DOST projects: the DOST-PAGASA Synoptic-Agromet Station for climate-smart agriculture, the Innovation Hub (i-Hub) for community-based startups, and Project SARAi, which uses modern tools to help farmers make data-driven decisions.

Also present during the event were DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.; Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang; Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza; DOST XII Regional Director Engr. Sammy Malawan; DOST Cotabato Provincial Director Michael Ty Mayo; First District Representative Dr. Edwin Cruzado; TUCP Partylist Representative Raymond Democrito Mendoza; USM President Jonald Pimentel; and other partners and stakeholders.