LOCAL products from the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor are now being exhibited at the 4th Visayas Science and Technology (BST) Fair at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City.

The fair highlights the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 50th Anniversary Celebration.

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Products from Orient Foods, Sans Rival, Hikaban and Arte de Negros, Siquijor Renie’s, Ever’s and Duran’s plus small furniture from CJP Furniture Shop were showcased and can be purchased from private enterprises that are recipients of the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup).

The exhibits at the fair present the latest Science and Technology (S&T) trends, developments, breakthroughs, products and services from DOST institutes, councils and regional offices.

Mario de la Peña of DOST Siquijor said that through the years, the fair has been a stellar avenue for generating investment opportunities in the Visayas, as well as forging close ties among the neighboring regions.

The event brings DOST agencies and assisted companies, investors, non-government organizations (NGOs), scientists, researchers, government agencies, educational institutions and community organizations together in one concerted effort to promote S&T and highlight its contribution to national development.

De la Peña said the S&T Fair officially took off as a strategy to accelerate the transfer and the commercialization of innovative technologies.

As such, it provides a venue for the exchange of information on the investment potential of promising technologies and also features Filipino artistry, skill and ingenuity at their best, he said.

In support of the initiative and to boost business enterprises, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law the Credit Information System (CIS) otherwise known as Republic Act (RA) 9510, which broadens the credit access of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs and reduce the risk of defaults at the same time, thus creating a healthier and more transparent financial system.

The President described the Credit Information System Law (CISL) as a “very welcome addition to the legislation to strengthen our financial system by improving its regulatory environment.” (EBS)

(November 9, 2008 issue)
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