DOST, IPO launch innovation, tech support office in Davao

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Davao Region launched on Monday the Innovation and Technology Support Office (Itso) with the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) as host institution.

Itso was established to provide a pool of technical experts with competence to conduct patent search and patent drafting. Through Itso, DOST 11 can also assist in patent prosecution and benefit from the Intellectual Property (IP) capacity building interventions of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL).

The Itso will facilitate quicker, more efficient search and application process for patents in the region. It will also function as a patent search facility and library for patent information.

As host institution, Usep will provide training, information, and advisory services regarding patenting and intellectual property to interested individuals from the Davao Region. Aside from this, the school will also facilitate the patenting of its technologies.

Itso is a flagship program of IPO Philippines in collaboration with DOST.

"The creation of the Innovation and Technology Support Office provides us with a window of opportunities," Usep vice president for research and extension Dr. Sophremiano B. Antipolo said during the launch yesterday at the school campus along Bo. Obrero.

Gracing the event highlighted by the ceremonial turn-over of Itso emblem and ribbon cutting were IPOPHIL deputy director general Atty. Andrew Michael S. Ong, DOST 11 director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Usep president Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin, Techonology Application and Promotions Institute (Tapi) director Engr. Edgar Garcia and Itso manager Ronnel V. Gador.

On March 11, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo and IPO Philippines director general Ricardo R. Blancaflor signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish Innovation and Technology Support Offices in the different parts of the country, including the Davao Region.

Alibin also signed the MOU with Sales and representatives from the Benguet State University (BSU), Western Visayas State University, Visayas State University and Mindanao University of Science and Technology on the establishment of Itso's in state universities and colleges.