Press Conference Higlights and TBI Launching

Highlights of the Press Conference and Launching of the Technology Business Incubator on Information and Communications Technology (TBI-ICT) Website
July 28, 2008 (11:20 AM)
SMED Center, Tacloban City

Website Launching:

The project is operated by the Provincial Government of Leyte through the leadership of Hon. Governor Carlos Jericho "Icot" Petilla and co-funded by the DOST. Present during the official launch of the website were the LSTFI president, Dr. Lesmes Lumen, DOST-8 Regional Director Engr. Edgardo M. Esperancilla, DOST Assistant Secretary Carol M. Yorobe, and the representative of Governor Petilla, Atty. Imelda Nartea. The web address is http://www.leytetbi.webdirectory.ph/
(Photo shows the website's main portal)

Press Conference:

Director Esperancilla gave an overview about the TBI ICT project and some important but brief information on the activities.

The first question asked was, "How was the PhP 7.0 Million project cost was allocated and what it is expected to achieve?"

Engr. Esperancilla clarified that the DOST, through TAPI, only provided a counterpart fund of PhP1.7 M for the project while the rest which include the building and other physical structures and management costs are shouldered by the Provincial Government. The TBI would serve as an incubation facility for starting ICT based SMEs who still lacks the resources to have its own facilities initially. In a period of about 2 years, the SMEs are expected to graduate, which hopefully after such period would already be able to sustain their own operation by establishing their own or rent facilities for their operations thereby making room for other starting SMEs.

Dir. Esperancilla cited some case studies based from Canadian experience that show 80-90% of SMEs who did not underwent incubation failed. But the percentage is reversed when incubation was undertaken giving only 10-20% chance of failure.

The next question revolved around the lack of available manpower in the ICT field within the region. "What strategies are done to meet the demand for human resources in the ICT field?"

Sir Ed responded to the queston by citing the fact that the lack of human resources is also one of the hindrances or point considered by incubatees. However there are complementary programs implemented by other line agencies that would hopefully address this issue. One of which is the TESDA ladderized programs implemented in most educational institutions in the region. This program allows student to gain knowledge in a ladder. After completing one year of a 4-year ICT course, the student already have the competence to work in ICT firms or proceed to another level of the skill ladder. The process produces available workforce along the way.

The next question mentioned on the fact the Philippines is being left behind in terms of technological development. "What DOST is doing to close the gap?"

Asec. Yorobe clarified the point that the country is not actually being left behind as far as technology is concerned. The problem is on the lack of investments both by the government and the private sector on S & T innovations. Because of this, DOST is doing all it can to raise investment levels among SMEs. He even cited that interventions however small could become considerable when replicated. Another approach she mentioned was through the scholarship programs of DOST in all levels from high school to post graduate which would satisfy the need for S & T capable human resource.

The next question touched on bio-fuels. "What do we do with bio-fuels? How do we help SME’s with the rising costs?"

Asec. Yorobe stated that DOST supports the programs on alternative sources of energy and bio-fuels. She mentioned bio-gas promoted in household and commercial applications. Director Esperancilla added that DOST also have initiated the promotion of bio-diesel and already have production facilities in Luzon. Dr. Roberto C. Guarte, an expert on non-conventional energy sources, who was present during the conference, added that his office focused on the study and promotion of alternative non-conventional energy sources such: biogas, photovoltaic, micro-hydro, biofuel, and others. He informed the group that, in collaboration with the Leyte Governor Petilla, he was going to test his bio-diesel formulation with a 1990s model of automobile engine.

On mention of Jatropha, a question was raised whether there is a mechanism that addresses the issue on competition of land resource allocated for plantation of bio-fuel sources and food sources.

As far as Jatropha is concerned, Dr. Guarte stated that Jatropha is not in competitive with rice & corn as far as land resources are concerned since this plant is not suited on areas devoted to rice and corn production. The competitor for Jatropha is wheat sorghum which is now grown widely in the region.

A question was asked directed to Dr. Lumen, LSTFI president, being also a member of the Provincial Board of Leyte if the council have support legislations to science and technology programs of the province. Dr. Lumen stated that they have not created support legislation yet. However they already have extended full support to the Department of Science and Technology in other tangible forms such as financial, technical, and manpower support to the programs and projects of the DOST in Leyte. These facts were directly corroborated by Dir. Esperancilla.