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Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login THRIVE innovation summit to link academe, businesses in Central Luzon November 23, 2022 Jag Lyra Costamero CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Central Luzon will aim to match research and development outputs from academic institutions to interested micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through an innovation summit this December. The technology-matching activity stems from the Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem (THRIVE) which is the region’s Regional Inclusive Innovation Center. It is led by Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commission on Higher Education, with the assistance of United States Agency for International Development Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development. DTI Pampanga Business Development Division Chief Ma. Cristina Evangelista explained that THRIVE is a convergence of government institutions, private sector, and the academe initially designed to empower MSMEs by providing them with information, direction, and organization. “Through THRIVE, we aim to increase knowledge generation and adaption of our commercially-doable researches and development technologies in the region,” she said. It was launched in the region in March 2021 to propel for a stronger innovation ecosystem and solidify convergence for inclusive and sustainable development. With this, Evangelista emphasized that the THRIVE Innovation Summit will be conducted to promote productivity and competitiveness through innovations, programs, and services by matching the requirements of industries to the research and development initiatives of the academe. “We will continue our promotion and advocacy of expanding our convergence mechanism. We will use our industry groups and chambers of commerce to help us in the THRIVE Central Luzon initiative,” she added. She further shared that the THRIVE team has already done pre-matching activities where the academe and MSMEs talked about their requirements, available technologies, and how to adopt these. For his part, DOST Science Research Specialist Kenneth Soratio underscored that through the summit, they are expecting that many partnerships will be formed and many entrepreneurs will be urged to venture in innovation to boost their production and business operations. “We aim to promote the research outputs of our universities and colleges across Central Luzon, and other research institutions to be used by our MSMEs. We will do this summit so that research will not be limited to the four corners of our laboratories,” he pressed. He highlighted that the summit will also enable government-supported technology business incubators and innovation centers in the region to present their array of programs and services that are intended to serve and benefit the MSMEs. Activities during the summit include a workshop on innovation and development, and a talk show about the challenges faced by small businesses and how to strengthen the collaboration between the government, industries, and academe. There will also be an awarding ceremony to recognize the partnerships formed between universities and MSMEs. Those who opt to attend and participate in the innovation summit may visit THRIVE Central Luzon website at https://thrivecentralluzon.com. (MJSC/JLDC-PIA 3). THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login Appreciation Ceremony for USAID/Philippines and STRIDE Send-off May 06, 2022 THRIVE Cental Luzon As the STRIDE Program reached its end, Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIIC) celebrated their partnership and milestones through the THRIVE Central Luzon STRIDE Send-Off hosted by the RIIC-3 Business Innovation Unit in Bulacan State University (BulSU), which includes mentors from the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region III, Bulacan State University (BulSU), Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), Tarlac State University (TSU), Holy Angel University (HAU), and University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) along with the respected guests and officials from different national, regional and local agencies, MSME beneficiaries and other participants. Ceremonial Appreciation of USAID and Send-Off of the STRIDE team was done virtually and publicly available via livestream on the THRIVE Central Luzon Facebook page. The event featured THRIVE Central Luzon milestones, highlighted by the turnover of IBR Plans among MSME beneficiaries as well as the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among partner institutions. The event formally starts the celebration with the messages of support given by the respected industry partners and officials which includes USEC Rowena Guevarra from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), USEC Rafaelita Aldaba from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commissioner Ronald Adamat of Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Engineer Zedrick T. Farin, the Assistant Director for SPARKS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers of Bulacan State University, shared the THRIVE Central Luzon Journey starting with the establishment of RIIC in Region 3 on December 10, 2022, adopted by the Central Luzon Regional Development Council or RDC as endorsed by its sectoral committee on economic development. After sharing the very productive journey of THRIVE Central Luzon, Engineer Zedrick T. Farin introduces the RIIC-3 IBR Technical Working Group. Followed by the awarding of certificate of appreciation to the IBR Senior Mentors: Dr. Chere’ C. Yturralde of Angeles University Foundation, Dr. Sylverio Ramon DC Salunson of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Erlie SD Totaan of Tarlac Agricultural University, for their dedication as Senior Business Mentor of the Innovation for Business Recovery (IBR) Program from September 2, 2021, to February 4, 2022, accumulating 42 man-hours in fulfillment of responsibilities and providing technical expertise for the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC-3), THRIVE Central Luzon. The THRIVE Central Luzon Business Innovation Unit was honored to turnover the Innovation Business Recovery Plans to MSME beneficiaries: TLM Yema Buko Pie and Pasalubong Center owned by Ms. Leonora Magaling and to Mang Dencio’s Sweets and Delicacies owned by Mr. Benjie Reyes. Next is the awarding of the Ube Halaya Mixer developed by the BulSU Mechanical Engineering awarded by the University President, Dr. Cecila Navasero-Gascon to the industry partner, TLM Yema Buko Pie, through the initiative of RIIC-3 with the assistance of DOST-BulSU LAUIn TTUSO. The new RIIC-3 Core Group members were finally introduced and gave their messages of commitment. Starting off with the National Economic Development Authority, Regional Director for Region 3, Ms. Gina Gacusan, followed by the president of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Max Guillermo, and the Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Region 3, Atty. Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan. The Regional Director of the Department of Science & Technology, Region III, Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat presents the THRIVE Central Luzon Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Ceremonial Appreciation for USAID STRIDE. The THRIVE Central Luzon proudly presents the Certificate of Appreciation to USAID STRIDE, for their unwavering support and technical assistance throughout the establishment of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center in Central Luzon. This serves as a special appreciation of their outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence as a trusted partner in regional development. Ms. Gregoria Simbulan, the Area Vice President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–North Luzon, as well as the RIIC-3 Technical Working Group, expressed their gratitude as they gave us messages of appreciation. Moving forward to the awarding of the Certificates of Appreciation to the THRIVE Central Luzon partners. The award was presented by Dr. Richard Abendan, the chief of party of the STRIDE Program.As for the final touch-up, RIIC 3 acknowledged the partners and support team that unites our core institutions in the spirit of innovation collaboration. And the warmest gratitude to Ms. Marella Jem Castro for the branding’s creative direction and overall guidance for the event along with the rest of the Region 3 team of USAID STRIDE for the support on the RIICs. THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login THRIVE Central Luzon Launches Website to Improve Access to Innovation June 29, 2021 THRIVE Cental Luzon One of the cornerstones of the DTI-DOST Inclusive Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap is the establishment of Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (or RIICs), which will serve as the key driver for the Philippines’ economic transformation. Supported by USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE), the RIICs are envisioned to be virtual and physical assembles of different programs (i.e., R&D laboratories, co-working spaces, fabrication laboratories), and entities (i.e., investors, LGUs, start-ups, SMes) in the innovation space. Currently, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao and Legazpi are the four (4) pilot sites, while Regions II, III, 4A, and 9 are the expansion sites. As networks of innovation agents, the RIICs will give rise to collaboration towards the commercialization of market-oriented research and the development outputs that lead to increased regional competitiveness. As a government initiative, in cooperation with industry and the academe, the RIICs set out to generate better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities towards economic prosperity. In the long term, the RIICs will enable the emergence of connected and creative regional communities. The establishment of RIIC employs the strategy categorized as follows: the mapping if the key innovation actors, initiatives, and efforts, the linking of innovation players in government, academe, and industry through strategic dialogue, and the aligning of programs and services towards industry needs. These are manifested in comprehensive innovation program co-developed and implemented by local partners, with a strong dependence on industry associations to keep industries engaged as the beneficiary of RIIC efforts. On March 12, the Region 3 RIIC (RIIC-3) launched its innovation program, unifying the region’s innovation efforts under one banner—“ Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem” or THRIVE Central Luzon” . The branding was inspired by the need to revitalize the region amidst the pandemic. Aligned with the overall vision of the RIICs to promote convergence between government, industry, and academia, it aims to unlock and sustain competitive advantages for local businesses towards local economic development in the region. Guided by USAID STRIDE, THRIVE Central Luzon is the joint effort of DOST-3, DTI-3, and CHED-3 as lead convenors, with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)- North Luzon, and Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) as industry partners, and the Bulacan State University (BulSU) and Angeles University Foundation (AUF) as the academe partners. According to DTI-Central Luzon Director Leonila Baluyut alliances between government and organization is vital in maximizing the assistance that can be given to MSMEs in the region. Launched on June 29, the THRIVE Central Luzon Website features the Regional Innovation Database, consolidating innovation resources of partners from government, industry and academia. It is intended to be accessed by stakeholders, especially MSMEs, to easily match their resource needs with suppliers and service providers, and to increase awareness and utilization of available innovation resources and intellectual capital in the region. The event was graced by USAID Office of Education Director Thomas LeBlanc, with messages of support from national champions of the RIIC: DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Guevara and DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona. One of the main highlights of the launch is a Virtual MOA Signing among university presidents who have expressed their commitment to the RIIC Iniative. Bulacan State University as the RIIC-3 project lead and Central Access Point will be supported by the following Provincial Access Points: Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), Holy Angel University (HAU), Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), and Tarlac State University (TAU). The second half of the program turns the spotlight on the business sector through an Industry eKapihan. With industry speakers from RIIC pilot sites: PhilExport-V President Med Villanueva from Bicol, and OROBEST Chairperson Irene Floro and Green Pastures CEO Rey Paraguya from Cagayan de Oro, the eKapihan segment served as platform to share success stories and best practices from entrepreneurs and industry associations that have been benefitted from the RIIC Initiative. THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login DTI, DOST, CHED lead CL innovation program launch April 04, 2021 USAID Philippines | THRIVE Central Luzon in USAID Philippines social media In March, key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia in Central Luzon launched a local innovation program dubbed the “Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem,” or THRIVE Central Luzon. THRIVE is the latest addition to the Philippine government’s growing network of Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIIC), implemented in partnership with USAID. USAID assistance is enabling these centers to collaborate on innovation activities that drive business recovery and resiliency, while providing micro, small, and medium enterprises better access to technology and resources. During the event, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology announced a seed funding of over Php2 million to establish a business innovation unit at a local university to support THRIVE Central Luzon. THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login DTI, DOST, CHED lead CL innovation program launch March 22, 2021 Central Luzon Business Week | THRIVE Central Luzon in Central Luzon Business Week social media KEY OFFICIALS of government agencies, educational institutions and business groups in Central Luzon recently led the launch of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) dubbed the Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a VibrantEcosystem or THRIVE Central1Luzon. The event, held online on March 12, 2021, was capped by the virtual signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment and maintenance of a RIIC by the lead agencies, the Department of Trade and Indus-try Regional Office II (DTI-3), the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III (DOST-3) and the Commission on Higher Education Region 3 (CHED-3) together with Bulacan State University (BULSU), Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) North Luzon Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) In her message, OIC Regional Director Leonila T. Baliyut emphasized the importance of the existing alliances of the agencies and organizations involved in the regional innovation center that has been active for many years. She also noted the need to synergize and harmonize the resources of the lead agencies, industry partners and the academe to help MSMEs. She also conveyed that DTI has been supporting the innovation of micro small and medium enterprises through different programs such as its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, the establishment of Fabrication Laboratories in academic institutions, One program. Town One Product Next Gen program, conduct of online training sessions and virtual trade fairs. The USAID, represented by Deputy Director Jona Lai, reiterated its support to innovation initiatives in the Philippines, especially those which would help MSMEs and foster inclusive growth. She also noted that science and technology, and innovation play a key role in the recovery and growth of MSMEs, especially in this time of pandemic. The USAID had previously supported the establishment of four pilot areas for the RIIC, namely, Region 5, Region 7, Region 10 and Region 11. Meanwhile, Dr. Erwin Magsakay, Vice President of the Bulacan State University, cited the current trend of economic growth in Central Luzon and presented plans for the establishment of Business Innovation Units and Regional Enterprise Centers to support the RIIC. Gregoria Simbulan, Vice President of PCCI North Luzon noted that the business sector, especially the MSMEs, need the collaboration of different sectors on innovation to help build resiliency and put them back to the path of recovery and growth. Dr. Julius Cesar Sicat, Regional Director of DOST-3 emphasized that as MSMEs serve as the majority of all business establishments, innovation should help them tide the pandemic. He further asserted that it is imperative for agencies to join hands with the academe in creating a common platform and a harmonized innovation program delivered to MSMEs for the economy to be back to its proverbial feet. He further stated that -Covid or no Covid, all sectors will align efforts to help in business recovery for small business, and that there is now way for the regional economy but up. The virtual MOA for the THRIVE Central Luzon was signed and witnessed by DOST3 RD Julius Cesar Sicat, CHED3 RD Maria Teresita Semana, DTI-3 OIC RD Leonila T. Baluyut, Jona Lai of USAID, Gregoria Simbulan of PCCI, Atty. Joseph Angeles and Dr. Reynaldo Bundalian, President and Vice-president of Angeles University Foundation, Dr. Cecilia Navasero-Gascon, BULSU University President, Dr. Erwin Magsakay, BULSU Vice President and Victor Mendoza, President of the BCCI. THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login Central Luzon Innovation Program Launched March 22, 2021 Business World | DOST Central Luzon The Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) was officially launched in Central, Luzon by various government agencies and partners in the private sector. The launching was held online through a virtual signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment and maintenance of the structure, which was participated in by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Luzon, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Luzon, and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched)-Central Luzon, together with Bulacan State University (Bulsu), Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-North Luzon, Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login Central Luzon Innovation Program Launched March 22, 2021 DOST In The News | DOST Central Luzon THE Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) was officially launched in Central Luzon by various government agencies and partners in the private sector. The launching was held online through a virtual signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment and maintenance of the structure, which was participated in by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Luzon, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Luzon, and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched)-Central Luzon, together with Bulacan State University (Bulsu), Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-North Luzon, Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). RIICs, dubbed as Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem or Thrive Central Luzon, will serve as another channel for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to improve and enhance their goods or services, specifically in the areas of technology upgrading, research and development, and other innovation-related needs. The centers are considered enabling networks or platforms, either physical or virtual, and aim to link government, academe, and industry together. It also seeks promote the pursuit of market-oriented research toward addressing societal issues and industry needs by enabling the creation of new products and services which can result to the creation of a strong and globally competitive manufacturing, agriculture, and services sector. According to DTI-Central Luzon Director Leonila Baluyut alliances between government and organization is vital in maximizing the assistance that can be given to MSMEs in the region. She also noted the need to synergize and harmonize the resources of the lead agencies, industry partners and the academe to help MSMEs. USAid Deputy Director Jona Lai, meanwhile, assured its support to innovation initiatives in the Philippines, especially those which would help MSMEs and foster inclusive growth. She also noted that science and technology, and innovation play a key role in the recovery and growth oMSMEs, especially in this time of pandemic. DOST-Central Luzon Director Julius Cesar Sicat, for his part, said that as MSMEs serve as the majority of all business establishments, innovation should help them tide the pandemic. He asserted that it is imperative for agencies to join hands with the academe in creating a common platform and a harmonized innovation program delivered to MSMEs for the economy to be back to its proverbial feet. He said Covid or no Covid, all sectors will align efforts to help in business recovery for small business, and that there is now way for the regional economy but up. THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved

Menu About Thrive Central Luzon RIIC 3 – Partners Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Downloads Briefer RIIC Briefer RIIC Overview Presentation RIIC Journal 2022 SULONG Central Luzon Briefer Thrive Central Luzon Innovation Guidebook for MSMEs 2021 Thrive Central Luzon Data Sheet Contact Login ‘THRIVE’ to gear Central Luzon towards sustainable development March 17, 2021 Philippine Information Agency CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 17 (PIA) — Central Luzon launched its Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) to propel a stronger innovation ecosystem and solidify convergence for inclusive and sustainable development. Branded as the Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem (THRIVE), the initiative was led by Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry and Commission on Higher Education with assistance of United States Agency for International Development Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development. DOST Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat shared that THRIVE is geared to aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected in the economic crisis brought by the global pandemic. “Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte said that he is thinking of opening up the economy in the coming weeks because we cannot afford to continue on the current strategy which he said led to a lot of people going hungry. I believe that we are all in agreement that the SMEs which comprise around 88% of the businesses that operate in this country play a very significant role in helping our working classes,” he stated. He said that the RIIC must come up with a platform and craft programs to ensure that interventions could be delivered to, and accessed by SMES which will be taking the lead role in the economy’s rebound. In addition, Sicat said that THRIVE will turn the slant that government initiatives are not harmonized, coupled with the fact that MSMEs have low awareness for innovation which is “a thing of the past”. “This is the initiative that we need to really make things better. We named it THRIVE because a vibrant ecosystem is indeed what we are aspiring for. Through this hub, we will establish a local network of innovation agents that will synergize government agencies, industries, Universities, local government units, and other elements in the ecosystem to harness our region’s innovation potential,” he mentioned. The Central Luzon RIIC innovation program has the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-North Luzon and Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry as industry partners, and Bulacan State University and Angeles University Foundation as academe partners. With this, Sicat committed to make full use of Region 3’s academe-based research and development institutions involving the 183 private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), 14 Local Universities and Colleges, 12 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and 39 SUC toward assisting the 28 industry associations. “We boast the highest number of SUCs and HEIs each having their own technical expertise and resources that can translate to intellectual capital for businesses. With this, the business innovation unit started its noble role in regional development,” he shared. The official announced that the DOST Science for Change program is in full swing with a significant portion of its resources focused on capacitating SUCS and HEIs towards helping the industries. Lastly, Sicat declared that with or without COVID-19 pandemic, THRIVE will align its efforts towards business recovery and resiliency mainly for small businesses on the brink of closing down. “With the active presence of the regional lead convenor and facilitator of convergence, there is no way but up for our regional economy. The funds would mean nothing without the full commitment of all of us here to see our enterprises soaring high in the coming months. Join me and commit never to let this initiative fail,” he concluded. RIIC’s brand THRIVE symbolizes working together as one, nurturing affinities, theming with life and a representation that the region grows through convergence, and when innovation is within reach. (CLJD/JLDCPIA 3) THRIVE CL Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. SITEMAPS Home About Highlights Innovation Database Partners Resources Articles Contact Login GET IN TOUCH Mc Arthur Highway, Guinhawa, Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines 919-7800 loc (6017) info@thrivecentralluzon.com THRIVE Central Luzon Copyright © 2021 THRIVE Central Luzon – All Rights Reserved