09/06/2026
: Pililla formalizes commitment to STI-driven governance in new agreement with DOST-CALABARZON
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - CALABARZON officially institutionalized science-backed governance in the Municipality of Pililla, Rizal, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed earlier today, June 9, 2026. This partnership formalizes the implementation of the Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development (iSTART) and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), designed to integrate science, technology, and innovation (STI) directly into the municipalityโs core development strategies. By mainstreaming STI into local plans, the initiative seeks to drive inclusive growth and long-term rural prosperity.
Under this strategic collaboration, DOST-CALABARZON will provide technical and financial resources by linking the LGU with existing flagship programs to address pressing local issues. A key feature of the iSTART program is the engagement of Researchers, Scientists, and Engineers (RSEs) who will assist in developing technology-based strategies for Pilillaโs agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors. Simultaneously, the SSCP will assess the townโs "smartness" level to build an ecosystem where technology effectively enhances public services and the quality of life for all residents.
The LGU Pililla has solidified its commitment to this vision through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 43, S. 2026, which authorized the formalization of this partnership. As part of the agreement, the municipality will provide logistical support and funding for consultative workshops, while DOST-CALABARZON provides the technical expertise and roadmaps tailored to the community's needs.
Reflecting the LGUโs proactive stance, Hon. John V. Masinsin, Municipal Mayor of Pililla emphasized Pilillaโs readiness to host research and policy experiments. โWe have research areas and plants, and we can serve as a guinea pig. If you wish to experiment with a policy or conduct a study, we are very diverse,โ the Mayor stated, inviting more evidence-based interventions. This openness positions the municipality as a strategic testing ground for the STI-driven growth envisioned under the iSTART and SSC programs.
With the agreement now officially sealed, the partnership moves immediately into the strategic planning phase. A multi-sectoral iSTART Workshop Series is scheduled for June 16โ18, 2026. These sessions will serve as a platform for local stakeholders to identify and prioritize STI interventions, ensuring that Pilillaโs transition into a smart and sustainable community is both realistic and impact-driven.
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