The Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee – I (RRDIC-I), a committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RTI International, implementing the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program. The event, held at BakersPH in Laoag City, marks a significant step in advancing higher education and workforce development not only in the Ilocos Region but as part of a broader effort across the Philippines. With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UPSKILL collaborates with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to bridge the gap between technology innovation and commercialization, aligning these efforts with national development priorities.
Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST-1), RRDIC-I is committed to ensuring that regional innovation projects contribute to socioeconomic growth, with the Ilocos Region positioned as a model for adopting new technologies.
USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Ms. Rebekah Eubanks noted that the MOU is a step in the right direction. “Regional development is key to making an impact because it brings solutions rapidly to the communities that need them. Combining national policy with hands-on work in the field ensures that innovation takes place where it matters most.” Eubanks reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening higher education in the Philippines.
Dr. Richard Abendan, Chief of Party for the UPSKILL Program, highlighted RRDIC-I’s pivotal role in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within Ilocos Norte as a template for national expansion. “The RRDIC, led by DOST-I, has already provided valuable support to MSMEs, like BakersPH, demonstrating the success of USAID’s locally led development model,” Abendan said. He emphasized that the partnership would unlock further collaboration between government agencies and higher education institutions (HEIs), to develop research productivity and skilled graduates for economic development.
Dr. Teresita Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST-I and Chairperson of RRDIC-I, expressed gratitude and described the event as: “H-E-L-P—a help coming from a big brother.” Tabaog also called for future initiatives to focus on cultivating skills while supporting the welfare of workers for inclusive and sustainable progress.
The MOU signing between RRDIC-I and the UPSKILL Program represents a critical milestone not only for the Ilocos Region but for the Philippines as a whole. This partnership among local governments, academic institutions, and the USAID strengthens a sustainable framework for innovation and workforce development that can be scaled nationwide. With a commitment to fostering talent, supporting businesses, and advancing research initiatives that benefit communities directly, the collaboration serves as a model for how local and international efforts can work together to drive inclusive growth and nationwide progress. (Christian Dominic I. Casimiro)