DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: DOST 2, ISU-BIRDC STRENGTHEN SETUP MSMEs THROUGH DIGITAL SKILLS
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02, in collaboration with Isabela State University (ISU) and the Business Intelligence and Research and Development Center (BIRDC), officially launched Phase 2 of the training program “SETUP Adoptor’s Digital Literacy Skills and Consultancy Towards the Development of SMARTER MSMEs for a Smarter Cagayan Valley.”
The three-day training brought together 20 MSMEs from various industries across the region. This initiative is part of DOST 2’s flagship Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), designed to accelerate the digital transformation of local enterprises and enhance their long-term competitiveness and resilience.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Betchie Aguinaldo of ISU and BIRDC emphasized the broader mission of the program, “This initiative is more than just a training program—it is a step forward in realizing our shared vision of a Smarter Cagayan Valley, where empowered entrepreneurs drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation. Let us make the most of this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and innovate together.”
Building upon the foundational skills introduced in Phase 1, this second phase focused on advanced topics such as digital tools, innovation strategies, data management, cybersecurity, and e-commerce platforms. Participants also benefited from one-on-one consultancy sessions tailored to their enterprise-specific digitalization needs.
Representing DOST Region 02 Regional Director, Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Ms. Aileen C. Gonzales, Training Focal Person, reiterated the agency’s strong support for MSME development, “Empowering MSMEs with digital knowledge and tools is not just about keeping up with technology—it’s about ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly digital world.”
Through its innovation hubs and expert faculty, ISU and BIRDC provided technical assistance and served as resource partners, strengthening the region’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.
The training was anchored on the SMARTER MSMEs framework—Sustainable, Market- oriented, Agile, Resilient, Technology-empowered, Entrepreneurial, and Resource-efficient. As Phase 2 concludes, participants are now expected to apply their learnings and integrate digital strategies into their daily operations.
This milestone reinforces DOST Region 02’s vision of building a digitally enabled, innovation-driven Cagayan Valley—empowering MSMEs as catalysts of regional development.
