DOST Visayas Cluster to intensify blue economy efforts
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regions VI, VII, and VIII recently convened in Naval, Biliran, to solidify plans aimed at strengthening the blue economy of Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas through the program called Blue Economy Reinvigoration in the Visayas or BLUER Visayas.
The Blue Economy is of urgent concern for these regions because they heavily rely on their seas for sustenance and economic prosperity. Visayas, located at the heart of the Philippines is considered to be an archipelago within an archipelago. Unlike Luzon and Mindanao, the Visayas is composed of many islands where the main mode of transportation is through the sea. Majority of its people depend on Fisheries for their livelihood, and because of its pristine beaches and beautiful islands, Visayas is a top destination among local and international tourists. Additionally, while Visayas has been blessed with rich natural resources, its geography makes it vulnerable to disasters and many of its small island communities are considered disadvantaged.
In response to these imperatives, the three (3) DOST regional offices led by Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, DOST VI Regional Director and DOST Visayas Cluster Chair, Engr. Jesus F. Zamora, Jr., DOST VII Regional Director, and Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, DOST VIII OIC-Regional Director agreed to implement the Blue Economy Reinvigoration in the Visayas or the Bluer Visayas program that will focus on four industries: (1) Fisheries; (2) Tourism; (3) Maritime Transport, and; (4) Marine-based products. It aims to provide science and technology interventions and innovations to improve the productivity of the mentioned industries, reduce their environmental impact, harness green energy, and reduce inequalities in small island communities.
Anchored in AmBisyon Natin 2040 and DOST’s four (4) strategies towards achieving the 8-point Agenda of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. — promotion of human well-being; wealth creation; wealth protection and sustainability, DOST is committed to pursuing a Bluer Visayas through science, technology, and innovation (STI).
