28/05/2026
In a major step toward shaping the provinceโs future, CONVERGENCE: Bringing Together National Government Agencies for Coherent STI Planning and Action took place on May 22 at the Camiguin Highland Resort. The strategic forum gathered representatives from 18 National Government Agencies (NGAs) to forge stronger inter-agency alliances and align development initiatives, marking a pivotal milestone in the ongoing creation of the Camiguin Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plan.
Following the series of STI municipal consultations across the province, the identified strengths, challenges, opportunities, and aspirations from the local stakeholders were presented to the National Government Agencies (NGAs) for dialogue, validation, and harmonization of interventions. The session aligned existing programs and mapped out collaborative interventions to streamline development efforts and eliminate fragmented, siloed operations.
The convergence emphasized the vital role of NGAs in the STI Planning process, recognizing that Science, Technology, and Innovation are cross-cutting concerns that influence various sectors including agriculture, education, environment, infrastructure, health, tourism, and the economy. Through strengthened collaboration, agencies can collectively address gaps and ensure that all identified challenges in the province are strategically responded to.
Throughout the event, participating agencies mapped out their current programs to ensure direct alignment with Camiguinโs strategic priorities. The forum also served as a matchmaking platform, capturing vital expressions of interest to fuel future inter-agency partnerships and coordinated project rollouts. Looking toward long-term growth, the agencies laid the groundwork for commodity roadmaps dedicated to key provincial products and industriesโa crucial step forward for Camiguinโs innovation agenda.
As the STI planning process moves forward, the next milestone will be presenting the draft Camiguin Science, Technology, and Innovation Plan to the Provincial Government of Camiguin for deliberation, refinement, and eventual adoption.
The activity highlights the commitment of the National Government Agencies in supporting the Provincial Government of Camiguin and its local government units in building a more responsive, coherent, inclusive, and innovation-driven future for the island province.