Newly appointed DOST-Calabarzon Director Emelita Bagsit (Photo courtesy of Emelita Bagsit) MANILA-The newly appointed chief of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Calabarzon (Region IV-A) wants to upskill and reskill the staff and push for an innovative work environment. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday, Director Emelita Bagsit said she is lucky to work with the hardworking and talented employees of the DOST regional office. "Infusion of ICT (information and communications technology) into our systems, encouraging creativity, and developing new ways of doing things are some of the steps we will be taking to achieve an innovative working environment," she said. Bagsit, a chemist, said among her priorities is to upskill and reskill the staff. Her office will invest more on the staff to expose them to various technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and blockchain. This will be made possible by providing them with Master of Science (MS) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degree programs, as well as by developing facilities suitable for the research and development (R&D) environment, thus enhancing the regional innovation system. "Through responsive programs and projects evolving with time and trends, sufficient funding, employee upskilling and reskilling, strategic partnerships, and an innovative work environment, not even the next pandemic can hinder us in bringing science and technology closer to the people of Calabarzon," Bagsit said. The official will also promote small innovation projects by soliciting inputs on processes and service/product improvement. Further, she will review and enhance work processes to improve efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile, Bagsit also targets to make DOST-Calabarzon the most valued partner of its stakeholders by forging collaborations in the local and international field. She is confident that with a strong team, the office will strive to gain more recognition from various award-giving bodies, including attainment of the standards for the environmental management system (ISO 14000) and the BCYF Innovation Award, which recognizes entities that made an impact in the lives of people through innovation. "Proud is an understatement of how honored I am to inherit the Regional Director position from a great man, a great leader, Dr. Alexander Madrigal," Bagsit remarked. She cited that DOST-Calabarzon's laboratories are accredited by the ISO and the Department of Health, and recognized by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Among her priorities are providing virtual consultancy services when it comes to technology commercialization and adoption. On-demand training is in the pipeline, too. "We will create an enabling environment for more industry-academe researches, and enhance support to fast track transfer and commercialization of technologies," Bagsit said. Her appointment was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in a letter dated October 6. "Emy Bagsit, a chemist, spent her whole career at (the) DOST. At one time, she was appointed as OIC (officer in charge) at the Regional Director's Office in Region V," said DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena in a Viber message. (PNA) }