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.