The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has forged partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tacloban-Leyte chapter to support the Innovation Hub (iHub) as one of the ways to help small enterprises in Eastern Visayas.

The iHub is a facility where business startups can be nurtured and key players like enablers, investors, and accelerators can gather, collaborate, share information, and help them.

DOST Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña said the ties with the PCCI local chapter, represented by its president, Eugene Tan, highlight strong public-private partnerships in fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and providing much-needed support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“We’re allocating PHP1 million for this project. We still have to finalize the design of the facility, which will be operated by PCCI,” Ocaña said in a phone interview Thursday.

The iHub will be located at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Center in this city.

“This iHub is important in fostering innovation, research, and collaboration by providing a space where startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses can access resources like technology, mentorship, and networking opportunities,” Ocaña added.

Inside the hub, stakeholders can make use of various information and communication technology equipment to develop new startups and exchange various ideas. (PNA)