07/10/2026
𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝟒.𝟎 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐎 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Connected and Unified Autonomous Technologies with Automation and Robotics (CUATRO) Team, brought emerging Industry 4.0 technologies closer to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Batanes through the CUATRO Caravan held on October 6–7, 2026 at Davocol’s Inn, Basco, Batanes.
The two-day activity is part of the 2026 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Caravan in Batanes, providing participants with opportunities to learn about emerging technologies, explore digitalization and automation, and identify potential technological solutions to their business and operational needs.
The activity opened with Ms. Nora T. Garcia, Provincial Director of DOST PSTO Batanes, who delivered the Welcome Remarks and highlighted the importance of bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to local stakeholders.
Dr. Mary Ann D. Carpiso, SETUP Center Manager, provided an overview of the activity and presented its objectives, highlighting the role of the CUATRO Caravan in introducing Industry 4.0 technologies and identifying opportunities for technology adoption among local enterprises.
The participants were then introduced to the capabilities and services of the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) through a presentation by Engr. Rea Castro. This was followed by a discussion on the CUATRO Program delivered by Dr. Jayson Rogelio, Career Scientist 2, who provided insights into the program’s role in supporting technology-driven transformation.
Meanwhile, Engr. Geoffrey Abulencia, Principal Engineer, discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, giving participants a glimpse into how automation and intelligent technologies can be applied to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
The discussion continued with Dr. Philip Ermita, Director of the ICO-PUP, who presented Digital Warehousing Practices, highlighting the importance of digital technologies in improving inventory management, storage operations, and supply chain processes.
To further understand the needs and interests of local stakeholders, Engr. Sherie Agulto facilitated a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), particularly engaging participants interested in Industry 4.0 applications. The session provided an avenue for MSMEs and other stakeholders to share their operational challenges, identify technology gaps, and explore possible areas for collaboration and technical assistance.
On the second day, the CUATRO Team conducted Expert Consultancy and Technical Needs Assessment for identified MSMEs. The activity allowed experts to directly examine the enterprises’ operations, discuss their specific technological concerns, and assess potential interventions involving automation, digitalization, and other Industry 4.0 technologies.
Through the CUATRO Caravan, DOST continues to promote the adoption of emerging technologies and strengthen the capacity of local enterprises to embrace digital transformation. The activity also reinforces DOST’s commitment to making science, technology, and innovation accessible to MSMEs in geographically isolated areas such as Batanes, helping them become more productive, competitive, and resilient in an increasingly technology-driven economy.