USAID Holds First Kapihan for Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines held their very first Kapihan session for the Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program.

It was held at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City on March 9, 2016 led by USAID/Philippines Mission Director Dr. Susan Brems, USAID/Philippines Senior Education Adviser Mr. Mir Tillah, STRIDE Chief of Party Dr. Dave Hall and STRIDE Deputy Chief of Party Dr. Larry Ilag. Dr. Richard Abendan, STRIDE Research and Industry Partnerships Manager, facilitated the event.

STRIDE is USAID/Philippines’ flagship science, technology and innovation program that aims to strengthen local capacity for innovation-led economic growth by building the capacity of universities for industry-relevant applied research. This will make science and technology research a driving force of economic growth in the Philippines.

It is a five-year, PhP1.5 billion project under the Partnership for Growth (PFG) agreement between the U.S. and the Philippine governments. The Philippines is one of only four countries selected for the PFG, with the ultimate goal of accelerating broad-based, inclusive growth.

STRIDE is the largest education project of USAID in the Philippines today. As of February 2016, the program has awarded PhP144.8 million in research grants to 34 universities around the country to conduct science and technology innovation research. It has also awarded 31 scholarships to Filipinos to study in U.S. universities.

STRIDE offers other opportunities to Filipinos such as advanced training in research, curriculum development for Professional Science Master’s degree, faculty externships, innovation workshops, and other opportunities for industries and universities to collaborate.

The following day, they also held an exhibit at the Manila Peninsula hotel featuring Science and Technology Innovation Projects made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development. This event was held to attract young graduates into considering careers in Science, Technology and Innovation.