28/07/2026
𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌🎉
The Provincial ICT Office 𝗦𝗗𝗡 proudly welcomed the benchmarking delegation from the Department of Science and Technology – Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO) Surigao del Sur, together with representatives from the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur and the Office of the First Congressional District of Surigao del Sur, for a learning visit to the Surigao del Norte Provincial Research, Innovation and Science Museum (PRISM) last July 24, 2026.
The delegation was led by Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez, Provincial Director of DOST-PSTO Surigao del Sur, together with Engr. Karter O. Ronquillo, Senior Science Research Specialist. Also joining the visit were Mr. Andrew Patrimonio, Provincial IT Office Head; Ms. Carrie Ronquillo of the Provincial Tourism Office of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur; and Mr. Eugene Batiao, Chief of Staff of the Office of First District Representative Hon. Romeo S. Momo Sr.
The visit reflects the growing recognition of PRISM as a model for promoting science, technology, innovation, and public engagement in local governance. It also highlights the Province of Surigao del Norte's commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with neighboring local governments and institutions.
The activity commenced with a welcome program, followed by a guided tour of PRISM's interactive exhibits and innovation facilities, allowing the delegation to experience the museum's programs and learn about its operational framework.
The welcome program opened with remarks from 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗘. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲, followed by a message from the visiting delegation delivered by 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗔. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘇. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗗. 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴 and 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗿. 𝗛. 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗷𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲 then presented an overview of PRISM, highlighting its establishment, programs, operations, and role in promoting science, technology, and innovation in the province. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗠. 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗷𝗲, 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗜𝗻-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁, shared insights on the museum's vision and early development. The program concluded with an overview of PICTO's digital transformation initiatives, information systems, and innovation programs presented by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲 and 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘆.
The benchmarking session served as a venue for meaningful discussions on the establishment and management of science museums, innovation centers, funding mechanisms, governance structures, operational strategies, and opportunities for future collaboration. Through this exchange of experiences, the delegation gained valuable insights that may contribute to the development of the proposed Surigao del Sur Provincial Innovation Center.
As a symbol of innovation and collaboration, the delegation received customized souvenir tokens produced using PRISM's 3D printers and laser engraving machine, showcasing the museum's digital fabrication capabilities. The guests also received local Surigao del Norte products courtesy of the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Norte, further highlighting the province's rich culture, craftsmanship, and local industries.
PICTO extends its sincere gratitude to the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Norte for its invaluable partnership and support in the successful conduct of the activity. We also express our appreciation to the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office – Surigao del Norte for its continued collaboration in advancing science, technology, and innovation across the province.
This milestone reflects the vision of Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, whose strong support for innovation, digital transformation, research, and science education has enabled PRISM to become one of Surigao del Norte's flagship initiatives. Today, PRISM stands as a source of pride for the province and a testament to how strategic investments in science, technology, and innovation can create lasting impact. We are honored to share our experience with fellow local governments and remain committed to fostering partnerships that advance innovation throughout the Caraga Region.
PICTO looks forward to strengthening partnerships that inspire innovation, promote knowledge sharing, and build a smarter, more innovative future for our communities.