Hyundai GRAND STAREX drives DOST innovation roadmap in the new normal

PHOTO: At the turnover of the HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX units were (L-R) HARI Assistant Manager for Dealer Marketing Stephanie Valerio, DOST Information Resources and Analysis Division Chief Alan Taule, HARI Senior Assistant Vice President for Sales Victor Jose S. Vela, DOST-STII Director Richard Burgos, DOST Chief of Communication Resources and Production Division Norly B. Villar, and DOST Finance and Administrative Division Chief Arlene Centeno.

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Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, renews ties with the Department of Science and Technology’s Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) through the recent turnover of two brand new HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX vans that will serve as the official transport of DOSTv, the Department’s official broadcast channel.

The turnover, held November 24, 2021 at the DOST-STII Office in Bicutan, Taguig City, signifies HARI’s continuing support of the DOST’s roadmap for inclusive innovation, or the equitable access to new technologies, ideas, manpower, and new products and services that will make life better for a greater majority and drive Philippine competitiveness on the global stage.

The GRAND STAREX units shall serve as DOSTv’s official transport for its roster of information projects headlined by the program Siyensikat. Aired on CNN Philippines, Siyensikat is a weekly program that demonstrates how science works to solve the Filipino’s day to day problems, most especially in these tough pandemic times.

DOST-STII Director Richard Burgos describes the new collaboration with HARI as “God-sent” and the “most valuable contribution that we can immediately use” for the production of at least 13 episodes, or the equivalent of one season. “Tuwang-tuwa nga yung DOSTv team at nagpa-picture sila kaagad noon. Para silang mga hari with the captain’s swivel seats … HARI’s support helped us realize that even in this pandemic we at the DOST-STII had the ability to pivot, the ability to perform, and the chance to excel,” he added.

The versatile 10-seat GRAND STAREX, legendary for its generous cargo space, comfortable leg room, swivel seats, dual sliding doors, fuel efficiency, and loads of safety features, has moved on from being the Filipino’s favorite family van to a favored employee shuttle for private firms, ambulance for healthcare institutions, and a rescue and all-purpose vehicle for local government units across the country. 

Said HARI Foundation President and education advocate, Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, “Now that learning has become more challenging for many, we laud the DOST for strengthening its presence and advocacy in the broadcast media via Siyensikat…. May these (donated units) help DOST bring science to many more people in an engaging and relevant way.”

HARI, through its corporate social responsibility arm, H.A.R.I. Foundation, Inc. (HFI), and DOST have been partners in innovation since 2012. The first engagement was in November 2012 with the launch of the Innovation Congress (iCON), which showcased the two institutions’ shared vision for innovation in the fields of transport and mobility. In 2013, HFI and DOST launched the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC), a premier literacy program that aimed to foster the spirit of leadership in innovation in climate science among public high school students. HNTC has since produced four outstanding scholars who graduated with top honors in 2020-2021 from their chosen science courses–three from the University of the Philippines and one from the Ateneo de Manila University.