SCIENCE, technology and innovation (STI) provide sustainable solutions that can open opportunities in the green economy and help build a resilient, comfortable, and secure future for all.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted this at the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) that is being held from September 25-27, 2024 at SM Tuguegarao. This year’s event has the theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan.”
In his opening remarks, Mabborang underscored the significance of the event in Cagayan Valley as a platform to showcase the power of STI in driving socio-economic growth and encouraged participants to seize every opportunity to collaborate and transform Cagayan Valley into a vibrant hub for science, technology, and innovation.
For her part, Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for Research & Development, focused on DOST’s strategic investments in regional development through its flagship Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program, saying that DOST Region 2 alone has established 18 centers with a total investment of PHP 225 million.
The achievement, she said, is part of a shared national vision for a prosperous Philippines, achieved through the collective advancement of STI.
In his keynote address, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. stressed the unique potential of Cagayan Valley to lead in sustainable innovation, outlining the region’s vast natural resources and how, when paired with STI-driven strategies, such can address pressing challenges in electromobility, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
Dr. Solidum also discussed DOST’s efforts to promote innovation across sectors to meet both local and global demands.
A highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Electric Mobility R&D Center (EMRDC) and the turnover of the Metals Engineering Innovation Center, marking significant strides in advancing the region’s technological capabilities.
In addition, a forum on Green Economy for Sustainable Communities was also held, which focused on practices for regional growth. Another feature of the event was the training-workshop on translating health research into policy, which is aimed at empowering researchers to impact public health policies.
Capping off the festivities is the search for “Ginoo at Binibining Agham at Teknolohiya,” a celebration of young advocates for science and technology, alongside the “Kathabi” fashion show, which showcased sustainable and innovative designs.
As Cagayan Valley continues to evolve as a hub for STI, the 2024 RSTW serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation in building a sustainable and prosperous future for all. (Nelson Santos (PAPI)