LOCALS of Cagayan de Oro City and its nearby municipalities and provinces are in for an exciting week as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings its latest innovations at the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW).
The 2024 NSTW has officially opened at the Limketkai Center. It showcases over 100 techno-exhibits and 30 technical fora, and offers pitching sessions and career talks anchored on the theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan.”
With the sub-theme, “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy,” the event highlights the innovative contributions of Filipino scientists, engineers, and researchers to the growth of science and technology.
Featured technologies and activities during the event seeks to address critical challenges in areas such as climate change, agriculture, and environmental conservation; and offer timely and appropriate solutions to pave the way for sustainable development.
“As we celebrate the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, we shine a light on green initiatives, groundbreaking technologies, and our collective vision for a smarter, more sustainable Philippines,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said in his remarks.
Solidum said the event highlights one of the four pillars of the DOST, which is to strengthen research and development (R&D) for environmental preservation and conservation.
“We believe that strengthening initiatives on sustainability, with central importance on the environment and natural resources, will cut across the other pillars – stimulating wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and ultimately promoting human well-being,” he said.
The DOST chief noted how investments in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) play a pivotal role in fulfilling the government’s collective aspiration for a stable, comfortable, and secure future through the values of “Matatag, Maginhawa, and Panatag.”
Solidum shared that a “Matatag,” or powerful, society is one where families thrive, communities are resilient, and trust in governance is strong.
He said that through the DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, STI interventions are able to uplift the marginalized sectors.
He cited as example Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, where 29,070 households have been empowered through livelihood trainings, urban agriculture, and modern technologies, transforming it into a model of economic and social resilience.
Barangang Bagong Silang is just one of over 1,900 communities impacted by CEST, with more than ₱1.8 billion invested in science and technology solutions.
In just the first half of 2024, the program has reached 892 more communities and created 913 new jobs, with much more progress on the horizon.
Solidum said that every Filipino deserves a life free from poverty, and DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is turning this vision into reality by supporting over 9,000 MSMEs; creating 316,000 jobs; and injecting ₱8.7 billion into the economy. Businesses like AJIS Dive and Aqua Sports Inc. in Cagayan de Oro have thrived with access to advanced manufacturing technologies through SETUP.
To sustain this progress, he said the DOST is also investing ₱9 billion in scholarships for 61,237 students in the academic year 2024-2025, ensuring a future driven by Filipino scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Meanwhile, in a country highly vulnerable to natural hazards, Solidum said ensuring that every Filipino feels “panatag” — secure and protected from disasters — is a top priority. The DOST, through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities with cutting-edge technologies.
“From state-of-the-art Doppler radars and seismic stations to the innovative GeoRisk Philippines app, these tools provide real-time data that enhance disaster preparedness, mitigate risks, and save lives,” he said.
Solidum also outlined eight major R&D programs for 2025 to address critical challenges in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. These initiatives include the AI Virtual Hub, Geospatial Analytics Solutions, Quantum Computing, Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, Smart Agriculture, Smart Technologies, and Biologics in Pharma.
“With continued support from national and local governments, DOST is committed to implementing bold, inclusive, and practical solutions, emphasizing the urgency of abandoning “business as usual” approaches. Projections based on empirical data warn of a potential global system collapse by 2050 if transformative actions are not taken immediately, “ said Solidum.
Maridon O. Sahagun, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services and chair of the 2024 NSTW-Steering Committee, underscored the cutting-edge technologies and S&T products set to take center stage during the five-day celebration.
Sahagun discussed the Human Well-Being Technologies initiative, which addresses critical challenges in health, education, and accessibility through groundbreaking innovations such as ImGTS for dementia care, i-SULAT for early childhood assessment, ENSAYO for empowering visually impaired individuals, and nutrition-focused solutions like the Enhanced Nutribun.
She also emphasized Wealth Creation Technologies, which seek to boost industries and livelihoods through initiatives like AMCen for advanced 3D printing, sustainable Silk and Natural Dyes Hubs, SAFEWATRS for mobile water purification, and commercialization programs like GALING and TECHNiCOM that support Filipino innovators.
Such technologies enhance disaster resilience with tools like Impact-Based Forecasting, SatREx, and AI-powered systems such as SkAI-Pinas, while education-focused projects like REIINN bridge digital divides to strengthen community preparedness.
Lastly, sustainability efforts led by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development include innovative solutions such as the Remote Online Surveillance for Banana (ROSANNA) app for banana disease monitoring, ACTICon biopesticide for sustainable pest control, and the eco-friendly Pest to Feed technology, complemented by biodiversity education tools for environmental stewardship.
These initiatives collectively underscore DOST’s unwavering commitment to improving quality of life, advancing industries, safeguarding communities, and fostering sustainable development, Sahagun said.
In a speech, Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” B. Rodriguez said: “We believe that Science, Technology, and Innovation are essential tools for building a stronger, more prosperous, and secure future for all Cagayanons. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the DOST. These initiatives stand as a testament to our shared commitment to progress through Science, Technology, and Innovation.”
Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter M. Unabia, for his part, said STI prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable. “In Misamis Oriental, we commit to maximizing our resources
and collaborating with national agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment , Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Social Welfare and Development to address these needs,” he said.
“We express our full support for the programs, projects, and activities of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Secretary Renato U. Solidum, rest assured of our unwavering commitment to advancing STI for the benefit of all,” he added.
The NSTW is set to draw over 10,000 attendees, including local government units, startups, enterprises, legislators, and students, among others. The event will feature more than 33 forums at the Luxe Hotel and nearby venues, covering diverse topics in science and technology.
Interactive exhibits include the NuLab: STEM in Motion, offering students hands-on experiences in a mobile laboratory, alongside the Mobile Modular Food Processing Facility and the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle. A grand expo at Limketkai Center’s Atrium and East Concourse will showcase over 150 innovations, including immersive platforms, 3D prototypes, robotics, and sound domes, introducing cutting-edge technologies to the region.
Additional highlights include Scholars and Startup Pitching competitions at Cinema 4, providing a platform for emerging innovators.
