The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings its nationwide science roadshow “Science Nation Tour:Agham na Ramdam” to the Queen City of the South as it makes its Central Visayas stop from June 18-20, 2015.
Science Nation is slated to tour all 17 regions of the Philippines to highlight the benefits of DOST programs and technologies in the region while demonstrating the inherent role of science and technology (S&T) in daily life.
The three-day event opens at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel with the Technology and Innovation Exposition featuring the 2015 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) and the Entrepreneurship Conference. The latter will tackle the role of S&T innovation in raising the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This will be followed by an awarding ceremony for the Best SETUP adoptors in the region. SETUP, or the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program is a DOST flagship program which provides assistance to MSMEs via funding, technology upgrade, and manpower training to enable them to improve product quality, productivity, and competitiveness.
A project visit to one of these SETUP adoptors – Kimes Foods International in Argao, Cebu – will be held in June 19. Engaged in the processing and preservation of fruits and vegetables, Kimes was a SETUP beneficiary in 2012 when it received P1.4 M assistance for the upgrading of a drying technology used in the production of gluten-free coconut wraps.
Another project visit will be held at the Materials Technology Innovation Center or MATIC, situated within the S&T Complex of DOST-Region VII in Banilad, Cebu. MATIC is a repository of material swatches and resources as well as a venue for interaction between design experts, technology suppliers and players from the creative industries such as advertising, animation, architecture, culinary arts, and the like. A collaboration between the European Chamber of Commerce, DOST-Region VII, other government agencies and organizations, MATIC aims to facilitate the growth of the creative sectors which Cebu is known for.
A public-private sector forum/networking night at Cebu City Marriott Hotel will cap off Day 1 of Science Nation. Topbilling the event are DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, Eco-System Technologies, Inc. Founder Robert Y. So, Bohol Island State University President Dr. Elpidio T. Magante, and Central Visayas Regional Development Council Chairperson and Bohol Governor Hon. Edgar Chatto.
Other activities include a visit to the Central Visayas campus of the Philippine Science High School which is under the DOST system, among others.
Science Nation concludes with the awarding ceremony for the 2015 RICE entries on June 20, 2015. (S&T Media Service)
