COTABATO CITY-As part of the annual celebration of National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XII (DOST XII) will again bring energy and vigor to the region this coming October 17-19, 2017 at KCC Convention Center, General Santos City.

Dubbed “Science for the People”, this year’s regional celebration will showcase milestone and breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation in the region and its overall impact to the socio-economic opportunities and achievements in the countryside such as employment generation, improved livelihood, and safer and healthier communities.

DOST Regional Director Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan is inviting everyone to join the celebration as different activities will be staged to promote and preserve science culture and dynamism in the region.

“A venue for partners from government and private sector to strengthen the socio-economic activity in the region, the NSTW regional celebration will further boost and capitalize on the indigenous talents of our technopreneurs, expand opportunities for our science communities, and invigorate our region’s research and development,” Dr. Laidan said.

The said activity will also showcase the best DOST XII Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Adopters at the S&T exhibit. Featuring remarkable products and services of DOST XII-assisted micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the exhibit is a free tour to DOST XII’s initiatives in making difference to the lives.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña with Dr. Laidan will lead the opening of the celebration on Oct. 17.

Alongside, DOST XII will also hold the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit to showcase the creativity and innovativeness of people in the region. And to hone the region’s creativity, talent, and inventiveness, DOST XX will also conduct relevant S&T seminar-workshops and technology trainings.

Another feature of the celebration  is the Mobile Science Centrum which has been on the move throughout the region since July 3 and will continue until December this year.

Other highlight activities include the Science and Technology (S&T) Youth Assembly, DOST programs and roll-out project exhibit; and current DOST activities for the Halal industry development.

The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please visit DOST XII website: www.region12.dost.gov.ph, or contact us at (064) 421-6908.