Students from Eastern Visayas participated in an exhibit of DOST-supported technologies (Photo from DOST VIII)

The Philippines' rich marine biodiversity not only sustains the livelihoods of many Filipinos and industries but also preserves environmental balance. However, irresponsible and destructive human actions continue to pose a threat to this invaluable resource. Additionally, there remains untapped marine potential that could significantly contribute to national development.

To help promote the sustainable and responsible management of the country’s ocean resources, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased its science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives in the Blue Economy and Smart and Sustainable Development at the 2024 Eastern Visayas Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (EVRSTW) celebration.

Themed “Bluer and Smarter Eastern Visayas: DOST Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities,” the event, led by the DOST Regional Office No. VIII (DOST VIII), was held at People's Center and Library in Tacloban City, on 25-27 June 2024.

This regional S&T fair showcased interactive S&T exhibits, a series of scientific fora, and youth-oriented activities, all aimed at highlighting the latest technologies and innovations from the scientific community that are available for commercialization and public use.

During the opening ceremony, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. stated that the event focuses on raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and responsible innovation by transforming communities into smart communities and boosting the region’s blue economy.

He also shared information about two DOST programs that are relevant to the event’s theme: the Smart and Sustainable Communities program and Blue Economy program.

The former aims to provide sustainable, science-based solutions to societal issues faced by various communities, while the latter involves eco-friendly and responsible management of our ocean resources for economic growth.

“STI foster collaboration to generate solutions to complex societal challenges and create meaningful change for our kababayans. Our efforts focus on addressing urgent needs and problems with appropriate and long-term solutions while fostering opportunities for progress and development for the Filipino people,” he added.

DOST featured technologies on wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability

The S&T exhibits featured the latest products and services supported and developed by DOST agencies, their beneficiaries, and partners for the promotion of wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability.

Under wealth creation, DOST’s technologies, equipment, and products beneficial to the business and industry sectors were showcased. For wealth protection, DOST presented its products for disaster risk reduction and management.

In terms of human well-being, advancements for the improvement of human health and S&T career development were also featured. Lastly, for sustainability, DOST exhibited its new initiatives and technologies for environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, and smart communities and governance.

Fostering Engagement, Discussion, and Collaborations

In collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Leyte, Inc., the Technology Investment Forum introduced technologies to potential investors in the private sector, offering opportunities to local government units, state universities and colleges, micro, small, and medium enterprises, industry partners, and the general public.

One of the technologies showcased during the forum is the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. This technology helps improve rice production and farmers’ income by addressing low yields and poor quality caused by viral and bacterial infestations without harming beneficial insects.

Other products presented include: Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub, blended spun yarns from natural fibers, and the Constructions and Buildings Using Locally Developed Natural Textiles or CoBuildTex of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute; i-POND, Rice Transplanter Attachment, Rice Harvester Attachment, and Food Processing Technologies of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center; Shelf-stable Beef Filled Suman, Drum-dried Fruit Flakes, Nipa Sap Sugar, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Tablea, and RTD Mungbean and Coconut of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute; Earthquake Simulator, Hazard Hunter PH, PlanSmart, How Safe Is My House, and Volcano PH of the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); and the Brown Rice Bar of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Furthermore, the other science fora conducted comprise of the 2024 DOST Regional STI Forum & Awards, which recognized local innovators, and the Blue Economy and Smart Cities and Communities Forum, where experts focused on blue economy and smart solutions initiatives.

Youth Engagement

A highlight of the celebration was the science jamboree, which featured activities aimed at igniting the interest of grade school and high school students in STI. It also encouraged college students, including DOST scholars, to pursue careers in S&T.

Among these were the DOST Interactive Exhibits, which showcased DOST innovations such as the mobile planetarium and flood simulation of the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, and the earthquake simulator and mobile applications of the DOST-PHIVOLCS.

Other activities involved the STEM Olympiad, Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory Activities for Students, and Indie-Siyensya Film Festival.

The regional S&T fair is in line with the annually celebrated National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week of DOST, with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan.” (By Rudy P. Parel, Jr., DOST-STII)