(L-R) DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and DOST-NCR Regional Director Romelen T. Tresvalles during the ribbon cutting of the 2024 RSTW opening organized by the DOST-NCR.

The Department of Science and Technology - National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) launched its Innovation Hubs, or iHubs, during its 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in NCR, held last October 30, 2024, at the Amoranto Arena in Quezon City. 

With the theme, “Bridging Science, Technology, and Green Economy Solutions in the Metro,” DOST NCR envisions the hub to be dedicated to thinkers, entrepreneurs, and researchers, where groundbreaking ideas can be developed and cultivated. The initiative also aims to promote a culture of continuous learning and forward-thinking, fostering partnerships and linkages. 

The iHubs will be established at the DOST-NCR Regional Office in Bicutan, Taguig, and at the agency’s four Clustered Area Science and Technology Offices (CASTOs) located at the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus in Quezon City, Marikina Polytechnic College, City of Malabon Polytechnic Institute, and the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute. These spaces are designed with state-of-the-art facilities to amplify creativity and bring innovative ideas to life. 

At the Opening Ceremonies, Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte welcomed technopreneurs, researchers, and scientists to practice their craft in Quezon City, fulfilling its dream of becoming the country’s center for innovation and knowledge industries. 

For her part, DOST-NCR Regional Director Romelen T. Tresvalles highlighted this year’s RSTW in NCR theme which “captures our aspiration to create a future where innovation becomes a vehicle for sustainability, where the advancements we embrace today lay the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.” 

Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, acknowledged DOST-NCR's strategic position as the economic center of the country, surrounded by business hubs and ongoing structural developments. He likewise advocated for integrating green technologies and initiatives into urban planning to ensure the region's sustainability. 

“We are headed toward a system collapse. We need to start changing sooner. Consumption must be responsible, and production, of course, should be responsible…Let us put sustainability at the core of development,” affirmed DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. 

In his keynote message, Secretary Solidum reinforced the call for a greener world, urging us to stop the irony of having a bright future in a dark world. Referring to the recent onslaught of severe tropical storm Kristine, he shifted the narrative from viewing ourselves as victims of disasters to emerging as victors over them. In the spirit of collaboration with local government units (LGUs), he emphasized redefining resilience through science and technology for sustainable development. 

Representatives of organizations during the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU)

Placing sustainability at the heart of the celebration, the event also featured the ceremonial signing of partnerships dedicated to enhancing support for OFWs through the iFWD PH program and broadening the reach of DOST’s programs and services. The opening ceremony also included the formal turnover of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plan to Quezon City and Muntinlupa City, marking a significant step in fostering local innovation and development. 

For more information on the activities and forums, please visit the official Facebook page of DOST National Capital Region (https://www.facebook.com/dost.ncr).(By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII; Photos from DOST NCR)