By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII
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 officially opened today at the Limketkai Center, showcasing over 100 techno-exhibits, 30 technical fora, 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.
The featured technologies and activities address critical challenges in areas such as climate change, agriculture, and environmental conservation, offering 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,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Solidum said that one of the four pillars of the DOST, is being emphasized through efforts 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,” added Solidum.
He further explained how Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) plays a pivotal role in fulfilling our collective aspiration for a stable, comfortable, and secure future. The science chief illustrated how each of the values—Matatag, Maginhawa, and Panatag—is realized through investments in STI.
Matatag: Strongly Rooted Communities
He shared that a Matatag society is one where families thrive, communities are resilient, and trust in governance is strong. Through DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, STI interventions uplift marginalized sectors, as seen in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, where 29,070 households have been empowered through livelihood training, urban agriculture, and modern technologies, transforming it into a model of economic and social resilience.
This barangay is 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.
Maginhawa: A Comfortable Life for All
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 shared that 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.
Panatag: Security and Stability
Meanwhile, in a country highly vulnerable to natural hazards, ensuring that every Filipino feels Panatag—secure and protected from disasters—is a top priority. The DOST through its agencies Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, plays a vital 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,” said Solidum.
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.
Featured Technologies and Products from the DOST and its partner-institutions
DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services and Chair of the 2024 NSTW-Steering Committee highlighted the cutting-edge technologies and S&T products set to take center stage during the five-day celebration.
She elaborated on 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.
Undersecretary Sahagun also emphasized the Wealth Creation Technologies, which aim 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.
Meanwhile, Wealth Protection 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 DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development include innovative solutions such as the Remote Online Surveilance 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, she ended.
Message of support from the local leaders
“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,” said Hon. Jocelyn “Bebot” B. Rodriguez, Vice Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City.
Meanwhile for Misamis Oriental Governor Hon. Peter M. Unabia said that Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) must prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, as Nelson Mandela said to focus on long-overdue challenges faced by the lowest sectors of the community.
“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,” declared Unabia.
“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,” Unabia ended.
The NSTW is set to draw over 10,000 attendees, including local government units, startups, enterprises, legislators, students, and the general public. 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.
