Key programs to enhance industries such as the Innovation Hubs or iHUBS will be the focus of this year’s celebration of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) on May 28-30, 2025, at Occidental Mindoro State College in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro organized by the Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA.

iHUBS are support facilities for early-stage startups, researchers, students, OFWs, MSMEs, and innovators by providing collaborative work areas, mentorship, and access to resources. It is one of the various programs that will highlight the 2025 RSTW.

Forums and other important launches of the celebration include: 1). Smarter MSMEs Summit, which will feature discussions on DOST enterprise programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP and the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines—the launch of the Developing SME Innovation Champions initiative, and forums on advanced manufacturing and circular economy; 2) Building Smart and Sustainable Communities Forum, which will present practical technologies in agriculture, health, mobility, and disaster risk reduction, including SARAI, SMILHIS, and Project MOSES—designed to foster resilience and sustainability; 3) MIMAROPA STI Awards, which will honor outstanding technopreneurs, communities, and innovations contributing to regional development.

With the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” this year’s celebration carries the tagline “Changing Lives through Science,” and centers on the sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities.”

RSTW 2025 aims to highlight the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in driving inclusive and sustainable development. It will gather stakeholders from local government units, academic institutions, industry, and communities for a dynamic three-day showcase of technologies, programs, and success stories in STI.

Other activities include a feature a technology pitching session, where four technology generators will present innovations to potential adopters, as well as a bazaar and exhibit showcasing local products, S&T services, and technologies from across the region.

A site visits to DOST-assisted SETUP and Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology or CEST projects will be presented as proof of the transformative power of science to the lives of every Filipinos. Beneficiaries include enterprises that have adopted innovative production processes, a solar-powered mobile kitchen for disaster response, and a weaving community integrating modern handloom technology to preserve indigenous practices.

As the host province, Occidental Mindoro takes pride in showcasing its technological champions as the centerpiece of a fruitful collaboration with DOST-MIMAROPA that are aimed at uplifting the lives and empowering communities.

The three-day event will also feature technology exhibits that are open for public viewing from May 28-30, 10 AM to 5 PM.