AFTER a sequence of devastating pure calamities that struck Cebu final yr, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) emphasised the necessity to empower native sectors, companies, and establishments to develop science-based solutions tailor-made to the area’s distinctive challenges.
REGIONAL GATHERING The presentation of Central Visayas’ Drone Industry Development Action Plan and the success story of DOST-assisted native agency Archiglobal spotlight the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Central Visayas, showcasing how science, know-how, and innovation are advancing meals safety, sustainable power, and nationwide resilience. PHOTO BY PATRICK JAMES LEE C. ALFONSO, DOST-STII
Speaking on the opening of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) organized by DOST-Central Visayas on July 13, 2026, on the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. underscored the significance of reworking scientific information into sensible interventions that enhance lives.
“Science, technology, and innovation must be translated into practical solutions that improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” Solidum mentioned in his keynote deal with.
He highlighted DOST’s efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for greater than 99 % of enterprise institutions nationwide. Through superior manufacturing facilities, product testing and certification providers, and packaging enchancment applications, the company goals to assist companies enhance effectivity, product high quality, and market entry.
Solidum famous that in Central Visayas, these interventions can contribute considerably to meals safety by supporting meals processors, farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based enterprises in rising manufacturing, lowering losses, and strengthening provide chains.
“By enhancing the competitiveness of local industries, science and technology can help ensure a more stable and accessible food supply even amid disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions,” he mentioned.
FUTURE THINKING At the opening of the 2026 RSTW in Central Visayas, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. says that the Philippines’ future is dependent upon the alternatives we make at the moment to strengthen science, know-how, and innovation. PHOTO BY PATRICK JAMES LEE C. ALFONSO, DOST-STII
The DOST chief additionally emphasised constructing a stronger information economic system via analysis commercialization, startup growth, and collaboration amongst researchers, industries, traders, and authorities establishments.
“Scientific knowledge gains value when transformed into technologies, products, and services that address real-world needs,” Solidum added.
Preparing communities and industries for future challenges reminiscent of local weather change, sustainable power, and rising applied sciences like synthetic intelligence additionally stays a serious DOST precedence. He cited initiatives such because the Smart and Sustainable Communities Roadmap, the Central Visayas
Drone Industry Development Action Plan, and science studying amenities geared toward creating future innovators and bettering catastrophe preparedness, planning, and useful resource administration via data-driven applied sciences.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang echoed the necessity to make science and innovation accessible and responsive to native realities.
He identified that rising power prices, rising costs of uncooked supplies, evolving client calls for, and pure hazards proceed to problem companies throughout the area, significantly MSMEs.
According to Mabborang, RSTW serves as a platform that brings applied sciences and revolutionary solutions nearer to communities and enterprises whereas fostering dialogue amongst authorities, business, academe, and native stakeholders.
He harassed that sustainable power stays essential to regional growth, noting that innovation may also help companies cut back prices, enhance effectivity, and turn out to be extra resilient to energy-related disruptions.
SUPPORTING DOST Cebu Governor Hon. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro reaffirms the Cebu Provincial Government’s steadfast help for the DOST and its shared dedication to harnessing science, know-how, and innovation to enhance the lives of each Cebuano. PHOTO BY PATRICK JAMES LEE C. ALFONSO, DOST-STII
Among the DOST-assisted companies in Cebu is Magic Melt, an area bakery and meals manufacturing firm that put in a photo voltaic photovoltaic system via DOST help. The initiative enabled the corporate to minimize electrical energy prices by 30 % whereas advancing sustainable manufacturing practices.
“Science-driven progress cannot be achieved by a single institution alone but through sustained collaboration across sectors,” Mabborang mentioned.
At the regional degree, DOST-Central Visayas Regional Director Tristan Abando highlighted partnerships as the muse of the area’s innovation ecosystem, describing Central Visayas as a group the place authorities, native governments, academe, business teams, startups, and innovators work collectively to flip scientific information into sensible solutions.
He emphasised that RSTW just isn’t merely a DOST occasion however a celebration of the area’s complete science and innovation ecosystem.
Featured applied sciences through the three-day occasion embody the Fuel Cell R&D and Testing Center, Bamboo Octagonal Jointing System, Automatic Weather Station, Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTech), AGOS Digital Signing App, and Payruler, amongst others.
Local authorities leaders additionally expressed help for DOST initiatives. Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano reaffirmed their dedication to integrating science, know-how, and innovation into governance and group growth.
The annual RSTW showcases native applied sciences, analysis initiatives, and innovations that join communities and industries with science-based solutions, serving as a precursor to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, which will likely be held in General Santos City in November 2026.