Preparations are underway at the Department of Science and Technology- CAR (DOST-CAR), led by Regional Director, Dr. Nancy A. Bantog as the agency gears up to conduct the 2024 Regional Science and Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Ifugao Province. The event, themed “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” with a subtheme, “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy” will be held from August 7-9, 2024, at the Ifugao State University-Main Campus (IFSU), Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao. The activity will be conducted in partnership with the DOST- Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Ifugao, IFSU, and the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Lamut.
This year’s RSTW aims to promote DOST and its partners’ programs and services and is designed to strengthen public awareness and appreciation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Additionally, the event will focus on highlighting and presenting the four pillars of DOST, namely; Human Well-being, Wealth Creation, Wealth Protection, and Sustainability, covering various areas such as education, culture, food and agriculture, environment and natural resources, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), climate adaptation, among others.
The RSTW opening program will kick off on August 7, 2024; 9:00 AM-12:00NN to be followed by a press conference and project visits to showcase projects and notable accomplishments of DOST in Ifugao. The Stakeholders’ Networking and Textile Fashion Show at the IFSU Heritage Convention Center spearheaded by the Office of the Governor, PLGU-Ifugao will be one of the highlights of the day. This activity shall provide an avenue for the LGUs to build linkages with DOST and other partners. The textile fashion show will also feature local textiles in Ifugao Province and the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) fabrics under the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Uniform Project (PTFUP), demonstrating that Filipino fabrics and artistry can be used in creating corporate attires that are comfortable and fashionable. The PTFUP is a result of Republic Act No. 9242 or Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which mandates the use of indigenous fabrics for the uniforms of government personnel.
Meanwhile, to recognize MSMEs that have excelled in adopting technology and innovations for their businesses, the 2024 BEST Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) PRAISE and Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Community Awarding program will be conducted on August 8, 2024, from 9:00- 12:00NN at the Heritage Convention Center of IFSU.
Throughout the three-day event, a series of fora aligned with the pillars of DOST will be conducted covering various science and technology topics, targeting LGU representatives, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), researchers, health workers, and interested individuals.
The first forum will focus on intensifying Climate Change and Disaster-Resilient Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) through Science and Technology Initiatives, to be presented by the Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resource Research and Development (CorCAARD).
Moreover, the topics under the Providing Solutions for Human Well-being theme will cover Routine Immunization Situationer in Ifugao, Research Presentations related to routine immunization from IFSU, Rapid Prototyping of Nasal Mask for Neonatal Ventilation, and Development of Locum Artificial Body for Radiation Analysis and Testing (LABRAT).
The theme on Providing Solutions for Sustainability will also include the presentation of Project Monitoring of Indicators for Efficient Redevelopment and Value Assessment (MINERVA), LUNGSOD Systems and Solutions, DATOS-Remote Sensing and Data Science Help Desk, and the DOST Framework for Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities Program (SSCP). A forum for MSMEs under the wealth creation pillar will also be conducted. Among the topics include discussions on Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hubs, Native Pig and ASF detection Kit, Bamboo Technologies, and tomato technologies.
Lastly, the forum on Providing Solutions for Wealth Protection will convene disaster risk reduction and management personnel of the Local Government Units (LGUs) region-wide to discuss smart technologies related to energy, environment, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
In support of S & T Education and engaging students in STI, STARTUP Ecosystem Mapping, STARTUP Caravan, and Robotics Training shall be conducted as well.
Further, the S&T Exhibit and Interactive Exhibits, including the Techno Bazaar will be held at the IFSU Luis Hora Gymnasium. These will showcase engaging and emerging technologies ready for commercialization by exhibitors from various DOST Research Development Institutions (RDIs) and partners. The Techno Bazaar will also showcase innovative products of entrepreneurs and communities assisted by the DOST in CAR.
The DOST-CAR is inviting visitors and participants from schools, academe, LGUs, NGAs, researchers and inventors, Community-based Organizations (CBOs), and community stakeholders to join in the biggest STI event in CAR. Interested participants may register at https://tinyurl.com/yh5rajax, however, walk-in participants are also welcome.
