SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union —The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1 has marked its milestones in 2024, demonstrating the success of its agile approach, known as “Sciglat” — Spearheading and Championing Innovations Geared towards Leveraging and Accelerating Technologies in Region 1 — in addressing regional challenges.
During a Jan. 7 airing of the DOST-1’s Tekno Presyensya: Syensya ken Teknolohiya para Kadagiti Umili program on Facebook, Dr. Tabaog shared insights into the agency’s projects and highlighted the importance of their agile approach in addressing pressing community needs.
“This initiative demonstrates how our agile Sciglat approach allows us to respond swiftly to community needs while ensuring sustainable solutions,” Tabaog said.
One of the most impactful accomplishments is the launch of the first solar-powered water desalination facility on Silaki Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan. This project, made possible through partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and the private sector, directly addresses the community’s long-standing need for clean drinking water.
Bolinao Mayor Alfonso F. Celeste, meanwhile emphasized the facility’s importance to the community and urged residents to sustain its benefits.
“This is a priceless gift from DOST-1,” Celeste said.
The P94 million Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) Binmaley Campus in Binmaley, Pangasinan, marked another milestone in advancing salt production technologies.
The ASIN Center, established under the DOST-Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) Program, supports the development of technologies for salt production and analysis.
This project complements the agency’s “One ASIN” program, focusing on wealth creation and technology transfer to support salt producers in Region 1.
Dr. Tabaog emphasized that these initiatives aim to empower communities to produce more while increasing their incomes through science and technology.
The agency also plans to expand its desalination technology to other coastal areas and promote sustainable innovations in key industries.
These initiatives align with the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable growth.
“Our Sciglat approach is not just about being agile, it’s about ensuring that every intervention benefits the people directly and sustainably,” Tabaog said.
As DOST-1 continues to advance its programs, it remains committed to fostering regional progress by addressing community needs through science, technology, and innovation.
The agency’s whole-of-government strategy is a model for other regions, driving inclusive and sustainable growth for Filipinos. (PIA Region 1)