BAGUIO CITY – Aside from robotics, systems, and mobile applications for health-related concerns, eco-friendly inventions and innovations were also the main highlights of Cordinnovation Week 2024.
The Regional Research Development and Innovation Committee led by the Department of Science and Technology spearheaded the second year of Cordinnovation. The 3-day celebration aims to foster public awareness and support for innovation as an important key to economic growth and national development. However, this year’s event not only showcased groundbreaking innovations but also underscored the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.
One of the standout inventions at the event was the plastic shredder, which demonstrated a tangible solution to plastic waste problems. “Itong plastic shredder and advantage niya for environmental kasi threshed namin yung mga plastic and then gagawin naming mga upuan tapos distribute sa mga public schools and then reduce namin yung mga waste dito sa Baguio kapag complete na yung project,” Joseph Toctocan, one of the inventors of the plastic shredder and scholar of The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) explained. Together with his co-inventors, their initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic pollution but also contributes to waste reduction and resource conservation.
Furthermore, TESDA-CAR Regional Director Atty. Balmyrson M. Valdez expressed TESDA-CAR’s full support to the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee. He also mentioned that “One company just this morning already approached TESDA. And they are very much interested in their students learning the design of the plastic shredder.”
Meanwhile, state university and college exhibitors highlighted innovative yet eco-friendly farming practices that would greatly benefit the agricultural sector.
Another exhibitor and DOST Science Research Specialist I, Irwin A. Gonzales, stated that “We know na sa panahon ngayon, kasi di ba, uso ang global warming and yung mga bad habits na tinatawag natin sa mga, sa mga… factories and industries na nakaka-pollute sa ating nature. So, that’s why we’re promoting yung paggamit ng mga natural fiber. And para, syempre, makalessen tayo ng mga waste. So, sa mga gantong exhibit, napaka-importante sa amin para makapagbigay ng info, para magkaroon ng awareness yung mga tao.” He has also emphasized the importance of innovation for them to utilize and apply it to Philippine textiles, promoting a more sustainable future
The various inventions and innovations that were featured during the event were not only geared towards alleviating the adverse impacts of climate change and conserving natural resources but also in building a better and liveable city.
As Baguio City Mayor, Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong stated, “It’s about time that we have to learn how to leverage technology and creative solutions to address threats and challenges, especially climate change and rapid urbanization. We have urban decay that is actually happening. So we all need technology and, at the same time, basically, innovation for us to be able to further improve the quality of life of our people.”
Through collaboration and collective action, the Cordillera region aims to promote innovation and environmental sustainability and build a better world for future generations. By Hazel Rose N. Infante
