DOST cites outstanding program beneficiaries

By Lilbeth A. French

ILOILO CITY (PIA) – – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6 recognized outstanding program beneficiaries and stakeholders in Western Visayas for 2021 during the opening ceremonies of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration on Tuesday, November 23.

Awardees are Herbanext Laboratories Inc as regional winner for the SETUP PRAISE Award and the municipality of Sibalom, Antique for Best CEST (Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology) Community.

The University of Antique-Sibalom campus was also cited for the Complementary Food production through its Sibalom Techno Hub.  DOST 6 Director Rowen Gelonga said the SETUP PRAISE Award is given to recognize the productivity, resilience, agility, innovation, sustainability and excellence exhibited by small medium enterprises during the crisis.

The Best CEST Community Award recognizes the communities that have remarkably developed into resilient empowered communities after the provision of science and technology under this program of the agency.

Herbanext and the municipality of Sibalom were also chosen as finalists in their respective categories at the national level.

The virtual opening ceremonies of the NSTW also kicked off other activities marking the regional celebration such as the Bakal Lokal Fair, S & T Digital Exhibits, virtual Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits and the Usapang Tech-Negosyo featuring webinars on technologies and DOST programs for startups and MSMEs.

The Bakal Lokal Fair and S&T Digital Exhibits are held at Robinsons Place Jaro until November 26. Also showcased in S &T Digital Exhibits are the DOST programs, projects and activities. (laf/PIA6-Iloilo)