DOST S&T Fellows showcase MSME innovations in 4th convention

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) highlighted research and development projects by its Science and Technology (S&T) Fellows during the 4th S&T Fellows Convention held at Hilton Manila Newport Resort.

The program, which currently engages 58 researchers, scientists, and engineers across DOST agencies, aims to strengthen the country’s innovation capacity and bridge science with industries and communities.

“The S&T Fellows—composed of researchers, scientists, and engineers—are vital in strengthening DOST’s R&D capacity,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

He said that 48 projects led by Fellows have secured more than PHP 700 million in funding to date.

One of the event’s highlights was the SAqFeeder, a Smart Aquafarm Feeder and Monitoring System for Highly Turbid Conditions developed by DOST S&T Fellow Engr. Eduardo Piedad.

The technology automates fish feeding and monitors water quality even in murky waters, reducing waste, improving yield, and promoting sustainable aquaculture.

Overfeeding, which accounts for up to 60 percent of aquafarmers’ operational costs, also increases ammonia levels in aquafarms, stressing shrimps and causing mass mortality.

Another presentation featured “Hydrogen SEEP: Sustainable Rock-Derived Energy Exploration in the Philippines,” a study led by DOST S&T Fellow Dr. Karmina Aquino that explores the potential of geologic hydrogen in Zambales as a future clean energy source.

On food research, DOST S&T Fellow Dr. Mariero H. Gawat, based in DOST-Caraga, is supporting Father Saturnino Urios University in establishing a Food Innovation Center (FIC) in the region.

The center focuses on creating functional and emergency food products from indigenous raw materials, as well as training local stakeholders in food formulation, product development, and sensory evaluation.

Among its outputs are the BlackGold Nutribar, Seascoop or danggit ice cream, and mushroom-based food products.

Other innovations presented at the convention include Dr. Phoebe Nicole Perez’s use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize vector-borne viruses for clinical applications and Engr. Emmanuel Arriola’s AMPoLiCoolS, a polymer-based liquid cooling system for electric vehicles that addresses critical heat management issues.

S&T Fellow Gem Trespalacio of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) also presented a project on integrating indigenous knowledge into climate-smart agriculture solutions in Northern Philippines.

“Our theme, Innovating Together: Enabling the Experts, Elevating the Filipino Future, reminds us that innovation is not a solitary pursuit—it thrives when minds, skills, and passions converge,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia.

“Through the S&T Fellows Program, we are not just enabling experts; we are empowering catalysts of change whose work will ripple far beyond laboratories, offices, and project sites. Today’s gathering is proof that when we innovate together, we can truly shape a brighter, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for every Filipino,” Buendia added.

The DOST S&T Fellows Program was launched to engage highly skilled Filipino experts to spearhead R&D projects in science, technology, and innovation, creating direct impact on local industries, MSMEs, and communities.