S&T Week Celebration in WV slated November 23-26

The biggest S&T event will once again take the limelight on November 23-26 as the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) celebrates the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in Western Visayas.  Staging virtually on its second year, the S&T week celebration will gather the public who will continue to enjoy the many activities set for the NSTW.

This year’s theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon”, conveys how science, technology, and innovation mitigate the effects of the pandemic as DOST features the contribution of science and technology in socio-economic development.  The event highlights two major activities namely, Tech-Negosyo and the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE).  In collaboration with the Youth First Initiatives Philippines, Inc. (YFIPI), the Tech-Negosyo is a three-day activity at Robinsons Place Jaro from November 23-25 showcasing the Bakal Lokal Fair, Usapang Tech-Negosyo, S&T Digital Exhibits and the Fyrside Chats.

As a pandemic response, the Bakal Lokal was established by the YFIPI to help local merchants continue their business despite quarantine restrictions.  At the Bakal Lokal Fair, excellent artisanal food and fresh produce from all over the region are available.  The Usapang Tech-Negosyo is a webinar that features technologies, S&T experts and DOST programs for startups and MSMEs.  This online program promotes S&T information on food safety, food product development, DOST programs including innovative technologies for the food industry.  Moreover, the S&T Digital Exhibits will feature DOST programs, projects and activities particularly how science, technology and innovation support MSMEs in Western Visayas.  The Fyrside Chats are talks that encourage continuous conversations about technology, entrepreneurship, Smart Cities, startup ecosystem, modern productivity, smart economy, among others.  They are educational but conversational and engaging.  Speakers are founders, experts, thinkers, officials, among others working to chart the innovation landscape.

DOST VI will also feature the RICE, which being conducted by DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute together with DOST regional offices.  This biennial event aims to encourage more male and female Filipino inventors to create innovative technologies that can help accelerate the country’s socio-economic development.  There are 30 entries in Region VI under the 3 categories, namely, Utility Model (Unlad Award), Creative Research (Likha Award) and Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) are vying to win this year.

The event will officially open on November 23 and can be viewed live in Zoom and Facebook.  DOST VI will also have the regional launching of its projects and publication and the awarding of its Best SETUP PRAISE and Best CEST Community for 2021.  These awards will give recognition to the outstanding accomplishments of our MSMEs as well as other partner organizations in science and technology.

The NSTW is conducted every year in the region to give recognition to the accomplishments and outstanding personalities in science and technology.  It will also showcase the significant contributions of science and technology to national development.  (DOSTVI-KMU)