DOST opens 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Capiz

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Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. keynotes the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Western Visayas on September 10, 2025 at Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, Capiz, highlighting that the annual regional celebration is a platform for bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the Filipinos. (Photo courtesy of the DOST-Regional Operations Facebook Page)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially opened on 10 September 2025 the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) at Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan.”

In his keynote message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. underscored that the annual RSTW is not merely a showcase but a platform to make science and innovation tangible for Filipino communities.

“The RSTW is a platform for bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the Filipinos. It is where ideas meet action, where partnerships turn into progress, and where communities see firsthand how innovations can improve lives,” he said.

He highlighted the agency’s mandate of “ONEDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All,” driven by four strategic pillars: Promoting Human Well-Being, Fostering Wealth Creation, Reinforcing Wealth Protection, and Institutionalizing Sustainability. He also pointed out how Western Visayas continues to see growth in agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, and stressed the need for deeper collaboration.

“Our initiatives have upgraded production systems, enhanced product quality, supported research and development, promoted environmental sustainability, and expanded disaster preparedness through various projects implemented throughout the province, he said adding that these initiatives strengthened industries, empowered communities, and improved the competitiveness of local enterprises.

Sec. Solidum also cited the growth of the first Innovation Hub in Antique and announced the launching of another iHub in Capiz, strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

“All these efforts point toward our subtheme, ‘Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,’ the essence of what we aim to achieve: Agham na Ramdam—communities that are not only productive, but also resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, DOST Region VI Director Rowen R. Gelonga expressed gratitude to local leaders, stakeholders, and partner communities for their active participation.

“Capiz, known as the ‘Seafood Capital of the Philippines,’ is blessed with abundant natural resources and plays a vital role in building the nation’s Blue Economy. This year’s theme reminds us that science and innovation are not only about progress, but about creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all,” he said.

He underscored that RSTW serves as a hotspot for collaboration across government, academe, MSMEs, and private institutions.

“DOST is committed to demonstrating that science-based solutions uplift lives not only here in Western Visayas but across the nation. These tangible initiatives reaffirm our dedication to building a thriving, future-ready regional economy that contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he remarked.

The exhibits this year highlight innovations in aquaculture and fisheries (Waves of the Future), agriculture (Smart Harvests), disaster preparedness (Innovation for Smarter and Safer Communities), learning technologies (Next Gen Science Learning), and robotics (Intelligent Machines). Forums, startup podcasts, and knowledge-sharing sessions also form part of the celebration.

The 2025 RSTW in Western Visayas which was open to the public will ran until September 12, 2025 at the Robinsons Roxas, Roxas City, Capiz. This is among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Rosemarie C. Señora, DOST-STII)

#OneDOST4U #SolutionsAndOpportunitiesforAll