‘Virtual science exhibits’ make actual appearance as science week kicks off in Bicol

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2025-08-15. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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Making science more fun, interactive, and accessible to all, this is one of the ultimate goals of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as it launched the Virtual Science Centrum today during the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Legazpi, Albay in Bicol Region.

Developed by DOST Region V and funded by DOST-PCIEERD, the Virtual Science Centrum is an online platform that brings science exhibits to life, no matter where you are. Featuring 3D galleries, gamified exhibits, and hands-on experiences, the platform showcases topics from physics and biology to space and climate science, reimagined in immersive and engaging formats.

This flagship project brings together exhibits from four pioneering Regional Science and Technology Centers: Sentro Mindanaw, Bicol Science and Technology Centrum, MIMAROPA Regional Science Centrum, and Eastern Visayas Science Centrum.

Accessible on both mobile and desktop, the website features interactive science exhibits and quizzes, 3D virtual galleries and gamified experiences, downloadable teaching tools for students and teachers, language options and accessibility features, and online booking for physical visits to the actual science centrums in Leyte, Naga City, Davao, and Marinduque, all available right at your fingertips.

Innovation Hubs (iHubs) open in six Bicol provinces

Another major highlight is the virtual launching of the iHub facilities in Albay (Inside Regional Government Center Site, Legazpi City); Camarines Norte (Inside Camarines Norte State College, Daet); Camarines Sur (Inside Bicol Science and Technology Centrum, Naga City); Catanduanes (Near Catanduanes State University, Virac); Masbate (Near Southern Bicol Colleges, Masbate City); and Sorsogon (Inside Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon City). The iHub is a creative space built to help students, innovators, and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real-world solutions.

Following DOST’s 4Is Strategy: Inspire, Interact, Ideate, and Initiate – the iHub offers:

• Access to expert mentors and guidance
• Collaborative workspaces
• Opportunities for market testing and feedback
• Data tools and resources to improve innovations

Whether you’re a student, a startup, or an aspiring inventor, the iHub supports you from idea to execution.

For DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Bicol is more than just a region, it’s a place close to his heart, shaped by years of hands-on experience as a volcanologist monitoring the majestic Mayon Volcano.

“This is why our work in science, technology, and innovation is so important — to harness nature’s gifts while protecting communities from its risks,” said Sec. Solidum in his keynote address.

“At DOST, we share the same fire. We are passionate, relentless, and always cooking up solutions that make an impact. Through science, technology, and innovation, we turn this energy into programs, projects, and partnerships that address real needs, uplift communities, and open doors to opportunities. This is the kind of heat that transforms,” he continued.

The weeklong celebration showcases research breakthroughs, local innovations, and science-based solutions through forums, exhibits, workshops, and interactive learning activities.

Remaining steadfast in its mission to build smarter, more sustainable communities, across towns, cities, and provinces, through innovation, Sec. Solidum reaffirms his commitment to the Four Strategic Pillars of DOST. “The foundation that supports everything we do—the Four Strategic Pillars of our work para makamit ang isang Agham na Ramdam: promoting human well-being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability,” underscores Sec. Solidum.

Promoting Human Well-being — Empowering Bicol’s youth through scholarship programs, with 3,961 scholars enrolled since 2022 and 1,618 graduates poised to serve their communities.

Fostering Wealth Creation — Supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises via programs like SETUP, which has funded 153 projects worth over Php 135 million and generated 1,686 jobs. Complemented by CEST and iFWD PH initiatives that uplift communities and OFWs by turning ideas into thriving ventures.

Reinforcing Wealth Protection — Strengthening disaster preparedness through the deployment of early warning systems, emergency disinfection, rainwater collection, and other critical technologies across Bicol municipalities.

Institutionalizing Sustainability — Assisting local government units with science-based planning and implementation via iSTART and SSCP programs, and boosting industry competitiveness through the OneLab Network’s testing and calibration services.

Bicolano scientists, inventors, and grassroots innovators will also be honored for their contributions, while students and entrepreneurs will gain new skills and knowledge through hands-on sessions from the series of forums and technology exhibits.

“We cannot do it alone,” Sec. Solidum concluded. “Progress is built on shared vision collective effort, and partnerships that give flavor to our initiatives and heat to our innovations.”

The 2025 RSTW in Region V will be open to the public until August 15, 2025, at the La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center. 

The celebration of the RSTW is one of 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. (Abigail S. Omana, DOST-STII)