Science tourism, climate resilience top E. Visayas Regional S&T Week initiatives

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TACLOBAN CITY — “When the next crisis comes—whether it is a stronger typhoon, a disrupted food supply, or a sudden energy shortage—will we be ready?”

These were the words of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. as he set the tone for the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) opening ceremonies on July 15, 2026 in Tacloban City, Leyte—a city that has become a symbol of resilience since it was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

Running until July 17, the 2026 RSTW in Eastern Visayas responded to that challenge by showcasing science-based solutions that aim to help communities prepare for and recover from emerging risks. 

“Resilience is not optional—it is a way of life,” DOST-Eastern Visayas Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña said, emphasizing that the region’s progress has been made possible through strong partnerships among local government units, academic institutions, the private sector, and communities that recognize science and technology as a necessity for inclusive growth rather than a luxury.

Aside from this, Dir. Ocaña underscored Eastern Visayas’ growing role as a hub of innovation, introducing science tourism as a new initiative that showcases the region’s technologies, innovation hubs, and local ingenuity as destinations in themselves.

Reflecting this vision, one of the innovative highlights launched during the opening ceremonies was the Eastern Visayas’ Science Tourism initiative, which is aimed at fostering public awareness and appreciation of science, technology, and innovation by integrating them into eco-tourism experiences in the region.

Meanwhile, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted the urgent need for science-based decision-making as communities continue to face increasing natural hazards.

“The challenges of today cannot be addressed by conventional solutions alone. They require innovation, collaboration, partnerships, and, most importantly, decisions grounded in science,” Usec. Mabborang said, describing this as the core mission of the DOST.

With this, the DOST-Eastern Visayas proudly showcased the launch of the Region VIII Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)-Disaster Risk Resilience and Management (DRRM) Strategy Roadmap, featuring a long-term science-driven detailed plan to strengthen the region’s resilience through climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and technology-enabled governance.

The private sector likewise expressed its full support for strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. Speaking on behalf of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Eastern Visayas Regional Governor Eugene A. Tan, Francisco P. Barredo said progress should be measured not only through infrastructure but through meaningful improvements in the lives of Filipinos.

He stressed that innovation is a shared responsibility among government, business, the academe, and communities, adding that initiatives such as the RSTW create greater opportunities for innovation to become more accessible to all.

On the other hand, DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Maria Teresa Bien-De Guzman reaffirmed DOST’s commitment to ensure that science must create meaningful and tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“When we speak of science and technology, we are not speaking of abstract ideas. Ang agham ay hindi dapat nakikita lamang sa laboratoryo. Ang agham ay dapat ramdam,” she emphasized.

She noted that innovation can emerge not only from cities but also from rural communities and the youth, citing Eastern Visayas as an example of how research is being translated into resilient communities, sustainable livelihoods, and improved public services.

Asec. De Guzman challenged stakeholders to sustain the momentum beyond the celebration of the RSTW by asking three questions: “What problem did we solve? Which partnership did we build? What action will make a difference?”

She also assured local governments, researchers, innovators, and communities that DOST will continue its support in connecting people with technologies and bringing science closer to every Filipino.

Other landmark initiatives were also launched during the opening ceremony, further strengthening the region’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. These include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the STEM Education Enhancement Project; the ceremonial turnover of Php17.8 million worth of mobile command and control vehicle (MoCCoV) from DOST to the local government units (LGUs) of Biliran and Catarman to boost the respective LGUs’ disaster preparedness; the launch of the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines–Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNTRO) Eastern Visayas Implementation Plan (2026–2029); and the ceremonial opening of the DOST Advanced Manufacturing Center (AmCEN) in Eastern Visayas.

Moreover, key officials from the region’s LGU also graced the event such as Regional Development Council VIII Chairperson and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, represented by Provincial Planning and Development Officer Agnes C. Rafon; Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, represented by City Planning and Development Coordinator Janis Claire S. Canta; Leyte First District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, represented by Municipal Coordinator Atty. Camille Villaflor; as well as mayors and representatives from the municipalities of Catarman, Northern Samar; Basey, Samar; and Daram, Samar, among other local government officials and stakeholders from across Eastern Visayas.

The three-day RSTW celebration in Eastern Visayas features technology exhibits, innovation showcases, research presentations, forums, and networking activities aimed at promoting science-based solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable development in the region.

The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is one of the flagship programs 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 and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph or the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) Facebook page. (By Jasmin Joyce S. Clarin, DOST-STII and photos from Xyrus Ivan S. de Gracia, DOST-STII)