MIMAROPA science week pushes Romblon become ‘smart island’

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Being a geographically isolated island, Romblon faces major challenges in digital connectivity, transportation and mobility, access to basic services, and even disaster risk and early warning.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said these realities make the province not just a beneficiary of innovation, but an important proof of concept for science and technology, demonstrating its benefits and values to the public.

To bring science-based interventions closer to island communities, this year’s celebration of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in MIMAROPA, the DOST introduced various technologies to push the province of Romblon to become “smart island.”

“In many places, development is often measured by roads, bridges, robots, and industries,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said. But in an archipelagic region like MIMAROPA, it must also be measured by how well we connect communities separated by seas, bring opportunities to geographically isolated areas, and ensure that every Filipino can benefit from science, technology, and innovation.”

Among the technologies launched are the TRIPSY and SEAWAVeS.

TRIPSY is a smart tricycle booking app adopted and deployed by the local government of Odiongan to improve local mobility within the municipality. Envisioned for province-wide expansion, the app will feature tour bookings, and local attraction guides, fostering tourism and sparking local economic growth.

Moreover, coastal communities, businesses, and maritime activities in Romblon face unpredictable risks every day. Limited tools, late warnings, and costly technologies put lives, assets, and operations at risk.

To address these challenges, the DOST turned over a project called SEAWAVes or the Sea-condition Emergency Alert Warning Apparatus for Vessel Safety.

Developed by researchers of Aklan State University and funded by DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIERD), this technology aims to provide real-time monitoring of small watercraft using the General Packet Radio Service network.

“We need to be smarter in the way we will approach the development of our communities. We need to find out the most important challenge that they face. Their expressed need, not the perceived need. And make sure that we prioritize the most important, given the funds that are given to all of us,” Solidum added, highlighting the importance of providing tailored-fit science and technology interventions to communities.

The science chief also added that DOST’s goal is to help communities pursue development that is innovative, inclusive, responsible, and that can last beyond a single project, administration, or generation. This is under the DOST’s strategic pillar of sustainability.

In MIMAROPA, the DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities program has mobilized more than Php71 million in assistance for smart technologies, renewable energy, water systems, education, health, disaster preparedness, and agri-aqua development, according to Solidum.

He said the program has also produced five Smart and Sustainable Community Roadmaps and strengthened the capacities of 18 local government units, giving them a clearer framework for integrating science, technology, and innovation into their long-term development plans.

“Essentially, sometimes we think that to be a smart community, we need a lot of money. Hindi, maraming pwedeng gawin na hindi kailangang masyadong mahal but can be very effective. Now, in all of this, we cannot be just working on these things by ourselves. Another pathway for assistance to Romblon is to link the province and, of course, the university with national and other partners within the Philippines and internationally,” Solidum said.

About RSTW

The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is an annual event organized by the DOST regional offices across 17 regions. This celebration showcases local technologies, research and development (R&D) projects, and innovative initiatives that connect communities, local industries, and stakeholders with science-based solutions. These efforts promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development in the region. The RSTW is one of the major scientific events leading up to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration, which will be held in General Santos City in November.  For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph or the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) Facebook page. (By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)