CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — DOST Northern Mindanao will hold the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Camiguin this July 22–24, bringing the region’s biggest science and technology event to one of Mindanao’s most dynamic island provinces.
The event, dubbed RSTW sa ISLA, will be held at the Cong PPR Camiguin New Gymnasium, under the concept of ISLA — Innovations for Sustainable and Livable Archipelago. It carries the nationwide theme of “Driving Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience.”
Camiguin tells its own story. An island born of fire with a landscape where opportunity continues to take root and thrive. The island’s rich volcanic soil yields some of the country’s most prized agricultural produce, including the iconic lanzones and a variety of native crops that have sustained generations of Camiguinons and fueled local commerce. Its surrounding waters are equally abundant, supporting a robust aquaculture and fishing industry that feeds both local tables and regional markets.
Beyond its land and sea, Camiguin has built a reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier ecological tourism destinations, drawing visitors to its white island sandbars, sunken cemetery, and world-class dive sites such as Mantigue Island, known for its rich coral reefs and thriving marine sanctuary. This natural wealth represents enormous untapped potential for science and technology-driven growth.
Its volcanic character also tells a story of preparedness and possibility. Camiguin’s long history of living alongside active volcanoes has shaped a community that understands risk and values science. Among the technologies on display at RSTW sa ISLA this July is the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle, or MoCCoV, a portable incident command center equipped with satellite communications, weather monitoring, rescue drones, and solar and wind power capabilities, developed by DOST through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program. Camiguin is among the provinces that already own one.
The three-day event will feature technology exhibits, forums, and demonstrations showcasing innovations in agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and disaster resilience developed by DOST and its partner agencies. Local farmers, fisherfolk, students, and entrepreneurs are expected to participate alongside researchers, government officials, and science advocates from across Northern Mindanao.
The event aims to make science and technology accessible beyond urban centers, ensuring that even the most remote communities benefit from the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Camiguin, with a land area of just over 230 square kilometers, is one of the Philippines’ smallest provinces, but its size is precisely what makes it a powerful symbol for this year’s event. RSTW sa ISLA is proof that science does not stop at the shoreline.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from across Region 10 and neighboring areas. Registration details and the full program will be announced through official DOST-10 channels.
The 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week Northern Mindanao runs from July 22–24, 2026 at the Camiguin Gymnasium, Mambajao, Camiguin.