THIS year’s celebration of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in Region 2, Cagayan Valley, was a big success.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., underscored the importance of using science, technology and innovations (STI) “to make life easier and to have a better future.” Other guests in the three-day event held at Robinsons Place in Tuguegarao were DOST undersecretaries led by Engr. Sancho Mabborang for Regional Operations; Dr. Leah Buendia for Research and Development; Regional Directors led by Region 2 Director Virginia Bilgera, national and local dignitaries led by Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting Que.
The national media was represented by president Nelson Santos of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and other local media.
With the theme, Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” Solidum said that “it is really through science and innovation that can really propel the economic development” of the Philippines.
What is really impressive, he said is the large participation today of Region 2 and he was amazed of the presence of various leaders and representatives of the private sector, civil society, development partners, government and other sectoral groups.
“The desire for innovation has led us increase our effort and find effective ways to help the Filipinos,” Solidum declared during the event’s closing ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18.
On the other hand, Mabborang commended everyone in DOST Region 2 “for their hard work in advancing science, technology and innovations in the region.”
He said this year’s RSTW will be pushing forward its programs, projects and services to attain its goal of becoming the science, technology and innovation hub in the entire Cagayan Valley region.
The holding of the event in the region was actually a return or “comeback” to the region after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. The celebration for the last two years was virtual.
“We know that the crisis forced us to adapt new ways of working, educating and relating to one another but it did not stop us from reaching out to our stakeholders including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), LGUs, the academe, public and private institutions,” Mabborang stressed during the second day of the affair.
Bilgera, meanwhile said that the celebration “is another opportunity and a chance to recognize the immense contribution of our STI partners, their achievements through the sheer of their hard work, passion, perseverance and excellence amidst the pandemic and their battle towards the new normal.”
Awards were also given to winners of various categories such as in Science and Mathematics and Investigatory Project and S & T jingle competition. There were also exhibits and inventions’ showcase during the DOST-RSTW celebration. (Nelson Santos/PAPI)