ILOILO City – The importance of science and technology (S&T) in socioeconomic progress is being highlighted in this year’s celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in Western Visayas.
Anchored on the theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Masigla at Maunlad na Rehiyon,” the Department of Science and Technology Region 6 (DOST-6) kicked off the 2022 NSTW celebration on Nov. 17 (it runs until Nov. 19), highlighting scientific and technological innovations.
DOST secretary, Dr. Renato Solidum, the keynote speaker, commended DOST-6 for advancing science and technology innovations, researches, partnerships and projects.
The highlight of this year’s celebration is the 2022 Idlab Awards by the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC).
A total of 12 awardees in the field of basic research; agriculture, aquatic and natural resources; health research; and industry, energy and emerging technology will be awarded this Saturday at the Iloilo Convention Center.
Citing their importance to society’s progress and how hard they work, Solidum stressed researchers and innovators are all deserving of awards.
He also lauded the innovation networks in Western Visayas such as the WV Laboratory Network (WV LabNet) and the Regional GIS Information Network-Innovation Hub (RGIN-IH).
Solidum noted that the incorporation of WV Labnet and RGIN-IH in the region has established a strong foundation for innovation to flourish and drastically change and improve the lives of the public.
WV Labnet, which is composed of six major labs namely University of the Philippines – Visayas, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), Environment Management Bureau – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) Region 6, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative, and DOST-6, sets the ground for strengthening collaboration, recognizing the critical importance of laboratory and testing services in socioeconomic development.
The RGIN-IH, on the other hand, is a collaboration between the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and DOST. It is a network for sharing best practices in the use of GIS technology and building and maintaining the GIS capability of members.
Moreover, a regional geospatial information network innovation hub will also be established as a platform for new special data sharing. It will be comprised of the local government unit (LGU), national government agencies and state universities and colleges in the region that are the sources of maps, intended users of the hub, and creators of different geospatial information.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the celebration is a reminder of the importance of science and technology to achieve lively, thriving and progressive communities.
For his part, Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said one of the strategic goals of his social justice agenda “More Progress Iloilo” is increasing the investment and employment opportunities for the Ilonggos.
He believes this could be achieved by boosting infrastructure and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through adoption and application of science and technology initiatives.
RECOGNITION OF DOST SCHOLARS, STAKEHOLDERS
In line with the celebration of NSTW, DOST-6 also recognized its scholars and partners.
For scholars, the awardees were:
* Janry Custodio Plaga of Murcia, Negros Occidental and Brian Ray D. Minerva of Oton, Iloilo who were both 2022 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination topnotchers; and
* 2022 Fisheries Technology board examination topnotchers Cherry Dale C. Templonuevo of Numancia, Aklan; Joseph Keith Paulo Tabilid Nava of Pavia, Iloilo; Marianne Joyce Sudario Herrada from other region; Yessamin Tamayo Lebaquin of Miag-ao, Iloilo; and Ferla Pearl Ornopia Palomar of Janiuay, Iloilo.
For media partners, recognized were:
* Lilibeth A. French and Liezl Marie Lamasan of the Philippine Information Agency 6
* Runji Jamolo, Elena Pabiona, Mary Hope Leonida Torrechante, and Emmerose Santiagudo of Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo
* Joel Franco of RMN Iloilo
* Glenda Tayona of Panay News
* Perla Lena of Philippine News Agency; and
* Tara Yap of Manila Bulletin.
Also awarded were Outstanding DOST beneficiaries and stakeholders, namely:
* Municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras – 2022 Regional Best Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) Community Award
* Herbanext Laboratories – regional nominee and national finalist of the 2022 SETUP 4.0 Awards for MSME Category: Most Outstanding 4.0-Ready Award (Most I-READY Award)
* Filbake Food Corporation – regional nominee and national finalist of the 2022 SETUP 4.0 Awards for MSME Category: Most Outstanding 4.0-Ready Award (Most I-READY Award)
* Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative – regional winner and national finalist of the 2022 SETUP 4.0 Awards for MSME Category: The SETUP PRAISE Award for MSME./PN
