THE REGIONAL Research, Development and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by the Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) conducted the official launch of Idlab Awards, Aug. 17.
Idlab Awards is the Awards is the first regional merit and reward system. With the theme, “Advancing Science, Technology, and Innovation in Western Visayas by Fostering STI [Science, Technology, and Innovation] Culture in the Region”, the Idlab awards aim to recognize Western Visayan scientists, researchers, engineers, and innovators who contribute to the development and implementation of innovative solutions to various sectoral challenges in the region. Moreover, the awards are meant to bring to the forefront the numerous Research and Development (R&D) project conducted in Western Visayas to promote appreciation of these initiatives.
On December 11, 2020, Resolution 80 Series of 2020 was passed thus formalizing the Regional R&D Awards. Idlab Awards was named after the Hiligaynon word “Idlab” meaning spark symbolizing how STI professionals become catalysts of change through their work and inspire both established and aspiring researchers and scientists follow suit in pursuing high-quality R&D outputs to initiate societal change.
The award committee’s Technical Working Group who will facilitate the entirety of the event comprises of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI, Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC), Western Visayas Regional Research Development and Extension Network (WESVIRRDEN), Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC), Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIEERD). Yvette G. Batacandolo, TWG Chairperson, discussed the rationale and introduced the TWG’s individual members.
In addition, potential nominations will be made in the following categories: Basic Research Category, Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Category, Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Category, and Health Research Category. The focal persons who explained the criteria for each category consisted of Dr. Vivian A. Topor of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) for Basic Research, Dr. Andrew Eusebio S. Tan of WESVAARRDEC for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources, Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso of WVCIEERD for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology, and Dr. Aretha Ann G. Liwag of WVHRDC for Health Research. However, the general criteria for all nominations are as follows: (1) Originality and quality of published scientific works; (2) Research outputs commercialized or potential for commercialization; (3) Significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the region; (4) Notable community or extension works related to the undertaken research and; (5) Membership in S&T and civic organizations.
The TWG Committee is set to hold an orientation to explain relevant documents for nomination in more detail. Guidelines and nomination documents are already available on the DOST VI website, https://bit.ly/3K76A3y./PN
