To ensure that all the research and development (R&D) outputs made or supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reach their intended beneficiaries and sectors, several Memoranda of Understanding have been signed by the country’s Science Department with several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.

On 30 August 2023, the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in the National Capital Region (NCR) kicked off at the SM Aura Premier Mall in Taguig City. The event was spearheaded by the DOST-National Capital Region, the Local Government of Taguig, and SM Prime Holdings Inc. The highlight was the commitment of cities in Metro Manila to adopt various technologies and R&D outputs from the DOST-attached agencies and partner institutions and use them for their intended purposes.

“Our battle cry in the DOST, especially in regional operations, is to mainstream science, technology, and innovation (STI) in local development to help address environmental problems, augment economic needs, and improve social status, thereby improving lives," said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang.

Meanwhile, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles stated that with the launch of several partnerships with various local government units, the DOST-NCR looks forward to enhancing its STI plans and implementations in their respective areas.

“We look forward to deploying various technologies through our Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program as we seek STI for social development anchored in our collective agenda of enhancing our social fabric. Our work includes developing and transferring technologies not only to the industry sector but also to our micro-small and medium enterprises and communities, ensuring an even playing field among all sectors in society," shared Reg. Dir. Tresvalles.

DOST technologies in Metro Manila cities

Several DOST-developed technologies under different projects were showcased during the science fair that addresses various problems in the urban areas in the National Capital region. The first DOST project is the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV) Technology in Taguig City. The MOCCOV will help intensify and strengthen LGUs' readiness to take action on and respond quickly to the possible effects of calamities or tragedies. It is equipped with various capabilities for emergency situations, exercising contingency and response plans. It also has its own weather station system, drone, satellite phone, and other communication and surveillance equipment.

The next project is the Interactive Science Education Complex and State-of-the-Art Science Laboratory (ISEC-SAS Lab) to be established at the Taguig National High School. The ISEC-SAS Lab aims to support the teaching of a science-based curriculum for students and teachers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) track. This interactive science laboratory will serve as a hub for collaborative learning in innovation, offering access to advanced technologies, hands-on experimental learning, and research opportunities. Additionally, it fosters curiosity and awareness about space technology among students and teachers.

“Ang kahalagahan ng Agham at Teknolohiya sa ikauunlad ng lipunan ay nasa sentro ng pagiging transformative, lively, and caring city ng Taguig. Walang duda na makikinabang talaga ang ating mga estudyante sa partnership ng DOST, Department of Education, at Local Government ng Taguig dito sa pagpapalawak ng scientific learning sa ating lungsod," said Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Also featured in the event was the ceremonial launching of the Improvement of the Pasay City Transport Group Operations Through the Integration of Fast Charging System.

In 2023, the DOST-NCR presented the Charging in Minutes (CharM) Technology of CHRG Electric Vehicle Technologies, Incorporated to the Local Government Unit of Pasay through its Tricycle and Pedicab Franchising and Regulatory Office (TPFRO) and Cooperative Development Office.

CharM (Charging in Minutes) is a DOST-funded technology developed by the University of the Philippines Diliman, which significantly reduces charging time, generates more income, and supports greener mass transit, thereby maximizing the usage of EV technologies. The researchers formed CHRG EV Inc. as a spin-off company to produce and market CharM.

“Kadalasan, tumatagal lamang ng apat hanggang limang biyahe sa isang full charge. Tapos, kailangan pa nilang mag-charge ng tatlo hanggang apat na oras bago muling ma-fully charge. Iyan ang pangkaraniwang problema sa mga electric na sasakyan. Ngunit siyempre, dumating ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST), nakipag-ugnayan sa aming lungsod, at plano nilang bigyan kami ng tinatawag na fast charging system," sabi ni Ismael O. Sevilla, ang pinuno ng Tricycle and Franchising Regulatory Office ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Pasay.

(Usually, it only lasts for about four to five round trips on a single full charge. Then they need to charge for three to four hours before being fully charged again. That's the issue often encountered with electric vehicles. Of course, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) came in, coordinated with our city, and they are planning to provide us with what they call a fast-charging system)

Meanwhile, to further equip our STEM teachers not only in Earth Sciences but also in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), the DOST-NCR partnered with the Philippine Normal University for the project titled: Capability Enhancement of STEM Teachers in NCR through the Development of Learning Activities on Earth Science.

This project aims to capacitate teachers, specifically those teaching in senior high school, who handle Earth and Life Science and DRRM subjects. Its goal is to enhance their competencies in teaching topics related to geological hazards, hydrometeorological hazards, and others.

Another featured project was the implementation of the iSTART project with the local governments of Quezon City and Muntinlupa City.

The iSTART program is a platform for the strategic alignment of the department's programs and projects with local development plans. It aims to support balanced geographical development by accelerating regional growth through STI. Among its specific objectives is to assist LGUs in developing technology-based development plans for agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors by engaging researchers, scientists, and engineers in the planning process.

Another program of DOST-NCR is CEST (Community Empowerment through Science and Technology), and among its pillars is the upgrading of technology-based enterprises.

According to Engr. Oscar B. Sevilla, Jr., head of DOST-NCR PAMAMARISAN CASTO, through their community assessment, they discovered an opportunity for enterprise development through the utilization of technologies developed by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, such as handloom weaving and natural dyeing.

Included in this inclusive program are partner-beneficiaries from KAMAO (Kababaihang Maabilidad at Organisado) of Barangay Fortune in Marikina City, the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, and the BJMP San Juan City Female Dormitory. Also involved are "Bags in the City Manila," "Weavers of Tomorrow Incorporated," and "Binigyan ng Laya ni Hesus Jail Ministry."

Engr. Sevilla further stated that the goal of this project is to utilize DOST technologies and create valuable products that can be sold by the community beneficiaries. Through this approach, it is possible to develop enterprises and assist people in the community in having an alternative source of income or livelihood.

On the other hand, DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr. mentioned that with the use of these technologies, various designs and colors can be created on fabrics. In fact, the textile industry provides employment and opportunities across different sectors of society. However, many communities lack access to technology and need to be more actively involved in this industry.

Also held during the opening program of the 2023 RSTW NCR was the ceremonial MoA signing of DOST-NCR with Valenzuela City for the project called “Enhancing the Productivity and Profitability of Catfish through Scientific Farming in an Urban Setting in Barangay Balangkas.

The 2023 RSTW celebration in the National Capital Region (NCR), held at SM Aura Premier in BGC, Taguig City, ran from 30 August to 01 September 2023.

With the theme, 'Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,' the DOST, together with its attached agencies and partner organizations, showcased the latest innovative products, services, and research studies that address the pressing concerns of different industries in Metro Manila through interactive exhibits and fora. Thereafter, separate RSTWs will be conducted in different regions across the country that boasts of various innovations in agriculture, health, education, enterprise development, DRRM, and many more.

To guarantee that the outcomes of research and development (R&D) conducted or supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) effectively reach their intended recipients and sectors, the Science Department of the nation organized a sequence of Memoranda of Understanding with various local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region.

Different technological exhibits featured practical innovations to address urban problems during the 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in the National Capital Region held at the Samsung Hall, Level 6 of the SM Aura Premier Mall in Taguig City.