Oriental Mindoro hosts 2024 DOST-MIMAROPA's Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week

The Department of Science and Technology - MIMAROPA Region (DOST-MIMAROPA) celebrated its Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) at Calapan City Convention Center, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on 7-9 May 2024.

With the theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan”, DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Maria Josefina P. Abilay in her welcome remarks conveyed the integral aspects of science, technology, and innovation in the island region of MIMAROPA particularly in Oriental Mindoro.

“Through exhibits and visits we have this week, we aim to convey that DOST interventions encompass all works of life - STI solutions that can across all sectors. From agriculture, aquaculture, education to food service and manufacturing sectors, various DOST agencies and partners are gathered [here in Oriental Mindoro]”, Dir. Abilay said.

Further, Oriental Mindoro (OrMin) Governor Humerlito A. Dolor proudly announced outstanding projects of the agency and expressed his gratitude especially to the launching of Food-on-the-Road Innovation and Processing Facility (FoodtrIP) for farmers in the region.

“I-tuturn-over sa atin ng DOST ang isang especial na truck. Ang truck na ito ay naglalaman ng mga makinarya at equipment that will increase food production in the communities. Sa food truck na ito, iikot siya sa iba’t ibang komunidad ng Oriental Mindoro to transform a raw material na pagkain, prutas man ito o gulay, into something of more value,” he said.

“I would like to thank DOST for choosing Calapan City as your host for 2024 regional science and technology week [in MIMAROPA]. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude. We will always welcome you to Oriental Mindoro at sana po lahat ng makikita natin dito, lahat ng mga imbensyon at makabagong teknolohiya ay magamit para sa mas padaliin at pagandahin ang buhay ng tao”, the OrMin governor added.

This provided facility on food processing and manufacturing will assist farmers in MIMAROPA in overcoming post-harvest challenges and introduce the practice of value adding for an additional income of the community through developing profitable food products. Meanwhile, Calapan City Mayor Marilou F. Morillo acknowledged STI initiatives of DOST to fuel the country's development and progress such as the celebration of RSTW.

“Sa pagsasagawa natin ngayon ng 2024 RSTW, ating pinaparangalan ang matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng mga programa, serbisyo at inisyatibo ng DOST na malaki ang naitulong sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa. Ang mga eksibit at iba’t ibang aktibidades mula ngayon ay nagpapatunay ng dedikasyon ng DOST na magbigay ng dekalidad na solusyon sa STI sa ating bansa”, said Hon. Morillo.

The launching of the FoodtrIP or Mobile Modular Food Processing Facility was a huge success with the support of the DOST and S&T provincial offices headed by Sec. Renato U. Solidum Jr., and the Local Government Units of the province, institutions and stakeholders of Oriental Mindoro

Programs such as Community Empowerment through Science and Technology and Women Helping Women Innovating Social Enterprises were also mentioned in the ceremony to give emphasis on the services of DOST in providing water technologies in the region, as well as to support local enterprises made by traditional women of MIMAROPA.