Partnering with local industries and institutions is key to adoption of DOST-funder technologies, says Sec. Solidum

(Photo from the DOST-PTRI’s official Facebook page)

Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology said that the DOST is prioritizing the strengthening of its relationship with local stakeholders and academic institutions to increase the chances of various research and development (R&D) projects being commercialized and used by local communities.

“The job of DOST is to really sustain the scientific efforts, kung anuman research mo, kung anuman mga products na nadevelop mo, for us to sustain the knowledge gain and having it operated at the local level, we really need to work with the local players, local government, local academic institutions, and local industry,” said Sec. Solidum.

(The job of DOST is to sustain scientific efforts. Whatever research you conduct or products you develop, to maintain the knowledge gained and ensure it operates at the local level, we need to collaborate with local players, local government, local academic institutions, and local industry.)

Solidum added that, since the regional directors of the DOST are part of the board of regents of state colleges and universities (SUCs) and since the science department also provides funding for their researchers, he believes that they have established a significantly strong relationship with them.

“UA, or the University of Antique, kami ay nagpapasalamat na narito kami ngayon sa kanilang lugar. We can foster a more conscious effort to translate what DOST, and the University of Antique propose and to commercialize it,” said Sec. Solidum. (UA, or the University of Antique, we are grateful to be here today. We can foster a more conscious effort to translate what DOST and the University of Antique propose and to commercialize it.)

Sec. Solidum pointed out that to enable these R&D products and services of our local scientists and researchers to be commercialized and be competitive locally and internationally, we need to make sure that there are standards, control, and quality assurance of the product.

He also shared what every Filipino should learn; even if their business is small, they should have promotions for their food, and the packaging should be attractive so that the shelf-life is longer. Sec. Solidum further said that one of his 11 priorities is to improve the DOST’s laboratories to provide testing and standards facility to ensure that our R&D products are competitive.

“So, for example, if there is a specific need of an industry partner or industry player within the community, we need to ensure that the laboratory they truly require is established,” said Sec. Solidum.

Natural Dye Hubs in Antique launched

One of the highlights of the opening of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration in Western Visayas was the launching of the Antique NatDyes Hub—a collaborative effort involving the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, DOST Regional Office VI, the Iguirindon Loom Weavers Association (ILWA), and the local government of San Remigio in Antique.

This hub will feature facilities for natural dye extraction and textile dyeing, which will revitalize our local colorant traditions. It will empower weavers to infuse their creations with the vibrant hues of natural colorants and use DOST-developed handloom weaving machinery to enhance the local weaving industry. All these initiatives are geared at revitalizing the local textile industry that will support income generating projects to provide solutions and open opportunities for communities in the regions.

“Our programs are carefully tailored to meet the unique strengths, capabilities, and priorities of each locality or community we serve. Every form of assistance we provide, every micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) we support, and every community we empower is thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of the citizens and communities involved,” said Sec. Solidum.

The 2024 RSTW celebration in Western Visayas, a yearly event to promote science, technology, and innovation in the countryside, was held from August 22-24, 2024, this time at the University of Antique-Sibalom Campus. It featured several homegrown technologies and R&D projects from DOST agencies and partner institutions that could potentially contribute to the development of the country’s green and blue economy.