In Bicol, science is moving out of laboratories and directly into the hands of the people who need it most.
This is science, technology, and innovation in action, as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) holds the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in the Bicol Region, back-to-back with Piñavation at the University of Camarines Norte (UCN).
Rotating annually among the region's six provinces, this year's celebration in Camarines Norte is historic, marking the first time the province has hosted the regional flagship event.
"A province does not have to wait for the future to arrive. It can help build that future itself. And that is exactly what we are hoping to see in Camarines Norte," said DOST-Bicol Regional Director Rommel R. Serrano in his speech.
Meanwhile, DOST-Camarines Norte Provincial Director Hermogenes Miguel G. Pormento emphasized that scientific progress belongs on the ground.
"It underscores a fundamental truth: science is not confined to laboratories or complex research journals. Science lives in our fields. It thrives in our local workshops. It shapes our coastal communities. And it empowers our farmers, fisherfolk, young people, and small-scale entrepreneurs," Pormento said.
"Ang thought process po ng mga taga-DOST ay kung papaano dadalhin ang teknolohiya sa komunidad at kung paano ipaparamdam ang agham sa pang-araw araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino," DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang said.
Science to serve communities
In his keynote speech, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that the event is a timely reminder that science provides the knowledge, technology delivers the tools, and innovation transforms both into solutions that improve lives.
"These priorities are not just concepts that we discuss in policy conversations. They are already reflected in the work that we continue to do across the country, including here in the Bicol Region. Our accomplishments demonstrate how science, technology, and innovation are translating these priorities into meaningful outcomes for our communities," he continued.
S&T and Queen Pineapple
At the heart of the celebration is Piñavation, which leverages science to add value to Camarines Norte's primary agricultural crop.
While the Philippines ranks second worldwide in pineapple production, and Camarines Norte is the nation's premier producer of the prized Queen Pineapple variety, the people behind this crop continue to struggle to make a living.
Around 2,300 farmers cultivate over 4,070 hectares in the province, but small-scale growers earn less than Php 180,000 annually. Farmers also face Mealybug Wilt Disease, uneven plant growth, and 47.82 percent postharvest losses caused by rough handling, bumpy roads, rushed sorting, and the traditional pigtas method.
To bridge this gap, DOST's Queen Pineapple Research and Development Institute, funded through DOST-PCAARRD under the Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development Program, is introducing practical science-based interventions to replace traditional guesswork with precision.
These include the QPIPED-CPM mobile app for AI-powered crop protection, RT-PCR molecular tests and organic treatment against crop diseases, SPRINT-Hort postharvest interventions, and socio-economic profiling that ensures local agricultural interventions are inclusive and family-centered.
"Walang pestisidyo, walang pesticide, walang fungicide, o walang virucide for that matter, na pwede naming gamitin to control. Although, yung ginagamit namin ngayon, yung resulta ng aming product, ng aming research, na nakita namin itong solusyon na 'to, na organic anti-pathogenic solution, we were so happy to have it," QPRDI Director Arlene C. Alegre explained.
To date, QPRDI has conducted direct training needs assessments with 320 pineapple farmers, trained 92 local farm leaders, and established three strategic techno-demo farms to bring these scientific advancements directly to Bicolano soil.
Students, researchers, and entrepreneurs flocked to the three-day science, technology, and innovation exhibit at the covered court of the University of Camarines Norte from August 19-21, 2026.
Toward a more connected and resilient Bicol, the three-day gathering opens its doors to the public. Farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and community members are encouraged to attend, explore practical innovations, and engage with tools designed to drive local growth.
About RSTW
The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is an annual event organized by the DOST regional offices across 17 regions. This celebration showcases local technologies, research and development (R&D) projects, and innovative initiatives that connect communities, local industries, and stakeholders with science-based solutions. These efforts promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development in the region. The RSTW is one of the major scientific events leading up to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration, which will be held in General Santos City in November. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph or the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) Facebook page.
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