THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology-Davao (DOST XI) launched four different programs to champion science, technology, and innovation in Davao Region.
Sentro Mindanaw (Sentrom) is a potential education tourism destination located at Bago Oshiro, Tugbok, Davao City. The renewed Sentrom features fun-filled Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) learning experiences aimed to foster science literacy in students, teachers, and the public.
Meanwhile, the Saliklakbay website and mobile application are part of the grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program. Saliklakbay is DOST’s call to improve research and development to empower marginalized communities. The mobile app allows everyone to upload innovations directly and will be archived in the database.
Over a hundred innovations have been archived, and few are supported by the GRIND Program. The app aims to identify grassroots innovations including but not limited to heirloom recipes, artisanal crafts, and ethnobotanicals. Beneficiaries receive assistance in production, commercialization, and alternative sources of income through solutions mapping.
Social and Human Sciences, Education, Culture and Communication and Information (SECCI) for SDG’s scorecard. The SECCI Scorecard, developed by the Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy (HELP Davao) and the DOST XI, is a tool to measure, assess and monitor the contributions of SECCI to SDGs.
The Regional Development Council XI approved the promotion of the scorecard through Resolution No. 165, series of 2023. It is anchored and patterned from the SETI in 2018 which was successfully deployed to 335 researchers nationwide.
Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) Davao was also launched as the first Regional Food Innovation Center to focus as a food research and development hub that provides technical assistance in product development, food processing, packaging, and labeling. It is a leading hub for innovation and serves as the model for all RFIC established nationwide.
DOST XI regional director Dr. Anthony Sales, 2006 National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, Executive Assistant of Tagum City Mayor’s Office Ciara Ysabellle Uy- Salazar, and City Science and Technology Committee chair, Councilor Ronald Eliot, pressed the buzzer to signal the launching during the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2023.
“This event promises to be a testament to the power of Science, Technology, and Innovation fostering a brighter future for our communities, and the world at large,” Sales said.
The two-day RSTW was set in Tagum City Hall Atrium, Davao del Norte featuring seminars on technologies for farmers, and innovators including but not limited to silk textile innovation, plant propagation, disaster management, and science education.
An estimated 500 students region-wide participated in the activities lined up from undergoing a seminar-workshop on crafting a good science investigatory project to being entertained by more than 20 exhibitors from DOST-assisted micro, small and medium enterprises, DOST-Pagasa mobile planetarium, and technology innovations.
Among the exhibitors, the Davao del Norte State College Complementary Food Production (DNSC SFP) showcased food products developed by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. “Nutrimon” is rice and monggo crunchies that can be a healthy snack for all, while “Nutri-RIMS” are ready-to-cook blended food for babies made out of rice, mongo, and sesame seeds.
Vanessa Cabasan, DNSC-CFP staff, said the RSTW proved it was possible to produce nutritious and affordable food out of raw materials. A 30-gram pack of Nutri-RIMS only costs P10 per pack.
The RSTW is in line with the National Science and Technology Week celebration which serves as an avenue to highlight the contribution of Science, Technology, and Innovation in society.
