CAGAYAN VALLEY RSTW HIGHLIGHTS PUSH TO BRING STI CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES
Bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to communities took center stage as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Tuguegarao City on September 9, 2026.
Anchored on the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the three-day celebration brought together government leaders, researchers, academe, industry, enterprises, and communities to showcase how STI can address local development needs.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. called for science to move beyond laboratories and prototypes and into communities where it can create tangible impact. He emphasized stronger cooperation among researchers, government, industries, and communities to turn innovations into solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang likewise emphasized that STI must reach every Filipino, particularly at the grassroots. He highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation and imagination within communities so that people can access technology and develop solutions responsive to their own needs.
Cagayan Province Governor Edgardo B. Aglipay stressed that innovation becomes more meaningful when governors, academics, industries, and communities combine their expertise and resources. Such partnerships, he said, can help transform innovative ideas into opportunities while addressing pressing societal concerns.
These messages were reflected in the technologies and programs featured during the RSTW, which highlighted STI applications in agriculture, education, enterprise development, sustainable transportation, and disaster resilience across Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.
Among the featured initiatives were the eTuro Project, which supports learning through technology; the Isabela Natural Dyes Hub, which promotes locally sourced materials; and DOST programs such as the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), and Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
Research capabilities in the region were also showcased through electric mobility solutions developed by Cagayan State University (CSU), including e-Trikes and C- Trikes, demonstrating the potential of local research and engineering to support cleaner transportation.
Disaster preparedness and response also formed part of the celebration through HANDA sa Bagong Pilipinas: Building a Disaster Resilient and Future Ready Nation. A highlight was the turnover and operational demonstration of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) for Tuguegarao City, alongside capacity-building activities and the MoCCoV Skills and Operations Olympics.
The activities underscored that the value of innovation lies not only in developing new technologies but in ensuring that these are effectively adopted and used to address real challenges.
Through the 2026 Cagayan Valley RSTW, DOST and its partners provided a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and expanding opportunities for technology adoption across the region.
Ultimately, the celebration reinforced the vision of “Agham na Ramdam” — science and technology that move from research and ideas into solutions that make a real difference in the lives of Filipino communities.
