DOST Provincial Science & Technology Office - Ilocos Sur

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Around 380 students, teachers, and community members from the mountainous Municipality of Sigay experienced the thrill of science like never before, as the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through DOST Ilocos Sur, partnered with the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus (DOST PSHS-IRC) brought a mobile planetarium and interactive exhibits to the town on March 24–26, 2026, as part of the Rambak ti Siyensya: Sigay Coffee-Science Festival.

Reaching geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) such as Sigay is no small feat. Yet, the agency’s mission to bring science closer to the people remained unwavering, turning the steep roads and remote terrain into a gateway for discovery and learning. The event, anchored on the theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities” and the subtheme “Pannangapresiar ti Kape babaen ti Siyensya,” emphasized the link between local culture, coffee, and scientific innovation.

The three-day festival opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DOST Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Engr. Jordan L. Abad and Municipal Mayor Hon. Carlo Crisanto P. Peredo. They were joined by Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Veronica R. Vilog and members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sigay, symbolizing the shared commitment to education and community development.

The mobile planetarium became the centerpiece of the event, whisking students on an immersive journey through space. Around it, interactive exhibits sparked awe and curiosity—from the crackle of a Van de Graaff electrostatic generator, 3D printing demonstrations, chemistry magic tricks, to hands-on exploration with microscopes, human torso models, and entomological displays of butterflies and other insects. Students eagerly tackled puzzle challenges, matching games, and steady-hand exercises, while teachers and community members shared in their excitement, marveling at the joy of discovery.

It was truly fulfilling for the organizers to see the students’ faces light up as they engaged with science, their curiosity and amazement reflecting the spark of inspiration that may one day guide them toward STEM-related courses. The enthusiasm was not limited to the young learners—teachers and other community members also expressed delight and appreciation, demonstrating that scientific wonder transcends age.

Through initiatives like Rambak ti Siyensya, DOST Ilocos Region continues to demonstrate that science is not confined to laboratories or classrooms. Even in the most remote corners of the region, knowledge and innovation can take root, fostering a culture of curiosity, learning, and progress. This festival is more than an event—it is a symbol of hope and inspiration, showing that with science and technology, smarter and more sustainable communities are within reach.

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

Reinforcing its commitment to building disaster-ready communities, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through DOST Ilocos Sur, successfully conducted the MAGHANDA for Kids (Meteorological and Geological Hazard Advisories, Warning and Notifications for Decisive Actions) program on March 25, 2026, at Sigay Central School as part of the Rambak ti Siyensya Sigay: Coffee-Science Festival.

The program opened with the acknowledgment of participants led by Engr. Edison Acosta, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST Ilocos Sur. This was followed by the welcome and opening remarks of Dr. Ceejhay C. Laconsay, Municipal Health Officer, who emphasized the importance of early disaster awareness among children.

Learners actively participated in engaging sessions from DOST-PAGASA, led by Ms. Jessica Cabasa, covering topics on clouds, tropical cyclones, and flooding. The interactive Ask PAGASA segment further encouraged curiosity and participation.
In the afternoon, DOST-PHIVOLCS experts Ms. Kristine Dionne B. Lagunsad and Ms. Jana Marie Dasalla discussed geologic hazards, earthquake intensity reporting, and preparedness. Students were also introduced to mobile applications such as HazardHunterPH, VolcanoPH, and How Safe Is My House, empowering them with accessible disaster risk reduction tools. The Ask PHIVOLCS session deepened learners’ understanding through open discussion.

Complementing the science sessions, a scholarship campaign was also conducted to inspire learners and educators to pursue STEM opportunities. Mr. Dominic Patric Galdonez of DOST PSHS-IRC introduced the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus and its scholarship program for incoming Grade 7 students. Meanwhile, Mr. Nikko Ofo-ob of DOST Ilocos Region presented the DOST-SEI scholarship programs for incoming college students, as well as graduate scholarship opportunities for teachers pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees.

The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens to the resource persons. In his closing remarks, Engr. Acosta encouraged participants to apply their learnings and become advocates of disaster preparedness in their communities.

Through the MAGHANDA for Kids initiative, young learners in Sigay were equipped not only with essential knowledge on meteorological and geological hazards but also inspired to pursue science and contribute to building safer, more resilient communities.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through DOST Ilocos Sur led by Engr. Jordan L. Abad, formally launched the Coffee Innovation Hub on March 26, 2026 as part of the Rambak Ti Siyensya Sigay: Coffee-Science Festival. The hub aims to strengthen the local coffee industry by providing farmers with access to modern tools, scientific expertise, and support in innovation.

Key officials and partners attended the launch, including Hon. Carlo Crisanto P. Peredo, PhD, Municipal Mayor of Sigay; Dr. Mary Grace R. Navarro, Campus Director of the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC); Hon. Leopoldo Gironella Jr., member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur; Vice Mayor Dionisio Lang-ay, Jr.; Mr. Jomar Dayap from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Ms. Edith D. Pamani from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); as well as local government leaders and coffee growers, who were recognized as the central stakeholders of the initiative.

During the program, Engr. Abad presented the strategic framework of the Coffee Innovation Hub, outlining the province’s roadmap for revitalizing the coffee industry. The framework highlighted three key pillars: (1) Mapping and profiling of coffee farmers and plantations to create a GIS-based coffee map and master list of growers, enabling location-specific interventions; (2) Capacity development on coffee grading and sorting, equipping farmers with knowledge and skills to add value to their produce; and (3) Exploration of single-origin flavor notes, identifying unique taste profiles that can distinguish Ilocos Sur coffee in the specialty market. These processes are expected to lead to a revitalized coffee industry, cementing Ilocos Sur’s reputation as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee

As part of the program, DOST facilitated the ceremonial turnover of vital equipment and facilities through the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) program to local communities. These included a water refilling station for Brgy. Matallucod and coffee bean sorting equipment, cupping tools, and stainless tables with sinks for Brgy. San Elias. These resources are expected to enhance coffee processing, quality control, and community livelihood, benefiting not only the barangays but also the wider municipality.

The festival also featured a Calibration Caravan, a Science Consultation Booth, and interactive learning activities such as the Planetarium and science exhibits, which were opened to students and the public to promote science appreciation.

To cement the partnership, a Pledge of Commitment was signed by DOST, PSHS-IRC, local government units, and national government agencies, affirming their collective support for the Coffee Innovation Hub.

These events underscore a shared vision of using Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to uplift coffee growers, promote specialty coffee, and drive sustainable economic growth in Sigay and the Ilocos Region.

The Coffee Innovation Hub is envisioned to be accessible, thereby empowering farmers, fostering collaboration among government, academe, and industry, and positioning Ilocos Sur as a rising center for specialty coffee in the Philippines through STI!

𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗸 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼, 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻!

Leadership takes many forms, and sometimes, it’s dedication to service that is as warm and enriching as a freshly brewed cup of coffee—strong enough to hold a team together and well-crafted enough to put vision into meaningful outcomes.

This kind of leadership has a name– 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐑. 𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐋. 𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐃, the Provincial Director of DOST Ilocos Sur. Even on his special day, he chose to celebrate with the community. Indeed, it’s a passion for innovation grounded on public service.

This unwavering commitment to Science, Technology, and Innovation is truly unparalleled.

Happy Birthday, 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻! May your birthday be as inspiring as your leadership.

-𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘋𝘖𝘚𝘛 𝘐𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘴 𝘚𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐆, 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲: 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞-𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥; 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) , through DOST Ilocos Sur, conducted the LINANG (Local Innovations Nurturing Academics and Necessitous Gaps) in Education on March 24, 2026, as part of the Rambak ti Siyensya Sigay: Coffee-Science Festival.

Provincial Director Jordan L. Abad of DOST Ilocos Sur formally opened the activity by welcoming the participants, acknowledging the attendees, and presenting an overview of the program. The teachers from DepEd Sigay participates in this activity.

The program featured a discussion on the MAKE-roscope, the first keychain microscope developed by Engr. Jeremy de Leon of JereMAKE. This was followed by the STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks) orientation and training facilitated by Roger C. Pido of DOST Ilocos Sur. Participants were also introduced to Augmented Reality and other 21st-century learning tools through a presentation by Nikko Ofo-ob of DOST Ilocos Region.

At the same time, the grading and roasting of submitted green coffee bean samples took place at the 2nd Floor SB Hall of the Sigay Municipal Building. Entries were received from the municipalities of Sigay, Sugpon, Cervantes, and Suyo in Ilocos Sur, as well as from Sudipen, La Union, and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Through this initiative, the goals of the Rambak ti Siyensya Sigay: Coffee-Science Festival, anchored on the theme “Building a Smart and Sustainable Community: Pannangapresiar ti Kape Babaen ti Siyensya,” were achieved—promoting the local coffee industry while enhancing science awareness and innovation within the community.

𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲: 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through DOST Ilocos Sur led by Provincial Director Engr. Jordan L. Abad, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sigay (LGU-Sigay) headed by Hon. Carlo Crisanto P. Peredo, PhD, Municipal Mayor, Philippine Science High School Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC), Ilocos Sur Medical Center, and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, officially launched the Rambak ti Siyensya Sigay: Coffee-Science Festival on March 24, 2026. This celebration forms part of the municipality’s 7th Coffee Festival.

The event served as a platform to strengthen collaborations under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aims to uplift communities by showcasing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) interventions that directly benefit local development. As part of the opening activities, computer units equipped with STARBOOKS were turned over to Matallucod Primary School and San Elias Elementary School, while Make-roscope kits were distributed to all schools in Sigay. SEI books were also provided to support science education, alongside the turnover of medicines, laboratory equipment, and medical supplies to the Municipal Health Office.

PSHS-IRC enriched the celebration by bringing its mobile planetarium and interactive exhibits to Sigay, allowing students and community members to experience hands-on science learning. The three-day exhibit, running from March 24 to 26, 2026, was formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Mayor Peredo, Public Schools District Supervisor Veronica R. Vilog, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sigay.

Booths featuring Project SARAi and the Calibration Caravan were also set up during the festival, offering valuable services and technical support to the community. Project SARAi, a nationwide initiative that provides science-based information and support tools for agriculture, showcased how technology can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and improve crop productivity. Meanwhile, the Calibration Caravan extended its services to local entrepreneurs and residents by ensuring the accuracy of weighing scales and other measuring instruments, reinforcing consumer protection and fair trade practices. These booths highlighted the practical applications of STI through DOST in everyday life, directly benefiting the people of Sigay and strengthening the link between innovation and community empowerment.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of science and technology firsthand!

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐀: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐚

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through DOST Ilocos Sur led by Engr. Jordan L. Abad, successfully conducted Sigay, NAKASAGANA! on March 23, 2026, at Brgy. Poblacion, Sigay, Ilocos Sur.

The project, which stands for 𝑵𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒈 𝑲𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒆𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒉𝒊𝒚𝒂 forms part of the Rambak ti Siyensya: Science, Technology, and Innovation Caravan, anchored on the theme: “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities“ and with the sub-theme “Panangapresiar ti Kape Babaen Ti Siyensya.” It focused on enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting proactive safety measures among community members, highlighting DOST’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives.

Experts from DOST-attached agencies led informative discussions on key disaster preparedness topics. Mr. Raymond Reyes of DOST-PAGASA discussed “Enhancing Typhoon Preparedness and Safety Measures for Resilient Communities,” emphasizing the importance of early warning systems, weather updates, and community readiness in minimizing the impacts of typhoons.
Meanwhile, Ms. Melissa Mae Garcia, from DOST-PHIVOLCS, delivered a lecture on “Tectonic Truths: Earthquake Risks and Resilience Strategies,” equipping participants with essential knowledge on how to respond effectively before, during, and after seismic events.

Further strengthening risk awareness, Ms. Mara Joy Pancho, also from DOST-PHIVOLCS, introduced GeoRisk Philippines. The session highlighted the use of digital platforms in accessing hazard information and supporting informed decision-making at the community level.

Through initiatives like Project NAKASAGANA, DOST continues to empower local communities with science-based knowledge and tools, fostering preparedness and resilience in the face of natural hazards!