DOST - Regional Operations

21/09/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐊𝐄𝐂 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐌𝐒𝐔’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤/𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the KIST Evaluation Committee (KEC), held its 3rd KEC Meeting today to undertake further evaluation of Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) application to develop and operate a Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park/Ecozone.

During the meeting, MMSU presented its revised and updated application documents, incorporating its responses to the comments, observations, and recommendations raised during the previous on-site assessment and KEC meeting. The presentation highlighted the actions undertaken by the university to address the Committee’s recommendations and further strengthen its proposal.

The KEC subsequently conducted technical discussions and deliberations on the application, including the actions undertaken by MMSU in response to the Committee’s recommendations and the updates reflected in its submission.

The evaluation is a critical component in assessing the proposed KIST Park/Ecozone’s capacity to support research and development (R&D), technology transfer, innovation, industry collaboration, and technology commercialization. As an innovation platform, the proposed facility is envisioned to strengthen linkages among academe, government, industry, researchers, technology developers, and startups, creating pathways for research outputs and emerging technologies to advance toward practical applications and market opportunities.

For MMSU, the proposed KIST Park/Ecozone can strengthen the university’s role in translating R&D outputs into technologies, products, services, and solutions responsive to industry and community needs. It can also provide opportunities for collaborative R&D, technology-based enterprise development, and partnerships that contribute to a stronger regional science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

14/09/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐣𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Science comes to life at Anjo World as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supports the transformation of the theme park into an experiential science learning destination through the Science-Enhanced Experiential Learning (SEEL) Project, one of the innovative initiatives showcased by DOST Region VII to DOST Regional Directors during their meeting and site visit today.

Funded through the DOST Region VII Local Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program, the 12-month project has a total cost of ₱7.98 million, with ₱4.83 million in DOST assistance. The ongoing initiative integrates curriculum-aligned science concepts into rides, interactive exhibits, digital learning tools, and guided activities, enabling learners to connect classroom lessons with scientific phenomena they can observe and explore firsthand.

As part of the project, 12 rides and attractions are being enhanced with science-based content, while four Natural Hazards Exhibits feature Cyclone, Whirlpool, Feel the Shake, and Shaping Watershed. These interactive installations demonstrate concepts related to natural hazards and earth processes while promoting disaster awareness and preparedness.

The project also features 17 Small Science Exhibits demonstrating principles in optics, motion, gravity, electricity, energy, resonance, and fluid dynamics. Exhibits such as the Tesla Coil, Van de Graaff Generator, Optical Fiber, Resonant Pendulum, Momentum Machine, and Bernoulli Blower allow learners to experience scientific principles through direct observation and interaction.

To further extend the learning experience, Anjo World is implementing a QR code and content management system for multimedia science resources. The project also includes the training of 20 theme park personnel as science education facilitators, teacher orientation, and partnerships with 50 schools in Cebu for educational visits and program integration.

During today’s visit, the DOST Regional Directors were able to see how the SEEL Project applies science, technology, and innovation in an informal learning environment, demonstrating how interactive attractions can complement classroom-based science education.

Through DOST’s support, Anjo World is helping bridge formal education and experiential learning, making science more accessible and meaningful through observation, interaction, experimentation, and discovery.

The ongoing project demonstrates how strategic investments in science and technology can create innovative learning spaces that inspire curiosity, strengthen STEM engagement, and bring science closer to Filipino learners.

10/09/2026

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏

From a small bakeshop built from years of overseas work to a growing food enterprise supplying nutritious products for Filipino schoolchildren, Susan’s Bakeshop has turned technology into a recipe for growth through the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP).

Established in 2015 by Susan T. Pagulayan using savings from 22 years of overseas employment, the enterprise initially produced banana cakes, carrot cakes, and other baked products using largely manual processes. As demand increased, however, the business needed to improve its production systems, food safety practices, and capacity.

During Phase 1 in 2019, the enterprise received PHP 103,740 worth of assistance for food-grade stainless-steel working tables, aluminum molders, and customized molding racks. The upgrades improved sanitation and production standardization while supporting the bakeshop’s compliance with food safety requirements, including its eventual FDA License to Operate.

The assistance also paved the way for Susan’s Bakeshop to become an adopter of the DOST-FNRI Enhanced Nutribun, expanding its role from serving local customers to helping provide nutritious food for Filipino children through institutional programs.

As the bakeshop secured larger orders, including requirements associated with the Department of Education (DepEd), production and packaging became a new challenge. Manual wrapping could no longer keep pace with growing demand.

Through Phase 2 of DOST-SETUP, the enterprise received another PHP 630,000 for an Automatic Flow Wrap Packaging Machine, along with Cleaner Production Technology and Occupational Safety and Health consultancy. The intervention strengthened its ability to handle higher-volume production while improving efficiency, workplace safety, and product handling.

The transformation is reflected in the numbers. From an initial workforce of three employees, the enterprise has grown to around 60, while annual gross sales increased from PHP 2.66 million to PHP 45.57 million.

Yet beyond the machines, sales, and expanding workforce is a more meaningful achievement: a homegrown Cagayan enterprise now contributing to a broader effort to make nutritious food accessible to Filipino children.

Susan’s Bakeshop shows how DOST-SETUP can help turn a modest entrepreneurial dream into a technology-enabled enterprise, creating jobs, strengthening local production, and allowing a once-small bakeshop to serve a much bigger purpose.

10/09/2026

𝐊&𝐊 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏

What started with a growing appetite for local food has grown into a business hungry for bigger markets. K&K Food Products is scaling up its operations through science, technology, and innovation, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborangvisited the enterprise today to witness the impact of DOST assistance on its production and expansion.

Through P6.14 million in SETUP assistance, K&K upgraded its food processing facility and acquired equipment for molo wrapping, meat processing, sausage production, steaming, and vacuum sealing, including a dedicated smokehouse.

The enterprise also received technical assistance on GMP and HACCP, FDA registration, trademark registration, occupational safety, energy management, and solar integration, strengthening both its production systems and market readiness.

The results speak for themselves. K&K expanded from 13 to 36 product lines, increased its workforce from 8 to 32 employees, and grew monthly gross sales from P180,000 to P2 million. Its franchise network likewise expanded from 2 to 32.

With technology strengthening every step from production to market, K&K Food Products is turning local food demand into bigger business opportunities, proving that when innovation is on the menu, growth follows.

10/09/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang visited Sampaguita Twin’s Buying Station and Rice Mill Co. in Cagayan today as part of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW), highlighting how technology upgrading is helping strengthen post-harvest operations and the rice industry in Cagayan Valley.

Managed by Mr. Eduardo Santos Carpio, the enterprise provides rice milling, grain trading, and post-harvest storage services to farmers and grain suppliers in Solana, Tuao, Sto. Niño, and Piat.

Through the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the firm received P2.016 million for a 15-ton-capacity recirculating hopper-type mechanical grain dryer with a built-in biomass furnace. The technology shifted the enterprise from weather-dependent sun-drying to controlled mechanical drying, reducing drying time from approximately three days to as little as eight hours during unfavorable weather conditions while helping maintain the target 14 percent grain moisture level.

The enterprise also operates a 1.5-ton-per-hour multi-pass rice mill, improving milling efficiency and contributing to up to five percent higher whole-grain recovery through more consistent moisture control. Rice hulls are also utilized as biomass fuel, turning a milling by-product into a useful energy source.

The technology upgrade delivered significant business gains. Production increased from 2.15 million kilograms to 5 million kilograms, while gross sales rose from P41.61 million to P62.57 million and income increased from P3.78 million to P13.68 million. Employment likewise grew from 25 to 47 workers, while market outlets expanded from two local outlets to five regional grain wholesalers.

From November 2022 to October 2025, the enterprise proceeded with Phase II, focusing on the refund period, SME expansion, and sustained operation of its upgraded facilities. As palay procurement increased during peak harvest seasons, the enterprise further expanded its drying capacity through a 40-ton-capacity dual-fed parallel-type mechanical grain dryer with a built-in husk furnace, complementing its existing facility.

10/09/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐈 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, together with Cagayan Governor Edgar S. Aglipay, highlighted the growing role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in addressing regional challenges and creating opportunities for communities and industries during their guesting on the Cagayan Provincial Information Office Teleradyo Morning Program.

The discussion featured the Cagayan State University Electrical and Mechanical Research and Development Center (CSU-EMRDC) and its locally developed outputs, including the C-Trike and Tranvia, demonstrating how Filipino engineers and researchers can develop practical mobility technologies responsive to local needs. These electric mobility solutions contribute to efforts toward cleaner transportation while showcasing the potential of homegrown research and development.

The DOST leaders also emphasized the Department’s support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through productivity improvement, mechanization, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Industry 4.0 technologies. Through a smart factory approach, enterprises can adopt digital and automated systems to improve production processes, efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness.
The role of Innovation Hubs was likewise highlighted as platforms that connect entrepreneurs, researchers, academe, local governments, and technology developers in developing and adopting solutions to local challenges.

Addressing climate and agricultural concerns, the discussion also highlighted DOST’s science-based interventions for El Niño and changing weather conditions, including the Planting Calendar, which provides guidance to farmers and communities in making informed decisions on crop production and improving resilience.

The conversation further looked toward emerging opportunities in space science and technology, including the potential development of a Philippine spaceport, reflecting the country’s continuing efforts to expand its capabilities in advanced technologies.

The guesting formed part of the DOST officials’ collaboration visit to Cagayan, reinforcing the shared commitment of DOST, the Provincial Government of Cagayan, and local partners to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to the people and translate research into solutions that benefit communities, strengthen industries, and support national development.

10/09/2026

09/09/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐐-𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) and the City Government of Tuguegarao, formally turned over and launched RESQ-Link, a technology-driven emergency response platform designed to improve coordination, information management, and response operations in the city.

RESQ-Link is designed to support emergency reporting, incident validation, coordination, and deployment of appropriate response units, helping ensure that critical information reaches the right responders at the right time.

Before its turnover, the system underwent three simulation exercises involving the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), barangay DRRM personnel, and other concerned stakeholders. The simulations tested not only the platform’s technical functions but also actual coordination procedures among agencies involved in emergency response.

The exercises enabled the project team and the City Government to identify operational gaps, improve response procedures, and refine the system based on the actual needs and experiences of emergency responders.

With its transition to operational use, RESQ-Link is expected to strengthen the city’s capacity to manage emergencies through faster information exchange and more coordinated action among response agencies.

The platform can also generate and organize incident information that may support data-driven emergency management. Records of incidents and response activities can help the City Government assess response times, identify recurring incidents and locations, determine areas where delays occur, and better plan the deployment of personnel, equipment, and other resources.

The initiative also recognizes that effective emergency response requires collaboration among multiple institutions. By supporting coordination among the CDRRMO, PNP, BFP, barangay DRRM teams, health and medical responders, the Command Center, and other concerned agencies, RESQ-Link aims to strengthen a more integrated emergency response network.

The project further demonstrates the value of collaboration between government and academic institutions in developing technologies that address specific community needs. It builds on the continuing partnership among DOST, SPUP, and the City Government of Tuguegarao, following the earlier turnover of the Tuguegarao City Traffic Routing and Intelligent System for Sustainable and Efficient Administration (TC-TRISSEA).

Through RESQ-Link, science, technology, and innovation are being applied to strengthen local emergency preparedness and response, helping Tuguegarao City move toward a more coordinated, responsive, and data-driven system for protecting communities and saving lives.

09/09/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓, 𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Isabela State University (ISU) are strengthening efforts to advance sustainable forest-based industries in Cagayan Valley with the launch of the Forest Products Innovation and Training Center (FPITC) at ISU Cabagan today.

Launched as part of the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Cagayan Valley, held from September 9 to 11, 2026, the FPITC serves as a regional hub for research and development, technology transfer, product innovation, skills development, and commercialization of wood and non-wood forest products.

The center is a flagship initiative of the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI)designed to strengthen local forest-based industries by providing access to research, technology, technical services, training, and processing capabilities.

With modern equipment such as CNC machines, laser engravers, 3D printers, and kiln dryers, the FPITC can support the development, prototyping, testing, processing, and upgrading of products made from wood, bamboo, rattan, and other non-wood forest resources.
For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the facility provides opportunities to improve product design, processing techniques, material utilization, quality control, and production efficiency, helping transform local forest resources into higher-value and more competitive products.

The establishment of the FPITC also strengthens the collaboration among DOST-FPRDI, DOST Region 02, ISU, higher education institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and local communities, creating a stronger regional ecosystem for forest-product innovation.

09/09/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐖 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐓𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Science, technology, and innovation are being harnessed to drive progress and create opportunities for the people of Cagayan Valley as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) holds the 2026 Cagayan Valley Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) from September 9 to 11, as part of the Department’s annual RSTW celebration conducted across the country.

Anchored on the national theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the celebration highlights how science and technology can respond to the country’s development priorities while addressing the specific challenges and opportunities of communities in the region.

In Cagayan Valley, this national direction is translated through technologies, research initiatives, and DOST interventions addressing local priorities in agriculture, education, enterprise development, sustainable mobility, and disaster resilience across Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

The region’s innovation landscape is reflected in initiatives such as the eTuro Project, which uses technology to support learning; the Isabela Natural Dyes Hub, which promotes the development of locally sourced materials for productive use; 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), which provide communities and enterprises with technologies, technical assistance, and capability building to improve their operations.

Research and development in the region are likewise producing technologies with applications beyond local communities. Cagayan State University (CSU) has developed electric mobility solutions, including e Trikes and C Trikes, demonstrating how regional research and engineering capabilities can contribute to cleaner transportation while supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen local electric vehicle development.

Complementing these efforts is the region’s focus on using STI to strengthen disaster preparedness through HANDA sa Bagong Pilipinas: Building a Disaster Resilient and Future Ready Nation. The initiative emphasizes the use of technology, data, and coordinated systems to help communities prepare for and respond more effectively to disasters.

Among its highlights is the turnover and operational demonstration of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) for Tuguegarao City, supported by disaster risk reduction and management capacity building sessions and the MoCCoV Skills and Operations Olympics. These activities reinforce the importance of pairing advanced equipment with trained personnel, reliable information, clear protocols, and coordinated operations.

Bringing these initiatives together, the RSTW serves as a convergence point for local governments, academe, industry, research institutions, enterprises, and communities to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and identify opportunities for technology adoption and further innovation.

The ultimate measure of these efforts, however, is not the technology itself but the difference it makes. From improving learning and enterprise productivity to advancing sustainable transportation and strengthening disaster preparedness, STI is being translated into solutions that respond to the realities of Cagayan Valley.

Through the 2026 Cagayan Valley RSTW, DOST underscores the region’s continuing efforts to build an STI ecosystem where research leads to innovation, innovation leads to adoption, and adoption leads to tangible benefits for communities.