DOST Region 2 strengthens technology transfer through fairness opinion

by Info @Brand Zone | September 23, 2025

To ensure that innovative technologies from local research institutions find their way to industry partners, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 continue to advance its efforts in technology transfer and commercialization through a series of Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) Meetings. 

Recently, the Fairness Opinion Report (FOR) for the C-TRIKE technology, a locally developed transport innovation by Cagayan State University, was endorsed for adoption by LMPRESS Corp. in Iguig, Cagayan. This adoption highlights the region’s push for sustainable mobility and the utilization of homegrown solutions to address community needs.

In another FOB Meeting, the adoption of Isabela State University’s (ISU) 3-flavored duck egg technology was endorsed for Aqu Chick Boy Meat Shop & General Merchandise in San Mateo, Isabela. This flavored duck egg innovation aims to add value to traditional products, create agribusiness opportunities, and support local enterprises.

The FOB Meeting was facilitated by the FOB Secretariat under the leadership of Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, ensuring that the evaluation process was transparent, participatory, and aligned with DOST’s technology transfer guidelines.

Mandated under the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (RA 10055), the Fairness Opinion Board (FOB) is an independent body of experts that reviews technology transfer agreements to ensure they are fair, reasonable, and beneficial to both research institutions and industry adopters, safeguarding public interest while fostering stronger research-industry collaboration.

Through these technology adoptions, DOST-02 continues to fulfill its mission of bridging research outputs to industry applications, empowering local businesses, and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Mga komunidad ng Catarman, pinalakas sa bagong proyekto ng DOST

by Info @Brand Zone | September 4, 2025

Catarman, Camiguin – Noong Agosto 19, 2025, pormal na itinurn-over ng Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) sa Bayan ng Catarman ang limang (5) Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) projects na nagkakahalaga ng ₱3,062,174.00. Pinangunahan ito ni Regional Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla.

Tinanggap ni Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II ang Certificate of Property Acknowledgment Receipt para sa lokal na pamahalaan, na nagsisilbing simbolo ng pakikipagtulungan upang mailapit ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon sa bawat Catarmanon.

Mga Proyektong Itinurn-over:

• Support to Response and Alert System – Water Level Monitoring System at Automated Rain Gauge

• Upgrading of Organic Fertilizer Production – Vermiculture technology at agricultural shredder

• Improvement of Tablea Production – Makinarya at pagsasanay sa GMP at Food Safety

• Upgrading of Bamboo Processing Facility – Bamboo pole cutter at splitting machine

• Processed Meat Product Development – Vacuum sealer, grinder, freezer, stainless tables

Ayon sa DOST, ang mga proyektong ito ay hindi lamang kagamitan kundi puhunan sa katatagan, kabuhayan, at kaunlaran ng Catarman.

Ang CEST Program ang pangunahing inisyatiba ng DOST na nagbibigay ng interbensyon sa kabuhayan, kalusugan, edukasyon, disaster risk reduction, at kapaligiran upang matulungan ang mga komunidad sa mas ligtas at mas maunlad na kinabukasan.

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On August 19, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao, led by Regional Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, officially turned over five (5) Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) projects worth ₱3,062,174.00 to the Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin.

These projects go beyond tools and equipment—they are investments in resilience, productivity, and progress for the people of Catarman.

Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II received the Certificate of Property Acknowledgment Receipt on behalf of the LGU, marking a milestone partnership that brings science, technology, and innovation closer to every Catarmanon.

Here are the projects turned over:

Project title: Support to Response and Alert System: A DOST CEST DRRM Project in Catarman, Camiguin

S&T Intervention: Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) & Automated Rain Gauge (ARG) 

Project title: Upgrading of Organic Fertilizer Production Utilizing Vermiculture Technology in Catarman, Camiguin

S&T Intervention: Vermiculture technology with agricultural shredder 

Project title: Productivity Improvement of Tablea Production through Provision of Various Equipment and Other Related S&T Interventions of Catarman Cacao Growers Association in Catarman, Camiguin

S&T Intervention: GMP & Food Safety training, roasting machine, colloid mill, dehuller, stainless tables 

Project title: Upgrading of Bamboo Processing Facility of Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Catarman, Camiguin

S&T Intervention: bamboo pole cutter, strip layering & splitting machine 

Project title: Increase Income by Development of Processed Meat Products of PACOWA Meat Processors in Catarman, Camiguin

S&T Intervention: vacuum sealer, grinder, freezer, stainless tables 

Through these projects, Catarman is not only better prepared to face challenges but also ready to unlock greater opportunities and a brighter future for its people.

The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program is DOST’s flagship initiative that brings S&T interventions to communities in the areas of livelihood, health, education, disaster risk reduction, and environment. It is designed to empower grassroots communities by providing practical solutions that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

DOST to hold 3rd International Smart City Expo in Isabela

by Info @Brand Zone | May 21, 2025

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the local government unit of Cauayan City Isabela (ISU) is set to hold the 3rd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) on May 22-24, 2025, at the Isabela Convention Center, Cauayan City.

Cauayan City, Isabela is the first smart city in the Philippines, designated by the DOST in 2025. The city has implemented various digital solutions to improve network and services such as the installment of free WiFi in its 65 barangays.

With the theme, “Empowering Smart and Sustainable Communities through Government-Academe-Industry Collaboration,” the three-day event will showcase a wide range of activities including talks on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in disaster management, smart cities and communities, and in mobility and smart transportation.

Also, some of the highlights of the event will be the Philippine Smart and Sustainable Cities Awards, the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV) Operations Olympics, E-Sports tournament, and the Hackathon.

There were also exhibits of AI, robotics and startup innovations, and cutting-edge advancements in water management, textiles, smart agriculture, and circular economy. These exhibits will serve as a platform to discuss details and commitment for possible transfer of technologies and commercialization.

Moreover, with the aim to transform communities through active citizen-engagement, and to further promote the Smarter Philippines mission, the DOST Regional Office 2 is also set to secure its partnership with various government agencies, and academic institutions such as the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region 2, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Isabela State University (ISU), King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) in Thailand and the Cauayan City LGU.

For the past two years, the iSCENE has become an opportunity to bring together government agencies, academe, industry players, and international partners for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to achieve smart, resilient, and sustainable communities.

To know more about the event, visit the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/iSCENE.PH  (By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)

One of the most anticipated parts of the 3rd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) is the awarding of the Philippines Smart and Sustainable Communities. 

The 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 is a prestigious recognition given to 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 in their localities. (Photo credits to https://iscene.ph/ ).