DOST SOCCSKSARGEN joins preparatory meeting for NSTW 2026

by Info @Brand Zone | March 16, 2026

As the next host of the National Science and Technology Week 2026, the Department of Science and Technology SOCCSKSARGEN joined the preparatory meeting held on March 6, 2026 at the DOST Main Building, Bicutan, Taguig City. The meeting was led by Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and Host Region Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan to begin key planning activities for the national event.

Discussions focused on updates on the preparations for NSTW 2026, presentation of proposals, review of the Special Orders for the NSTW 2026 Steering Committee, and the proposed monthly schedule of committee meetings to ensure the smooth and coordinated implementation of the event.

The meeting marked an important step in mobilizing the organizing teams as SOCCSKSARGEN gears up to host one of the country’s biggest celebrations of science, technology, and innovation (STI).

DOST, Cong. Caoagdan explore innovation support for coconut and cattle industries in Cotabato DOST

by Info @Brand Zone | February 23, 2026

Integrating technology across the livestock value chain is seen as key to increasing farmer incomes and supporting regional food security. Following the meeting, the delegation toured ITDI’s state-of-the-art laboratories and technical divisions, where they were briefed on available technologies ready for adoption and commercialization

Through the Department of Science and Technology Region XII (DOST SOCCSKSARGEN), Hon. Rudy S. Caoagdan, Representative of the Second District of Cotabato and member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Science and Technology Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig to explore science-driven opportunities that can accelerate agricultural and industrial development in his district.

Congressman Caoagdan together with DOST SOCCSSKARGEN Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan met with DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Regional Operations Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, Countryside Development Assistant Secretary Engr. Maria Teresa B. De Guzman and Annabelle V. Briones, Executive Director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), to discuss potential collaborations that would harness innovation for coconut processing and cattle production in Cotabato Province.

As one of the key agricultural provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN, Cotabato has strong potential to move beyond raw commodity production toward value-added processing. Discussions highlighted the need to enhance coconut processing technologies to improve extraction efficiency, product quality, and compliance with national and international standards. 

By leveraging ITDI’s expertise in food processing, packaging, testing, and national metrology, local farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can be supported in developing higher-value coconut products such as virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, flour, and other derivative products that command stronger market demand. The collaboration aims to ensure that producers are not limited to selling copra or raw nuts, but are empowered to participate in processing, branding, and commercialization.

Beyond coconut, the meeting also highlighted the need to strengthen Cotabato’s cattle industry. Recognizing the province’s growing livestock sector, Congressman Caoagdan sought DOST’s support in modernizing cattle production and meat processing through science-based interventions. 

Discussions focused on research-driven feed formulation, food safety testing, meat preservation, and improved packaging to enhance productivity, ensure quality standards, and expand market access. Integrating technology across the livestock value chain is seen as key to increasing farmer incomes and supporting regional food security.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured ITDI’s state-of-the-art laboratories and technical divisions, where they were briefed on available technologies ready for adoption and commercialization. The visit showcased ITDI’s capabilities in industrial research and development, standards and testing services, materials science, chemical and analytical services, food innovation, and national metrology – core pillars in strengthening local industries and accelerating economic growth. 

The convergence reflects a shared commitment to building an integrated innovation ecosystem that bridges national research institutions with grassroots communities.

With coconut and cattle identified as strategic growth drivers, Cotabato Province is positioning itself for a transition toward science-enabled, value-added agriculture. Through strengthened partnerships between national R&D institutions and local leadership, the province moves closer to transforming its natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities – demonstrating that from research laboratories to rural livelihoods, innovation is shaping the future of Cotabato.

DOST rolls out science-based peace interventions in former MILF camps

by Nelson Santos @Info | February 7, 2026

Photo: DOST reaffirms its commitment to advancing peace through science and technology—building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.

Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has strengthened its peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao through the delivery of science- and technology-based interventions in six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development in former conflict-affected areas.

Led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the program was formalized through the ceremonial turnover of technologies and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the project titled “Empowering the Six Previously Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the Provision of Science and Technology Interventions.” Activities were held at Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, and Camp Bilal in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

The initiative is implemented in partnership with Member of Parliament Basit “Jannati Mimbatas” Abbas, MILF Chairman of Camp Bushra and representative of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), headed by Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who was represented during the event by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano.

MP Abbas shared that beneficiaries expressed happiness upon learning about the initiative and warmly welcomed the support. He described the program as distinct from other government interventions because of its strong grassroots reach and the personal presence of DOST leadership, which helped strengthen trust and partnership within the communities.

The activity was attended by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro M. Gatchalian, and DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director and Project Leader Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, reflecting the Department’s unified support for peace-oriented development.

The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar, and Camp Rajahmuda. Interventions were developed in close coordination with local leaders and community members to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to local priorities.

Key interventions focused on health, water, education, and livelihoods. These include the installation of six solar-powered Level II water systems serving more than 300 households, the deployment of SAFEWATRS water treatment technologies, and the conduct of food safety training, Halal compliance orientation, and basic nutrition activities.

In education, six STARBOOKS Learning Hubs equipped with Starlink connectivity were established, benefiting over 600 learners and educators. Meanwhile, science-based livelihood technologies—such as food processing, dressmaking, weaving, abaca production, and aquaculture initiatives—directly supported more than 300 community members and strengthened local economic self-reliance.

All technologies and facilities were designed with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience considerations, utilizing solar-powered and energy-efficient systems.

Capacity-building activities were conducted from July to October 2025, covering food processing, aquaculture, livestock production, vegetable farming, and enterprise development. Follow-through mentoring and enterprise strengthening activities are scheduled for 2026 to ensure long-term sustainability.

According to Secretary Solidum, “Science is for peace and development,” emphasizing that science provides communities with the tools needed to build sustainable and productive lives.

The initiative is implemented in close coordination with OPAPRU, the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel, the Joint Task Force for Camps Transformation,

local government units, and community leaders.

Through this program, DOST reaffirms its commitment to advancing peace through science and technology—building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.