DOST Batanes, LGU Basco celebrate Linggo ng Katandaang Pilipino through ‘Golden Age, Golden Health Program

by Info @Brand Zone | October 3, 2026

BASCO, BATANES — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Batanes and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Basco highlighted the importance of healthy and active aging through the culmination of the Golden Age, Golden Health Activity on October 1, 2026.

The culminating activity coincided with the opening of Elderly Filipino Week, observed from October 1 to 7, and recognized the participation and achievements of senior citizens who took part in the nearly two-month health and wellness initiative.

The program was jointly implemented by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Batanes and LGU Basco through the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the Municipal Health Office. Conducted from July 16 to August 21, the initiative promoted evidence-based health practices, physical activity, proper nutrition and social engagement among senior citizens.

Activities during the program included health assessments, nutritional feeding, physical exercises and friendly competitions designed to support physical fitness, mental agility and social interaction.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The October 1 culmination featured a final health assessment, tournament games, cognitive-motor agility activities and a Zumba session, allowing participants to demonstrate the progress and skills developed throughout the program.

Batanes Governor Ronald P. Aguto, Jr. graced the activity and delivered a message to the senior citizens. He also presented awards to the winners and outstanding participants in recognition of their active participation in the program.

Representing Basco Municipal Mayor German A. Caccam, Sangguniang Bayan Member Carla Corder also joined the celebration on behalf of the municipal government.

OSCA Head Elda B. Lechuga and Senior Citizens President Rosemarie V. Delatado shared inspirational messages and testimonials, while DOST Batanes Provincial Director Nora T. Garcia emphasized the role of science, health awareness and community partnerships in promoting the well-being of senior citizens.

Participants were also recognized through various awards, including the Golden Vitality Award, Mental Agility Award and Tournament Grand Champion.

The activity concluded with a message from Dr. Jeniffer Robillos, Municipal Health Officer of Basco.

The Golden Age, Golden Health Activity demonstrated how science-based health practices and collaboration among government agencies, health workers and the community can help senior citizens maintain active, healthy and socially engaged lives.

Through the initiative, DOST Batanes and its partners reaffirmed the importance of creating opportunities for senior citizens to remain active participants in their families and communities. (Nelson Santos)

Cagayan Valley RSTW highlights push to bring STI closer to communities

by Info @Brand Zone | September 15, 2026

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.

Turning food safety knowledge into better practices at MJS Foods

by Info @Brand Zone | September 3, 2026

• 

• 

• 

Photo: For MJS Foods, the knowledge gained can be applied to both its restaurant and food processing operations, helping the company strengthen its food safety practices and work toward safer, more consistent products for its customers.

For food businesses, good products begin with safe and proper practices behind every step of preparation and production.

On August 24, MJS Foods Inc. strengthened the food safety practices of its team through a Training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) held at Aruma Coffee Lounge, Poblacion, Iligan City.

A total of 17 food handlers, including two owners, participated in the training. The activity is part of DOST’s continuing support to food businesses in applying safe and proper ways of handling and producing food.

The training covered common food hazards, proper food handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, record-keeping, and Good Manufacturing Practices. These practices help businesses maintain cleaner work areas, prevent food contamination, improve consistency in production, and ensure that food is handled properly from preparation to serving or processing.

For MJS Foods, the knowledge gained can be applied to both its restaurant and food processing operations, helping the company strengthen its food safety practices and work toward safer, more consistent products for its customers.

Safer food starts with better practices. Connect with your nearest DOST Office to learn about available training and consultancy services.(DOST Lanao del Norte)