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.

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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

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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)

Two NorMin Startups Advance to National Stage of Presidential Filipinnovation Awards

by Info - @Brand Zone | August 10, 2026

In communities across the country, good ideas often stay just that — ideas. A life-saving system sits unused by the local government that needs it. A farmer keeps working the old, slower way, simply because no one showed them another path.

POLLD Emergency System Corporation and Kasaka Agriventures, Inc. refused to let their innovations stop there. POLLD built the WERT System, an offline-resilient emergency command infrastructure designed to help local government units prepare for and respond to disasters. Kasaka developed an Automated Coconut Sap Juice Extractor, aimed at easing the labor-intensive work of coconut farmers and improving their livelihoods.

Both companies entered the Mindanao Sub-National Competition of the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, and both were named among only four Mindanao finalists advancing to the national stage.

As DOST NorMin Regional Director Dr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia said during the competition, "An innovation does not create impact simply because it is brilliant. It creates impact when it reaches the people who need it."