BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) held the annual Regional Science and Technology Week Celebration here on November 19-22, 2019 that showcases the S&T initiatives implemented in the region and the available technologies and innovations of the various RDIs and other agencies of DOST. The four-day event also aimed at promoting public awareness of science, technology and innovation as a driver for enterprise development and community empowerment especially in the countryside.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña and DOST – CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, together Mountain Province officials headed by Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan and Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr. led the formal opening of RSTW 2019 at the Provincial Multi – purpose Hall on November 19.

The RSTW 2019, carrying the theme “Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development” highlighted a variety of activities such as S&T exhibit,  Technology Bazaar,  DOST – SEI Workshop for students, S&T Quiz for elementary and secondary schools in  the Cordillera, Disaster Resilience Summit for Kids and the PAG-ASA mobile planetarium, science magic and robotics interactive exhibit, science, technology and innovation forum  for the general public that tackles four sustainable development goals, the “Science JournoAko” (journalism workshop for high school students) and the SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) Summit for local business enterprises and future entrepreneurs (graduating students in business courses).  

Simultaneously, the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) was also held generating 105 entries from the different institutions (high schools, college, and even private inventors) who served as qualifiers and competed for the said contest. RICE is the marquee event for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) which is a biennial activity which showcases Filipino efforts that embody the nation’s inventive, creative, and innovative spirit. It gives due recognition to the best efforts of the inventors and researchers including the students.

In his keynote message, Secretary Dela Peña said:

The Regional Science and Technology Week seeks to draw attention to scientific knowledge and technological applications impacting on the lives of Filipinos through the kind of development that can bring about positive, meaningful and sustainable change.

He further emphasized that the promotion of S&T to enhance innovation for inclusive development is among the priority socio – economic agenda of the current administration — the reason why DOST and its attached agencies have been intensifying their programs and services towards such effort.