“A glimpse of a scientifically progressive future” was how Dir. Alfonso P. Alamban, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology X, opened the Regional Science and Technology (S&T) Week celebration in Cagayan de Oro City.
More than just the featuring of new S&T innovations in various fields affecting society, which provides a peek into our future, Dir. Alamban also underscored the great number of participating inventors, scientists, and researchers from various universities, colleges, and professional organizations in this year’s celebration.
This year, 97 inventions and researches of students and professionals took center stage. These inventions and researches hurdled a rigorous screening process by a panel of judges searching for this year’s best invention and research in Northern Mindanao.
To compliment this vision, Cagayan de Oro Councilor Ian Nacaya, representing the local government, proposed the creation of a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Committee. He was willing to sponsor a local bill to the City Council to promote the promotion, development, and utilization of STI in the City, with the proposed committee leading the way.
Likewise, in her keynote speech, Dr. Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, highlighted the importance of the celebration. She recognized the boost that the celebration gives to local scientists and inventors. It encourages them to pursue innovations and researches that would help promote development of the different sectors and address perceived needs of the region.
The event also introduces to the public the various services and programs of DOST. She mentioned the launching of the ONELAB Network which is an innovation in the service delivery of laboratories in the DOST system. The platform integrates DOST’s regional and research institutes’ laboratories, including selected non-DOST laboratories all over the country, into a network that provides easy access to testing and calibration services for the manufacturing and other industries, entrepreneurs, and the public in general.
Lastly, she also acknowledged the awareness and appreciation developed in the pubic regarding the importance and role of S&T in society. All these create a scientifically progressive, resilient, and healthy society.