The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues to pursue efforts that would bring Science and Technology (S&T) closer and more beneficial to people despite the pandemic through a virtual celebration of National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

With the theme “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon,” the DOST Region VI stages its first Pre-NSTW event virtually on October 13-15, 2021 that serves as pre-event to the national celebration set on November 23-25, 2021.
The 3-day activity highlights DOST’s innovations and features discussions that respond to the pressing needs of various sectors and stakeholders toward attaining development and inclusive growth.

Scheduled on October 13, 2021 is a webinar on Design Thinking: Youth-Centered Innovation that aims to strengthen participants’ design thinking in uncovering compelling solutions and become an innovative thinker.

Second day of the activity highlights the webinar series set on October 14 dubbed as Testing Matters: Ensuring Quality and Safety for All. The webinar focuses on three topics which are Introduction to Shelf-Life Testing, Understanding Nutrition Facts and Labelling, and Basic Concepts of Metrology and Calibration. On the same day, Fake News 101 that emphasizes the whats, whys, and hows of disinformation in the Philippines to equip youth in understanding mass media practices will also be conducted.

On October 15, the last day of the pre-event activities for the S&T week celebration, DOST Region VI will feature a talk show over video conferencing in 1E conversations. It will focus S&T experts and technologies to further promote and bring experts and technology solutions closer to the people. Moreover, the 4th Western Visayas Health Research Conference will also run from October 14-15.

Meanwhile, the main event set on November 23-25 will highlight the 2021 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) and Tech Negosyo. RICE encourages men and women inventors and researchers to showcase their inventive and creative capabilities through a form of competition for cash incentives, awards, and bragging rights.

To help elevate the economy of the Philippines most especially the micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) that was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, DOST with the Youth First Initiative will hold the Tech Negosyo in coordination with the Youth First Initiatives. It will include technology pitching, Bakal Lokal Fair, showcasing of the different technologies assisted, developed and funded by DOST VI among others.

Interested participants are encouraged to constantly browse through the official Facebook page of DOST Region VI and website at ro6.dost.gov.ph for the zoom links and further announcements. (JJMoleño/SSalazar/DOST VI – KMU)