For many years, the entire nation has celebrated the success, hard work, and dedication of Filipino scientists and engineers during a week-long festivity, giving them the well-deserved spotlight, in Metro manila. This time around, this yearly event will be held in the region, to be hosted by the Visayas regional cluster of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Breaking the norm, the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) for 2023 will be hosted in Iloilo City from November 22-26, 2023, a historic first.

Themed “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon sa Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the host region will focus on “Creating and Protecting Wealth for a Sustainable Blue Economy”. This year’s five-day celebration will highlight various research and development-based products and services from the DOST and the entire scientific community. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, the emphasis will be on environmental and marine protection, aquatic and natural resources, and how these innovations can address the challenges faced by different sectors and areas in the country.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. stated, “Bringing the NSTW to Iloilo this year indicates how the DOST values and prioritizes aligning our products and services to foster inclusive development, creating more livelihood and career opportunities for Filipinos, especially in rural areas, promoting the blue economy.”

He further added that the NSTW will continue to be held in the province every year, to shine a national spotlight on homegrown scientists and researchers from various local state universities and colleges (SUCs) that have been contributing immensely in R&D- based initiatives to address pressing concerns in various industry sectors.

“Moving forward, the DOST aims to make NSTW a platform for industry players, scientists, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and work together in achieving inclusive development in their respective communities,” said Sec. Solidum.

Meanwhile, the regional S&T celebrations in different provinces will continue, to be held from August to November, culminating in the 2023 NSTW in Iloilo City.

The main venue for the 2023 NSTW will be the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON), hosting techno-exhibits, S&T Fora, and techno-demonstrations. What is new in this year’s celebration is the simultaneous conduct of S&T activities in satellite venues within the city, complementing the many cultural wonders of Iloilo like the museum, the marina and other tourist destinations.

From 1993 until 2019, the NSTW was celebrated every third week of July under Proclamation 169. However, in August 2019, former President Rodrigo “Roa” Duterte signed Proclamation 780, moving the NSTW to the fourth week of November. The date change aimed to ensure maximum participation from schools, students, stakeholders, the business sector, and the public during the week-long celebration, in line with the academic calendar of most universities, schools, and educational institutions.

For more information and updates regarding the 2023 NSTW celebration, please follow the official NSTW Facebook page and website or send your inquiries to nstw.secretariat@gmail.com or ord@ro6.dost.gov.ph.