The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially closed the 2023 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration in Iloilo City on November 26, 2023 at the Iloilo Convention Center.

Joining the Closing Program were DOST executives, Usec. Maridon O. Sahagun, Usec. Sancho A. Mabborang, and Asec. Diane N. Ignacio, together with DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga, other regional directors, and agency heads.

In his recorded message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., warmly congratulated DOST VI as the host region, for the success of the first NSTW celebration outside Metro Manila.

“I would say that we have indeed attained our objectives that of promoting science, technology, and innovation as drivers or change and instruments of development towards a transformative future”, Solidum adds.

Additionally, Usec. Sahagun, Chairperson of the 2023 NSTW Steering Committee, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the firm support and active participation of everyone during the conduct of the event.

She says, “True to my heart, I can say that the 2023 NSTW is a great success. We really proved for the past five days that science, technology, and innovation can really create wonders and make things happen.”

Corporate, government, and private institutions were recognized for their partnership and collaboration during the conduct of the event. The winners for the Best S&T Exhibits were also announced and awarded, namely, the Health Cluster at the Main S&T Exhibits (1^st Place), the Hinabul: Fibers and Textiles Exhibits (2^nd Place), and the Lawud: Marine S&T Exhibits (3^rd Place).

As the highlight of the program, the ceremonial turn-over of the NSTW hosting was held wherein DOST X in Northern Mindanao was named as the next host. DOST X Regional Director Romela N. Ratilla wholeheartedly and firmly accepted the challenge bestowed.

Usec. Mabborang happily shared that next year’s NSTW celebration will be grander. “We promise you that next year will be more exciting, bigger, and the celebration will be more fun not only for us in the scientific community but also for our stakeholders – the students, the micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs, and our LGU (local government unit) partners”, he says.

The 2023 NSTW in Iloilo City has truly made its mark in history. It strongly signified DOST Secretary Solidum’s desire to make science, technology, and innovation more inclusive by bringing a national event closer to its stakeholders and partners in the regions. As #OneDOST4U, the NSTW is now an event every Filipino can look forward to.