The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI held its first SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Immersion on February 3-4, 2025, in the province of Antique. This initiative aimed to identify community-led solutions to pressing issues faced by grassroots communities.

Spearheaded by the DOST Regional Office and Antique Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO), this immersion has led to the identification and documentation of seven grassroots innovations (GIs) across four barangays in Antique including Brgy. Alangan, Sibalom; Brgy. Bari, Sibalom; Brgy. Iguirindon, San Remigio; and Brgy. Tubudan, San Remigio. This was followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with the Antique PSTO to assess the GIs based on their novelty, relative advantage over existing innovations, compatibility with community needs, complexity, trialability, and observability.

The SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Immersion is a key feature of the DOST’s GRIND Program which aims to empower marginalized communities by strengthening grassroots innovations and fostering sustainable development. “SalikLakbay,” derived from the Filipino words “saliksik” (research) and “lakbay” (adventure), offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from local grassroots innovators.

The success of this immersion marks the beginning of similar activities planned for other provinces in the Western Visayas region, furthering the GRIND Program’s mission to support community-driven solutions for sustainable growth. (KCPama/RDIMS)