The National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) will take center stage in Iloilo City from November 22-26, 2023. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to bring several of the latest innovative products and services closer to local government units and industries, assisting their respective operations and product development.

In a broadcast statement, DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga shared that various scientific and technological (S&T) institutions, research and development (R&D) organizations, regional offices, and DOST's partners will showcase new innovations and technologies related to the blue economy, maritime transport, food processing, sustainable technologies, health, and education in Iloilo City and across Western Visayas.

“We will showcase different research and technology outputs and inform stakeholders and viewers about this week's event and the available technologies. These can be adapted by various sectors of society, from MSMEs and local government units to private individuals,” said Reg. Dir. Gelonga.

Meanwhile, Eileene Fernando, a supervising science research specialist from the DOST-Technology Application and Promotions Institute, shared that the five-day S&T celebration in Iloilo City will span three different sites: the Iloilo Convention Center, Camp John B. Lacson Training Ship and Museum of the Philippine Maritime History, and the National Museum of Western Visayas.

Fernando mentioned that the main S&T exhibits at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) will be divided into eight thematic clusters, including Energy, Transport and Logistics, Health, STEM Education, Environment Sustainability, Resilience, Job Creation, Livable Communities, Digital Economy Transformation, Agriculture, Food Security, International Linkages, and the Blue Economy.

Additionally, the satellite exhibit at Camp John B. Lacson Training Ship and Museum of Philippine Maritime History will focus on maritime history and the S&T Exhibit.

The National Museum of Western Visayas will feature the Hinabul: Natural Fiber and Textile Exhibits, including the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute.

“We're not just holding interactive exhibits; we're also conducting technical sessions, lectures, and workshops on diverse S&T topics. We hope this event will not only inform but also inspire and engage stakeholders so that these technologies can be effectively utilized,” mentioned Reg. Dir. Gelonga.

He further noted that this year, the inclusion of the word 'innovation' in the NSTW title has a specific purpose.

“We emphasize innovation because, to us, it encapsulates the practical implementation of new ideas and technologies. It's not merely about creating new knowledge within the scientific community but ensuring these advancements address public welfare concerns like poverty, malnutrition, and disaster resilience, while enhancing business competitiveness,” emphasized Reg. Dir. Gelonga.

With the theme "Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan," the focus will be on "Creating and Protecting Wealth for a Sustainable Blue Economy." The celebration will showcase research and development-based products and services addressing environmental and marine protection, aquatic and natural resources, and their impact on various sectors across the country.

For more information about the 2023 NSTW activities, download the mobile app at https://bit.ly/nstw2023android for Android users and https://bit.ly/nstw2023ios for iOS users. You can also follow the NSTW Official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nstwdost . (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)