The RICE is a support initiative of the DOST through TAPI for Republic Act 7459, also known as the National Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act of the Philippines. One of the provisions of the law, as implemented by DOST-TAPI, is the selection and granting of cash rewards to Outstanding Inventions (Tuklas Award), Outstanding Utility Models, Outstanding Industrial Designs, Outstanding Creative Researches (Likha Award), and Outstanding Student Creative Researches (Sibol Award) for high school and college students.

Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST 12 Regional Director, amid the pomp and pageantry of the colorful Maranaw- and Maguindanao-inspired setting, encouraged collaboration among stakeholders citing enhancement of the innovation system. She said, “Let us continue working together to further enhance ad strengthen our innovation system by the harnessing an ecosystem of knowledge-based, market driven and technology enabled enterprises in Region 12 through synergy and strategic partnership with the community, local government units, adaceme, government agencies and private sector in developing a knowledge economy in Region 12”.

The DOST continuously recognizes the important role of inventions and innovations in national development as they help accelerate and sustain economic growth. (Aristotle P. Carandang, S&T Media Service)