By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. looks into one of the products on display at the RSTW Technology Fair exhibit area at the Occidental Mindoro State College Gymnasium in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, during its opening on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Xyrus Ivan de Gracia, DOST-STII)
Maximizing the natural resources for sustainable and improved quality of life among its locals, is what the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased during its three-day Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration at the Occidental Mindoro State College Gymnasium in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
From May 28 to 30, 2025, the DOST-MIMAROPA spearheaded the RSTW celebration to highlight the various research and development (R&D) outputs and scientific and technical services.
The province of Occidental Mindoro boasts a wealth of natural attractions, from the pristine white sands of Pandan Island to the rich biodiversity of Apo Reef Natural Park—the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world. Alongside its growing eco-tourism sector, the province is also advancing economically through sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure development that empower local communities.
“By strengthening rural capacity and investing in local innovation and development, we enable our communities to fully participate in the nation’s growth,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. during the opening program of the RSTW celebration in MIMAROPA.
Sec. Solidum emphasized that in the regions such as MIMAROPA, science and technology serve as powerful tools for bridging long-standing gaps in development. From the upland and coastal towns of Mindoro and Marinduque to the far-flung islands of Romblon and Palawan, the DOST has made significant strides in reaching communities once deemed too remote or challenging to serve.
In his speech, Solidum emphasized that this year’s theme, “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” is not just a goal but a necessity. It calls for using science and innovation to help communities become more resilient, productive, and environmentally responsible. Most importantly, it urges us to empower fisherfolk, farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs as active co-creators of progress.
Among the several DOST initiatives in MIMAROPA that Solidum shared are anchored in the following programs:
Better health, nutrition, education, and access to clean water
In MIMAROPA, about one in three poor households still lack access to safe water. Currently there are 27 water technologies that have been deployed by the DOST that include solar-powered systems, desalination units, and filtered rainwater collectors, which have been provided to over 4,300 households—benefiting nearly 20,000 individuals.
Meanwhile, in Occidental Mindoro, safe water access has been enhanced through localized technological innovations. In Caguray, Magsaysay, a rainwater harvester with filtration has been installed to provide clean water to 300 individuals, reducing health risks and eliminating the need to travel by boat to fetch water.
“I would like to share as well that iIn Barangay Ansiray, San Jose, a desalination system has been established, offering more affordable potable water, discounts for seniors and PWDs, and local job creation. Soon, a re-engineered ram pump will be installed in Sitio Payompon, Sta. Cruz to serve the Alangan Indigenous People community with clean water.
Access to scientific information to support both secondary and tertiary education has also been improved through the installation of 166 STARBOOKS units across the region.
“Support for the youth has been sustained through the implementation of DOST’s Science and Technology Scholarship Programs. From 2022 to 2024, a total of 8,345 applications were received for the undergraduate scholarship, and 909 for the Junior Level Science Scholarship. Out of these, 669 and 181 students qualified, respectively, with 32.23% of the 850 total qualifiers opting to study within MIMAROPA,” said Sec. Solidum.
Job and Livelihood Opportunities through DOST interventions in the province
On the other hand, assistance worth ₱47.2 million has been provided to 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program from 2022 to 2025, resulting in improved efficiency, packaging, and product quality across key sectors.
Additionally, 21 overseas Filipino workers were trained under the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) program, where entrepreneurial skills were imparted and connections to product development, technology, and funding support were established.
Through the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) initiative and the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping, 52 grassroots innovators from Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, and Marinduque were engaged to enhance homegrown innovations based on local knowledge and practice.
“One notable innovation developed by blacksmiths in Occidental Mindoro is the Improvised Blower for Metal Forging (Utak/Itak), a manually operated tool that has significantly increased the efficiency of airflow during metal forging, improving the heating and shaping process essential to their craft,” said Sec. Solidum.
Since 2022, support amounting to ₱60.7 million has been provided to 32 marginalized communities through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program, addressing livelihood, health, environment, and resilience. Under this program, the Hydrothermal Dehydrator was pioneered in Marinduque, utilizing heat from the Malbog hot spring to dry agricultural products.
Additionally, in Occidental Mindoro, STI-driven initiatives such as a solar-powered automated drip irrigation system and trials of seaweed-based foliar fertilizer have enhanced crop yields while conserving resources. Furthermore, handlooms developed by DOST-PTRI have been introduced to Buhid women weavers in Aligon Gamat, leading to increased production, income stability, and improved quality of life.
Protecting province’s wealth through DRRM initiatives and efforts
Sec. Solidum also believes that in a region highly vulnerable to natural hazards, DOST-MIMAROPA plays a critical role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and resources by providing hazard maps, risk communication tools, and capacity-building initiatives.
“These tools empower communities to prepare for and adapt to disasters, ensuring resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and intense climate-related events. By integrating science-based interventions and grassroots engagement, the agency fosters local capacity to thrive amid adversity,” said Sec. Solidum.
Several initiatives underscore DOST-MIMAROPA's commitment to disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The agency has installed automated rain gauges, water level monitoring stations, and an intensity meter for real-time hazard monitoring.
Notably, Project MOSES, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based weather and soil data monitoring system developed by Mindoro State University, enhances flood prediction through localized meteorological data.
Meanwhile, DOST-MIMAROPA’s efforts extend beyond monitoring to direct community support and recovery. In Occidental Mindoro, the upcoming deployment of two SafeWaTrS units in San Jose will provide clean, solar-powered water during emergencies.
Moreover, the Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen—used during typhoons and community events alike—demonstrates the flexibility and impact of science-driven solutions in both emergency and developmental contexts.
“These efforts collectively highlight the agency’s holistic and adaptive approach to building disaster-resilient communities,” said Sec. Solidum.
Institutionalizing Sustainability in Occidental Mindoro
Solidum also share that DOST works with LGUs, cooperatives, and communities to make sustainability a way of life.
He shared that the DOST-MIMAROPA has invested over ₱44.6 million in 135 solar energy system (SES) projects, powering essential services in health, education, evacuation, and water supply for over 5,408 beneficiaries. All Provincial S&T Offices are
now SES-equipped. With support from the Department of Health and DPWH-Marinduque, SES units were also installed in 30 Rural Health Units and 58 other facilities.
“We make sure that progress today does not compromise tomorrow,’ emphasized Solidum.
Meanwhile, through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, DOST partnered with LGUs in five MIMAROPA municipalities to deploy technologies such as Palatak seeders, hybrid solar systems, e-tricycles, and digital fishery platforms. These areas are among 80 national priority sites, with local governments committing to sustain these innovations. The program has since expanded to more towns, including the town of Magsaysay.
Lastly, in Occidental Mindoro, the San Jose SMARTeKOMunidad project integrates SARAI technologies to help onion farmers improve productivity and climate resilience through data-informed practices.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Maborrang said that there are tools, programs, and approaches that we can adopt and adapt to build a smart and sustainable future that fits your community's reality.
“The RSTW is a reflection of each region. What you see here in Occidental Mindoro—and across the MIMAROPA provinces—are your own strengths, your own ideas, your own innovations. We hope this celebration helps reinforce that science and technology are not one-size-fits-all,” said Usec. Maborrang.
Message of support from the local government of Occidental Mindoro
Local officials from Occidental Mindoro have also expressed their gratitude and commitment to the programs and services implemented by the DOST and its partner institutions in the region.
For Vice-Governor Anecita Diana C. Apigo-Tayag, she believes that the greatest asset of Occidental Mindoro is its people; thus, the support for education—especially STEM courses in the province—is deemed necessary.
“Marami pong salamat sa patuloy na pagmamalasakit sa ating tahanang lalawigan. Kami po sa Occidental Mindoro ay bukas sa anumang tulong na maibibigay ng pambansang pamahalaan. Your expertise and the whole-of-government approach have proven to be very effective here in our province,” said Vice Governor Apigo-Tayag.
She sees that the preferential attention from the national government is appreciated as Occidental Mindoro contributes significantly to food supply across regions. This support helps address food shortages and alleviate poverty in other areas.
“The hosting of a regional S&T festivity in Occidental Mindoro has strengthened our hope that, in the future, the sons and daughters of today’s farmers and fishermen will become scientists, engineers, and agriculturists, and serve as instruments in delivering inclusive development to our province,” said Vice Mayor Apigo-Tayag.
The 2025 RSTW celebration at the Occidental Mindoro State College Gymnasium will run until May 30, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It features interactive exhibits, technical fora, and career talks.
The 2025 RSTW is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (With information from Athena Colline V. Jacob, DOST-MIMAROPA)
