Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said on Thursday that 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration is a good opportunity for the public to learn the several local solutions offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to solve Rizal’s existing challenges.
Among the points Secretary Solidum mentioned was the partnership with the Rizal Provincial Government, which highlighted efforts to combat malnutrition in Antipolo’s public schools through locally developed nutrition and food processing technologies.
“Kamakailan nga lang po ay kasama natin si Governor (Rebecca) Ynares sa paglulunsad ng Expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) na ginanap din dito sa Antipolo,” said Solidum.
Solidum explained that this program will provide hot and nutritious meals for 120 days and milk for 15 days. Among these initiatives are the development of nutritious food products, the promotion of food processing and packaging technologies to preserve quality, safety, and nutrition, and the conduct of in-depth research to determine the effects of feeding interventions.
The SBFP is a program of the Department of Education in the Philippines aimed at addressing undernutrition and hunger among public school learners. It is implemented in collaboration with other government agencies, including the DOST, for food technology support.
Solidum also shared DOST programs that can help modernize Rizal’s traditional industries — such as Angono’s arts and crafts and Taytay’s garment sector — by introducing technology upgrades to boost competitiveness.
“Through enterprise development programs like SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) and CEST (Community Empowerment through Science and Technology), we help MSMEs improve product quality, access training, and discover and uplift indigenous and grassroots innovations in crafts and the circular economy. In 2024, we supported 17 impactful initiatives across the region, with a total investment of over ₱6 million,” said Sec. Solidum.
He also underscored the important roles of Taytay, Rizal in DOST’s smart city roadmap initiative and how digital innovation could improve public services and infrastructure.
“Actually, we are working with Taytay to develop smart city roadmaps aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Local government units are being assessed and recognized for their efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said Sec. Solidum.
Sec. Solidum also mentioned that DOST scholars based in Rizal are being trained not only for careers in science but also to become entrepreneurs driving local innovation.
“Our scholarships are an investment in future scientists, complemented by programs such as the Scholars’ Technopreneurship Training (STTP) and the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM), all aimed at cultivating young minds to be future-ready,” said Sec. Solidum.
DOST pushes Integrated Flood Plan
Meanwhile, Sec. Solidum emphasized that events like the RSTW, along with other DOST activities nationwide, highlight Disaster and Climate Resilience as a key component in building smart and sustainable communities.
“As you know, DOST is a science and research-based organization. So, when it comes to flood control, what needs to be done is to develop an integrated flood management system for each river basin or sub-river basin. The amount of rain varies over time, especially with climate change,” he said, noting that excessive rainfall can cause flooding, while low rainfall can lead to drought.
He explained that addressing flooding requires considering its different types. “As areas urbanize and more surfaces are covered with concrete or asphalt, less water seeps into the soil, and more flows on the surface. Consequently, the volume of water needing drainage increases over time. Drainage systems must adapt to this change,” said Sec. Solidum.
In CALABARZON, flooding often occurs in the Marikina River Basin and is usually flash flooding caused by heavy rains. Coastal flooding, particularly in Laguna Lake, is worsened by siltation from soil erosion and waste from fish pens and urban areas.
“This is why DOST promotes a circular economy—turning plastics and agricultural waste into products that generate income instead of discarding them. If people can earn from waste, they will be less likely to throw it away,” he added.
To manage these risks, mapping river systems and infrastructure using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is crucial. “On DOST’s side, we have launched the Spatial Analytics and Technology Solutions Program to digitize all data, enabling comprehensive planning efforts at the local level. Through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, we offer technologies to help local governments plan effectively,” Sec. Solidum said.
The 2025 RSTW celebration in CALABARZON runs from August 14–16 at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo City, Rizal. It features interactive exhibits from various DOST agencies and partner institutions, most of which showcased products and results of research and development (R&D) programs, initiatives, and other scientific services.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims 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 mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.region4a.dost.gov.ph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)
