MALAYBALAY CITY -- From organic-grown "Kulikot" variety of chili peppers that only cost P75 a kilo, to robotic toys made by the students of Philippine Science High School from Baloi, Lanao del Norte: these were just the few of the 25 others that was exhibited during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in Northern Mindanao, which was held from September 12 to 14 in Bukidnon State University.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region Northern Mindanao, the annual event that highlights local innovations from schools and industries was aimed to continue attracting investors in the business and research communities to utilize science and technology-based interventions and technologies.
Alfonso Alamban, DOST-Northern Mindanao regional director said that other than the exhibitions, talks from scientists and experts were organized to converge with stakeholders in the academe and industries.
"From what was highlighted from the visit of our (DOST) Secretary (Fortunato dela Peña), he shared possible projects that can be availed by the private sector. Projects that are ready for commercialization," he said.
An example of the DOST program that reaches to the business industry is the "Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)," a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness.
DOST-Northern Mindanao highlighted the Cagayan de Oro-based MJ Foods as an example of the success of this program that resulted in quality processed food products.
Other local exhibitors include Mindanao Silk program from the Philippine Textile Research Institute in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental that displayed live silk worms and explained to students the life cycle of silk worms and how its cocoons are used in the production of cloths and other forms of textiles.
Engineer Junela Louvena Ruiz, Provincial Science and Technology Director for Misamis Oriental, and the head of the exhibition, said that local weavers from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental are already commissioned to make silk worm-based materials for different textile products.
There were also exhibitors that come from other parts of the country which have already been displayed during the NSTW in Manila last July, but Alamban said that those closely "relevant" to the region were chosen or invited to display in the exhibits.