THE Department of Sciences and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST 7), along with the Siquijor Provincial science and Technology Office (PSTO), launched the Innovation Hub (iHub) and the province’s first water testing facility on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The initiative aims to boost the island’s sustainable tourism innovation and improve public health.
The iHub is located in Baluarte, Poblacion, Siquijor, and it aims to promote a space for grassroots innovation, research collaboration, and startup development particularly within the sectors of Forestry, Fisheries, Farming, and Fostering Innovation or the 4F.
The launch was led by DOST Undersecretaries Sancho Mabborang and Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, as well as by Assistant Secretary Matet de Guzman, who emphasized the importance of inclusive innovation in island communities.
“With the iHub, we are not just unlocking potential in traditional sectors like herbal medicine and agriculture, but also advancing Siquijor’s identity as a model for sustainable tourism innovation,” said Mabborang.
DOST 7 OIC Regional Director Dr. Tristan Abando also expressed his support to Siquijor PSTO along with the DOST Visayas Clusters ViScience Collaboration.
The launch also highlighted their partnerships with Siquijor State College and Silliman University, and innovation showcases from local startups and student researchers.
Aside from the iHub, the DOST also inaugurated Siquijor’s first water testing facility at the Siquijor Integrated Provincial Health office in Caipilan.
This project aims to address a long-standing need for accessible water quality testing since water samples in the province had to be sent to Dumaguete or Cebu before, causing result delays and high costs.
“Providing science-based solutions for small island provinces like Siquijor is a priority of DOST, and this water testing laboratory directly addresses the long-standing challenge of access to essential testing services,” said Mabborang.
Now, the local ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), water refilling stations, resorts, and food establishments can easily access affordable potability tests, including Heterotrophic Plate Count, Total Coliform, and E. coli right on their province also aligning with the DOH and FDA standards, he added.
Trained and certified analysts of DOST 7’s Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory are now prepared to provide timely and reliable testing services.
Governor Jake Vincent Villa and Congressman Zaldy Villa also witnessed the event. (Julie Anne G. Sajetarios, HNU intern)