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Published: 03 June 2025

Disasters in the Philippines present a complex and interconnected challenge. Each solution reveals new difficulties, and there is no single answer to the country's multifaceted risks. Constant exposure to natural hazards has shaped the vulnerabilities, resilience, and expertise of the Philippines.

Read more: DOST’s Solidum shares key lessons in disaster resilience at Geneva Conference

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Published: 03 June 2025

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honored outstanding local innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and partner institutions during the opening day of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held on May 28, 2025, at Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) in municipality of San Jose.

Through the award dubbed as the MIMAROPA Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Awards, it honors individuals, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), communities, and partner institutions that have significantly advanced regional development through the strategic use of science, technology, and innovation.

The awards aim to recognize the initiatives in the region that effectively transform lives through S&T that continues to drive sustainable developments. By recognizing the contributions of diverse stakeholders, the DOST-MIMAROPA STI Awards put a spotlight on how these approaches solved local challenges and bolstered inclusive growth.

The awards encompass various categories, including Best Technopreneur, Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Community, Best R&D Awards, and Best GICE awards.

Best Technopreneur Awards

For Food Category:

1st Place- Jezreel C. Lagang of Tubo J Sugar Cane Products

2nd Place- Reynalyn M. Rodelas of U.N.C.L.E. Roy Processed Food Manufacturing

3rd Place- Irene E. Rivera of Malaya Aizel's Bakery

For Non-Food Category:

1st Place- Ar. Wilfredo Apacible of Pampeialo Modular Kitchen and General Merchandise

2nd Place- Bandino V. Sarmiento of Banding Stainless Works

3rd Place- Michael P. Morante of Stikit Decal Graphics and Advertising Services

The Best Technopreneur Award honors small businesses in the region that have expanded its operation and improved its products and services through the help from DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program. It celebrated the victories of local entrepreneurs who turned their ideas into products that uplifted the lives of the communities by providing livelihood opportunities and boosted the economy of the region.

Best CEST Community Awards

1st Place- LGU San Jose, Romblon

2nd Place- LGU- Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

3rd Place- LGU - San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

Meanwhile, the Best CEST Community Award recognized the initiatives of the communities towards improved quality of life through the DOST Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program. It highlighted how S&T contributed in attaining poverty alleviation and achieving better quality of life in remote communities of the region.

Best R&D Awards

Agricultural and Environmental Research Category-Strengthening Weather Monitoring System Through Hydrologic Response Modeling in “Mag-Asawang Tubig” Watershed Mindoro State University - Victoria Campus.

Human Development Research Category-Development of a Non-dairy Probiotic Drink Using Coconut Sap as a Substrate Marinduque State University.

The Best R&D Award recognized the outstanding research projects from the academe or other institutions that offer real-life solutions to local problems. It highlights how research and science can help improve health, the environment, agriculture, and overall community well-being.

 Regional GICE Awards

Grassroots Innovation Category

1st Place- Palatak Palay Seeder of Engr. Delfin C. Cuevas of

2nd Place- Bagoong with Gata and Misis Patis of Apurawan Women’s Association of

3rd Place- Tools for Pandan Weaving and Woven Products of Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Kabuhayan sa Tina

Circular Economy Category

1st Place- Hydrothermal Dehydrator of Lauro G. Bautista

2nd Place- Improvised Blower for Forging “Utak” or Itak or Jeffrey Belleza Sr.

3rd Place- Kalutang of Pangkat Kalutang

The Best GICE Award honors creative and practical solutions from individuals or groups who provide solutions to ordinary problems using science, technology, or innovation. This award puts a spotlight on local inventions and sustainable practices that improve lives and protect the environment.

“The MIMAROPA STI Awards aim to share with the public the diverse stories of local businesses, communities, and higher education institutions whose operations, production, and services have significantly improved through their trust in DOST programs,” said DOST-MIMAROPA Officer-in-Charge Jerry B. Mercado.

He said that these stories serve as compelling proof of concept, showcasing the vital role that science and technology play in driving development and guiding stakeholders toward a science-based approach.

Meanwhile, for DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Maria Teresa B. De Guzman, shared that the achievements of awardees are testament on how effective and significant the DOST programs and interventions are in the countryside to address local challenges through appropriate S&T solutions. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (right) congratulates Lauro G. Bautista for winning first place for his work on the Hydrothermal Dehydrator under the Circular Economy category of the MIMAROPA Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Awards, held during the 2025 RSTW celebration in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. (Photo by Patrick James Lee Alfonso, DOST-STII)