Showcasing local innovations unites Pinoys amid 'tense' situation — Vlogger Kulas

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE — Vlogger Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann on Thursday said showcasing Filipino innovations brings people together amid the recent "tense" situation in the country.

"Let's just be very honest and blunt, it's been very tense lately, right? In the Philippines," Jennermann told reporters.

"It doesn't really matter what side you're on. What matters is when you look at this, grassroots is an all-around-the-country thing, and it brings us together," he added.

The Canadian-born content creator behind #BecomingFilipino further said, "I think this is a very positive thing for Filipinos to latch onto and grow together as a country and as people, regardless of what side of the fence you sit on."

He was referring to issues on corruption that linked government officials and lawmakers to alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Jennermann, who was granted Filipino citizenship in 2023, became the ambassador of the Department of Science and Technology Region XI's Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program in 2021.

He pointed out that knowing such innovations exist made him rethink the purpose of his travels.

"I should be traveling, not just all over the country, but I should be traveling with an open mindset, not just to check out the tourist site but also to engage with the people and to look at those small communities and businesses," the vlogger said.

With 23 participants, Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GICE) 2025 expo showcases sustainable and inclusive solutions from across the country.

These solutions are inspired by communities and innovators committed to a greener future.

The GICE is one of the events held during the National Science and Technology Week, which runs from November 18 to 21 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. — BAP, GMA Integrated News