DOST in north Mindanao kicks off SciTech week with focus on disasters, innovation

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao launched Wednesday the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Mambajao, Camiguin.

A first in the island-province, the event showcases Science, Technology, and Innovation exhibits, a disaster resilience forum, community and enterprise recognition, and project launching.

The Department of Science and Technology Northern Mindanao launches the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Mambajao, Camiguin, which will run from July 22-24.

A first on the island, the event showcases innovation exhibits, disaster resilience forum, community… pic.twitter.com/aTtPfR5CBB

— Celine (@celine_serquina) July 22, 2026

With the theme "Driving, Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience," this year's RSTW in Northern Mindanao focuses on DOST's initiatives in Camiguin.

These initiatives include the launch of the smart mobile kitchen, which is developed to provide accessible food support during emergencies.

The Northern Mindanao RSTW is also dubbed as "RSTW sa Isla," which stands for Innovation for Sustainable and Livable Archipelago.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. will also deliver a lecture on understanding and monitoring Mount Hibok-hibok, where its historic eruption in 1951 led to the establishment of what is now the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

During his speech at the launch of the RSTW Northern Mindanao, Solidum said the purpose of science is to help uplift the lives of the people.

"Science fulfills its greatest purpose only when it protects lives, strengthens communities, creates opportunities, and improves the lives of our people. That is exactly why we gather here today," Solidum said.

"The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week is much more than an annual celebration of science. It is where we bring science closer to every Filipino and remind ourselves that science does not belong only inside laboratories, universities, or research journals," he added.

The RSTW will run from July 22 to 24, 2026. — VDV, GMA News