The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kicked off on Tuesday its regional celebration of the 2022 National Science and Technology Week, exhibiting the research and development innovations and technologies of various higher education institutions (HEIs) in Central Luzon.

DOST in Central Luzon (DOST-3) Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat said through the exhibits, the HEIs will be able to showcase their matured and ready-for-adoption technologies which can help different stakeholders in upscaling their capacities and businesses.

Sicat and DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang led the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the formal opening of the event at The Orchids Garden in this city.

Aligned with DOST’s tagline “Science for the People,” the National Science and Technology Week seeks to intensify through knowledge sharing and technology exhibits the engagement of the various sectors of society on Filipino ingenuity, innovation, and significant and exciting developments in science and technology.

As part of the celebration, Sicat said the DOST-3 organized a technical forum for local development planners of local government units and planning officers of state universities and colleges to provide them insights into incorporating science, technology, and innovation.

Likewise, he said the four-day event will be highlighted by the holding of the 2022 Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem (THRIVE) Central Luzon Innovation Summit to be held on Dec. 1.

Sicat said through the THRIVE event, the research outputs of the HEIs in the region and other research institutions can be used by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“THRIVE is designed to empower MSMEs by matching the requirements of industries to the research and development initiatives of the academe,” he said. (PNA)