MALAYBALAY CITY--From organic-grown "Kulikot" variety of chili pepper that only cost PHP75 a kilo, to robotic toys made by the students of Philippine Science High School from the Lanao del Norte town of Baloi.
These were just among the 25 products and innovations exhibited during the "National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) sa Amihanang Mindanao," held on September 12-14 in Bukidnon State University.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology in Region 10 ((DOST-10), the annual event highlights local innovations from schools and industries aimed at attracting innovators in the business and research communities.
Alfonso Alamban, DOST-10 regional director, said that on top of the exhibits, discussions were also held to match scientists and experts with stakeholders in the academe and the business sector.
"From what was highlighted from the visit of our (DOST) Secretary (Fortunato dela Peña), he shared possible projects that can be availed by the private sector--projects that are ready for commercialization," he said.
An example of the DOST program that reaches out to the business sector is the "Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)"--a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.
DOST-10 showcased the Cagayan de Oro-based MJ Foods as an example of the success of this program that resulted in quality processed food products.
Of particular interest was the organic-grown chili pepper produced by Malaybalay's own agriculture office, which attracted curiosity from visitors who took note that some chili pepper varieties have gone up to about PHP1,000 per kilo in Manila and other areas.
Other local exhibitors include Mindanao Silk program from the Philippine Textile Research Institute in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, that displayed live silkworms and explained to visitors its life cycle and how its cocoons are used in the production of textiles.
Engineer Junela Louvena Ruiz, Provincial Science and Technology Director for Misamis Oriental, and the head of the exhibition, said that local weavers from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental have been commissioned to make silk worm-based materials for different textile products.
Exhibitors from other parts of the country were also notably present, but Alamban said that local exhibitors that have "relevant" innovations to the region were given a priority. (PNA)
