By Joshua Sugay

 

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro,Philippines — More residents across MIMAROPA will gain access to science, technology, and innovation as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-MIMAROPA brings the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) to all island provinces for the first time from August 17 to 19.

Instead of holding the annual celebration in just one province, DOST-MIMAROPA will conduct activities across Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, and Romblon to reach more communities, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Speaking during the Arangkada MIMAROPA radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-MIMAROPA and Radyo Pilipinas-Palawan on August 5, Regional Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda said the initiative proves that MIMAROPA’s island geography does not limit development.

“Gusto nating ipakita na hindi hadlang ang pagkakahiwalay ng mga probinsiya. Bagkus, konektado ang MIMAROPA gamit ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon,” Sepeda said.

This year’s celebration carries the call to action “Tara Pa-MIMAROPA,” inviting residents to experience technologies that support livelihoods, protect the environment, preserve culture, and create opportunities for communities.

Each province will showcase technologies that reflect its strengths.

Occidental Mindoro will feature technologies that preserve Indigenous Peoples’ culture, including handloom weaving machines for Mangyan communities.

Oriental Mindoro will highlight technology commercialization, including the Palatak Palay Seeder and the Mobile Modular Food Processing Facility that helps farmers reduce crop losses and add value to their harvests.

Marinduque will present science-based solutions for environmental protection, such as coral nursery units and reef block deployment.

Palawan will showcase robotics, mechatronics, and Industry 4.0 technologies while launching innovation facilities that support students, engineers, and local industries.

Romblon will serve as the regional hub, bringing together the themes of all provinces while featuring technologies for disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, industry development, and technology-based livelihoods.

“Gusto nating ipakita kung paano nagkakabuklod-buklod ang isang bayan gamit ang agham at teknolohiya,” Sepeda said.

Activities will run simultaneously across MIMAROPA from August 17 to 19, bringing government innovations closer to communities and highlighting how the region’s islands can move forward together through science, technology, and innovation. (JJGS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)