The past year reminded Central Visayas that resilience cannot rely on response alone.
Following a series of destructive natural hazards that affected parts of Cebu and neighboring provinces, conversations have shifted toward preparedness not only through disaster response, but through science, technology and innovation that can help communities anticipate risks, strengthen industries and improve public services.
That vision took center stage during the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Cebu City on July 13, where government agencies, researchers, local governments, universities, startups and businesses gathered to showcase how scientific research can move beyond laboratories and into everyday life.
For Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., innovation is no longer simply about developing new technologies. It is about building communities that are ready for tomorrow.
‘Let the 2026 RSTW in Central Visayas show that productivity, knowledge creation, and future readiness are parts of one national journey,’ Solidum said during the opening ceremony.
‘Let Central Visayas demonstrate how regions can lead that journey-with enterprises willing to innovate, researchers willing to respond, institutions willing to collaborate, local governments willing to use evidence, and young people ready to create,’ he added.
His message comes as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) pushes for stronger regional innovation ecosystems, recognizing that solutions are often most effective when developed close to the communities they intend to serve.
‘Sa katawhan gihapon’ (for the people still)
DOST Central Visayas Regional Director Tristan Abando explained how the annual science week represents something much larger than an exhibition of new technologies.
It is a gathering of the region’s entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
‘RSTW is not merely a DOST event but a celebration of the entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem of the region,’ Abando said.
He noted that many successful innovations begin with simple conversations among different sectors before evolving into technologies, enterprises and services that address local concerns. ‘By bringing together key players from various sectors, RSTW provides a venue for building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones that can help address the region’s pressing development concerns.’
Among the technologies featured during the three-day event are the Fuel Cell Research and Development and Testing Center, Bamboo Octagonal Jointing System, Wood Identification Services, Automatic Weather Station, Radiosonde Transmitter, BANATECH, Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTech), AGOS Digital Signing App, and Payruler.
The exhibition also highlighted DOST-assisted enterprises, including Cebu-based bakery and food manufacturer Magic Melt, which integrated a solar photovoltaic system into its production facility through DOST support.
While the technologies vary widely, they point toward a common objective: using science to solve practical problems faced by industries, communities and local governments.
‘Karon ug ugma’ (today and tomorrow)
CENTRAL Visayas is in a unique position to demonstrate how national science and innovation strategies can be translated into local action, Solidum said.
Among the initiatives he highlighted is the Smart and Sustainable Communities Roadmap, which encourages local governments to use data in planning and delivering public services.
Another is the Central Visayas Drone Industry Development Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen technical skills, regulation and public-service applications for drone technologies in the region.
The Science Discovery Center, meanwhile, aims to cultivate scientific curiosity among younger Filipinos and encourage greater participation in science and technology.
‘These are not isolated projects; they are the building blocks of an innovation ecosystem felt by every citizen,’ Solidum said.
He added that science-based interventions also have implications beyond research, particularly in strengthening food security.
According to the DOST chief, helping food processors, farmers, fisherfolk and agri-based enterprises improve productivity, reduce losses and strengthen supply chains could make communities more resilient to disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions.
‘By enhancing the competitiveness of local industries, science and technology can help ensure a more stable and accessible food supply even amid disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions,’ he said.
‘Tabang sa tinguha’ (assistance in achieving a goal)
BEYOND showcasing technologies, DOST is also expanding assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to adopt innovation.
During the RSTW opening news conference, Solidum said the agency continues to strengthen its long-running Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides qualified businesses with financial assistance of up to P5 million, alongside technical guidance throughout implementation.
Repayment begins only after one year and is spread over three years without interest.
For businesses requiring larger investments, DOST has partnered with LandBank to provide additional financing for qualified enterprises, with loans ranging from around P5 million to as much as P50 million or P100 million, depending on project requirements.
The agency also administers the Startup Grant Fund, which supports research and development activities before technologies become commercially viable.
Meanwhile, companies facing operational challenges but lacking in-house research capabilities may partner with universities through DOST-funded research collaborations, while research-intensive firms may receive assistance in acquiring specialized equipment.
Solidum said these initiatives are complemented by the country’s growing network of 84 innovation hubs, which provide technical mentoring, networking opportunities and business guidance for startups and MSMEs.
The goal, he said, is to ensure innovators receive support from idea generation to commercialization.
Really, the message of the RSTW in Central Visayas is clear: being andam ugma (ready tomorrow) begins with turning science into solutions that communities can use today.