Science and technology are no longer mere laboratory concepts; they are now functional tools to continuously improve the daily lives of the people from Central Luzon.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang describes science as “a powerful tool for development and transformation” during his opening message at the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Central Luzon, held at the Malolos Sports and Convention Centre on 12 November 2025. (Photo from DOST Regional Operations Facebook Page)
This was the core message of this year’s Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration in Central Luzon as it officially opens in the historic City of Malolos, Bulacan. Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the event will showcase new initiatives that would bring innovation closer to the local community, businesses, and schools.
Organized in partnership with the Bulacan State University, City of Malolos, Municipality of Guiguinto, and the Province of Bulacan, this year’s celebrations had the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” and focused on building smart and sustainable communities across Central Luzon.
“Guided by DOST’s four pillars; promoting human well-being for a long and healthy life; fostering wealth creation for a prosperous life; reinforcing wealth protection for a safe life; and institutionalizing sustainability for a balanced and resilient future, we aim to make STI practical and impactful for every Filipino, truly living up to our tagline, “Solutions and Opportunities for All,” or in its contextual translation to Filipino, “Agham na Ramdam.” Science that is felt by our kababayans,” underscores DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
In his keynote message, Solidum also celebrated the country’s significant leap in the Global Innovation Index (GII), as the Philippines broke into the Top 50, ranking 50th among 139 economies. He stressed that this achievement indicates the growing strength of the nation in translating science and technology into a strong economy and global competitiveness.
He cited a few milestone legislations indicative of the government’s continued investment in research and education, such as the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act that would establish the country’s premier virology research institute in New Clark City, Pampanga. The VIP will be devoted to diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for humans, animals, and plants toward the strengthening of national health security through the One Health approach.
He also mentioned the newly enacted Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act (RA 12310) that mandates the building of more campuses nationwide to further open access for young Filipinos to world-class STEM education.
DOST will establish iHubs in all provinces by the end of 2026 to further improve innovation ecosystems. Central Luzon’s iHub— situated in the DOST Regional Office in San Fernando, Pampanga— will be launched on 13 November 2025 as a collaborative space for startups, students, and entrepreneurs with access to training, mentorship, and research support.
“iHubs are open to everyone, not just scientists. Students, aspiring innovators, and entrepreneurs can also visit, collaborate, and even pitch their ideas, turning their curiosity and creativity into real-world solutions,” Solidum said.
Empowerment of MSMEs and local enterprises
These programs include SETUP or the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program and PROPEL, which continue to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises towards adopting Industry 4.0 and green technologies.
Among the success stories in the region includes Asia Ceramics Corporation in Pampanga, which invested in energy-efficient water-recycling systems to modernize operations and reduce energy costs. While the BauerTek Farmaceutical Technologies Corporation in Guiguinto, Bulacan, whose herbal pharmaceutical product lines improved with DOST assistance. BauerTek has recently received international recognition for their innovations.
These examples reflect how science and technology can stimulate competitiveness and sustainability for local enterprises, thereby creating more jobs and opportunities for the people in Central Luzon.
Central Luzon leads the way in smart and sustainable communities
Under the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), DOST Region III is assisting local chief executives in adopting technologies to make cities safer, greener, and more efficient.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted that the integration of AI-enabled CCTV cameras across San Fernando in Pampanga now provides real-time detection of vehicles, enabling the monitoring of traffic flow and providing a tool for decision making at the local level. The installation of a solar power system in the Advanced Waste Solutions (AWS) facility of Malolos City saves costs and carbon emissions.
The DOST also provided support to Smart City assessments and road mapping for the cities of Malolos, Balanga, Olongapo, and Dingalan, through its collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines and UP Los Baños. All these endeavors constitute part of the bigger partnership with Higher Education Institutes, including Ateneo de Manila University, in supporting LGUs in planning their data-driven and climate-resilient urban systems.
“Smart and sustainable communities drive scientific progress and position science as a powerful tool for development and transformation,” said Mabborang. “We remain fully committed to advancing the SSCP across the Philippines. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, we aim to empower more communities to adopt smart, inclusive, and climate-resilient solutions.”
“Sa pag-resolba po ng mga problema ng ating komunidad, hindi lang kailangan ng mga high-end equipment. Pure insight and focus on our observation can solve problems at hand,” added DOST-III Regional Director, Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat. “Today, as we walk through the RSTW 2025, we are reminded that every one of us holds the potential for a Eureka moment. Kaya po mayroon din tayong grassroots innovation through science and technology.”
Secretary Solidum and Undersecretary Mabborang both underscored that the future of Central Luzon and the nation depend on how science and technology are used to build resilience, opportunity, and inclusion.
“Let us strengthen our shared commitment to science, technology, and innovation—not only as tools for progress but as acts of patriotism. Every discovery we make, every solution we develop, and every innovation we nurture brings us closer to a self-reliant, resilient, and globally competitive Philippines,” Solidum concluded.
As Central Luzon continues to stride forward with the help of science and technology, the DOST reiterates its vision of a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” for each Filipino, anchored on innovation, collaboration, and love of country.
The 2025 RSTW is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph
