The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., officially welcomes the new DOST Zamboanga Peninsula (DOST 9) regional director during the oath taking ceremony held at the department’s central office in Taguig City.

Rosemarie S. Salazar (center) takes oath as the newly-appointed Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zamboanga Peninsula (DOST-9) Regional Director in a simple ceremony on 2 February 2026 at the DOST Central Office led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (5th from left) and witnessed by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang (3rd from left). (Left to right) Also present are DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, who also took her oath for extension of service; DOST-NAST Executive Director Luningning Samarita-Domingo; DOST Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr.; and DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya. (Photo from the DOST Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations)

A chemist by profession, director Rosemarie S. Salazar, has advanced degrees in Environmental Science from the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands and the University of the Philippines Diliman, Director Salazar has dedicated her career to operational excellence and public service for 33 years now, focusing in institutional leadership, project implementation, and human resource administration.

Prior to her appointment as the regional director, she served as DOST-9 Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Support Services and headed its Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL).

She is most notably recognized for her role as the project leader of the OneLab Project, which harmonizes 22 DOST laboratories nationwide, serving as the DOST’s platform that comprehensively provides an avenue for customers to meet their testing needs at a single touch point.

A vision for “ARIBA Zamboanga Peninsula”

As the new DOST-9 regional director, she introduces “ARIBA Zamboanga Peninsula”, short for Advancing Regional Innovation for a Better and Agile Region IX, reflecting a commitment to building a strong, responsive, and resilient regional science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

“At the core of this vision is collaboration. We will deepen partnerships with local government units, higher education institutions, industry players, and communities to ensure that science-based solutions respond to real and emerging needs,” she said in a statement.

Key strategic Pillars

Under her leadership, DOST-9 will focus on several priority areas:

● Smart and Sustainable Communities: DOST-9 will actively and continually support the development of smart and sustainable communities, promoting the integration of digital technologies, data-driven systems, and innovative solutions in local governance and urban development.

● Economic Resilience: Efforts will also be dedicated to strengthening the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem by advancing initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and enterprise development—enabling innovators and startups to translate research into viable solutions that drive competitiveness and inclusive growth. Evidence-based governance will also be advanced by promoting the use of data, research, and innovation in policy formulation and development planning.

● Human Capital Development: Through scholarships, innovation-driven capacity-building, and digital knowledge platforms such as STARBOOKS, science and technology will be brought closer to learners, educators, and communities. Focus on expanding smart agriculture, aquaculture, and manufacturing initiatives will be sustained to help farmers, fisherfolk, and MSMEs adopt technologies that improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.

● Sustainability and Disaster Preparedness: DOST-9 will support LGUs in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and the adoption of green and circular economy practices, ensuring that development today safeguards the needs of future generations.

“Ultimately, our goal is to make the impact of science felt in everyday life—in work and livelihoods, in governance and education, and in safety and opportunity. This is how DOST-9 will bring Agham na Ramdam to every community across the Zamboanga Peninsula,” she concluded.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region 9 office is one of the attached regional offices of the agency 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.region9.dost.gov.ph