LUNA, Apayao – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is encouraging the public to embrace science and technology by showcasing innovations that can address everyday challenges and improve community life, Secretary Renato Solidum said.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTIW) celebration here Thursday, Solidum said the event aims to help visitors understand how science and technology apply to their daily lives.
“We want that when they visit the exhibits, they get to understand science and associate it with their daily lives. We want to encourage the youth to take up more courses in science, engineering, mathematics, and agriculture, which will later encourage them to develop technologies useful in improving communities,” he said.
Solidum said the initiative also seeks to develop a science-oriented public capable of finding solutions to everyday problems.
“In that way, we create a community that will make the people find answers and solutions to situations that will be useful to their lives,” he added.
He described RSTIW as an investment in human resources, particularly in developing people who can understand challenges, such as climate change, and contribute to addressing them through science and innovation.
“We make them understand what is happening, like climate change, to encourage them to take action, simple as they may be, to contribute to addressing the problem. For students, we invest in people who will create artificial intelligence solutions,” he said.
During his visit to the Robotics and Technology Center of Apayao Science High School, Solidum led the distribution of PHP4.6 million worth of materials and equipment.
He was also briefed on “I Juan” (aywan), a hospital administration application developed by Grade 10 students. The word “aywan” means care in the local language.
The application is paired with a facial recognition device that allows medical personnel to access a patient’s medical history without repeatedly asking questions, particularly when the patient is unable to speak or respond.
Solidum said the prototype could be further developed and adopted by government agencies and medical facilities.
He also encouraged greater public participation in research and development, noting that limited government resources make collaboration necessary in developing solutions to community problems.
During the event, Solidum led the signing of memorandums of agreement with the local government units of Luna and Sta. Marcela, which will serve as pilot adopters of an electric motorcycle technology developed by Cagayan State University with DOST assistance.
The technology converts conventional motorcycle engines into electric-powered systems.
“These are technologies already available and useful to the public, especially now that the price of fuel is high,” Solidum said.
Other innovations featured during the RSTIW include the “make-roscope,” an affordable device that functions like a conventional microscope. It can be purchased through online selling platforms for about PHP1,000 per unit, providing schools with a lower-cost alternative while they work toward acquiring standard microscopes.
Solidum said the exhibits allow visitors to identify technologies that could be useful in their respective communities and make everyday tasks easier. (Liza Agoot/PNA)
