The Department of Science and Technology in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) hosted two major science-led events, HANDA Pilipinas Luzon Leg 2025 and the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), from Aug. 7-9 at the Newtown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City.
The events gathered leaders from national government agencies, local government units, researchers, educators, and disaster risk reduction practitioners. The three-day event highlighted how science, technology and innovation can empower and transform communities.
The HANDA Pilipinas Luzon Leg 2025 used the theme “Bida ang HANDA: STI for a Smart and Resilient Luzon,” which underscored the importance of proactive, science-based approaches to disaster preparedness.
As the host region, DOST-CAR spearheaded the gathering to demonstrate how science, technology and innovation can equip communities to not only respond to but also anticipate, mitigate, adapt to and thrive amid challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, speaking on behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, welcomed participants and thanked DOST-CAR for choosing Baguio as the host city. He emphasized the event’s relevance to local resilience efforts and expressed support.
DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog focused on the role of collaboration in achieving shared resilience goals, noting that the event brought together national agencies, scientists, innovators, disaster risk reduction experts, local planners and the academe. In her message, she framed the event as a platform for exchanging tools, ideas and solutions that strengthen regional and local capacities for disaster preparedness and smart development.
Keynote speaker and DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. echoed the event’s central message and emphasized the vital role of science, technology and innovation in equipping communities with the capacity to prevent, reduce and respond to disaster risks.
He highlighted DOST-led programs, such as GeoRiskPH, Project SARAi, DANAS Project, MOCCOV, GRIND and Innovation Hubs, as vital components of the country’s broader resilience agenda.
“Let us take action. Let us be prepared. Let us be HANDA,” he said, rallying participants to champion science as a tool for survival and progress.
Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Remigio also attended and expressed her support for DOST’s continuing initiatives. She said these efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration and the strategic priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan.
In the afternoon of the same day, the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in CAR was formally launched under the leadership of DOST-CAR.
The regional celebration had the theme, “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” and focused on the application of science, technology and innovation in improving local livelihoods, education, public services and environmental management.
Dr. Bantog once again emphasized the importance of making science accessible, responsive and empowering for all Filipinos, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Among the highlights of the RSTW opening was the launch of DOST-CAR’s official mascot, “CURIOSTI,” which symbolizes curiosity and the enthusiasm to explore science among learners and the general public. The mascot is expected to be a visual icon of DOST-CAR’s continuing commitment to promote a science culture in the region.
Solidum returned to highlight DOST’s four core pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability. He reaffirmed the agency’s role in building stronger, innovation-driven local economies.
As part of DOST’s support for the Cordilleras, a ceremonial turnover of mountain engineering technologies also was conducted. These included slope stability analysis and engineering interventions for rice terraces and roads in terrain areas. There also was an artificial groundwater recharge facility designed to help mitigate droughts and flooding in vulnerable upland communities.
Throughout the three-day celebration, participants were expected to engage in forums, technical sessions and exhibits showcasing technologies from DOST agencies, partner SUCs, LGUs and private sector collaborators. These included tools for disaster risk reduction to smart solutions for agriculture, health and infrastructure, aiming to bridge the gap between science and the communities that need it most.
