The 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) officially kicked off in Kalibo, Aklan on Wednesday, highlighting technologies and research initiatives that address community needs and support local industries.

The event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology in Western Visayas (DOST-6), served as a platform to launch data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) projects for vessel safety, natural fiber and textile quality assurance, and rice quality assessment, all supported by the department.

Aklan State University developed three applications: SEAWAVES (Sea-condition Emergency Alert and Warning Apparatus for Vessel Safety), a system for tracking and monitoring watercraft and collecting mobile data; HiblaX, which identifies, classifies and assesses textile fiber and fabric quality; and Linya, an AI app that classifies natural fibers —especially abaca and piña— and estimates their prices.

ASU and Capiz State University also collaborated on Project PALAI, an AI rice-inspection system using computer vision and DeepLabV3 segmentation to distinguish palay grains from impurities.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in his keynote address, said Western Visayas “is perhaps one of the best places to talk about the future of science and innovation.”

He cited that progress in the region does not mean leaving the roots behind but “honoring what our communities have always known, honoring what our hands have always crafted, and asking: How can we make it better?”

He said that for generations, farmers have tilled the soil while fisherfolk have navigated the seasons. Aklan’s generations of weavers have transformed raw natural fibers into world-class textiles.

“Today, those same hands are reaching toward new frontiers—embracing artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced computing, digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and data-driven technologies. This is Western Visayas today: firmly rooted in heritage yet boldly driving the future,” he said.

In his message, Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores said this year’s theme, “Siyensa, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” reminds about a fundamental truth that science is not meant to remain confined to research facilities, theoretical journals, or university laboratories.

“Science reaches its noblest purpose only when its impact is felt on the ground, when it modernizes the tools of our farmers, multiplies the catch and livelihoods of our fisherfolk, scales up the operations of our local MSMEs, empowers classrooms, and protects our families in times of climate challenges and natural disasters,” he said.

The celebration that runs until Oct. 3 also offers exhibits and a series of fora. (PNA)