The province of Davao Occidental made history on Wednesday by hosting the initial two days of the first-ever Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Davao Region.

In her speech, DOST 11 (Davao) assistant regional director Elsie Mae Solidum described the event as a clear sign of the province’s commitment to actively participate in regional and national science, technology, and innovation.

“Today, we are making history. That’s right—every one of you here today is part of this milestone as we celebrate the first-ever RSTW in Davao Occidental,” she said at the event held at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology.

With the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” Solidum emphasized DOST’s mission to inspire and transform communities through Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI).

“We believe that true transformation happens when SETI is not confined to laboratories, but is instead woven into the very fabric of our communities,” she said.

She also emphasized the province’s extensive coastline as an entry point to a sustainable blue economy, while its agricultural lands present opportunities for value-added products and industry innovation.

As part of the celebration, DOST-11 formally turned over the first Provincial Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Plan and launched the Innovation Hub and Community-Led Innovation Center (CLIC) here.

“Rest assured that DOST-11 is your steadfast partner in this journey. We are here to provide the tools, the knowledge, and the support to help you transform your boundless potential into tangible progress,” Solidum affirmed.

Meanwhile, DOST-11 Davao Occidental provincial director Maria Victoria Dado said the event will highlight how science and technology promote inclusive growth, empower communities, and develop solutions for a smarter, more resilient Davao Occidental.

“This RSTW is Davao Occidental’s vibrant response to the national call—and this is only the beginning of many more to come,” she said.

The event, which runs until Sept. 4 in the province, features robotics demonstrations, a planetarium exhibit by the DOST–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and National Research Council of the Philippines membership, among others. (PNA)