DOST honors top program partners, beneficiaries in Mimaropa

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honored outstanding local innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and partner institutions during the opening of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) on May 28, 2025, at Occidental Mindoro State College in San Jose.

The Mimaropa Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Awards recognized individuals, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), communities, and institutions that have significantly contributed to regional development through science, technology, and innovation. The awards aim to showcase efforts that transform lives and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

WINNING MOMENT The Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (right) congratulates Lauro Bautista for winning first place for his work on the Hydrothermal Dehydrator under the Circular Economy category of the Mimaropa Science, Technology, and Innovation Awards, held during the 2025 RSTW celebration in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. PHOTO FROM PATRICK JAMES LEE ALFONSO/DOST-STII

The awards featured several categories: Best Technopreneur, Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Community, Best Research and Development (R&D), and Best Grassroots Innovation for Circular Economy (GICE).

Best Technopreneur Awards

Food Category:

• 1st: Jezreel Lagang – Tubo J Sugar Cane Products
• 2nd: Reynalyn Rodelas – U.N.C.L.E. Roy Processed Food Manufacturing
• 3rd: Irene Rivera – Malaya Aizel's Bakery

Non-Food Category:

• 1st: Ar. Wilfredo Apacible – Pampeialo Modular Kitchen
• 2nd: Bandino Sarmiento – Banding Stainless Works
• 3rd: Michael Morante – Stikit Decal Graphics

This category celebrates businesses that expanded and improved through the DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, showcasing how innovation creates livelihood and boosts the regional economy.

Best CEST Community Awards

• 1st: LGU San Jose, Romblon
• 2nd: LGU Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
• 3rd: LGU San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

This award highlighted how communities used DOST's CEST program to improve quality of life and address poverty in remote areas through S&T.

Best R&D Awards

Agricultural/Environmental Research:

• "Strengthening Weather Monitoring Through Hydrologic Response Modeling" – Mindoro State University – Victoria

Human Development Research:

• "Development of a Non-Dairy Probiotic Drink Using Coconut Sap" – Marinduque State University

These awards recognized research offering real-life solutions in health, environment, and agriculture.

Regional GICE Awards

Grassroots Innovation:

• 1st: Palatak Palay Seeder – Engr. Delfin Cuevas
• 2nd: Bagoong with Gata and Misis Patis – Apurawan Women's Association
• 3rd: Tools for Pandan Weaving – Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Kabuhayan sa Tina

Circular Economy:

• 1st: Hydrothermal Dehydrator – Lauro Bautista
• 2nd: Improvised Forging Blower – Jeffrey Belleza Sr.
• 3rd: Kalutang – Pangkat Kalutang

The GICE Award honored creative, practical innovations that use S&T to address everyday problems while promoting sustainability.

"The MIMAROPA STI Awards aim to share stories of how local businesses and communities significantly improved through DOST programs," said DOST-Mimaropa Officer-in-Charge Jerry Mercado.

DOST Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa De Guzman added that the awardees' achievements highlight the impact of DOST programs in addressing local challenges with appropriate S&T solutions.