The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 7 successfully hosted the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Central Visayas. The three-day event took place from April 23 to 25 at Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Seda Central Bloc in IT Park, Cebu City.

Day 1 Highlights

Opening Ceremonies:

• Keynote speakers included DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang.

Exhibits and Launches:

• Central Visayas Blue Economy Agenda
• DOST 7's Innovation Hub (iHub) launching at the DOST-7 Office in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City
• Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) booths and exhibits

Competitions:

• Iskolympics
• Techno Salida: Short Film Competition

FISH Visayas Project Forum: highlights the importance of sustainable fisheries and coastal development in Central Visayas using Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). The forum featured Mr. Norbert Weiss, FISH Visayas Project Management Adviser, with key speakers from the Department of Economics of the University of San Carlos, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Central Visayas, and Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 7. An initiative by AFOS Foundation, the FISH Visayas Project is a key component of DOST 7’s Blue Economy Agenda

Day 2 Highlights

Science for the Youth

• Tekno Bida: Technology Showcase
• Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival

Forums:

• Food Value Chain in Blue Economy Forum - with Engr. Andre Paolo Lim of Summit Consultancy as the keynote speaker, the forum focused on advancing the industry through innovation in automation, logistics, and technology solutions.
• Drone Technology Forum - featuring Mr. Kakuya Iwata, Executive Director of Japan UAS Industry Development Association (JUIDA). The session included open mic discussions among representatives from JUIDA, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Day 3 Highlights

• Tekno Bida: Technology Showcase
• AI-Powered Progress: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility Forum - Keynote speaker Mr. Chandraprakash Sharma, CEO of Wisflux India. The forum included a panel discussion featuring other industry experts and concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between stakeholders.
• Closing Ceremonies – featured awards for exhibitors and reflections from various sectors, including Industry/MSMEs, local government units (LGUs), and academia.

About RSTW

The Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) is an annual event organized by DOST to promote and celebrate scientific achievements and technological innovations in the region. The event aims to engage stakeholders, including students, local government units, and the private sector, in promoting the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in driving progress and building sustainable communities.