DOST, QPPO Award 10 Speed Drying Trays to Brgy. Matmad During Flag Raising Ceremony

The Provincial Government of Cavite extended its continued support to child health and welfare through the distribution of financial assistance to 100 Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (NBSCC) patients on November 12, 2025, at the New Provincial Government Center.

Each beneficiary received ₱5,000, aimed at helping families sustain the medical needs and ongoing care of children enrolled in the continuity clinic.

Representing Governor Abeng Remulla, Provincial Administrator Gilbert V. Gandia led the activity and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to improving child healthcare services. He also emphasized the importance of early detection and proper management of congenital disorders through the Newborn Screening Program.

Also in attendance were Dr. Maria Victoria S. Torres, OIC – Satellite Hospital and Head, Family Health Unit, and Ms. Helen Jariel, Development Management Officer IV-Provincial DOH Office, who both expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government for its unwavering support in ensuring continuous care for newborn patients. They highlighted how the assistance greatly eases the burden of families navigating long-term medical interventions for their children.

As part of the program, Ms. Jhonalyn D. Bantigue, Follow-up Nurse – (NBSCC), provided a brief background on the Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic and discussed the process of availing financial assistance, ensuring that parents clearly understand the services and support available to them.

To formally conclude the activity, Ms. Felipa Servañez delivered the closing message, extending appreciation to all stakeholders and reiterating the shared goal of safeguarding the health and future of Caviteño children.

The initiative reflects the Provincial Government of Cavite’s ongoing mission to promote accessible and responsive healthcare for every Cavite family, especially during the crucial early stages of a child’s life. — OPIO

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao (DOST NorMin) conducted its Operational Planning for Fiscal Year 2026 at Hamerson’s Hotel, aligning regional priorities and strengthening the implementation of science, technology, and innovation (STI) programs across the region.

The activity gathered provincial directors and regional unit heads to present and discuss their proposed projects, activities, budget requirements, and performance targets for FY 2026. Proposals centered on research and development, technology transfer and commercialization, innovation capacity development, and organizational improvement.

OIC-Regional Director Engr. Ruel Vincent C. Banal led the planning session, emphasizing the value of evidence-based planning and collaboration in achieving the department’s goals. The event also featured the presentation of the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) of DOST NorMin.

The operational planning aims to produce a consolidated Work and Financial Plan (WFP) and an Indicative Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP) for FY 2026. These outputs will guide the region in setting clear objectives, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and enhancing accountability and performance monitoring.

By charting a clear and unified direction, DOST NorMin reaffirms its commitment to advancing a science-driven and innovation-led Northern Mindanao—one where STI initiatives deliver real and sustainable solutions for communities and industries.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 02, together with the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Quirino (PSTO-Quirino), led by Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, awarded ten Solar Speed Drying Trays to Barangay Matmad, Nagtipunan, Quirino.

The assistance was awarded during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of the Quirino Police Provincial Office (QPPO).

In her message, Dr. Bilgera expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the men and women of QPPO for their unwavering dedication and service to the people. She emphasized DOST’s continued commitment to bringing science, technology, and innovation (STI) closer to communities across the region.

“Patriotism alone is not enough to protect our people. Collaboration makes it more meaningful and effective. You are not only guardians of peace and order, but also partners in nation-building,” – she added.

During the ceremony, Solar Speed Drying Trays were formally awarded to Barangay Matmad, Nagtipunan, Quirino, as part of DOST’s ongoing efforts to promote science, technology, and innovation to the grassroots level.

RD Bilgera also led the awarding of medals to the five (5) outstanding officers of QPPO in recognition of their exemplary service.

Through this activity, the partnership between DOST and the PNP continues to grow stronger — a testament to how inter-agency collaboration can truly transform lives — when science meets discipline and compassion meets courage.

By Aryan Joy M. Soliman

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration to the heart of the North as it unfolds in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on November 18–21, 2025. With the sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” this year’s NSTW underscores the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in empowering local communities and promoting inclusive development across the country. 

Now on its third provincial conduction, following Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, the NSTW 2025 marks another milestone in DOST’s commitment to make “Agham na Ramdam”—science that is felt—by every Filipino, wherever they may be. According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., during the media kickoff last September 8, 2025, the move to bring NSTW outside Metro Manila reflects the Department’s dedication to making the benefits of research, development and innovation accessible to all. 

Secretary Solidum said that “After Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, we are bringing NSTW to Ilocos Norte because science and technology must be felt by every Filipino, this is what we call ‘Agham na Ramdam.”  

The annual NSTW serves as a platform to showcase the country’s scientific advancements, research breakthroughs, and technological innovations that drive socio-economic growth and improve quality of life. It also fosters collaboration among government agencies, the academe, industries, entrepreneurs, and local communities, all working together toward sustainable and inclusive progress. 

Building on the successes of previous provincial celebrations that focused on the blue economy (Iloilo) and circular and green economies (Cagayan de Oro), this year’s edition will center on smart and sustainable community development. The celebration will highlight how science and technology can transform cities, towns, and provinces into resilient, digitally connected, and environmentally responsible communities. 

DOST Ilocos Region shared the same vision that communities where technology empowers citizens, promotes sustainable practices, and enhances the quality of life for everyone. The week-long celebration will feature exhibits, technology demonstrations, forums, and competitions that aim to inspire innovation and local adoption of scientific solutions. Events will be held across various venues in Ilocos Norte, including the Centennial Arena in Laoag City, where the opening program will take place on November 18, 2025.

Aligned with the four (4) pillars of DOST—human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability—NSTW 2025 aims to demonstrate how science and technology directly contribute to the nation’s long-term vision for a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” in line with AmBisyon Natin 2040. 

As the country continues to advance its innovation ecosystem, DOST Ilocos Region through the wholehearted initiative of the Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog and the whole DOST Ilocos Region family, invites every Filipino to take part in the celebration. 

Through this year’s NSTW in Ilocos Norte, DOST Ilocos Region reaffirms its core values to bring service first and foremost through meaningful efforts and impact closer to the people—turning innovation into action and building smart, sustainable, and inclusive communities for the future. 

CITY OF MALOLOS – Governor Daniel R. Fernando has mandated an immediate, province-wide intensification of disaster preparedness measures, focusing on the structural safety of educational institutions, establishment of dedicated, open-site evacuation centers and institutionalization of earthquake drills.

The governor’s directives were issued during the Joint PDRRMC and C/MDRRMOs Full Council Meeting yesterday, underscoring the necessity of a swift and decisive pivot toward maximum resilience.

This follows the updates from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and structural reports submitted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Bulacan.

In her presentation, Myleen C. Enriquez, Science Research Specialist of PHIVOLCS-DOST, highlighted the Philippines’ position as one of the world’s most seismically active regions, presenting the ‘Orientation on Recent Earthquake Events and Possible Impacts of the West Valley Fault’.

Enriquez said the West Valley Fault, which traverses nearby provinces, has not moved in approximately 400 years, raising the possibility of a major movement, heightening the risk of a significant movement that could trigger ‘The Big One’, from which she introduced PHIVOLCS tools such as GeoRiskPH, HazardHunterPH, and the “How Safe is My House”, helping citizens and local governments assess building safety and hazards in their areas, with more information available at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.

“Natural ang lindol at iba pang sakuna, pero ang trahedya ay maaari nating maiwasan sa pamamagitan ng kahandaan at tamang pagtugon,” she reminded the participants.

This cautionary note was immediately contextualized by a report from Peter C. Lacap, DepEd Bulacan DRRM focal person, that as of October 23, 2025, 287 of 412 elementary schools and 75 of 100 secondary schools have submitted building inspection reports conducted by municipal/city engineers wherein findings underscored that 104 elementary and 36 secondary schools were tagged as unsafe, involving a total of 416 classrooms requiring major repair or further engineering validation.

DepEd Bulacan is now coordinating with LGUs for rapid validation and structural reinforcement, prioritizing the development of robust Learning Continuity Plans and updated earthquake contingency measures to mitigate risks to students and personnel.

While expressing gratitude that Bulacan was spared by recent weather events, Fernando stressed that this reprieve must be seized to accelerate pre-disaster operational readiness and established a clear and binding mandates for all local government units, including 1) Establishment of Designated Open Evacuation Sites: LGUs must immediately identify, mark, and publicize dedicated, open evacuation areas and appoint a primary contact person in each site for earthquake response management; 2) Swift Procurement and Distribution of Emergency essentials: The PGB will oversee the rapid distribution of flashlights, whistles with lanyard, water bottles, and vital emergency provisions; and 3) Institutionalizing Drills and Safety Protocols: A formal memorandum will be issued requiring the inclusion of earthquake drills in schools’ daily morning activities.

“Hindi naman po ako kontra sa ‘duck, cover, and hold’ dahil epektibo po ito sa mga mahihinang lindol,” he said. “Pero sa panahon ngayon na malalakas na ang pagyanig, mas mainam na lumabas sa mga open site para mas ligtas. Dapat po nating paghandaan ito, lalo na ang mga bukas na lugar sa mga paaralan at mga tahanan.”

The Provincial Government’s action plan is focused on preemptive intervention to secure Bulacan’s future against predictable seismic threats, ensuring that preparedness is a continuous and operational state, not merely a reaction.

The Cavite Career Caravan made another impactful stop at Cavite State University – Silang Campus on November 7, opening doors to employment to residents in the area. A total of 147 jobseekers participated in the activity, eager to explore career possibilities and take steps toward meaningful employment.

The caravan featured the participation of 42 companies, composed of 6 overseas employers and 36 local companies, collectively offering an impressive 6,309 job vacancies across various industries. From entry-level positions to specialized roles, the event provided a wide range of opportunities tailored to different skill sets and backgrounds.

In addition to employment prospects, several national government agencies were also present to assist attendees with essential services. Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) extended support through consultations, information desks, and on-site processing.

Spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM), the Cavite Career Caravan continues to serve as a vital initiative that strengthens linkages between jobseekers, employers, and partner agencies. The program reflects the Provincial Government of Cavite’s commitment to helping Caviteños access employment, livelihood, and government services closer to home.

With strong participation from the academe, government agencies, and the private sector, the CvSU-Silang leg of the career caravan stands as another successful milestone in promoting career readiness and economic empowerment across the province. — OPIO