The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines (UP) showcased the technology and innovation outputs of their longstanding partnership in the AghamBayan: Science, Technology and Innovation Festival on 20 June 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City. Researchers, policymakers, government agencies, industry leaders and technology adapters, entrepreneurs and start-ups, and investors participated the event.

Aghambayan was the very first event wherein DOST and UP celebrated the collective ingenuity of their scientists and researchers.  The event aims to advance public awareness on the contribution of science and technology in improving the quality of the everyday lives of ordinary Filipinos. Some of the technologies featured at the event are ready for commercialization while others are for pilot testing.

As the DOST Sec. De la Peña puts it, “Everyone here are trail blazers in the field of science and technology. Through research, development, and innovation, we are able to achieve a lot and deliver services in improving the S&T agenda of the country.” Among the notable technologies DOST were able to support includes “SARAI” a project in agriculture, Diwata-1 and LiDAR system in disaster risk management, and Biotek-M Dengue Aqua Kit in health.

One of the highlights of the festival was the panel discussion conducted with industry leaders and government sector.

In the panel with the industry sector, Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI) President, Dan Lachica, Director of Small-Medium Enterprise and Exports, Roberto Amores, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Philex Mining Corp, Atty. Michael Toledo discussed the important link between research institutions and industries.  One of the noteworthy issues tackled was the slow commercialization of technologies.

In the panel discussion with the government sector, representatives from DOST, Department of Health, National Economic and Development Authority, and Industry Development and Trade Policy of the Department of Trade and Industry answered the issues cited by the industry, researchers, and innovators. Collectively, they promised to improve government services to encourage scientists and researchers to produce more technology through incentives and better implementation of projects.

In their closing remarks, both UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Cynthia Bautista and DOST Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Guevara emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration in advancing the S&T agenda of the country.